Annals of
SoutdwesternJr Pennsyl vanaANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in the further development of American industry. Mr.
Mellon, among other similar responsibilities, was
trustee and chairman of the finance committee of the
Carnegie Institute; trustee and vice-president of the
Kingsley House and the Tuberculosis League; and
was connected with numerous philanthropic, civic and
other organizations. He was also a member of many
clubs. During the World War he was a member of
the executive committee in Pennsylvania of the Council
of National Defense; a member of the national war
work finance committee of the American Red Cross;
chairman of the war fund campaign committee in
Western Pennsylvania for the American Red Cross;
a member of the advisory committee of the National
Research Council of Washington; member of the national war work council of the Young Men's Christian
Association, and chairman of the United War Work
Campaign for Western Pennsylvania.
In I931, with his brother, Richard Beatty Mellon,
he was awarded the Chemistry Medal of the American
Institute of Chemists for the value of his efforts and
example as a pioneer patron of science and for his
many gifts for the promotion of science, amounting to
millions of dollars. Many universities, in recognition
of his distinguished career, conferred upon Mr. Mellon
the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, including the
University of Pittsburgh, Dartmouth and Rutgers
colleges; Columbia, Princeton and New York universities and the University of Cambridge, England
(I93I).
Mr. Mellon had two children: I. Paul, a graduate of
Yale University and now identified with his father's
former financial and other interests. 2. Ailsa, who
married David K. E. Bruce, son of W. Cabell Bruce,
former United States Senator from Maryland, and
Louise E. (Fisher) Bruce.
JUDGE WILLIAM WALTER BRAHAMAt the bar and on the bench, Judge William W. (J.
Walter) Braham has achieved noteworthy reputation
in Western Pennsylvania within a comparatively few
years. His law degree dates only from I922, but it
marked the beginning of a busy career and a widely
varied experience. He is also, identified with many
organizational activities and figures prominently in
local life and affairs.
Judge Braham is a member of a long established
Pennsylvania family. The American progenitor of
the branch was one Hugh, who came from County
Down, Ireland, in 1792, during the rebellion of the
United Men of Ireland, settling in the Kishacocquilas
Valley, near Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. In I8o7 he
removed to a farm near New Castle, Lawrence County,
where he ~Pd his son, Samuel, engaged in the business of buying cattle and driving them over the mountains to Philadelphia. Samuel Braham fought under
Commodore Perry at the battle of Put In Bay in the
War of I812. In I820, he removed to a farm near
Harrisville, in Butler County, where he reared a large
family. Many prominent men and women, ministers,
judges, business men and college presidents were descended from him. Hugh Patton Braham, his eldest
son, was the grandfather of Judge Braham, of this
review.
William Walter Braham was born in Youngstown,
Ohio, October 28, I893, son of Robert Renwick and
Olive (Wilkin) Braham. His father, now retired,
was engaged in the oil and gas business with the
Manufacturers Light and Heat Company, and also
operated a farm at New Wilmington, Pennsylvania.
The formal education of Judge Braham includes work
at Volant College, graduation from the Volant High
School, I9I0; and preparation for college at Mercer
Academy. He entered Westminster College, at New
Wilmington, Pennsylvania, from which he received the
degree of Bachelor of Arts, in I9I5. Like many of
his generation he served his country during the World'War, being a sergeant, first class, in the Medical Department. His brother, Leonard W., was also in the
army, and his brother, Hall Braden Braham, lost his
life while in the service. Judge Braham received the
degree of Bachelor of Laws, from the Law Department of the University of Pittsburgh, in 1922, and that
same year entered the practice of his profession in
New Castle with Robert K. Aiken, under the firm
name of Aiken and Braham. After the death of
Mr. Aiken, in 1928, the Judge formed a partnership
with William D. Cobau and James Glenn Berry.
This association lasted until the election of 1935,
as the result of which William Walter Braham was
installed upon the bench as judge of the Court of
Common Pleas of Lawrence County, January 6, I936.
Since January 3, I938, he has been President Judge
of this court.
In his college and law school days Judge Braham
became a member of the Sigma Nu and Phi Rho Phi
fraternities and the Phi Alpha Delta (legal) fraternity. He is affiliated with the New Castle Rotary
Club, is a member of the board of trustees of Westminster College, and of the New Castle Field Club.
As a member of the American Legion he has been post
commander of the Perry S. Gaston Post, New Castle,
and is vice-chairman of the Legal Aid Committee of
the Department of Pennsylvania for the Legion. He
is a communicant of the United Presbyterian Church.
On January I8, I927, at Sharon, Pennsylvania, William Walter Braham married Selina Forker Whitla,
daughter of James P. Whitla, attorney of Sharon,
2ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the expansion of Butler and vicinity, was intimately
identified with the several major industrial enterprises
of Butler and Butler County. The possessor of widespread real estate holdings, his interests therein were
confined principally to Buffalo, New York State,
Florida, and Butler. A consistent believer in the
future of the latter community, he evidenced a characteristically practical confidence in the city of Butler
and environs by acquiring holdings in both the business
district and residential sections thereof.
While his myriad interests of necessity occupied
much of his time, he was an indefatigable worker,
rarely closing his desk until well after midnight, he
nevertheless found time to identify himself with civic
affairs, education, many humanitarian activities, his
church, fraternal organizations and others. He was a
member of the First Methodist Church, beloved and
helpful of all its activities, and of which he was a
trustee. Fraternally, he was affiliated with Victory
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Royal Arch
Masons, Syria Temple, Pittsburgh, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; Supreme Council
of the Scottish Rite (thirty-third degree); the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh, the Butler Chamber of
Commerce, Butler Young Men's Christian Association,
of which he was a trustee; Allegheny College, which
he also served as trustee; and various other organizations.
The philanthropies of John V. Ritts will never be
known in their entirety, because he shunned publicity
in bestowing benefactions. He generously contributed
funds for many worthy persons and causes, including
scholarships for many boys and girls who otherwise
could not have benefited from the advantages of a
higher education. College endowments were seconded
by liberal contributions to hospitals and churches. The
athletic field of the Butler High School was the gift
to the Board of Education and he built and maintained
a swimming pool for youth on Ziegler Avenue, in Butler. Among others, he endowed trusts for the Butler
High School, Allegheny College, Grove City College,
Slippery Rock State Teachers' College, St. Fidelis
Seminary (at Herman), and established trust funds
for the benefit of the Butler Public Library and the
Chautauqua Institution at Lake Chautauqua, New
York, where the family maintained a summer home.
In August, I882, John V. Ritts married Irene C.
Blakslee, and they were the parents of three children,
who survive with Mrs. Ritts: I. Elias. 2. Maud, who
married F. Craig Dickson. 3. Leonard C., of Tulsa,
Oklahoma. There are six grandchildren: Mrs. Mary
Irene Sprankle, Mrs. Susan Howard, John V. Ritts
II, John C. Dickson, Marcia, and Leonard C. Ritts, Jr.
The death of Mr. Ritts occurred on June 23, I937, a
few months after his customary winter in Florida.
From the many tributes paid his career and character
the following is quoted from Dr. John A. Gibson,
superintendent of the city of Butler schools:
For nearly a half-century, Mr. John V. Ritts has
been a leader in the creation of the Butler of today and
laying the foundations for its future development. He
contributed this leadership to every phase of community life. His achievements as a financier and business man is a book open to all, recognized not only in
the local community but also in fields afar.
He entered with zest, interest, and enthusiasm into
every form of community interest. He has! had a part
in all the major projects of financing and advancing
the manufacturing and business interests of the city
and county of Butler. If one were to evaluate his
position as a leader, as a community builder, as a supporter and an aid in community development, he would
occupy a very high position in a small and select
group.
His directness and keenness of observation and business acumen in dealing with material matters was profound. At the same time, this ability was exceeded by
his clear-headedness in evaluation of the worth of men.
He was quick to perceive integrity of character and
ability of the individual. When once he had developed
confidence in a man, he trusted and aided him to the
limit. Thousands can testify to the fact that through
prosperity and adversity, he was the friend and abettor
of those who were worthy of such trust and confidence.
It was a part of his philosophy that men were more
important than things and that men of the right character, ability and industry were the prime factors in
creating a community. This belief in men was a basic
element in his life's success.
He was a philanthropist by nature because he believed in people as individuals and as a group. He
gave with utmost liberality to every good cause.  lIe
believed that profit came not by opportunism but by
trust in all that is valuable in human nature. His
benefactions to all types of institutions for human
betterment were continuous and liberal.
He was especially interested in youth and in education. Throughout the years in times of stress he
provided funds for clothing and feeding children. He
gave liberally to the endowment of schools and colleges. He was a life member of the board of trustees
of Allegheny College and contributed to that institution not only of his personal interest and enthusiasm
but also liberal financial support. He provided endowments for scholarships in the Butler High School,
Slippery Rock State Teachers' College, Grove City
College and many other educational institutions.
His inner life was a sanctuary in which he daily
conned and gave reverence to the wisest words of the
wisest. He wrought their philosophy into his own and
endowed his personal life with their attributes. To
know him personally and intimately was an education
and an inspiration.
He sought and followed fundamentals. He never
was side-tracked by current sophistries and opportunism in the pursuit of major objectives. He possessed
an ardent religious faith. He believed in positives. He
had faith in the world of law and order created by a
68ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Supreme Being. He ardently believed that all human
success of the individual, community, and the Nation
rested on the unchangeableness of the law and the purpose of a higher Power.
His personal life was austere and simple. He sought
for himself but little from  what he achieved.  His
pleasure in life came not from any form of show or
ostentation but in the service and the good of others.
He delighted in his interest in individuals. His daily
thought comprehended a study and an observation of
the progress of those in whom his interest was
centered.
HARRY HOLIDAY-After a period of twentyfive years of conscientious service in the mills of Pennsylvania, Harry Holiday has risen to the position of
works manager for the American Rolling Mills Company of Butler, Pennsylvania. Mr. Holiday was born
in Huron County, Ohio, October 8, I889, the son of
William Gates and Alzina M. (Spurrier) Holiday.
Harry Holiday received his elementary and high
school education in the schools of Norwalk, Ohio, later
enrolling at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, and
graduating in I912 with the degree of Bachelor of
Science. He obtained a position with the Jones and
Laughlin Company as clerk in the Blast Furnace Department, and advanced first to the position of assistant
superintendent and afterwards superintendent of the
coke ovens, in which department he remained until
I923, when he was employed by the Forged Steel
Wheel Company as assistant to the vice-president, in
charge of sales. When this company was absorbed by
the American Rolling Mills Company in I927, Mr.
Holiday was soon promoted to general superintendent,
and in 1930, in recognition of his ability, was advanced
to works manager.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of
Butler, and is affiliated with the George W. Guthrie
Lodge, No. 69I, Free and Accepted Masons and Zerubbabel Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of Pittsburgh.
He holds membership in the Butler Country Club, the
Rotary Club, and the Duquesne, Railway and University clubs of Pittsburgh, and is a member of the Sons
of the American Revolution. He is a golf enthusiast,
and his indulgence in this game affords him practically
his sole recreation.
He married Charlotte P. Rutherford, of Washington,
Pennsylvania, on August 26, I9I3. They are the parents of five children: I. William Gates, a resident of
Pittsburgh. 2. Helen Rutherford. 3. Harry, Jr. 4.
Matthew Rutherford. 5. Albert Logan Holiday.
JAMES G. ROBINSON-His long and intimate
association with the social and civic affairs of Fayette County as an educator and citizen, has eminently
equipped James G. Robinson for his present post of
county superintendent of schools in which he has served
for the past six years. He has been identified with the
educational system of this region for nearly forty years
and has come to enjoy the esteem and respect of his
professional colleagues and the public at large, who
admire him for his abilities.
Mr. Robinson was born in Connellsville, July I6,
iT88o, the son of Frank and Kathryn (Riffle) Robinson,
both of this county, the former from Dunbar Township
and the latter from  German Township.  His father,
now deceased, was a general contractor and member
of an old Fayette County family which has been established in this section for over one hundred and fifty
years. Mr. Robinson received a general education in
the public schools of Franklin Township and later
supplemented this study at the California State Teachers College and the University of Pittsburgh.
In I899, at the age of nineteen, he began his career
as a school teacher in the schools of Franklin and
Dunbar townships. He was principal at Franklin for
six years and from 1915 to I930 served as assistant
county superintendent of schools in Fayette County, a
position which paved the way to his present office,
which he assumed in I930 and has occupied with distinction and success since.
As one of the prominent leaders of the county he
has been active in social and civic affairs. Politically
he subscribes to the principles of the Republican party
and in religion worships at the Baptist Church of
Flatwoods. He fraternizes with Flatwoods Lodge, No.
336, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Dunbar Lodge of the Junior Order United American
Mechanics and Curfew Grange, No. Io052. For a number of years he has belonged to the Uniontown Rotary
Club.
On August 22, 1905, Mr. Robinson married Nora
Higinbotham, of Redstone Township, and the daughter of Uriah and Elizabeth (Holland) Higinbotham.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were the parents of five children: I. Royce, who died in infancy. 2. James Marion,
who died at the age of eight years. 3. Elizabeth, who
is the wife of Roy Griffin, a former teacher in the
Uniontown schools. They have one son, James Griffin.
4. Zona Ruth, a teacher in the schools of Springfield
Township. 5. John Carroll, now ten years of age and
a pupil in the Uniontown grade school.
AARON ELI REIBER and MARTEN ALBERT REIBER-The Reiber family, of Butler,
has performed a distinguished work in this Pennsylvania community, being notably represented in recent
times by Aaron Eli Reiber and his son, Marten Albert
Reiber. Both of these men have made outstanding
69ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
contributions to their fellow-citizens through their
service as members of the bar, and the father has
capably taken part in business affairs and acted as
judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
Aaron Eli Reiber's grandfather, the great-grandfather of Marten Albert Reiber, was Martin J. Reiber,
who was born in G6ppingen, Wfirttemberg, Germany,
and came to New York City in I832. He was a dealer
in seeds and bulbs, flowers and fruit trees, first in
Germany and later in the United States. From New
York he came westward to Butler County, Pennsylvania, purchasing the hotel that became the Reiber
Hotel, in Summit Township, this county. Later he
settled in the Borough of Butler, where he was a
councilman and a thoroughly public-spirited citizen.
He died in 1865, and his wife in I86o. He married, in
Germany, Catherine Fetzer, a native of Goenningen,
like himself. They were the parents of six children:
I. Catherine. 2. Martin. 3. George. 4. Barbara, wife
of H. Julius Klingler. 5. Jacob. 6. Margaret, wife
of Martin Loefler.
The second-named of these children, Martin Reiber,
carried on the family line with which we are primarily
concerned herein. He was born also in Goenningen,
Germany, and in association with his father learned
the florist's trade. He came to America with the
father, and in Butler was engaged in the hotel business
at the old Hotel Lowry. Thence he proceeded to
Millerstown, where he was a merchant for five years.
Returning to Butler, he built a brick store building,
which still stands at the northwest corner of Main and
Jefferson streets, now being occupied by Jaffe's Store.
He was associated in business with his father-in-law,
Isaac Yetter, as a merchant, until, in 1859, he sold his
holdings in that enterprise and went into the foundry
business with H. J. Klingler. He also operated a distillery for a time, and after I875, a grocery store under
the name of M. Reiber and Son. He died in I882. In
I846, in Butler, he married Mary Yetter, daughter of
Isaac and Mary (Transu) Yetter. They became the
parents of the following children: I. Ferdinand, now
deceased. 2. Lena, deceased. 3. Albert, died in Butler.
4. Martin H. 5. Howard, who married Loretta Elliott.
6. Emma, now deceased, wife of Charles Hosford. 7.
Aaron Eli, of further mention. 8. Cora, now deceased.
Of these children, Aaron Eli Reiber was born April
9, I863, in Butler, Pennsylvania. The youngest son
of his family, he studied in the common schools of
Butler and at Witherspoon Institute, later attending
Washington and Jefferson College and Princeton University. He was graduated from Princeton in I882 at
the age of nineteen years with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts, then studied law in the office of T. C. Campbell, of Butler, being admitted to practice in 1885. In
that same year he commenced his practice of law in
this city under his own name, continuing to be independently engaged in legal work until April I, 1925,
when he became senior member of the law firm of
Reiber, Hosford and Sipe.
He had already, by that time, become a prominent
figure in public life. As early as I890o he was made
district attorney of Butler County, so serving for one
term. In 1913 he was elected judge of the Court of
Common Pleas in the Fiftieth District for a ten-year
term, succeeding Judge J. W. Galbreath in that office.
He took an increasingly important part in the affairs
of the Democratic party, though he quickly won the
support of Republicans as well as of members of his
own party organization. During the World WVar he
was a member of the legal advisory board of Butler
County, rendering valuable service as a "four-minute"
speaker in support of patriotic activities and being
awarded a certificate for his work by the United
States Government. He has participated in the work
of several business organizations, having promoted
and acted as secretary of the Butler Passenger Railway Company, which was started in I9OI. He was
president of the Guaranty Safe Deposit and Trust
Company, which later became the present Union Trust
Company, of which he was president for several years.
Judge Reiber is also a member of the board of trustees
of Thiel College, Greenville, and a member of the
board of trustees of the Old People's Home of Butler
County. He has served many projects and undertakings designed to improve conditions in his community.
He is a member of the bar associations and is admitted
to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. He
belongs to the Butler County Historical Society, the
Butler Country Club and the Knights of Pythias. He
has been particularly active in the work of the First
English Lutheran Church, serving on the official board
for about forty years and for a long time as an elder.
He also served his church at one time as a delegate
to the national convention, held in New York City,
which framed the merger whereby several churches
were amalgamated into one body, and was appointed a
member of the adjudication commission.
In I897 Judge Aaron E. Reiber married Florence
Smith, daughter of the Rev. Enoch 0. and Elizabeth
(Helsel) Smith. The children of this marriage were:
I. Marten Albert Reiber, of further mention. 2. Mary
Elizabeth Reiber, who became the wife of Paul W.
Jenkins, of Pittsburgh; they had two children: Paul
Reiber Jenkins and Martin Aaron Jenkins.
Of these children, Marten Albert Reiber was born
June 22, I9O0. He attended the schools and completed
his high school work in Butler, his native town, and
then matriculated at Princeton University, in Prince70A NT\T A T q CYP  qCTT T'TJ17TA Qr-c     D -T    h'TNT  CXTT A T A XTT A
ton, New Jersey, taking the degree of Bachelor of
Arts there in I924. He determined to take up the law
as his profession, and with that aim in mind became
a student at the Law School of Harvard University, in
Cambridge, Massachusetts, there receiving the degree
of Bachelor of Laws in I927. He began the practice
of law in association with his father, and so continues
today. He is now acting receiver of the Butler Consolidated Coal Company. In spare time he is very
fond of the out-of-doors and of healthful outdoor recreations, being devoted to such pastimes as hunting and
fishing.
WILLIAM FREDERICK POHL, M. D.-A
unique career in the field of medicine has been followed
by Dr. William Frederick Pohl of Butler, who in addition to the performance of the usual arduous duties of
his profession, interested himself in aviation, and became a flight surgeon in the Air Corps Reserve, after
pursuing courses in an aviation school.
Dr. Pohl was born April 7, 1898, in Pittsburgh, the
son of Frederick William and Birdie May (Hainds)
Pohl. Frederick William Pohl came from Hanover,
Germany to Pittsburgh in I89I to live with his father,
Karl Pohl, a former teacher at Hanover University,
and at that time a professor of German in the Pittsburgh schools. Karl Pohl was a veteran of the FrancoPrussian War, and had married Augusta Miller who
died before he migrated to America in I883. Frederick William Pohl came to Butler in I904 with his
son and is still active, as superintendent of the patternmakers department of the Standard Steel Car Company.
Dr. Pohl acquired his early education in the Butler
elementary and high schools, and then entered Gettysburg College. While at college, he enlisted in the
United States Army, April 20, I917, and was sent to
Columbus Barracks, whence he was assigned to Company B of the I7th Infantry, United States Regulars
at El Paso, Texas. He was later transferred to Camp
McPherson, Atlanta, Georgia, and from there to
General Hospital No. 6. Being again transferred to
the Artillery School at Camp Taylor, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Depot Brigade,
and remained here until his discharge, November 30,
I918. He immediately returned to Gettysburg College,
and later transferred to Duquesne University. Upon
graduating, he entered Jefferson Medical College, and
received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1923. He
served an interneship of eighteen months at Frankfort
Hospital in Philadelphia, and then returned to Butler
to establish his practice as physician and surgeon, and
he is recognized as one of the leaders of his profession
in both fields. He served as county coroner for four
"1lIAiN  I.IANIND YLVIAIN1A                       71
years, and has been chief of the State G. U. Clinic
for the past six years. He is attached to the staff of
the Butler Memorial Hospital, and has been a member
of the State Tuberculosis Commission for almost
twelve years. He was a member of the Medical
Officers Reserve Corps from I924 to I936 as a flight
surgeon, serving one year in Spokane, Washington.
He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church, a prominent Republican, a member of the American Legion,
and an affiliate of numerous medical and fraternal
groups, including the State and County Medical societies, the Association of Military Surgeons, Fellow
Associate in the Study of the Feeble Minded, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Victory Lodge, No.
694, of the Free and Accepted Masons; Chapter No.
273, Royal Arch Masons; and the Lorain Commandery, No. 87, Knights Templar. He is also a member
of Theta Kappa Psi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternities.
He was married in 1930 to Mildred McGrody, of
Butler, daughter of Ulysses Grant and Wardie
(Oliver) McGrody. Dr. and Mrs. Pohl are the parents of three children: I. William Frederick, Jr., born
in I93I. 2 and 3. Ralph John and Ruth Mildred Pohl,
twins, born in I933.
JOHN  MELVIN  DUNKLE, M. D.-Carrying
cn a practice of medicine and surgery in Butler since
he came to this city in I918, Dr. John Melvin Dunkle
holds the high esteem and respect of his fellow-citizens
in all walks and departments of life. Dr. Dunkle's
work has been a valuable one, bringing him the warm
regard of his contemporaries and earning for him the
admiration and affection of all who know him.
He was born July 4, I882, at West Freedom, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, son of Henry C. and Mary
L. (Russell) Dunkle and member of an old and honorable family. His grandparents on the paternal side
of his house were Michael and Caroline (Boyer)
Dunkle. Michael Dunkle came to Clarion County
from Pottsville, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and
was of sturdy Pennsylvania Dutch stock.  Caroline
(Boyer) Dunkle came from Germany to this country
when she was three years old, arriving here with her
family and settling near Pottsville, later coming westward to Clarion County. They were the parents of
six sons, all natives of Clarion County: I. John W.
who was United States District Attorney in Pittsburgh. 2. Valentine F., a Methodist minister. 3. Alfred, a railway agent. 4. Cyrus W., a physician. 5.
Peter, a timber estimator.  6. Henry C., of further
mention.
-C-IINN I-110  k- r Oki U     - i v  I-I.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Henry C. Dunkle, father of Dr. John Melvin Dunkle,
was born June 30, I854. He became a prominent lumberman, buying a lumber mill and timber lands and
building boats that carried lumber to Pittsburgh and
coal on the Ohio River. He continued those operations until I9OI, then retired and moved to Armstrong
County, living there until his death on July 20, I924.
Henry C. and Mary L. (Russell) Dunkle became the
parents of the following children: I. Bertha, wife of
William T. Hindman. 2. Myrtle A., wife of U. Ryan.
3. Dr. John Melvin, of further mention. 4. Ada, wife
of J. W. Minteer. 5. Anna. 6. I. C. Dunkle.
John M. Dunkle received his early education at the
Sligo Preparatory School, later attending Clarion
Normal School. He was graduated from the Medical
School of the University of Pittsburgh in I9o9, taking
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In I909 and I9IO
hle was an interne at Mercy Hospital. He first established himself at Worthington, Pennsylvania, there
serving as councilor and president of the City Council
for five years, while carrying on his medical practice.
It was in I918, as indicated above, that Dr. Dunkle
came to Butler to take up his residence, here also establishing a practice. He has continued this work
down to the present, earning the confidence of the
community and deriving great satisfaction from his
accomplishments.
In his political views Dr. Dunkle has been a consistent Republican. He is a member of the Methodist
Church. He is active in the Butler County Medical
Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and
the American Medical Association, and through these
and other contacts keeps in close touch with all the
newest developments in his profession. He is a leader
in local fraternal work, belonging to the Free and
Accepted Masons and many of its branches. In the
Masonic order he is connected with Victory Lodge
No. 694, of Butler; New Castle Consistory of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; Syria Cavern No. 14,
cf Butler; and Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh.
On April 26, I9II, Dr. John M. Dunkle married
Lena M. Kison, daughter of Harvey A. and Sarah
(Way) Kison, both native Pennsylvanians, the father
of Worthington, born in Armstrong County and there
long a successful oil operator, and the mother of Petrolia, Butler County. The children of Dr. and Mrs.
Dunkle have been: I. Robert Leroy, born in I913,
now a machinist at "Armco"; he married, September
23, I937, Audrey Kean. 2. Sarah Lucretia, who is
aiding her father in his office. 3. John Melvin, Jr.,
who died at the age of seven years.
CHESTER HALE SIPE-State Senator, attorney, civic leader and historical authority, such is the
record of Chester H. (C. Hale) Sipe of Butler, ranked
among the outstanding leaders of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Fittingly enough his achievements perpetuate the fame of a family which for generations has
been a factor in the life of the Commonwealth, where
h-is first maternal ancestors are said to have settled
prior to the coming of William Penn.
Senator Sipe was born in the old family homestead
at South Buffalo, Armstrong County, November I6,
I88o, the son of Hiram Hill and Mary (Golden) Sipe,
both of his native county, where his paternal forebears
have resided since I795, and where his great-greatgreat-grandfather, Charles Sipe, purchased the family
farm which has since been handed down from one
generation to the next. Charles Sipe deeded the property to his son, Charles Sipe, Jr., who in turn passed
it on to George Sipe, Senator Sipe's grandfather, who
married Barbara Painter, (also spelled Bender.) The
Senator's father, Hiram Hill Sipe, took over the establishment and conducted it until his passing in I927,
specializing in hog raising. Maternally Senator Sipe
traces his ancestry to representatives who settled in
this State in I654, in a section then known as New
Sweden.
After receiving the early part of his general education in the public schools of South Buffalo Township,
Senator Sipe completed this part of his studies at the
Salt Lick Academy and then matriculated at Thiel
College from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then took up the study of
law in the office of Levi M. Wise in Butler, and was
admitted to the Butler County bar on February 22,
Igog. Instead of immediately engaging in practice he
entered the teaching profession as a member of the
Butler High School faculty and for a time was principal of the  Worthington  Schools  in  Armstrong
County, where he continued until I9I4, when he went
to Pittsburgh to become counsel on income taxes
for the United States Government. He was with this
agency during the World War and resigned in I919
to enter a private law practice as a member of the
Pittsburgh law firm of Weil, Sipe and Campbell. He
continued in this capacity for four years and then returned to Butler, where he operated independently until
April I, 1925, when he became a member of the law
firm of Reiber, Hosford and Sipe, corporation lawyers.
This establishment has since been dissolved.
Senator Sipe's prominence in public office dates back
to I928, when he campaigned as the Democratic candidate to Congress from the district embracing Butler,
72ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
Beaver and Lawrence counties. Despite the fact he
led the ticket he was defeated in the ensuing election
and did not run again for office until the fall of 1936,
when he was chosen State Senator from the 4ISt District, representing Butler and Armstrong counties. As
a man exceedingly well versed in the history of his
country, his State and his county, Senator Sipe has
carried this interest to the Senate in a highly profitable
manner. By happy coincidence this year (i937) marks
the three hundredth anniversary of the establishment
of New Sweden, the first settlement in the State of
Pennsylvania. Governor George H. Earle, recognizing the qualifications of the Senator, appointed him a
member of the Pennsylvania Three Hundredth Anniversary Commission. Commenting upon this choice a
local press dispatch says in part:
The appointment of Senator Sipe is believed largely
a result of his introduction at the last session of the
Legislature of a bill providing an appropriation of
forty thousand dollars for the celebration. Sipe piloted
the bill through the Senate, taking the floor at one
time against an amendment to reduce the appropriation to $25,000. The speech which he delivered at that
time, held largely responsible for defeat of the amendment and the ultimate appropriation of $40,000, dealt
with the historical importance of New Sweden. The
speech has since been taken verbatim from the legislative record, and the Pennsylvania Historical Commission has distributed twenty thousand copies to
schools, colleges and public libraries. In introducing
the bill for an appropriation, Senator Sipe pointed out
that New Sweden not only became the first settlement
in Pennsylvania, but was entitled to recognition also
for its erection of the first State house, its setting up
of the first courts of law, and its establishment of the
first churches.
Through his interest in history and his talents as
a writer he is the author of several highly interesting
works, among them: "Mount Vernon and the Washington Family," "The Indian Chiefs of Pennsylvania,"
"The Indian Wars of Pennsylvania," and the "History
of Butler County," the two latter being published in
1927, and receiving wide recognition from historical
authorities and the public alike. As a member of the
Butler County Historical Society, Senator Sipe has
made many valuable contributions, notably in launching a campaign for the erection of markers at historic
sites in this region. In this connection we learn of the
work  he accomplished  in placing the Washington
Marker on Buhl's Hill, which borders the Evans CityConnoquenssing Road. He campaigned for this in
I925 by writing an article in the "Butler Eagle," urging
the marking of the approximate spot in the vicinity of
the spot where Washington was fired upon by a hostile Indian on the evening of December 27, I753,
while he and Christopher Gist were returning from;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                               73
the historic mission to Venango and Fort I,eBoeuf.
Considerable interest was aroused and eventually
former Judge Reiber, Captain James A. McKee and
XMr. Sipe were appointed a committee for the erection
of the marker.
Despite the burden of professional and official duties,
Senator Sipe has been active in the social affairs of
his surroundings. He is a member of the Sterling
Club of Butler, and fraternizes with the Order of
Free and Accepted Masons; the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Patrons of Husbandry, generally known as the Farmers
Grange.
On February I8, 1925, Senator Sipe married Cleopatra V. McKee, daughter of the Hon. Dr. J. W. and
Amanda (King) McKee of Armstrong County, where
her father was a prominent physician and public official,
having served several terms in the State ILegislature.
JOHN ARCHIBALD BOALE, M. D.-Forty
years of distinctive achievement as a physician and
civic leader mark the career of Dr. John Archibald
Boale in Vandergrift. Throughout this period he has
won wide renown for his professional excellence and
contributed in numerous and important capacities to
the general welfare of the community.
Dr. Boale was born at Leechburg, December i8,
1873, the son of James D. and Sarah (Armstrong)
Boale, who were also the parents of the following children: I. Elizabeth, former teacher in the Pennsylvania State College for Women at Pittsburgh, and
widow of Captain R. G. Armstrong, United States
A rmy.  2. Anna M., who taught in the schools of
Leechburg and Vandergrift Heights, and died January 3, I905. 3. Hugh A., who was graduated from
the Law Department of the University of Michigan,
class of 1903; was a member of the Westmoreland
County bar, served as a Burgess of Vandergrift
Heights for three years and died March 5, I9I1. Dr.
P,oale's father, who was born in Allegheny Township,
Westmoreland County, on January 14, 1833, and died
in Leechburg, February 8, I906, was a prominent resident of the latter community for a number of years,
engaging in numerous business pursuits, including the
drug trade, and occupying a number of important public offices, among them that of town burgess and humane officer. The elder Boale, who served with the
heavy artillery of the Union Army during the Civil
War, was a Republican in his political convictions
and worshipped at the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
His (first) wife, who was the daughter of John and
Sarah (Armstrong) Armstrong, natives of North Ireland, died September 24, I89o. He married (second)ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Emma Williamson of Dayton, Ohio, and by this
union became the father of one daughter, Frances
Eleanor, now Mrs. H. Ross Belding of Sharon, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Belding was graduated from the Pittsburgh College for Women, received her Master of
Arts degree from Columbia University, and taught
school in Indiana (Pa.), Mt. Pleasant, Williamsport
and Franklin. The Boale family, also of Irish origin,
trace their American ancestry to Samuel Boale, who
came to this country during his youth, married Sarah
Taylor of McKeesport, and engaged in farming in
Westmoreland County.
Completing his general education in the public
schools of Leechburg in I893, Dr. Boale prepared for
his professional studies under the expert guidance of
his uncle, Dr. J. A. Armstrong, of Leechburg. He
then matriculated in the medical department of the
University of Pittsburgh and was graduated from this
institution with a Doctor of Medicine degree in the
class of I897. During the year that followed he practiced with his uncle, and in March, I898, came to Vandergrift Heights where he established himself in a
general practice which he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and success. Today, as he rounds
out forty years of highly useful professional service,
he enjoys the unique status of being the oldest resident
practicing physician in Vandergrift. He is a member
of the Westmoreland County Medical Society, the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, the American
Medical Association and a former president of the
Vandergrift Medical Society. Through his forty years
service as an examiner for the Prudential Life Insurance Company he has been awarded a certificate and
medal by the Prudential Old Guard, in which he is a
member. He has also been examiner for the New
York Life and the Metropolitan Life Insurance companies for the past quarter of a century.
His civic achievements match his professional record. He has been a member of the Vandergrift Borough Council for twenty-four years, twenty-two of
which he has served as president. He is vice-president
of the Vandergrift Savings and Trust Cotnpany, has
been a member of the local library board of two years,
served on the medical examining board during the
World War and later enlisted in the Medical Corps
of the United States Army, was commissioned a captain and was\ stationed at Army Hospital, No. 3, at
Rahway, New Jersey. Through his military experience he was post commander of the William Harry
Davidson Post No. II4 in I928 of the American
Legion and since then served on two State committees
for that organization; the disabled soldiers and relief
and the child welfare committees, and was on the
executive committee of Post II4 several years.
Dr. Boale is a member of the Vandergrift Chamber
of Commerce, the local chapter of the American Red
Cross and fraternizes with Kiskiminetas Lodge, No.
6I7, of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he
was Master in 90o8 and is now a life member. As
a Mason he is also a member of the Pittsburgh Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and a life
member of the following organizations: the Pittsburgh Commandery, No. I, Knights'Templar; the
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, and the V. A. L. Shrine Club, which
draws its membership from Vandergrift, Apollo and
Leechburg. In addition he fraternizes with the Apollo
Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, No. 386, also a life member. Politically, Dr.
Boale is a Republican and in religion worships at the
Presbyterian Church.  During his life Dr. Boale's
principal recreation has been travel. He has visited
many parts of the world and enjoyed a number of
unique experiences, the most notable of which occurred
in Italy in I914, when the World War broke out.
EDWARD MATHEW  GEIBEL-An active
leader of the Boy Scout movement, and prominent in
the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society
of Saint Paul's Church, Edward Mathew Geibel of
Butler is the owner and operator of Butler's largest
undertaking establishment.
Edward Mathew Geibel was born in Summit Township, Butler County, September 2I, 1892, a son of
Jacob and Caroline (Hinterlang) Geibel. Jacob Geibel, who has been a farmer and oil operator all his life,
was born in Butler County, near Carbon Center, September 20, I866. Caroline Hinterlang Geibel, who is
a native of Alsace-Lorraine, was born in I866 and
iE now living in Summit Township. Jacob Geibel is
a son of Charles and Barbara (Graham) Geibel.
They were both natives of Germany who settled as
farmers in Butler County. Barbara Graham Geibel
died in her ninety-fourth year.
After passing through the district schools of Summit Township, Edward Mathew Geibel worked on his
father's farm for a time. As a young man, he worked
in East Butler for a time as a shipping clerk for the
Valvoline Oil Company. And then, selecting the undertaking business for his career, Mr. Geibel associated himself with Butler's leading mortician, Steven
F. Brady. In 19I7, when the United States entered the
World War, Mr. Geibel enlisted in the Army Engineer Corps but was prevented from reaching France
74ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
3
and Isabel (Forker) Whitla. Judge and Mrs. Braham
are the parents of three children: I. Isabel Whitla,
born August 7, I928. 2. William Walter, Jr., born
December 8, 1929. 3. James Whitla, born February
i8, I933.
LINN VOORHEES PHILLIPS-The professional prominence that Linn Voorhees Phillips enjoyed
as a lawyer in Uniontown and Fayette County during
a quarter of a century, has transcended local bounds
and brought him state-wide recognition. Today he is
deputy to the State Attorney General.
Possessed of a distinguished background, which
finds its roots in early Pennsylvania and American
history, Mr. Phillips was born in the land of his forefathlers, first seeing light of day in Brownsville, Fayette County, on December Io, I885. He was the son
of Samuel A. and Charlotte (Linn) Phillips, both
natives of his birthplace, where the former was born
in 1944, and the latter in I854. His father, who was a
merchant in that community and died in I909, served
as a drummer boy during the Civil War. His mother
passed away at the advanced age of eighty years.
On both sides of his family, Mr. Phillips is of Revolutionary stock. His paternal great-grandfather, Benjamin Phillips, took part in the Whiskey Rebellion and
was indicted for treason; another ancestor, Captain
I'saac Linn, enrolled his own regiment, which took part
in the Canadian campaign of the War of I812, and
fought under Commodore Perry in the battle of Lake
Erie. His other Colonial forebear, Colonel Andrew
Linn, has been honored by the Uniontown Chapter of
the Daughters of the American Revolution, which has
adopted his name for the local organization.
After receiving the early part of his general education in the public schools of his native community, Mr.
Phillips completed this part of his studies at the Kiskiminetas Spring School in the class of I904. He then
attended Wesleyan University for two years and in
I9o6 entered the University of Michigan Law School,
from  which he was graduated with a Bachelor of
Laws degree in the class of i9o8. Two years later
he was admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar and
established himself in a general practice at Uniontown, which he has conducted since with distinction
and success. He is a member of the Fayette County
Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.
In conjunction with his legal activities he has also
been interested in other phases of community life.
From a business standpoint he has become identified
with several coal companies in this region. Civically
he has contributed much to the general welfare and
been called upon to fill several important and responsible public offices, including his present post as deputy
to the State Attorney General, one time solicitor for
Fayette County, for a short period district attorney,
and a former solicitor to the county controller.  In
his social affiliations he fraternizes with the Laurel
Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he
belongs to the chapter, commandery and consistory, and
is also a member of the Uniontown Country Club and
Ft. Necessity Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and in religion Mr. Phillips is a member of the
vestry and parish secretary of the St. Peter's Episcopal
Church of Uniontown.
On July 2I, I9I2, Mr. Phillips married Doris Falding of New York City, and the daughter of Frederick John and Virginia (Mayer) Falding. Mr. and
Mrs. Phillips are the parents of two children: I. Doris
Falding, born February 24, I917. 2. Linn Voorhees,
Jr., born June IO, I92I.
ALBERT  MON'TGOMERY-In  his  recent
appointment as controller of Fayette County, Albert
Montgomery crowns a career of public service which
spans over forty-five years. The major part of that
time he served as an educator in the school system of
this section and acquired an experience and knowledge
of county affairs that have equipped him eminently for
his present undertaking.
The family, long prominent in Pennsylvania history, particularly that phase dealing with Montgomery County, trace their ancestry to General Daniel
Montgomery who distinguished himself as a leader of
the Continental forces during the Revolutionary War.
Albert Montgomery, direct descendant, was born in
Jefferson County, August 3, I874, the son of Gilmore
and Catherine (Robinson) Montgomery, the former
a native of Norristown, Montgomery County, and the
latter of Ligonier, Westmoreland County. His father,
who was born December 25, I828, and died November
ii, I88o, engaged in farming. His mother passed away
on February 24, I889, at the age of fifty-three years.
Mr. Montgomery received the early part of his general education in the public schools of Jefferson County
and completed this part of his studies at the Belleview
Academy in  I89o.  He then attended the Clarion
State Normal School until I893, and during the latter
year matriculated at the Ohio Northern University
from which he was graduated with a Bachelor o!f Arts
degree in the class of 1897. The same year he returned
to Pennsylvania and began his teaching career in the
grade schools of Jefferson County. Later he became a
science teacher in the Bradford City High School,
where he remained for fourteen years, and then occuANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
by being transferred to the Medical Corps and being
stationed in the United States for service in connection with the influenza epidemic. When the war
ended, and he was discharged, Mr. Geibel returned
to Butler and, in 1919, renewed his association with
Steven F. Brady for about a year. Then Mr. Geibel
transferred his residence to St. Marys where he purchased an undertaking business of his own and operated it for five years. Finally, Mr. Geibel returned to
Butler, in I926, established himself as an independent
undertaker. In the following eleven years, his business grew and he is now a very successful mortician.
A member of the Democratic party, and a communicant
of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Mr. Geibel is very
much interested in church work and belongs to the
Holy Name Society. Interested in the education of
youth, he is also active in Boy Scout work, being chairman of Troop No. 11 of St. Paul's Church. He is also
a member of the Butler organizations of the Knights
of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, as well as belonging to the Butler Game
Preserve, a hunting club. To maintain his professional
position, Mr. Geibel is a member of the Butler
County Funeral Directors' Association, the Western
Pennsylvania Funeral Directors' Association, the
Pennsylvania Funeral Directors' Association and the
National Funeral Directors' Association.
Edward Mathew Geibel, married, November 27,
19I7, Coletta Mary Neigh, a daughter of Joseph and
Catherine (Leinenbach) Neigh. Mr. and Mrs. Geibel
were the parents of seven children: I. Wilmer Joseph,
born in 1920. 2. Walter Edward, born in I92I. 3.
Eleanor Catherine, born in I923. 4. Gerald Joseph,
born in I926. 5. Phyllis Dorothy, born in I929. 6.
Mfarvin Patrick, born in 1930 and died when sixteen
mionths old. 7. Marilyn Elizabeth, born in I937.
THE CLARK FAMILY-Since the Clark family of Montgomery Township, Indiana County, was
first established in this section a century ago, its members have played a conspicuous part in its life and
development. From the days of the pioneers onward,
five generations of the family have had their home in
Indiana County, and the fine traditions long associated
with their name reflect their major contributions to its
progress.
Virtue Clark, founder of his line in Pennsylvania,
was born at New Haven, Connecticut, on May 17,
I779, and died on February 7, i863. He served an
apprenticeship as a silversmith and clock maker and
engaged in this trade, coming to Pennsylvania in his
youth. As was the custom of the time, he traveled
75
extensively, seeking purchasers for the products of his
craft, and on one of these trips he met and married, on
June Io, 1827, Catherine Grove, of Lewisberry, York
County. After an interval of some years, they migrated by team and wagon from York County to the
northeastern part of Indiana County, where they were
among the early settlers and pioneers. The following
children of this marriage were born at Lewisberry:
Samuel, on March 30, I828; Jane, on August 9, 1829;
James, on October 20, 1830; Hannah, on January 7,
I832; Susan, on June I3, I834; Sylvester, on December I9, 1835; Luther M., born July I, 1837; and
Alpheus, on October 9, 1839. Three children were
born in Montgomery Township, Indiana County:
Mary C., on May 5, 1842; John W., of whom further;
and George W., who died in infancy.
John W. Clark was born on his father's farm  in
Montgomery Township on December 25, 1845. He
was given the best education obtainable in the county
schools and began his active career at an early age.
From the modest earnings of his youthful labors he
saved a sufficient sum to invest in timber and coal
lands, and when he was twenty-five years old he was
extensively engaged in rafting boom spars, square and
round timber in the west branch of the Susquehanna
River. Some years he handled as many as seventyfive rafts of square timber, which was marketed at
Lock Haven and Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and at
Havre de Grace and Baltimore, Maryland. After the
disastrous flood of 1899, he discontinued his operations
on the Susquehanna River and devoted most of his
time to the purchase and development of coal lands in
Indiana County. With the late Colonel A. E. Irvin,
of Curwensville, he sold and leased the coal lands
where the towns of Arcadia and Wilgus are now
located. He was also active in real estate operations,
which he conducted on a large scale. His knowledge
of finance and general business practice and his soundness of judgment led to his election as first president
of the First National Bank of Glen Campbell, founded
July 24, 1899, an office of honor and responsibility
which he held without interruption until his death in
I905. Under his leadership the bank prospered greatly,
paying dividends in excess of one hundred per cent. in
less than six years.
John W. Clark married, on August 13, I867, Adah
S. Hiddleson, born at Wrightsville, Pennsylvania,
and they became the parents of the following children:
Harry E., born February I6, I869; Joseph O., of
whom further; James H., born July 27, I874, died
August 20, 1879; Samuel L., born June 13, 1879; and
Edna R., born February 6, I883.
Joseph O. Clark was born in Montgomery Township, Indiana County, on September 7, I87I. HisANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
boyhood was spent on the farm, where he received his
preliminary education in local public schools, subsequently attending Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, Germantown Academy at Germantown, and
Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New
York. At eighteen, he entered business for himself as
a merchant and for a period of five years successfully
pursued this occupation, until losses incurred during
the great bituminous coal strike of 1894 made necessary the sale of his business at a sacrifice. In the latter
part of I894 he entered the lumber business. He had
no capital except his own ability and determination,
but these resources proved sufficient. He formed a
partnership at Glen Campbell with M. C. Watson, of
Indiana, Pennsylvania, operating under the name of
Watson and Clark for a period of years. In I899 he
participated in the organization of the First National
Bank of Glen Campbell and became a member of the
original board of directors of this institution.  In
1905, by unanimous vote of his associates, he was
elected president to succeed his father, who died in that
year. He continued the sound energetic management
which his father had brought to the bank, guiding its
affairs with sure hand.
Meanwhile, his interests increased largely in other
fields. He participated actively in many successful
enterprises in various parts of the country, investing
his resources wisely and bringing to the management
of these companies -the acumen and ripe experience
which distinguished him. Among them were the Clark
Brothers Coal Mining Company of Philadelphia; the
Hillsdale Coal and Coke Company, of Glen Campbell; the Electric~Coal Company; the Laurel Oil and
Gas Company of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; the Sapulpa
Refining Company; the Bull Moose Oil Company of
West Virginia; the McKim  Oil Company of West
Virginia; the United States Land and Lumber Company, operating property located in the State of Durango, Mexico; the Southmere Farm and Fruit Company, of the Indian River country in Florida; the
Arcadia Water Company, of Arcadia, Pennsylvania;
the Indiana County Street Railways Company, of Indiana, Pennsylvania; the Diamond Glass Company and
the Farmers Bank, both of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and
others. In I935, upon the merger of the Laurel Oil
and Gas Company, the Sloan Oil Company and the
Helena Oil and Gas Company to form the Royal Oil
and Gas Company, Mr. Clark became president of this
latter corporation and continued at its head until his
death on July 21, 1936.
Because of his position in the business world and the
respect in which his character and attainments were
held. Mr. Clark exercised an important influence for
many years in the life of Indiana County and the community of Glen Campbell, where he made his home.
His support was an effective force in promoting every
worthy movement in the public interest and the constructive value of his civic leadership was always apparent. In I920 he was called to the wider field of
State service with his election to the Pennsylvania
Senate, of which he was a member until I924. During
this period he served on many of the more important
boards and committees and had a principal part in
shaping legislative action.
Mr. Clark was a prominent Mason, being a member
in this order of Indiana Lodge, No. 313; Zerubbabel
Royal Arch Chapter, No. I62, at Pittsburgh; a member of all higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including Williamsport Consistory; and of
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, at Altoona, Pennsylvania. He was
also a member of the Pennsylvania Society of New
York and of the Manufacturers Club of Philadelphia.
He was human, genial and considerate in all personal
relationships, and his kindness endeared him to many,
who felt for him the warmest affection. His career
was thus distinguished both for its attainments in the
world of affairs and for its human values, and- his
death was widely mourned.
On September 24, 1895, Joseph O. Clark married
Winifred J. Patchin, daughter of Aaron W. and Elizabeth Patchin, of Patchinville, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. They became the parents of three sons, of
whom the second died in infancy. The eldest son,
Aaron P. Clark, was born in Indiana County on November 23, I897. He was educated at Kiskiminetas
School and the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1921
became associated with his father in the management
of his various business interests. He has since continued these connections and now serves as secretary
and treasurer of the Royal Oil and Gas Company, one
of the largest concerns of its kind. Aaron P. Clark
married, in I929, Helen Stilson, of Duluth, Minnesota,
daughter of Clyde W. and Clementine (Schmidt) Stilson. They are the parents of three children: Mary
Jane, born in I931; Aaron P., Jr., born in 1932; and
Joseph O., Jr., born in I934.
Joseph O. Clark, youngest and second surviving son
of Joseph O. and Winifred J. (Patchin) Clark, was
born March 9, 90o8. He also attended the Kiskiminetas School and was subsequently graduated from
Brown University, at Providence, Rhode Island. He
is now associated with his brother in the various
Clark business interests and is a director of the Royal
Oil and Gas Company and other corporations. He is
unmarried.
76ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
77
JOHN GILMORE McMARLIN-For nearly
half a century the name of John Gilmore McMarlin,
vice-president and cashier of the Butler National Bank
and Trust Company, has been prominently identified
with the social, civic and business life of Butler and
Butler County. During this period he has contributed
substantially to the general welfare of the community
and is ranked as one of the most influential and highly
respected leaders of this region.
Mr. McMarlin, whose ancestry dates back to preRevolutionary Pennsylvania, was born at Mars, July
23, I870, the son of James A. and Emmaline (Duncan) McMarlin, both deceased, the former in I913,
and the latter in I920. His father, who was born in
1837, and engaged in farming and the oil business,
served with the Union forces during the Civil War,
first being attached to the Ist Pennsylvania Cavalry
for six months, and later reenlisted for three years in
the II2th Regiment of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy
Artillery.  The first representative of the McMarlin
family to settle in Allegheny County was William McMarlin, elder brother of the Revolutionary soldier,
David McMarlin, and great-great-grandfather of John
G. McMarlin. He acquired four hundred acres of
land, believed to be in Pine Township, which he
farmed. His son, William, married a member of the
Burkhart family and her uncle was John Burkhart,
who was captured by the Indians and forced to run
the gauntlet, just before he came to Butler County.
Through his mother's lineage Mr. McMarlin is the
great-great-great-grandson of David Duncan, who
according to family history, was assistant quartermaster general during the War of the Revolution with
headquarters at Pittsburgh.  He was a trader and
one of the pioneer settlers of Pittsburgh, where he
gained wide fame as an Indian authority and was
frequently consulted by the government. His son is
said to have settled in Cranberry about I790.
Mr. McMarlin received the early part of his general
education in his native community and later complete4d
this part of his studies in the public and private schools
of Butler. He then enrolled at Duff's Commercial
College in Pittsburgh, now known as Duff's Iron City
College, and after finishing his training began h:s
career. A year later, in I888, he joined the Butler
Savings Bank as bookkeeper and in I89I left to become teller for the Butler County National Bank. He
made rapid progress with this institution, was appointed cashier in I9o00, and eventually was made vicepresident. When the Butler County National absorbed
the Union National, and the Butler County Trust
Company, to form the Butler County National Bank
and Trust Company, he maintained his official connections and has since served with distinction and success.
He has been no less prominent in a civic capacity.
For a number of years he was president of the Butler School Board and during the World War was one
of the most efficient and enthusiastic supporters of all
movements designed to aid the cause, among them the
Red Cross and the Young Men's Christian Association.
He also was a "four minute" speaker and received
acknowledgment from the United States Government
for the services he rendered. He is a member of the
Butler Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, the
Bankers Club of Pittsburgh, the Sons of Veterans, and
the board of sessions of the United Presbyterian
Church. In politics he is a Republican.
On August I8, I894, Mr. McMarlin married Maude
Mitchell, of New Castle, a daughter of William and
Sue (Addis) Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. McMarlin were
the parents of two sons: I. Harold L., who was born
November I2, I895, and died June I6, I9I3. 2. James
Addis, who was born May I3, I9II, and died in infancy.
FRANCIS A. W. GREEN-Since the establishment of the firm of Shufflin and Green in Butler, over
twenty years ago, Francis A. W. Green has been associated with his father in the management of this building supply, coke and coal concern, which is one of the
most widely known and successful organizations of
its type in Butler County and Southwestern Pennsvlvania.
Mr. Green was born in Butler, February 2, I900, the
son of W. H. and Mary (Logan) Green, the latter
now deceased. His father, who is a native of Wyoming
County in New York State, where he received a
general education, had engaged in the manufacture of
wooden oil tanks in partnership with his brother-inlaw, T. J. Shufflin, thirty years before they founded
the present business in I9I6. T. J. Shufflin died in
922.
Though he did not complete his high school studies
in Butler until I917, Mr. Green had already begun
to help his father in a minor capacity shortly after
the firm was founded. Upon finishing his studies he
became officially associated with Shufflin and Green,
and save for the period during the World War, when
he enlisted and became a member of the 289th Aerial
Squadron stationed at Columbus, Ohio, he has been
identified with the business continuously since. During
these years he has been delegated increasing responsibility. When Mr. Shufflin died in I922. he was named
to succeed him as general manager and in this capacity
has contributed substantially to the growth of the
enterprise. He is widely known throughout this secANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tion and officially identified with several other business
establishments, including the People's Telephone Company of Butler in which he is a member of the board
of directors.
Socially he belongs to the Pittsburgh Athletic Club,
the Butler Country Club and fraternizes with the
Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he supports the
Republican party and in his religious convictions worships at the St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church.
On September I8, I929, at Butler, Mr. Green married Helen Huselton, daughter of Edgar C. and Lydia
(Burtner) Huselton. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the
parents of one son, William T., born June, I934.
THEODORE C. H. KECK.-Since his admission to the Pennsylvania bar in I9oo, Theodore C. H.
Keck has been engaged in the practice of his profession
at Butler. He is a well-known member of the Butler
County bar, and as vice-president and treasurer of the
American Mirror Works he is also active in the industrial life of this section.
Mr. Keck was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Jacob
and Louisa (Trautman) Keck. His father, who was
born in Alsace-Lorraine, was a merchant at Butler
until his death in I912. He was also a prominent figure in civic affairs and served as a justice of the peace
for forty-six years. His wife, Louisa (Trautman)
Keck, was born in Pittsburgh and died in I886.
Theodore C. H. Keck received a general education
in the public schools, after which he studied law in the
office of S. F. Bowser. Following his admission to
the bar in I9oo he established an independent practice
at Butler, to whose duties he has since devoted himself..His professional standing has long been acknowledged and is reflected in his successful practice.
Mr. Keck is a member of the Butler County Bar
Association and is prominent fraternally in the Free
and Accepted Masons, in which order he is a member of
all higher bodies of both York and Scottish rites, including the Thirty-second Degree of the Consistory at
New Castle. He has served as Master of His Blue
Lodge and is Past High Priest of the Royal Arch
Chapter and Past Commander of the Commandery of
the Knights Templar. During the World War, Mr.
Keck was active on many boards and committees of
the period and throughout his career at Butler he has
always sought to meet the responsibilities of good
citizenship. His business interests, which he carries on
in addition to his professional connections, are centered in the American Mirror Works, in whose management he has long been active as vice-president and
treasurer. Mr. Keck is unmarried. He is a member
of several local clubs and other organizations of a
similar character.
GEORGE M. SPENCE-George M. Spence has
been engaged in the general practice of law in Johnstown for the past twelve years, and as an active member of his profession and an enthusiastic civic booster,
be is numbered among the leading citizens of this lo.
cality. He was born October 27, I897, at Patton,
Pennsylvania, the son of James and Elizabeth Ann
(Sherwin) Spence. James Spence, a native of Scotland, is now retired from all active business.
George M. Spence received his early education in
the public schools of Patton and Hastings, and after
a preparatory course at Dickinson Seminary, matriculated at Wesleyan University, graduating in I922
with Bachelor of Arts degree. He next enrolled at
Harvard University, where he received a Bachelor of
Laws degree in 1926. Upon his admission to the bar,
the same year, he began the independent practice of
his profession, and was associated with the late J.
Earl Ogle, Jr., until the latter's death in January,
I937. During the World War, he was a member of
the Students Army Training Corps.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and an
active figure in political life, at present distinguishing
himself as solicitor of Cambria County. He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons and the Alpha
Chi Fraternity, and also holds membership in the
County and State Bar Associations, Johnstown Rotary
Club, American Legion and the North Fork Country
Club.
He was married in 1930 to Esther A. Trenkle, and
they are the parents of two children: I. Isabel Esther,
born August I9, I932. 2. George D., born October
29, I935.
JACOB D. KEIPER, M. D.-During the thirty
odd years that Dr. Jacob D. Keiper has practiced in
the city of Johnstown, he not only has attained outstanding distinction as one of the outstanding medical
men of Cambria County but also has come to occupy a
prominent place in the social, civic and business life
of the community, where he now directs the activities
of the Dale National Bank as president.
Dr. Keiper was born in Johnstown, March I2, I884,
the son of Adam and Amanda (Wendell) Keiper,
both deceased, the former in I930, and the latter in
I887. His father was a successful farmer as was his
grandfather, Jacob, and his great-grandfather, Abram
Keiper, who was the first of this family to come to
78ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
this country from Europe. After completing a general education in the public schools of his native community, Dr. Keiper matriculated at the Eclectic Medical University of Cincinnati, Ohio, in which he secured his professional training and from which he
was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine
in the class of I9o06. Since that time he has taken postgraduate work in various hospitals.
The year he finished his training he returned to
Johnstown and established himself in a general practice which he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and success. Throughout his career he has
been one of the most highly respected members of the
medical fraternity and enjoyed an enviable reputation
among his colleagues. He is a member and former
president of the Cambria County Medical Society, and
belongs to the Pennsylvania State Medical Society,
the Pennsylvania Eclectic Society, the National Eclectic Society, and the American Medical Association. In
conjunction with his practice he serves as a member
of the staff of the Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital.
Aside from his medical activities he has been intensely interested in the civic affairs of, his native city,
where he is a member of all the leading clubs, fraternizes with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons,
and is president of the Dale National Bank. During
the World War he was at the head of the examining
board for the southern part of Cambria County and
received a certificate from the government in recognition of his services. He also enlisted in the Medical
Corps of the United States Army was commissioned
a first lieutenant, served at several base hospitals in
camps in the South and was ready to go overseas with
his division when the Armistice was signed.
In I9o8, Dr. Keiper married Bess Irene Singer, native of this State, and they are the parents of one
daughter, Katherine I., a graduate of the Pennsylvania State College who is now married to John O.
Grimshaw.
FRANK W. GOCHER-For years the Gocher
Funeral Home has been recognized as one of the
largest and finest mortuaries in Cambria County. Its
development as a dignified and well equipped institution can be attributed to Frank W. Gocher, who for
over twenty years directed its activities.
Mr. Gocher was born at Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
November I4, I885, the son of George and Mary
(Pendry) Gocher. He received a general education
in the public schools of his native community and after
completing his studies began his career as a draughtsman for the Cambria Steel Company, which he was
to be associated with until I916, when he resigned
to become associated with his maternal uncle, a Johnstown mortician, who was also prominent in the civic
and political life of the community, having once served
as its mayor. When Mr. Pendry passed away in I929,
Mr. Gocher took over the establishment, which from
the standpoint of continuous service today stands as
one of the oldest and most widely known establishments
of its type in this part of the State.  It is credited
with being one of the first to install automotive equipinent and today boasts a beautiful and modern funeral
parlor.
During his life he was actively identified with the
social and civic life of his surroundings. He was a
member of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, the
Sportsmen's Association and fraternized with the local
lodges of the Free and Accepted Masons and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Gocher married Elizabeth Anne Reese and they
were the parents of one daughter, Mabel, who is
married to Eugene D. Hubbard and the mother of
two sons.
On December 2, I937, Frank W. Gocher passed
away. His death came as a distinct shock to his
many friends and associates who had come to know
and admire him during his long and distinguished career here. Since his demise the mortuary has been
conducted by his devoted and able wife.
THE  HIGBEE  FAMILY-As  lawyers and
members of one of Uniontown's leading law firms,
three members of the Higbee family have notably
served their community and its people: Edward Carter
Higbee, who is now deceased, and his two sons, Donald
Mestrezat Higbee and W. Brown Higbee. Their firm
was that of Higbee, Lewellyn and Higbee, in which the
father was senior partner. His contribution to the life
of his times was a highly significant one, not alone
in Uniontown, but throughout Fayette County and this
part of Pennsylvania. He earned the lasting respect
and admiration of his fellow-citizens, and his accomplishments were both numerous and distinctive.
Edward Carter Higbee was born October 28, 1869,
in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania,
son of Israel and Eliza Jane (Carter) Higbee. His
family was an old and honorable one. His greatgrandmother had the distinction of ruling the first
sheet of paper made west of the Allegheny Mountains.
The paternal grandparents were Benjamin and Elizabeth Higbee, who came to this part of Pennsylvania
from New England. His maternal grandparents were
Zephaniah and Mary (Patterson) Carter, of Brownsville, parents of Edward C. Higbee's mother. Israel
79ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Higbee, who was born in I835 in Jefferson Township,
Fayette County, and died in I9IO, was a wagonmaker
by trade, but in later years was engaged in farming in
both Jefferson and Lower Tyrone townships, where
he took up his residence in I890o. Eliza Jane (Carter)
Higbee was born in I832 in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, and died ihn January, I9I6.
The public schools of Laureldale provided the earliest
formal education of Edward Carter Higbee, who later
attended Merrittstown Academy and taught school for
one winter. When he was sixteen years old he became a student at Mount Union College, in Alliance,
Ohio, there remaining for three years. After his return he accepted a professorship at Monongahela College, Jefferson, Pennsylvania, serving in that capacity
for two years. Later he went to Waynesburg, teaching there for one term, at the end of which he returned
to Monongahela College to teach the classics and the
higher branches of learning for a year.
In the second half of I895 he worked on a farm in
order to make it possible for him to begin reading law.
In June he started reading law with Judge S. Leslie
Mestrezat, of Uniontown, who was formerly a justice
of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Completing
his law course, Mr. Higbee was admitted to the bar
of this Commonwealth on June I, I897, when he was
appointed by the late Judge Nathaniel Ewing to conduct his first case. On September I7 of that year he
settled in Connellsville, opening offices in the Dunn
and Paine Building. The style of the firm was Fulton
and Higbee, but on February I, I900, the name was
changed to Sterling, Higbee and Dumbauld. This law
firm built up a large and lucrative practice, handling
many cases that were outstanding in the courts of the
county. Later the firm became Sterling, Higbee, Dumbauld and Brown. When Mr. Brown died in I909
H. S. Dumbauld retired (later becoming a judge of
the Common Pleas Court) and the firm was reorganized as Sterling, Higbee and Matthews. In I928
Bruce Sterling resigned, whereupon the name was
changed to Higbee, Matthews and Lewellyn, so continuing until Ross S. Matthews was elected judge of
the Orphans Court of the county, taking office on
January I, I938. After that time the firm was known
as Higbee, Lewellyn and Higbee.
In addition to carrying on the leadership of this law
firm, Edward Carter Higbee concerned himself with
a variety of public problems. He was a staunch Democrat and a gifted campaign orator whose talents were
always in demand in the party organization. In the
Presidential campaign of I896 he made speeches in
both Pennsylvania and Maryland, and these were
credited as being far-reaching and effective in the
cause that he was serving. In I898 he was elected city
solicitor of Connellsville, and his record in that office
won reelection when the first term expired.
Mr. Higbee was also prominent in legal quarters.
He was a member of the Fayette County Bar Association and a recognized leader in its affairs. He argued
many important cases before the State and United
States Supreme courts. He was a candidate for judge
of the State Supreme Court in November, I932, but
was defeated by Justice William B. Linn. In the course
of the campaign, however, Mr. Higbee came to be
known throughout Pennsylvania as a result of the
many speeches that he made. During the World War
period he was appointed, with the approval of President Woodrow Wilson, to serve as counsel for A.
Mitchell Palmer, alien custodian conservator. In the
closing months of his life Mr. Higbee was named to
the Fayette County Strategy Board to serve with Robert J. Arnett, Dean D. Sturgis and Judge W. Russell
Carr. At different times over many years he was
named special counsel in a number of cases brought
before the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court, and he
was also appointed special counsel in the case of the
Commonweafth against Frances S. Keirsted, who was
arraigned on charges of tax embezzlement. Mr. Higbee was active in the Free and Accepted Masons in
Fayette County, having been a Past Master of Solomon's Lodge, No. 646, of Connellsville;' Past Thrice
Potent Master of Uniontown Lodge of Perfection; and
a member of Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. In addition to all his other
undertakings, Mr. Higbee served as a member of the
Board of Education in Connellsville in I9o6, helping
with the campaign to expand the educational system of
that city. He was solicitor when Connellsville made
the change from a borough to a city government in
1913, and drew up the laws and ordinances by which
the change was effected. He was the first president of
the Connellsville City Planning Commission.  He
worshipped in the Presbyterian faith.
On September 22, 1897, Edward Carter Higbee
married Emma Lint, of Lower Tyrone Township,
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, daughter of William
and Jennie (Kinnison-Sisler) Lint. She died July 7,
I937, and Mr. Higbee died February 12, I938. Both
were beloved residents of Connellsville and honored
citizens of this region of Pennsylvania. Both had contributed in an outstanding way to the general welfare
and both were respected and honored in the circle in
which they moved. Five children were born to them:
I. Donald Mestrezat, of further mention.  2. Ruth,
now Mrs. Ruth (Higbee) Stauffer. 3. William
Brown, of further mention. 4. Edward Sterling, of
Connellsville. 5. Emily Jean, who married Joe White
ley, of Connellsville, where they reside.
8oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The first-named of these children, Donald Mestrezat
Higbee, was born January I7, I899, in Connellsville,
Pennsylvania, and there attended the public schools
and was graduated from high school in I917. He then
became a student at Amherst College, in Amherst,
Massachusetts, where he was graduated in I92I, a
Bachelor of Arts. Entering the Law School of the
University of Pittsburgh, he took the Bachelor of
Laws degree at that institution of learning in I925,
and in the same year was duly admitted to the bar of
Pennsylvania. He became a member of his father's
firm of Higbee, Matthews and Lewellyn, and so continues to the present, being engaged in a general practice of law. He is a member of the Fayette County
Bar Association and the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.
Since the passing of his father, he has taken a more
and more responsible position with respect to his professional activities, and he is widely and favorably
known in the legal circle in which he moves, as well
as in civic and social life.
On September I7, I929, Donald Mestrezat Higbee
married Martha Elizabeth Port, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Frank B. and Grace (Yard)
Port. To this marriage the following children were
born: I. Martha Jane Higbee, on October I8, I930. 2.
Edward Carter Higbee, 2d, on November 30, I933.
William Brown Higbee, or W. Brown Higbee, as
he is generally known, younger brother of Donald M.
Higbee, was born August 8, I905, in Connellsville,
Pennsylvania, and attended the public schools there
and was graduated from high school. After two years
at Amherst College, he spent two and one-half years
at the University of West Virginia, where he was
graduated in I927 with the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Entering the Law School of the University of Pittsburgh, he was graduated in I930 with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws, and on September 29 of that year
was admitted to practice. He is now the junior member of the firm of Higbee, Lewellyn and Higbee. From
1936 to 1938 he was assistant district attorney of Fayette County, resigning from that office on January I,
J938, when he became junior partner in the law firm
mentioned above. He is a member of the Fayette
County Bar Association, the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity and the
honorary legal fraternity known as the Coif at the
University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church.
On July 3, 1930, W. Brown Higbee married Elizabeth Rittenhouse Morrison, familiarly known to her
many friends as Betty Rittenhouse Morrison, of
Clarksburg, West Virginia, daughter of Harry C. and
Flora (Rittenhouse) Morrison, of that place.  Her
father was formerly a construction engineer and later
was engaged in the newspaper business. A daughter,
Barbara Morrison Higbee, was born to this union on
October 28, I933.
JOHN W. CRAMER-In numerous capacities
John W. Cramer has effectively and usefully served
the city of Johnstown, now acting as city clerk. The
people here admire and respect him, and he is widely
krnown throughout this region of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Cramer was born September 4, I86I, in Scioto
County, Ohio, where his parents were then living,
though he regards himself as in every real sense a
native of Indiana County, where the Cramers removed a few weeks after his birth. This move was
niade on account of disturbed conditions due to the
c,utbreak of the Civil War, and Wilson Cramer enlisted at Pittsburgh, on the way to Indiana County.
His father, the Rev. Wilson Cramer, a native of
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, was a clergyman
of the United Brethren faith. He died in I9o8. The
mother, Amanda (Griffith) Cramer, was born in Indiana County, and she also is now deceased. The
Rev. Wilson Cramer was a soldier with the i96th
Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment during the Civil
War.
Attending the public schools, John W. Cramer was
later a student at the State Normal School, at Indiana, Pennsylvania, there being graduated with the
class of I887. He became an instructor in the public
schools, so serving for some years. He then became
clerk of the Common Council of Johnstown in I895,
acting for three years in that capacity.  For four
years thereafter he was city clerk, and for three years
he was deputy treasurer of Cambria County. In I9TI
he was elected city clerk of Johnstown, and he still
holds this position and in it renders valuable service.
His contribution to the life of his city and State
has been many-sided and constructive. He was, in addition to all his other public services, secretary of the
building committee that was responsible for erecting
the present City Hall. He is, indeed, one of Johnstown's best informed men, being particularly familiar
with local events, and his assistance has been of great
value in the compilation of records. He has four
grandsons  and  one  granddaughter.   Along  with
his other activities, Mr. Cramer has assisted in the
taking of the United States census of I9IO. During
the World War he served on different boards and
was a four-minute speaker, receiving the customary
certificate of merit in recognition of his work. He
is a member of the Woodmen of the World, the Protected Home Circle, the Johnstown Young Men's
Christian Association and is a member of the official
8iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
pied the post of superintendent for the German Townshlip schools in Fayette County for nine years.  In
I918 he was appointed principal of the Georges Township High School and was serving in this capacity
when he was elected controller of Fayette County in
I936.  Since that time he has managed his official
duties with an efficiency and ability that have won
him the commendation and respect of his fellow-citizens. Throughout his career he has been a staunch
supporter of the Democratic party. In his social activities he has devoted his interests largely to fraternal organizations, holding membership in Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Uniontown Lodge of the
Knights of Malta. In religion he worships at the Presbyterian Church.
In I899, Mr. Montgomery married Alice Gearhart
of W"Torthville, Jefferson County, and the daughter of
Jesse and Lavina (Geist) Gearhart. Mr. and Mrs.
Montgomery are the parents of five children: I. Horace, who was born in Derrick City, January 6, I9o6,
received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Northern University, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree
from  the University of Georgia, is now head of the
history department of the California State Teachers
College. 2. Lavina Montgomery Reitz, a graduate of
the California State Teachers College and now  a
teacher in the Georges Township  schools.  3. H.
Bruce, who was graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in I930, and a
Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of
Maryland. He is now engaged in a general practice
of medicine at Fairchance. 4. Mark R., who was graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in I937, and is now a student at the
Maryland Medical College. 5. Sara, who is a member of the junior class in the Georges Township High
School.
HON. WOODA N. CARR-Hon. Wooda N.
Carr, former Congressman, and for more than forty
years a leading member of the Fayette County bar, has
won an enviable place in the professional, business and
civic life of his county and State.
Mr. Carr was born in Allegheny City, (now Pittsburgh) Pennsylvania, February 6, I87I, a son of John
D. and Amanda (Cook) Carr, natives of this State,
the father of Scotch-Irish and the mother, of English
descent. John D. Carr was for many years superintendent of the WV. VW. Wallace Marble and Construction Works of Pittsburgh, later moving to Uniontown
and establishing himself in the same business.  He
served as chairman of the Consolidated Charities of
Pennsylvania and as a member of the committee appointed to codify the poor laws of the State. Nicholas
Carr, grandfather of Wooda N. Carr, was the first
member of this branch of the family to come to the
United States, arriving from Ireland and settling in
Allegheny County, where he engaged in farming. He
died in Pittsburgh in I879. On his maternal side Mr.
Carr is a grandson of James R. Cook whose grandfather Col. Edward Cook was an officer in the Revolutionary VWrar, an intimate friend of George Washington and one of the first law judges of Western Pennsylvania.
Wooda N. Carr received his education in the public
schools of Fayette County, Redstone Preparatory
Academy and Monongahela College, graduating from
the latter institution in I89I with the Bachelor of Arts
degree, receiving his Master's degree five years later.
After leaving college he became a member of the editorial staff of the "Uniontown News," later consolidated with the "Uniontown Standard" and published
as the "News-Standard." He was an able editorial
writer and a frequent contributor to metropolitan publications.
In 1893 Wooda N. Carr registered as a student of the
law in the office of the late David M. Hertzog, Esq.,
the eminent preceptor of many of the attorneys of the
Fayette County bar. Mr. Carr's wide acquaintance
gained through his editorial work and as a public
speaker, won for him success at the bar almost from
the beginning of his practice in I895.  In I9o8 he
formed a partnership with his brother, W. Russell
Carr, now one of the judges of the Court of Common
Pleas of the county, which continued until the latter's election to the bench in I938, a period of thirty
years. The firm of Carr and Carr was retained in
much of the important litigation in Fayette and adjoining counties and was esteemed throughout the
State for its high standing in the profession. Mr. Carr
has served as president of the Fayette County Bar Association and chairman of its executive committee.
He is a member of the Appellate Courts of Pennsylvania, the Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of
the United States, his admission to, the latter tribunal
having been moved by Hon. John W. Davis a leader of
the American bar and former Minister to England,
with whom Mr. Carr served in Congress.
In I9I2 Mr. Carr was elected to Congress in the first
administration of President Wilson. In recognition of
his attainments in his profession he was appointed a
member of the Committee on Appropriations, which,
together with the Ways and Means Committee, is the
chief factor in all legislation. Throughout his entire
service Mr. Carr was recognized as an accomplished
4ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Board of the Franklin Street Methodist Episcopal
Church, and for many years has been teacher of the
Vincent Bible Class.
In I890 John W. Cramer married Florence M.
Haynes, a daughter of Napoleon and Ann M. (Parker)
Haynes of Johnstown. She is a granddaughter of
Joseph Haynes, a pioneer settler of the city, Haynes
Street being named for his family and Napoleon
Street for his son, Napoleon, who was Mrs. Cramer's
father. Mrs. Cramer is a member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution. The following children
were born of this marriage: I. Frank W., who was
graduated from Pennsylvania State College with the
degree of Electrical Engineer, and is associated with
the Carnegie-Lorain Steel Company, of Pittsburgh. 2.
Wtalter H., also a graduate of Pennsylvania State
College. 3. Milton J., a graduate of the College of
Csteopathy, of Philadelphia.
W. F. PHENNICIE-Supervising principal of
the Garrett schools, W. F. Phennicie is a native of
Garrett who has spent his time since graduation from
college ast a teacher and executive in the Garrett
schools.
W. F. Phennicie was born in Garrett November
26, 1909, son of L. A. and Maude (Miller) Phennicie.
L. A. Phennicie, a native of West Virginia, is an operator on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. His wife
is a native of Dutch Run, Armstrong County.
After passing through the public schools of Garrett
and spending three years in the Garrett High School,
W. F. Phennicie graduated from Meyersdale High
School and then studied at Juniata College, receiving
his degree of Bachelor of Arts in I93I. At present
Mr. Phennicie is studying for his Master's degree
at the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating
from Juniata College, Mr. Phennicie selected teaching
for his profession and obtained a position in the Garrett schools in 1932, being promoted to supervisory
principal in I935. A member of the Pennsylvania
State Education Association and the National Education Association, Mr. Phennicie is also an active member of the Church of the Brethren in Garrett, serving
it as clerk, superintendent of the Sunday school and
also teaching in the Sunday school. He is a member
of the Republican party.
W. F. Phennicie married in May, 193o, Mollie
Sweeney, of Fairhope, a township in Butler County.
Mr. and Mrs. Phennicie are the parents of two children: I. Barbara Anne, born July 20, 1934. 2. Nancy
Jane, born April 2, I938.
DR. CHARLES ELLIOTT HAYS-A wellknown member of the Johnstown medical profession,
and a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the
ear, nose and throat for the past twenty-five years,
Dr. Charles Elliott Hays is highly regarded both
by his professional colleagues and those who have
found his services so beneficial to their physical well
being.
Dr. Hays was born December 9, I883, in Junction
City, Kansas, the son of' Dr. Robert M. and Annie E.
Hays. Dr. Robert M. Hays, a most successful physician during his lifetime, was the son of Rev. Isaac N.
Hays, D. D., of Washington County, a Presbyterian
minister. John Hays, father of Rev. Isaac N. Hays,
D. D., and son of William Hays, a Washington
County settler in I796, was engaged in farming in this
section and was a trustee of Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Charles Elliott Hays pursued a pre-medical
course at Washington and Jefferson College after
concluding his high school studies, and later enrolled at
the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was graduated in I9O8 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He has also done extensive postgraduate work at Jefferson Medical College Hospital in Philadelphia, in the study of the ear,
nose and throat. After serving an interneship at St.
Timothy's Hospital in Philadelphia, Dr. Hays established offices in Johnstown in I9IO for the general practice of medicine. Two years later he decided to limit
his practice to ear, nose and throat work, in which he
has earned an enviable reputation. He is at present
on the staff of the Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital as a bronchialologist, and he has also found time
to write several articles and monographs for various
medical journals. During the World War he was assigned to Base Hospital No. 38, and later transferred
to Mobile Hospital, No. 4, American Expeditionary
Forces.  At the conclusion of the war he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain, and returned to private practice.
He is a member of Westmont Presbyterian Church,
a Republican, and a member of Cambria Lodge, No.
278, Free and Accepted Masons, and Phi Kappa Psi
Fraternity. He is also affiliated with the Pennsylvania and Cambria County Medical societies and the
American Medical Association, and holds membership'
in the American Legion, Bachelor's Clubs and the Sunnehanna Country Club.
He was married, July I8, I924, to Mary M. Murphy,
of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
82ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
DR. JOHN WALTER BARR-A member of
the medical profession for more than thirty years,
Dr. John Walter Barr, has been practicing in Johnstown for the past seventeen years, where he has gained
a high reputation as a specialist in Dermatology and
Syphilology. He was born in Huntingdon County, November 22, I878, the son of Dr. John C. and Mary
Elizabeth (Wilson) Barr, both deceased. Dr. John
C. Barr, also a native of Huntingdon County was a
highly regarded member of the local medical fraternity
for many years.
Dr. John Walter Barr entered Stone Valley Academy upon the completion of his public school education, and later matriculated at Jefferson Medical College, where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of' Medicine in I905. For the next thirteen years
he conducted a general practice at Nanty Glo, Cambria County, and then in July, I9I8, he enlisted for
-war service, becoming a first lieutenant in the Medical
Corps of the United States Army, stationed at the
Base Hospital at Camp Upton, Long Island, New
York. He was later promoted to the rank of Captain, and received his honorable discharge, May 22,
Ij919, whereupon he entered Harvard Medical College
for a six months postgraduate course in Dermatology.
The next eighteen months were spent at Columbia University and the New York Post Graduate Hospital and
Skin and Cancer Hospital where he was engaged in the
further study of his specialties, under the tutelage of
several of the leading specialists in that field.  He
then attended the University of Pennsylvania Post
Graduate School for a further study of Dermatology,
and then on September I, I92I, he came to Johnstown
to renew his practice. Since that time he has been
successfully engaged as a specialist in Dermatology and
Syphilology, and at present is the Dermatologist on
the staff of the Conemaugh Valley _Memorial Hospital.
He is also the author of several articles and monographs on his specialties, which have appeared in the
leading medical journals, and in addition to his medical activities he has extensive farming interests in
Ohio and the State of Washington.
He is an active member of the First Presbyterian
Church, and was formerly for many years an Elder
and Deacon and Sunday School teacher at the Westmtont Presbyterian Church. Politically he is a supporter of the Republican party, and in the Masonic
Order he is a Past Master of Summit Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons at Ebensburg, and a member
of the Williamsport Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Altoona. He is also
past president of the Cambria County Medical Soc:ety, and is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Medical
Society, American Medical Association, Pittsburgh
Dermatological Society and the American Academy
of Dermatologists. He is also active in civic affairs
being a member of the local Rotary Club, and for two
years, president of the Johnstown Sportsmen's Association.
Dr. Barr was married January 6, I903, to Ada Myrtle Randolph, a native of Huntingdon County.
DR. REX ARTHUR PATTERSON-Dr. Rex
Arthur Patterson of Ligonier, was born February 6,
1905, at Seanor, Somerset County, the son of Samuel
A. and Effie M. (Evans) Patterson. Samuel A. Patterson, born near Spruce Creek, May 6, I873, was a
lumberman and merchant during his life time. He was
a Thirty-second Degree Mason, and during the Spanish American War, sailed from Newport News, Virginia, as a member of Sheridan Troop of Tyrone,
Pennsylvania, and saw active service in Cuba for one
year.  He died at Rockwood, Pennsylvania, )March
8, I935. His wife was born at Snow Shoe, Pennsylvania, June 30, I887.
Dr. Patterson received his early education in the
Somerset County schools at Humbert and Bakersville,
Pennsylvania. After a three-year course at California
State Normal School, he went to the Old Central
IHigh School at Johnstown, graduating in I927. He
then entered the University of West Virginia, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I932, and a
degree of Bachelor of Science the following year. He
completed his studies at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in I935 and received his degree
of Doctor of Medicine. After serving an interneship of one year at Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, he
e:tablished offices at Ligonier, for the general practice of medicine and surgery.
He is a Presbyterian and a member of the Democratic party, and is connected with the American, State
and County Medical associations, and is a member of
Lodge No. 33I, Free and Accepted Masons at Ligonier.
He was married, December 28, I928, at Somerset to
Loretta M. Case, born at Connellsville, February 4,
19o6, daughter of George and Gertrude (Mefford)
Case. Dr. and Mrs. Patterson are the parents of a
son, Joseph Allison, born at Rockwood, August 24,
I93I.
CARLOS GUY GONDER-Having entered the
banking field in I917, Carlos Guy Gonder of Ligonier,
is now connected with the First National Bank of this
tcwn as vice-president and cashier.  He was born
December 17, I89I, at Jenner Township, Somerset
83ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
County, the son of William Fremont and Lucy (Eschrich) Gonder. The elder Mr. Gonder, who was also
born at Jenner Township, was engaged during his
lifetime as a farmer, and was active in his support of
the Republican party.
Carlos Guy Gonder attended the township schools
and Manlius Military School at Manlius, New York,
and attended Johnstown High School.. In I912 he
was graduated from Franklin and Marshall Academy,
and then entered Penn State College, receiving his
degree of Bachelor of Science in I916. He entered
the service of the First National Bank at Boswell, as
a. clerk, and remained with this institution until January 5, I918, when he enlisted in the United States
Army, and was assigned to the 3d Officers' Training
School at Camp Dix, New Jersey. He went overseas
June Io, I918, and was sent, first to the Saumur Artillery School, and then to the Heavy Artillery School
at Angers, France. Commissioned a second lieutenant,
he joined Battery C of the I46th Field Artillery, and
remained with this unit until the end of hostilities,
when his outfit became a part of the Army of Occupation, and remained on German soil until he sailed
for home on the United States Steamship "Powhatan,"
June i8, I919, and landed in America twelve days
later. He was honorably discharged, July 25, I9I9, and
for the next year held various positions. In I920 he
became assistant cashier at the Peoples' State Bank
in Boswell, and after three years entered the employ
of the First National Bank at Indian Head in the
capacity of cashier.  Three years later he became
cashier of the First National Bank of Ligonier, and
from here he went with the Ligonier National Bank as
vice-president. After a period of three years with
this institution he assumed his present duties with
the First National Bank, and his ability as a banker
is recognized by the community.
He is a member of the Republican party, and is affiliated with King Solomon's Lodge, No. 346, Free and
Accepted Masons, Connellsville, Royal Arch Chapter,
No. 283, Uniontown Commandery, No. 49, Knights
Templar, and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He
is also a member of Byers-Tosh Post, No. 267, American Legion, and Alpha Delta Chapter of the Chi Phi
F'raternity. He was married at Boswell, Pennsylvania,
July I7, 1924, to Marrea Elizabeth Wagner, daughter
of Charles and Fannie (Garlitz) Wagner.
JACOB EARLE ROBERTS-Identified with
the educational system of Fayette County for the past
thirty-five years, and principal of the Springhill Township and Point Marion schools for the better part of a
decade, Jacob E. (J. Earle) Roberts has assumed a
place of outstanding importance in the teaching profession of this section of the State.
Mr. Roberts, of old Pennsylvania stock on both
sides of his family, was born at Kirby, Greene County
on January I2, I890, the son of Dr. George B. and
Carrie (Shriver) Roberts, both of his native county,
the former from his birthplace and the latter from
Waynesburg. His father, of Welsh descent, was born
in I864, and died in October, 1932. Throughout his
life the elder Roberts practiced medicine in Kirby and
Vanderbilt. Mr. Roberts received the early part of his
general education in the public schools of Vanderbilt
and in I907 completed this part of his studies at the
Dunbar Township High School. He then took a college preparatory course at the Washington and Jefferson Academy and later matriculated at the Washington
and Jefferson College from which he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of
1912. The same year he began his teaching career,
coming to Point Marion as a member of the faculty of
the public school here. He remained here for five
years and in 1917 resigned to accept the post of principal for the Redstone Township High School. In
1920 he returned to Point Marion as principal of the
schools here and continued in this capacity until he
was appointed supervising principal for the schools in
this community and Springhill Township, in I927, a
post in which he has since served with distinction and
success.
As an educator Mr. Roberts has been one of the
most active and prominent members of the profession
in Fayette County. He is a member of the National
Education Association and the Pennsylvania State
Education Association, which has twice sent him to
represent the State in the annual meetings of the
former organization. His talents have not been limited
to administrative duties alone. As a man fond of science and mechanics he is the inventor of a machine
called the Krexit, which is employed in the correction
of objective examination questions.  This device is
patented in the United States and Canada.
During his career in Fayette County Mr. Roberts
has taken a keen and active interest in the social and
civic affairs of his surroundings. In politics he subscribes to the principles of the Democratic party and
in his religious convictions is a member of the board
of trustees and teacher of the John Wesley Bible
Class of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Point
Marion. He is a member of the Point Marion Rotary
Club and fraternizes with the James Cochran Lodge,
No. 6I4, of the Free and Accepted Masons at Dawson.
He is also a member of the Chapter, Consistory and
84ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh.
On November 28, I9I7, Mr. Roberts married Mary
Bower, of Morgantown, West Virginia, and the
daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Silveus) Bower.
Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are the parents of two sons:
George Adam and Joseph Bower.
WILLIAM CARNS KNOX, II-During his
career, which spans over thirteen years, William Carns
Knox II, teller of the First National Bank of I,igonier,
has devoted his energies to the field of finance and
been associated in various capacities with some of the
largest banking institutions in this section of the State.
Mr. Knox was born in Ligonier Township, December 30, I905, the son of William Carns and Mollie
(Boucher) 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 L,igonier
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 I I, 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 Ligonier, where
he was active in the work of the congregation and for
many years 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  Carns, with whose career
we are here especially concerned; Eliza Jane, born
March 15, 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,
I854.
William Carns 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 education
was very meagre for, 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 in the IIth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and at the end of that period reenlisted for nine months in Company G, I35th 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 very active 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 6th 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 afterwards, 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
85ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
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
Harpers Ferry, where they received orders to hold
this point at all hazards. The time of enlistment had
expired and most of 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 I35th
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as sergeant of Company G. Once more he was mustered in
at Harrisbirg 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 I35th 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 Potomac at headquarters, and he was
finally mustered out at Washington, District of Columbia, 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. This 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 latest home of John Houston, where he lived in
well-earned leisure up to the time of his death on May
20, I918. Mr. Knox had always been an active figure
in the general life of the community, a staunch member of the Republican party, and he had 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 Republican ticket and served
on that body for one term. Mr. Knox had 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
as adjutant thereof. He was also prominent in Masonic circles and was a member of Ligonier Lodge,
No. 331, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and
Past Master thereof for ten years. He was also a
member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 5II, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. In his religious beliefs
he was a Methodist and attended the church of that
denomination in Ligonier, in which he had been very
active in the work of his congregation.
William Carns 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 I5, 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 her 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 to this union, William Carns II, of
whom further.
Such is the background of William Carns Knox II,
who after completing a general education at the
Ligonier High School in I924 attended the University
of Pittsburgh for one year. During the same period
he began his banking career, working in various capacities for the East End Savings and Trust Company
of Pittsburgh. In 1925 he joined the Mellon National Bank and during the ensuing seven years rose
through the various departments until he attained the
86ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
post of teller, the office he held at the time he resigned
in I932. During the latter year he came to I,igonier
and has since served as teller of the First National
Bank here with distinction and success. He is a Republican in politics, fraternizes with the Blue Lodge
of Free and Accepted Masons, and worships at the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Ligonier, in which he
serves as a member of the board of stewards.
DR. THOMAS  G. MacGREGOR, Jr.-Dr.
Thomas G. MacGregor, Jr., a practicing physician and
surgeon in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, was born December 6, I905, at Pittsburgh, the son of Thomas G. and
Mildred MacGregor. Thomas G. MacGregor, a native of Canada is engaged in the jewelry business.
Dr. MacGregor was educated in the Pittsburgh
public schools, and graduated from Ben Avon High
School in I924. He then enrolled at the University
of Pittsburgh, and received his degree of Bachelor of
Science in I928, and four years later he received his
degree of Doctor of Mledicine from the same institution. The following year he served his interneship at
Robert Packard Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania, and
from here went to Hazleton State Hospital, as surgeon. During I934 he was with the Citizens Conservation Corps, and was stationed at various posts, and
then he became a member of the staff of Miners' Hospital at Spangler, terminating this work July I, I935,
to establish his private practice at Ligonier.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at
Ligonier, an active Republican, and a member of the
State and County Medical societies, and the American
Medical Association. He is affiliated with Nu Sigma
Nu Fraternity, and is also a member of the Medical
Reserve Corps of the United States Army. He was
married, August 2I, I937, to Eleanor Steele, of Pittsburgh, daughter of Stella (Artis) Steele, a native of
Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
JOHN M. DEEDS-Like his distinguished
father, John M. Deeds has achieved distinction in the
social, civic and agricultural life of Ligonier, where
the family has been prominent for generations. Until
recently he was a breeder of fancy sheep and won
national renown and prizes for his entries in numerous
shows throughout the country.  Since I935 he has
engaged in the profession of landscape gardening and
is enjoying unusual success in this occupation.
Mr. Deeds was born at Ligonier, March 7, I894, the
son of George W. and Pora Emma (Hauger) Deeds,
both natives of this State. His father, who was born
at the Deeds Ligonier Valley homestead, and was
educated in the public schools of this community,
began his active career as a horse and cattle dealer at
the age of fifteen. He prospered and upon reaching his
majority opened a livery stable in Ligonier which he
operated for fifteen years. At the expiration of this
period he sold the establishment and entered the insurance and real estate business with which he was
engaged until his death on December 3, I927. Throughout his long and distinguished career the elder Deeds
was prominent both as a business and civic leader. He
was an organizer and treasurer of the South Ligonier
Coal Company, an organizer and director of the First
National Bank of Ligonier, and a member of the firm
of Deeds and Byers of this city. He was an influential figure in the county Democratic organization and
as a public official was mayor of Ligonier, justice of
the peace, borough councilman and a county com-.missioner.
The Deeds family trace their ancestry in this section
of the State to Jacob Deeds, great-grandfather of John
M. Deeds, who came here from his native Somerset
County as a young man and engaged in farming. He
married Mary Weller and they were the parents of
six children, among them John, who like his father
engaged in farming here until his passing in I9O8.
John married Rebecca Jane Nicely, and they became
the parents of five children, among them George WV.,
father of John M. Deeds.
After completing his high school studies in Ligonier
John M. Deeds attended the Indiana State Normal
School. Soon thereafter the United States entered
the World War and he enlisted in the infantry of the
United States Army on April I5, I917. He became a
member of Company M, IIoth Infantry of the 28th
Division, was sent overseas with this unit and saw
action in a number of major engagements, including
Chateau Thierry, the Aisne, St. Mihiel and the MeuseArgonne. On August second or third he was wounded
by shrapnel and gassed during the battle of the Marne
and later was awarded the Victory Medal and the
Order of the Purple Heart for gallantry under fire.
He served with the Army of Occupation and in October, I919, was honorably discharged.
Returning to Ligonier he engaged in farming and
general stock raising for the next ten years. It was
during this period that he became interested in breeding pure bred Shropshire sheep, which he showed
throughout the country, winning wide recognition for
the excellence of his entries. As mentioned heretofore,
he has engaged in landscape gardening since I935.
Perpetuating family tradition, Mr. Deeds has generously contributed to the general welfare and been
called upon to occupy several highly important positions of public trust. In this connection he was county
chairman of the unemployment commission in 1933,
and the following year was State chairman. Through
87ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
his military service he has been very active in the
Byers-Tosh Post of the American Legion, which he
now heads as commander. He is also a former commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In politics
he is a Republican and in his religious convictions
worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Deeds married, in Cumberland, Maryland, Ella
May Lowry, who was born in Ligonier, July 28, I9oo00.
She was the daughter of Edward and Gertrude
(Beatty) Lowry, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Deeds
are the parents of two children: John NM. and Roseann.
EARL BROOKS GILBERT, M. D.-Becoming
associated with his father in the general practice of
medicine in Scottdale, Dr. Earl Brooks Gilbert has
been active in the medical field of this locality to the
present date. He was born in Wilkinsburg, August
29, I893, the son of Dr. Levi Tarr and Rebecca
(Brooks) Gilbert. The elder Dr. Gilbert was an active Republican and was affiliated with the Free and
Accepted Masons.  He served as a director of the
Scottdale Savings Trust Company, and was a member
of the County, State and American Medical associations. He died September 8, I932.
Dr. Earl Brooks Gilbert received his elementary
education in the Alverton and Scottdale public schools,
and was graduated from Scottdale High School in
I911. He next entered Allegheny College, and upon
receiving his degree of Bachelor of Science in 1915
matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, where he received his degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I920. After an interneship of one year at
Allegheny General Hospital, he came to Scottdale to
practice his profession as an associate of his father,
and this union continued until the father's death. Dr.
Gilbert has since operated the offices alone, and is also
on the staff of the Frick Memorial Hospital.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and in his political faith, a supporter of the Republican
party. He is well known in the Masonic Order, being
connected with the Free and Accepted Masons, Scottdale Lodge of Perfection and the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and a member
of Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine of Pittsburgh. He holds membership in
the County and State Medical societies, and the American Medical Association, and is a charter member of
the Pleasant Valley Country Club. During the World
War period as a medical student, he was a member of
the Medical Reserve Corps, and after the Armistice
was honorably discharged. He belongs to the local
post of the American Legion.
He was married August 6, 1921, to Verna Elizabeth
Eicher, daughter of John F. and Belle (Ridenour)
Eicher, and they are the parents of a son, Earl Brooks
Gilbert, Jr., born February IO, I923.
HENRY VINTON OVERHOLT-As proprietor of the H. V. Overholt Motors Company of Scottdale, Henry Vinton Overholt is well known in the
business world of this locality. He was born in this
town December I2, I898, the son of Abraham C. and
Gertrude (Torrence) Overholt. Abraham C. Overholt, a native of West Overton, Pennsylvania, was engaged in the iron and coal business, and was a trustee
of Lafayette College. He also served for a time as
school director.
Henry Vinton Overholt attended the Scottdale
schools, and after one year at the high school, enrolled
at Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, Connecticut. Later
he entered Sheffield Scientific School of Yale University, and received the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy
in I92I. He was engaged in the operation of a coal
mine from I92I to I923, and then entered the automobile business, as a dealer in Buick cars. He is also
agent for Chevrolet and General Motors trucks, and
Goodyear tires, and employs twelve men in the conduct
of his business. He is also a director of the First
National Bank of Scottdale and of the United States
Pipe and Foundry Company of Burlington, New Jersey.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church and a life-'long Republican, and is a member of the Borough
Council. He is affiliated with the Harvard, Yale,
Princeton Club of Pittsburgh, and the Chi Phi Fraternity, and is a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons, and the American Legion. He is also connected with the Pennsylvania Automotive Association,
and the Uniontown Country Club.
He was married January 7, 1932, at Pittsburgh, to
Elma Binns, a native of Fayette City, daughter of
James G. and Elizabeth (Parsons) Binns. Mr. and
Mrs. Overholt are the parents of a daughter, Gertrude
Elizabeth, born at Pittsburgh, June 19, 1934.
JAMES PORTER STRICKLER, M. D.-In
his civic and professional accomplishments Dr. James
Porter Strickler is perpetuating the traditions of his
forebears who are listed among the early Colonial settlers of the State. For well over thirty years he has
conducted a highly successful general practice in his
native community of Scottdale and through his contributions has come to be ranked among its most representative citizens. In his professional accomplishments
he is emulating the career of his distinguished father,
00ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for years one of the outstanding medical practitioners
of Westmoreland County.
Dr. Strickler was born in Scottdale, November II,
1877, the son of Dr. Albert William and Mary Elizabeth (Townsend) Strickler, also the parents of six
other children, three of whom died in infancy. Those
surviving are: I. Judson T., a resident of Scottdale,
who in 1902 married Lillian Mikesell, of Indiana
County, and is now the father of these children: Paul,
Albert, Wayne, Mary, Elizabeth, Carolyn, Jean. 2.
Albert J., also a resident of Scottdale, who married
Bess Millen, of this community. 3. Helen M., a
teacher in the public schools.
The elder Dr. Strickler was born in West Newton,
Westmoreland County, in I847, and died at Scottdale
September 30, I924. He received his degree of Doctor
of Medicine from the Jefferson Medical College in
1871, and six years later came to Scottdale, where he
continued throughout his life. During the last twentythree years of his career his son, Dr. James Porter
Strickler, was associated with him in practice. Dr.
Albert William Strickler married Mary Elizabeth
Townsend, also a member of an old and distinguished
Pennsylvania family.; She was born in Fayette County,
June 19, I850, and died at Scottdale, June 20, I928.
Prominent among the ancestors of the Strickler
family in Pennsylvania, is Jacob Strickler, Jr., who
was born December 5, I749, and died in I828. Prior
to coming to Fayette County, where he settled in
Tyrone Township, he had served as a member of the
Southampton Company of the Bucks County Militia.
He was the father of Henry Strickler, great-grandfather of Dr. Strickler, who was born May 20, I785,
and died August 24, I854. Dr. Strickler's paternal
grandfather was John Newton Strickler, who was born
September 28, 1813, and died MAarch I6, I857.
Dr. James Porter Strickler received a general education in the public schools of his native community
and after completing this part of his studies in I896
he attended the Western Pennsylvania Medical College (now the University of Pittsburgh) for two years,
and finished his last two years at the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9OI.
The same year he returned to Scottdale and established
himself in a general practice with his father whom he
was to be associated with until the latter's passing in
I924. Since that time he has continued alone and won
wide distinction for his ability and accompliskments.
He is a member of all of the leading medical institutions in this section, and serves as a member of the
medical staff of the Frick Memorial IHospital at Mount
Pleasant and the Connellsville State Hospital at Connellsville. In his professional affiliations he belongs
to the Westmoreland County Medical Society, the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. For a number of years he has
also served as local surgeon for the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad.
In a civic capacity Dr. Strickler has lent his support
to all worthy public projects. He is a former member
of the Scottdale Board of Education, has been a director of the Young Men's Christian Association for over
a quarter of a century, and through ancestry on both
sides of the family is eligible to membership in the
Sons of the American Revolution. In politics he is a
Republican and in his religious convictions worships
at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has
been very prominent and active, serving as a member
of the board of trustees of the local institution, in
which he was also Sunday school superintendent for
eighteen years.
On October 22, 1903, Dr. Strickler married Abigail
Hull, of Scottdale, and daughter of Thomas N. and
Jane Rebecca (Haire) Hull, both deceased. Like her
distinguished husband Mrs. Strickler has taken a keen
and active interest in social and civic affairs, and been
particularly prominent in patriotic organizations, her
ancestry dating back prior to the Revolutionary period.
According to family record she is a direct descendant
of Isaac Hull, who served as a quartermaster in the
Sussex County, New Jersey, Troop and was commissioned a first lieutenant in Captain Archibald
Dallas' Company, Colonel Spencer's Regiment of Infantry, Continental Army, on February 17, I777. She
is a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of
the American Revolution.
LeROY CLIFFORD WAGGONER, M. D.Engaged in the general practice of medicine and
surgery in his native city of Brownsville throughout
a noteworthy career of more than thirty years, Dr.
LeRoy Clifford Waggoner, the oldest surgeon in this
locality, is highly esteemed and respected for his sympathetic attitude towards, and his conscientious efforts
in behalf of those who have been numbered among his
extensive practice.
Dr. Waggoner was born September 7, I88I, the son
of Levi Craft and Ella (Aubrey) Waggoner, both
deceased. The elder Mr. Waggoner, born in Brownsville, December 29, i85I, worked for a time as a marble cutter for M. and T. S. Wright. He was later
engaged in the dry goods and grocery business, and at
the time of his death, March I8, I929, worked as a
contractor. He was a well-known Republican, having
served as Burgess of Brownsville, and as school director, and he was a member of the Independent Order
89ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Odd Fellows. His wife, born in August, I856, died
August 7, I937.
Dr. Waggoner graduated from the local schools and
then attended Media Academy, being a member of the
class of I9oo.  He next matriculated at Jefferson
Medical College, where he was awarded his degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I904. The following year he
served an interneship at Western Pennsylvania Hiospital, and in I905 began his practice in Brownsville,
where he has been located ever since. He is a specialist
in abdominal surgery and gynecology, and is senior
member of the surgical staff of Brownsville Hospital.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and a
follower of the Republican party. He is a charter
member of the Brownsville Lodge, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and is affiliated with Alpha
Omega and Phi Beta Pi fraternities, and the County,
State and American Medical associations.
He is married to Minna Pearsall, daughter of Daniel and Matilda (Leadbeater) Pearsall, both natives of
England.
DEAN DONNELL STURGIS-As a member
of the executive committee of the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association, former president of the Fayette
County Bar Association and one time assistant district
attorney of this county, Dean Donnell Sturgis, who has
practiced here for over seventeen years and is now a
member of the firm of Morrow and Sturgis in Uniontown, ranks among the most prominent attorneys in
Southwestern Pennsylvania, where he is also an influential leader in the local Republican organization.
Mr. Sturgis was born at Beloit, Kansas, December
I, 1893, the son of James and Maud (Donnell) Sturgis. His father, who died June 12, I930, was also an
attorney and practiced for part of his career in his
son's native State, later spending the balance in Fayette County, where he enjoyed success and the deep
esteem and respect of his colleagues.
Mr. Sturgis was brought to Fayette County by his
parents when he was three years old. He spent his
boyhood here and after receiving the early part of his
general education in the public schools, attended Kiskiminetas Spring School where he completed this part
of his studies. He then matriculated at Bucknell University, from which he was graduated in I916 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts and later attended the
Harvard Law School taking a Bachelor of Laws
degree in 1920. His collegiate career was interrupted
with the United States entrance into the World War.
In May, I917, he enlisted, was sent to the first officers
training camp, was commissioned a first lieutenant on
August 31 of that year and was assigned to the 23d
Infantry of the 2d Division. The following month he
went overseas with this unit and saw action at the
famous engagement at Chateau-Thierry, in which he
was seriously wounded. For eight weeks he was confined in a hospital, but was ready to resume service in
time to take part in the St. Mihiel Drive. In recognition of his distinguished services he was elevated to
the rank of captain and returned to the United States
to become an instructor in machine gunnery at Camp
Hancock, Augusta, Georgia, where he remained until
he was honorably discharged from the service in
January, I9I9.
He resumed his professional studies, and in I920,
after receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws, was
admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar and became
associated with his father's law firm in Uniontown
which continued under the name of Sturgis, Morrow
and Sturgis until S. John Morrow was appointed to
the bench as judge of the Fayette County Court of
Common Pleas. From that time until the passing of
the elder Mr. Sturgis, father and son operated under
the name of Sturgis and Sturgis. From this time until
January I, I936, Mr. Sturgis practiced alone. The
aforementioned date marked the retirement from the
bench of Judge Morrow, who immediately thereafter
formed the present partnership of Morrow and Sturgis.
In 1936 Mr. Sturgis was elected a member of the
executive committee of the Pennsylvania State Bar
Association, and the same year headed the Fayette
County Bar Association as president. In addition to
these professional affiliations he belongs to the American Bar Association and the American Law Institute.
His career in the office of assistant district attorney
for Fayette County dates back to 1922. He served in
this capacity with distinction and efficiency for two
years.
Aside from his professional pursuits, Mr. Sturgis
has also become widely known in social and fraternal
circles. He fraternizes with Laurel Lodge of the
Free and Accepted Masons, and also belongs to the
Uniontown Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He is affiliated with the Uniontown
Post of the American Legion and through his Revolutionary ancestry, which is traced back to his greatgreat-grandfather, John Sturgis, who served under
Josiah Holsten in the Ist Pennsylvania Battalion. and
is a member of the Fort Necessity Chapter of the Sons
of the American Revolution. He is also a member of
the Uniontown Country Club.
On November 26, I92I, Mr. Sturgis married Grace
Adams, of Waltham, AMassachusetts, and the daughter
of Frank D. and Minnie G. (Bemis) Adams. Mr.
and Mrs. Sturgis are the parents of one son: Franklin
Adams, who was born July 28, 1922, and is now a
student in the Uniontown Senior High School.
90ANNALS OF. SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
PHILIP J. BIRK-Born May 27, 1895, at
Pittsburgh, Philip J. Birk was the son of Bernard and
Anna (Ennis) Birk; the father, a native of Pittsburgh
and a glass worker, born October 28, I870, and now
retired. The mother was born December I8, 1871, and
died September 6, 1928. Philip J. Birk began his career as a funeral director in Jeannette, Pennsylvania,
in 1923, and was successfully engaged in this business
until the time of his death, January 4, I934. He enlisted for war service September 22, I917, and was
assigned to Headquarters Company, 325th Infantry,
82d Division. He was actively engaged at the Toul
sector, St. Mihiel and the Meuse Argonne front. He
was honorably discharged as a corporal May 28, I919.
He was a Roman Catholic, an active Republican,
and a most popular figure in civic and fraternal life.
He was affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, ILoyal Order of Moose and the Knights
of St. George.  He was also connected with the
American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars and
was an honorary member of the Garibaldi Society.
He was also a member of the Polish Dramatic Club,
and the Jeannette School Board, and an honorary
member of the Jeannette Fire Department.
The death of Mr. Birk caused great shock and sorrow among the people of Jeannette, as they realized in
his death the loss of a most upright citizen, and an
energetic worker whose civic pride was most laudable.
EDWARD J. BIRK-Born December 3, I905, at
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, Edward J. Birk is the son
of Bernard and Anna (Ennis) Birk. Bernard Birk,
a native of Pittsburgh, was born October 28. I870, and
was engaged as a glass worker. He is now retired
from business. He is an affiliate of the Fraternal'Order of Eagles. His wife, born December I8, I87I,,died September 6, 1928.
Edward J. Birk attended the Jeannette parochial
schools and later graduated from  Jeannette Iligh
School. He then became associated with his brother,
Philip J. Birk (see accompanying biography), in the
undertaking business, meanwhile studying at the
Worsham College of Anatomy in Chicago, where he
graduated in I929, subsequently receiving his State
license from the Pennsylvania Board of Undertakers.
He continued his partnership with his brother, until the
ilatter's death on January 4, I934, and since then he has
been operating the business alone under the name of
the Birk Funeral Home.
He is a communicant of the Sacred Heart Roman
Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of
Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.and Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Birk is unmarried.
PAUL EUWER-Prominently engaged in the
furniture business at Jeannette, Paul Euwer has contributed in a notable way to the general welfare of his
community, helping to increase its prosperity and doing everything in his power to better its civic conditions.
Mr. Euwer was born October 7, I898, at Jeannette,
Pennsylvania, son of William Fulton and Alice (Whitmyer) Euwer. On the paternal side of his house, his
grandparents were Matthew Gill and Elizabeth (Logan) Euwer, and his maternal grandparents were
George and Margaret H. (Elwonger) Whitmyer, of
Oakmont, Pennsylvania. William Fulton Euwer, the
father, was born March 31, I870, in Allegheny City,
Pennsylvania, and studied in the schools of Bellevue,
this State, where he went in infancy to live with his
parents, and in the public schools of Allegheny City.
He was fifteen years old when he left school and went
to work for Arthur and Schondemyer, in Ohio Street,
Allegheny City, remaining for three years with them
and rising to the salesman's rank. He then became
associated in business with his father at Verona, where
he acquired a complete knowledge of the furniture,
carpet and clothing trades. For nine years he so continued. Then the death of the senior member of the
firm changed the organization. Meanwhile, William
Fulton Euwer had sold his interest in it and had come
to Jeannette, Pennsylvania, in I897, when, with his
father-in-law, George Whitmyer, he bought the business of his uncle, E. G. Euwer, Jeannette's pioneer
furniture dealer. At the time of the purchase the store
was part of a two-story building, 20 by Ioo feet, and in
I903 an extra story was added and the floor space was
increased to 40 by Ioo00 feet. In I9IO Mr. Euwer bought
his partner's interest, made further additions and improvements, and in 1912 he opened a branch store at
Youngwood, this State. William Fulton Euwer married, on June 5, 1895, Alice Whitmyer. They had five
children: I. Margaret Elizabeth. 2. Paul, of further
mention. 3. Virginia. 4. Robert. 5. Dorothy Jean.
Of these, Paul Euwer attended the public schools of
Jeannette, and in 1920 he was graduated from the
Lawrenceville Preparatory School, at Lawrenceville,
New Jersey. He took the degree of Bachelor of
Science at Princeton University in I924. Becoming
associated with his father's furniture business at Jeannette, he proceeded to learn all the details connected
with it, and was made its vice-president and general
manager. His father continues as president of the
company, and the secretary-treasurer is E. L. Errett.
The enterprise is second to none of its size in the
State with respect to its completeness in home furnishings, and it has the reputation of sellinrg to more homes
than does any furniture store of the sort in Westmoreland County. For years it was widely known for its
9'ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Hoosier cabinets, selling more of these than any store
in the United States operating in a city of fewer than
1,500 inhabitants. The establishment came years ago
to be known as "Euwers Truly," a name affectionately
applied to it by the townspeople.
Taking a lively part in the affairs of Jeannette, Mr.
Euwer is now president of the Jeannette Chamber of
Commerce. Politically he supports the Republican party
and its principles and candidates. He is active in many
civic and social projects, being chairman of the Boy
Scouts in Zone No. 2 and a member of the Alumni
Council of the Lawrenceville School, from which
he was graduated. He was captain of the Princeton
baseball team in I924, and in I922 and I923 he played
on the university football team. He was captain of
both the football and baseball teams at Lawrenceville.
He was connected with the Students' Army Training
Corps at Princeton University during the World War
period. He is now a member of the Greensburg Country Club, the Princeton-Harvard-Yale Club, the Tiger
Inn Club and the Free and Accepted Masons.  He
worships in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Like his father, he has lent his full support
to the groups with which he is associated, with the
result that he is a valuable and valued member of his
community.
At Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on September Io,
I930, Paul Euwer married Hetty Barclay Jamison,
who was born November 5, I9oo, at Greensburg,
daughter of John M. and Hetty (Barclay) Jamison,
both natives of Greensburg. Two children were born
to this marriage: I. Hetty Barclay Euwer, on September I3, 193I, at Jeannette. 2. Paul Euwer, Jr., on
May 2, I935, at Jeannette.
WILLIAM CHATTAWAY-Since I928, William Chattaway has been operating the Marianna Mercantile Company, an establishment dealing in general
merchandise, and steadily employing a staff of five
helpers. He was born in Perry County, Ohio, February 25, I884, the son of Thomas Henry and Mary
(Bolton) Chattaway, both deceased. The elder Mr.
Chattaway, born in Coventry, England, June 2I, I86I,
came to America in I88o, and was engaged in mining.
An active Republican, he was a member of the City
Council of Monongahela, Pennsylvania, for three
terms. He died January 30, I9I4. His wife, also born
in Coventry, England, February 4, I863, died October
30, I895.
William Chattaway acquired his education in the
public schools of Monongahela, and secured employment in the coal mining district, where he worked for
five years, from I899 to I9o4. He then entered the
employ of the National Tea Company, and traveled
for this concern, continuing this work until I9I0,
after which he was with the Lutz and Schramm Company, dealers in pickles and other condiments. In I9I4
he organized his own company of this type, with himself secretary and treasurer, and operated in Pittsburgh and Monongahela, under the trade name of Lee,
Chattaway and Jacobs Company He remained in this
business until 1928, when he came to Marianna and
established the present firm, which has enjoyed a large
patronage among the people of this locality.
He is an active member of the First Presbyterian
Church at Monongahela, and has been an elder for
fourteen years. He is a Democrat in political faith,
and is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons,
and the Royal Arch Chapter, No. 80, Charleroi Commandery, Knights Templar.
He was married at Monongahela, June 28, I916, to
Edith Hazel Patterson, born April I9, I886, the daughter of Scott and Alice (Flanagan) Patterson. Mr.
and Mrs. Chattaway are the parents of two children:
I. William, born February 7, I919. 2. Hazel Alice,
born February 8, I920.
PHILIP DILLON-Entering the mining field in
I916, Philip Dillon has spent more than twenty years
in this industry, and at present is foreman of the
Marianna Mines for the Bethlehem Mines Corporation.
He was born November 25, I889, at Mahaffev, Pennsylvania, the son of Frank and Sarah (Richards)
Dillon, both deceased. During his lifetime, Frank
Dillon was proprietor of a general store at Philipsburg, Pennsylvania.
Philip Dillon was educated in the public schools of
Patton, Pennsylvania, and later attended Bellefonte
Academy, graduating in I9I2. He then entered the
University of Pittsburgh School of Mines for three
years, and in I916 entered the employ of the Ellsworth
Collieries at Ellsworth, Pennsylvania. Later this firm
was absorbed by the Bethlehem Mines Corporation,
and Mr. Dillon was sent to the Marianna Mine, where
he has been foreman of a crew of approximately seven
hundred men. In I933 he was elected burgess of Marianna for a four-year term, and he was rewarded by
reelection to another full term in I937.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and a wellknown figure in Republican affairs. In addition to his
present office, he has also served for four years as a
member of the City Council. He is affiliated with the
Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights Templar,
and is active in all civic affairs.
He was married at Ellsworth, November 24, 1915,
to Elinore Collins, a native of Ponty Pray, Wales, and
they are the parents of five children: I. Carl Eugene,
92ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTER N P"NTNTMCVT A *ATT A
born in 1916. 2. Philip John, born in I9I8. 3. William, born in 1920. 4. Irene, born in 1922. 5. Phyllis,
born in I924.
THOMAS ELLSWORTH MORGAN, M. D.
-Born in Ellsworth, Pennsylvania, October I3, I9O6,
Dr. Thomas Ellsworth Morgan is the son of William
and Mary (Lowson) Morgan. William Morgan, born
in Mountain Ash, Wales, June 22, I869, was a mine
foreman, but is now retired. He is a member of the
Democratic party. His wife is a native of Leeds,
England, having been born there July 2I, I870.
Dr. Morgan graduated from the Fredericktown
public schools and the East Bethlehem Township High
School, and then entered Waynesburg College where
he received his degree of Bachelor of Science in I930.
He then enrolled at the Detroit College of Medicine
and Surgery, and earned the degree of Bachelor of
Medicine in I933 and the degree of Doctor of Medicine
in I934. Having served an interneship at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, from I933 to I934, he came
to Fredericktown November I, 1934, and has been actively engaged in the general practice of medicine and
surgery to the present day. He is also a member of
the auxiliary staff of Brownsville Hospital.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and an
active Democrat, being a member of the Washington
County executive committee. He is affiliated with the
Pennsylvania State and Washington County Medical
associations, and holds a fellowship in the American
Medical Association. He is also connected with the
Nemacolin Country Club and the Hungry Club, and is
a member of Phi Lambda Theta and Nu Sigma Nu
fraternities.
He was married, August 26, I937, at Detroit, Michigan, to Winifred Stait, born in Winnipeg, Canada,
January 26, I9IO, daughter of William and Mary
(Bell) Stait. Mr. and Mrs. Stait are both natives of
Canada, William being born at Owens Sound, and
his wife, a direct descendant of Alexander Bell of
telephone fame, being born at Windsor.
HOWARD  C. BLISS, M. D.-A  physician in
general practice for the past thirty years, Dr. Howard
C. Bliss, of Vestaburg, Washington County, who is
widely known throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania,
is the grandson of Dr. Zadock Bliss, a practitioner in
the first half of the nineteenth century, who was the
dean of his profession in Beaver County.
Howard C. Bliss was born in South Beaver Township, Beaver County, May 22, 1883, son of Howard
and Elizabeth (Clark) Bliss. Howard Bliss, who died
in Beaver in 1918, was born in Beaver County, February I3, I855, son of Dr. Zadock and Rebecca (Mcru L.L j -L 1_1 IN N  1 - V AL  N Jn           93
Millan) Bliss. An ardent member of the Republican
party, Howard Bliss was for years the editor of a
newspaper in Rochester, Beaver County. In addition
to his journalistic concerns, he was very active in civic
affairs, serving for some time as burgess of Rochester
and representing Beaver County in the Pennsylvania
State Legislature. A member of the Beaver Congregational Church, he was superintendent of the church's
Sunday school for thirty-five years. His wife, a native of South Beaver Township, was a descendant of
an old Colonial family. Dr. Zadock Bliss, in his day
not only an outstanding general practitioner but a
civic leader of wide influence, was a member of one of
the pioneer families of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
After graduating from the old Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, class of I849, Dr. Zadock
Bliss established himself in Beaver County and shortly
became an outstanding leader, being one of the countv's
leading citizens at the time of his death about i86o.
He and his wife were devout Presbyterians. Elizabeth
(Clark) Bliss, mother of Dr. Howard C. Bliss, was
born in Pittsburgh, January 14, I854, daughter of Captain James D. and Sarah (Agnew) Clark. Sarah
(Agnew) Clark, who was a native of County Donegal,
Ireland, died in Pittsburgh in I858, her daughter,
Elizabeth, then being but four years of age. Captain
James D. Clark, who died in Portland, Oregon, in
I905, was during his lifetime one of the best known
masters of river ships in the service. After several
years spent on vessels running out of Pittsburgh, he
moved to the Middle West and was master of ships on
the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.  During this
service, Captain Clark was a frequent associate of
Mark Twain, the great American humorist, who was
then a river pilot under his own name of Samuel D.
Clemens. Captain Clark, in his latter years, moved to
the Pacific Coast and lived in retirement in Portland,
Oregon.
Dr. Howard C. Bliss, reared in Rochester, Beaver
County, passed through the public schools there, graduating from the high school in I9OI. Even then determined to follow in the steps of his famous grandfather,
Dr. Zadock Bliss, Howard C. Bliss, after completing
his preparatory studies, entered the Medical School of
the University of Pittsburgh and received his degree
of Doctor of Medicine from that institution in I9o9.
Registering in Fayette County, Dr. Bliss established
himself in general practice in La Belle, where he remained until 1916, at which time, closing out his practice, he removed to Washington County, opening his
office in Vestaburg, where he has remained through
the present time, enjoying a very successful practice.
During the World War Dr. Bliss served as the medical
member of the second division of the Washington
-  1 -- -    ---     --    A-'ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
County Selective Service Board. A Republican, Dr.
Bliss has always been interested in civic affairs although he has declined to accept public office.
JOHN C. HABERLEN-For twelve years John
C. Haberlen has occupied the post of superintendent of
schools at Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County. Prior
to assuming this office he had taught in various schools
throughout this section of the State as a faculty member and supervising principal, and served with the
United States Army overseas during the World War.
Mr. Haberlen was born at Mt. Pleasant Township,
September 12, I887, the son of August F. and Anna
(Ferry) Haberlen, the former a native of East Huntingdon, and the latter of Latrobe. His father. who was
born on May 28, I86o, engaged in farming throughout
his active career. His mother, born in I865, died in
January, 1893. After attending the public schools Mr.
Haberlen entered the California State Normal School
from which he was graduated in I907. During the
two years that followed he taught in the grade and
high schools of Mt. Pleasant and then enrolled at
Gettysburg College, from which he was awarded a
degree of Bachelor of Science in I9I3. He resumed
his teaching activities as a member of the faculty at
the East Huntingdon High School, serving in this
capacity for one year after which he was promoted to
the office of principal, and three years later was appointed supervising principal of the entire district, conducting a successful and efficient administration for
two years.
At the expiration of this time the United States
entered the World War and Mr. Haberlen enlisted in
the army, became a member of Company C, 305th Engineers, 8oth Division, and was sent overseas with this
unit. He remained there for one year and during that
time saw action in three major offensives. In the late
spring of I9I9, he returned to this country and in June
of that year was honorably discharged.
Returning to civilian life he resumed teaching, serving as supervising principal of the East Huntingdon
Township schools for one year. It was at this time
that he came-to Mt. Pleasant as supervising principal
and began a career that has been marked for its success and distinction. In 1925 he was named superintendent and since that time has contributed ably and
substantially to the advancement of the scholastic
standard of the schools under his jurisdiction. Through
his accomplishments he has won the respect and esteem
of his professional colleagues and the public at laree.
During his residence in Mt. Pleasant he has been active in social and civic affairs. He is a member of the
local post of the American Legion, belongs to the
Rotary Club and worships at the Trinity Lutheran, in
Mt. Pleasant, in which he has been teacher of an
adult Sunday school for ten years.
In December, I920, Mr. Haberlen married Leona C.
Rial, of Ruffs Dale, and daughter of James and Ada
(Poole) Rial. They are the parents of one son: Lee
Wayne.
CHARLES LEONARD DePRIEST, M. D.In the course of professional work, Dr. Charles
Leonard DePriest of Mt. Pleasant is following a. pace
which will assure him of an eminent position in the
medical and surgical field of this community.
Dr. DePriest was born in Mt. Pleasant, the son of
Charles and Mary Stevens (Leonard) DePriest.
Charles DePriest was born in West Virginia, where he
spent his youth, later changing his residence to Mt.
Pleasant, his wife's birthplace. He is a member of the
Baptist Church, politically a Republican and is quite
active in civic affairs, being a justice of the peace, and
a director on the School Board.
Dr. DePriest acquired his early education in the
public schools of East Huntingdon and later attended
Mt. Pleasant High School, being graduated in I92I.
He enrolled in the pre-medical course at Washington
and Jefferson College, but after one year transferred
to Penn State College where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Science in 1925. He then entered the
Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania, and
was graduated in I930, obtaining his degree of Doctor
of Medicine. Upon graduating, he entered the Allegheny General Hospital to serve his interneship of one
year. On March I, I932, Dr. DePriest opened offices
for the general practice of medicine and surgery at No.
1oI East Main Street, where he still maintains his
practice. He is on the staff of the Henry Clay Frick
Memorial Hospital.
Dr. DePriest is affiliated with the Baptist Church
of Mt. Pleasant and the Blue Lodge of the Free and
Accepted Masons, and is an active member of the
American Medical Association, the Westmoreland
County Medical Association and the Pennsylvania
State Medical Association. A Republican, in his political beliefs, he devotes as much time to civic affairs
as his growing medical practice will permit.
On July I, I937, Dr. DePriest was married to
Elizabeth C. Hoover, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
WILLARD  OLNEY  WHITE-In his professional accomplishments Willard Olney White was
ranked as one of the outstanding coal mining engineers
of his generation in the State of Pennsylvania. During
his long and distinguished career, which spanned
thirty-six years he supervised the construction and
directed the development of several of the largest
94ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
properties in the State. Though he was primarily
known for this phase of his accomplishments and devoted most of his time to working in this Commonwealth, he also attained distinction in other spheres of
engineering which he practiced in several other sections
of the country, notably New York and Ohio.
Mr. White  was born  at Westernville, Oneida
County, New York, September I5, I876, the son of
Franklin and Harriet (Olney) White, members of old
and distinguished American families whose early ancestors settled in Rhode Island and later came to New
York State, settling in rich farming country about
I8oo. Here Mr. White received a general education
in the public schools and later took a college preparatory course at Cazenovia Seminary, Cazenovia, New
York, which he completed in I896. He then matriculated at the Engineering School of Cornell University,
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Science in the class of I900.
The same year he began his career as a chainman
and rodman for the Central Railroad of New Jersey,
and worked here from  June to September.  He resigned at that time to enter the engineering department of the American Coke Company at Edinborn,
Pennsylvania, where he began as a draftsman and
later served as chief draftsman. It was to be a highly
profitable experience for the young engineer as the
work entailed developing 9,500 acres of Pittsburgh
coal, the erection of six shafts, eight hundred coke
ovens, houses, water system, streets and all building
plants.
His work showed great promise and in I9OI he was
invited to join the engineering department of the
H. C. Frick Company as assistant engineer at Leckrone. He accepted and continued here for two years.
In 1903, still making notable progress, he was transferred to the general office of the company in Scottdale, where he was placed in charge of design and construction of buildings, trestles, coke ovens, arches for
permanent haulage ways in mines, mechanical hauling
devices, and other facilities of a like nature. W, hile
here he supervised the construction of a portion of arch
lining and permanent track arrangement for shaft bottoms at ILambert and Ranes mines. In 1904 he left the
Frick company and from January to June of that year
was a draftsman for the Engineering Department of
the Middle Division of the New York State Canals,
with headquarters at Syracuse, New York.
It was shortly after this that he was named assistant
engineer in charge of the drafting office of the New
York State Barge Canal, where he worked preparing
plans and making estimates for the proposed canal
construction. In February, I905, he was sent to Rome,
New York, to take charge of the drafting office on
Barge Canal Residency, No. 5, and during the two
years he was here he supervised the preparation of
contract maps and estimates of quantities for twentyfive miles of the canal. Through the work he accomplished here he qualified as resident engineer, but never
received his appointment, having left to take the post
of chief engineer of the Tower-Hill Connellsville Coke
Company at Republic, Pennsylvania. He was back in
the coal mining business and in his new r6le had complete charge of the construction of two coke plants,
which according to records involved the sinking of four
shafts, the installation of all power equipment, the
building of tenement houses, the development of mines,
and the construction of six hundred and eighty coke
ovens, together with railroad connections. That a man
of his years should have been called upon to supervise
the development of an enterprise of such proportions
is indeed a tribute to his ability and thoroughly reveals the extent of his prowess. He not only carried
out this work with a high degree of efficiency but also
found time to devise and patent a coke oven door,
which was used on many of the new ovens of the
Tower-Hill Company.
With this broad and practical background, Mr.
White, in October, I9IO, decided to open a consulting
office under his own name in Uniontown, and though
the venture was highly successful, he determined to reenter construction work. In May, I9I6, therefore, he
joined the engineering department of the Youngstown
Sheet and Tube Company, in Hubbard, Ohio. He was
placed in charge of construction here and December
of the same year was made chief engineer of the
Buckeye Coal Company, at Nemacolin, Pennsylvania,
which is a subsidiary of the Youngstown organization.
Here again, he was commissioned to carry out a large
development program, supervising the work on an
8,6oo-acre property of Pittsburgh coal, which called
for a 6,ooo-ton daily production. That he met with
characteristic success in this venture is evident from
the comment appearing in a prominent engineering
journal, which says in part:
Nemacolin is one of the finest plants in the country
with all modern improvements in the town plan. The
mine with its concrete lined shafts, slope and shaft
bottom headings, required the most exacting detail
and advance thinking and planning for such large
daily tonnage of coal.
Two years later, in May, I918, Mr. White became
chief engineer for W. J. Rainey, Inc., of Uniontown,
an organization which operated eight coal mines in
this region. It was his task to modernize old mines
and develop new ones, a responsibility which he carried out during the eighteen years he was associated
95ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
with this concern. He continued here until his retirement in April, 1936. He passed away May 19, 1937.
Mr. White was a member of the American Institute
of Mining Engineers of Western Pennsylvania and
the American Society of Civil Engineers to which he
was elected on April 3, 1907. Though professional
duties commanded most of his attention he found time
to engage in the social and civic activities of his surroundings and was a member of several organizations,
including the Rotary Club, and the Rod and Bob Club
of Cornell University. Mr. White was a lover of the
out-of-doors and found his principal recreation in fishing which he engaged in during vacation periods which
were usually spent in the Adirondack Mountains. He
enjoyed good music and books, and during the latter
part of his life took up water color painting as a
hobby, developing this talent to a high point of proficiency.
On June I5, I904, Mr. White married Mary Ann
Neff, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. George Neff, of Masontown, and they were the parents of one daughter,
Mary Harriet White, who on January 27, I937, was
married to Dr. Charles Crow Hubbard, a physician in
Uniontown.
ARTHUR  HOGE KING, M. D.-During the
fifteen years Dr. Arthur Hoge King has practiced
in West Newton, he not only has won distinction and
renown for his professional accomplishments but has
also become widely known for the contributions he has
made to the social, civic and business life of his surr oundings.
Dr. King was born in Waynesburg, May I9, I89I, the
son of William F. and Rachel Priscilla (Hoge) King,
both natives of Greene County. His father, who was
born February I4, 1858, and died at Waynesburg,
June 17, I935, was one of the most prominent attorneys of his generation in this section of the State,
serving as attorney for the city of Waynesburg, district attorney for Greene County and in several other
official capacities. The elder King belonged to the
Greene County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association, was a Democrat in politics and fraternized with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern
W\oodmen of the World.
After completing his high school studies in Waynesburg in 19o9, Dr. King attended Waynesburg Academy and later Waynesburg College, from which he
was graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in the
class of I9I3. During the three years that followed
he taught school at Nineveh and at the expiration of
this period matriculated at the Medical College of the
University of Pennsylvania from which he received
the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I92o. He then
served as an interne at the St. Francis Hospital and
from 1921 to 1922 was Mellon Fellow of Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
During the latter year he came to West Newton and
esta!blished himself in a general practice of medicine
and surgery which he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and success. In conjunction with
his medical activities he serves as surgeon for the New
York Central Railroad, is physician for the Board of
Health in West Newton, and belongs to the Westmoreland County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, as well as serving as school doctor for Rostraver Township.
In the community he has been actively identified
with leading business, social and civic organizations.
He is a president of the board of directors of the People's Building and Loan Association of McKeesport,
and in West Newton belongs to the Blue Lodge of
the Masonic Order, in which he is also a member of
the Consistory and the Shrine. His other fraternal
affiliation is with the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and through his military experience during
the World War, at which time he enlisted and served
with the Medical Officers Training Corps in Philadelphia, he holds membership in the Harry Handel
Post of the American Legion at West Newton. Prior
to the war he had been a private in Company K, Ioth
Regiment Infantry  of the  Pennsylvania  National
Guard at Waynesburg, and after the conflict was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve
Corps of which he was a member from 1919 to 1928.
Politically, Dr. King is a Republican and in his religious convictions worships at the Baptist Church of
West Newton.
On November 26, I924, at Smithton, Dr. King married Iva Gannell Jones, born in that community March
27, 1897, the daughter of William B. and Louise (Dorman) Jones, the former a native of Uniontown and the
latter of the State of Illinois. Her father, who was
born August 2I, I874, died November 17, I936. Dr.
and Mrs. King are the parents of two children: I.
Arthur H., born in Pittsburgh, January 29, 1928.
2. Priscilla Lou, born in Pittsburgh, April 23, 193I.
REV. FRANZ OMER CHRISTOPHER-With
an experience gained in charges in Pennsylvania and
Massachusetts, Rev. Franz Omer Christopher, pastor
of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of West
Newton, has, since 1935, ministered to the spiritual
needs of his present church. Rev. Mr. Christopher was
born April IO, I902, at Salesville, Ohio, the son of
96ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
97
William H. and Daisy (Burson) Christopher, both
natives of Salesville, Ohio, the father is engaged in
farming, at Cumberland, Ohio.
Rev. Mr. Christopher received a grammar and high
school education in Cumberland, Ohio. and received
the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Wooster College
in I923. He then entered the Western Theological
Seminary at Pittsburgh, and received his degree of
Bachelor of Sacred Theology. In I930 he received
from the Boston University School of Theology the
degree of Master of Sacred Theology. He was appointed to the Coulter Circuit in 1924, and the following year became an assistant pastor in Butler, Pennsylvania. At this time he was taken into the Pittsburgh Conference on trial, being accepted into full
membership and ordained an elder in 1929. He served
as a pastor on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, from 1927
to 1929; from 1929 to I93I he served the Brownsdale
charge, in the Pittsburgh Conference; and then in
1931 he was appointed pastor of the Brackenridge
Methodist Church where he was stationed until 1935,
when he came to the First Methodist Episcopal Church,
his present charge.
He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, and an active
participant in local affairs. He was married in Cumberland, Ohio, on June 14, 1928, to Helen Frisbee who
was born December 17, 1904, the daughter of F. AM.
and Emma (Finley) Frisbee, natives of Ohio. Rev.
and Mrs. Christopher are the parents of two children:
Dorothy, born July 28, 1929, and Paul Franz, born
November 14, I934.
JOSEPH ROBERT SHEPLER, M. D.-Carrying on an extensive practice of medicine, Dr. Joseph
Robert Shepler has his main offices in West Newton,
with branch offices in Wyano and Fitz Henry. As a
physician and surgeon he is one of his county's progressive and forward-looking citizens.
Dr. Shepler was born March I7, I9O8, in West
Newton, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, son of
Dr. David Richie and Ocie Anna (Patton) Shepler
and member of an old and established family. He
represents the sixth generation of the Shepler family
in this county. Matthias Shepler settled in Rostraver
Township, Westmoreland County, at an early period,
coming from Virginia with his brothers, Peter and
Philip Shepler. The family trace their ancestry to
German forebears who came from their native land
to this continent prior to the War of the American
Revolution, settling in Virginia. Captain Joseph Shepler, of the third generation, was a prominent figure in
Westmoreland County, a courageous spirit who clung
tenaciously to his own opinions despite all opposition,
according to family records, regardless of the popularity of his point of view. Facing popular clamor
even at the risk of his life, he opposed abolition of
slavery and publicly voiced his feelings. At one time
lynching parties were formed to punish him, but he
escaped harm, and after the rancor of war died away
he again became one of his community's most popular
citizens.  The family line, beginning with Matthias
Shepler, proceeds as follows:
(I) Matthias Shepler established himself on a farm
in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, rearing
there a family of eight children, all of them marrying
and leaving issue. His wife was Margaret (Houseman) Shepler, of one of the early families of the township.
(II! Isaac Shepler, their fourth son, was born and
died in the same township and was a farmer. He
married Mary Hill, whose father, as a lad of eighteen,
had been the first white settler in the township. Isaac
Shepler died December IO, 1837, and his wife in July,
I869, and both were buried in Fells Churchyard.
(III) Joseph Shepler, one of their seven children
and the eldest of the family, was born March 6, 1807,
in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, and
died May I5, 1892, on the farm on which he was born.
He helped his father until he was twenty-two years of
age, then became a tenant farmer, cultivating one of his
father's farms and there cpntinuing for eight years. In
1836 he removed to Putnam County, Ohio, settling on
a three hundred and sixty-acre tract with the intention
of remaining there permanently. At the death of the
father in I837 he was persuaded by his mother to return to the home farm, and did so in 1838, there living
for the rest of his life. He was twenty-one years of
age when he was elected captain of the Ist Company,
87th Regiment, State Militia, serving for seven years
with that command. For five years he was captain
of the Monongahela Blues, and again for seven years
was first lieutenant in the Rostraver Cavalry Company. He was a lifelong Democrat, and at different
times held almost every township office, and he was
also a member of Fells Methodist Episcopal Church.
It was he whose opposition to abolition, referred to
above, revealed him as one of the courageous souls of
his time. Captain Shepler married, April i6, 1829,
Mary Blackburn, born March 28, I807, daughter of
Joseph and Nancy Blackburn, of an old Rostraver
Township family.
(IV) John Blackburn Shepler, eldest son of their
four children, was born February I8, I835, on the farm
adjoining the one that he later owned; he studied in
the public schools and later helped his father on the
home farm until the elder man's death in 1892. Then
he became owner of the homestead farm of two hundred acres, on which he afterward resided. He wasANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a Democrat all his life. John B. Shepler married, on
January I, I873, Cynthia J. Claywell, daughter of
Shadiah and Martha (Winters) Claywell.
(V) Dr. David Richie Shepler, one of their two
sons-Shadrach Claywell Shepler was the other-was
born November 3, I877, on the farm of his family in
Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County. He attended the public schools; entered Mount Union College, at Alliance, Ohio; and in the fall of I899 became
a student in the Medical School of the University of
Baltimore, in Baltimore, Maryland, there being graduated with honors with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I903, president of his class. He practiced in
West Newton, Westmoreland County, becoming a
skillful physician and surgeon and building up a large
clientele. For the last several years of his life he was
surgeon to the hospital maintained by the Y. and O.
Coal Company. He belonged to the County and State
Medical societies, and kept abreast of all modern medical developments and discoveries. He was a member
of Blythe Lodge, No. 593, of the Free and Accepted
Masons, of West Newton, and also was connected with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Phi Chi
Fraternity. He belonged to the First Presbyterian
Church, of West Newton. Dr. David Richie Shepler
married Ocie Anna Pattor6 daughter of Dr. Robert
B. Patton, of Rostraver Township, and great-greatgranddaughter of Joseph Patton, a native of New
York, who settled in I778 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and there owned land. His son, John Patton,
born and died in Fayette County, was a substantial
farmer; he married Nancy Woodrow. Their son,
Stephen Patton, born February I, I8o6, in Fayette
County, married, October 28, I838, Susan Galloway,
daughter of Robert Galloway, born in Ireland in I768,
came to Pennsylvania about I772, settling near New
Salem, Fayette County, and died in I817, in Washington Township, that county; they had a son, Robert B.
Patton, who became a substantial dentist in Westmoreland County and was the father of Mrs. Shepler. Mrs.
Shepler's mother was Naomi (Patterson) Patton,
daughter of George and Mary (Stephens) Patterson,
of Fayette County. Dr. David Richie and Ocie Anna
(Patton) Shepler were the parents of two sons, both
born in West Newton: I. Joseph Robert, on March
17, I908. 2. Dallas, on February 28, 19II.
(VI) Joseph Robert Shepler, the first-named of
these two sons, attended the public schools of VWest
Newton, Pennsylvania, and was graduated in I926
from West Newton High School. In I930 he took the
degree of Bachelor of Ai-ts from Washington and
Jefferson College, and in I935 he was graduated, a
Doctor of Medicine, from the University of Pennsylvania.  Serving an interneship at Mercy Hospital,
Pittsburgh, in I935 and I936, he started his own general practice of his profession on September I, I936.
In general medicine and surgery he is performing a
professional work of great value in his medical and
surgical connections with such organizations as Osborne Mines of the Youghiogheny and Ohio Coal Company and the Euclid Mines of the Pittsburgh Coal
Company. Today Dr. Shepler continues his practice
in West Newton, with branch medical offices at Wyano
and Fitz Henry, as already indicated.
Dr. Shepler is associated with some of the leading
organizations in medicine and surgery, being a Fellow
of the American Medical Association and a member of
the Westmoreland County Medical Society and the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society. He has helped in
many ways to promote public health, notably as Westmoreland County physician for the West Newton district. He has been a Democrat in his political views
and has been a consistent supporter of his party's policies and principles. He joined the Phi Kappa Sigma
Fraternity while a student at Washington and Jefferson College, and is also a member of the Ilruids and
the Pi Delta Epsilon Society. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church in West Newton. He is a Reserve officer in the 37th Engineers Regiment of the
Medical Reserve Corps, holding the rank of first lieutenant.
Dr. Joseph Robert Shepler married, on May 30,
I936, at Bemus Point, New York, Elizabeth Clark, a
native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, datughter of Edgar
Curtis and Elizabeth Clark. To this marriage one son
was born: Joseph Robert Shepler, on July 29, I937.
CAREY LUCAS SCHUCK-The Monessen
"News-Call" for years has filled an important place
in the life of the community where it is published, and
Carey Lucas Schuck's guidance of its destinies has
been characterized by foresight and wisdom. As president and general manager of the publishing company,
he is in a position to render outstanding service to the
people and institutions of Monessen, where his accomplishments have been many-sided and useful.
Mr. Schuck was born July 26, 1872, on his father's
farm near Vanlue, in Northwestern Ohio, son of Aaron
B. and Malinda (Bright) Schuck and member of an
old and honorable family. His great-grandfather was
one of the earliest pioneers of Blair County, Pennsylvania, one of three brothers who came from The
Netherlands to escape religious persecution shortly
after the War of the American Revolution, all three
of them settling at first in Maryland but later coming
to Pennsylvania. In this State, one of the original
three brothers took up his residence in Union County,
98A  NTIT A I C   (C'  CQn TT'TT IT               T    Crrc:'-r nT TT 7'     TT1 T lT                   AA TT A
one in Snyder County and one in Blair County. William Schuck, Sr., the great-grandfather of Carey I.ucas Schuck and the brother who settled in Blair
County, was a native of Union County, this State, as
was also his son, William Schuck, Jr., who removed to
Ohio in early married life and there remained for the
rest of his life. Aaron B. Schuck, son of William
Schuck, Jr., and father of Carey Lucas Schuck, was
born near Vanlue, Ohio, and there spent his life; he
married Malinda Bright, daughter of Nimrod and
Margaret (Flack) Bright, of Hancock County, Ohio,
and grand-daughter of John Bright, a native of England, who was among the early settlers of that region
of Ohio and who later purchased what became the
four hundred-acre Bright homestead, paying fifty cents
an acre for the land. Aaron B. Schuck was born
December 26, I846, and died December 26, I927. His
wife was born November 27, I849, and died July 25,
I926. Both were natives of Vanlue, Ohio, where Mr.
Schuck carried on his career of farming.
Their son, Carey Lucas Schuck, the eldest of a
family of six children, received his early formal education in the public schools of his native district of Ohio.
For two years he taught in the rural schools, later
being graduated from Eastman National Business College, in Poughkeepsie, New York. Then he entered
Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio, where he
took the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in I898.
While at college he became interested in newspaper
work, helping to conduct the university publication.
After he completed his college course, he remained for
two years in Columbus on the "Dispatch," then spent
two years in Pittsburgh, on the old "Pittsburgh Post."
Strong inclinations to acquire a newspaper of his
own led him to purchase the "Monessen News" at a
time when Monessen was undergoing its greatest period of development and growth. At once he proceeded
to build up the publication and make of it one of the
most influential and wide-awake newspapers in Westmoreland County. His reliability and thoroughness
made themselves felt in the manner in which he operated the paper, which he developed into one of the
most effective organs of the Republican party, as well
as a powerful medium of information.
In addition to his work with the "News," which has
been an important one, he has done everything in his
power to promote community betterment. In September, 1902, he purchased the paper from C. E. Federman, who was its founder. The paper was started by
Mr. Federman on June 30, I899, and Mr. Schuck,
when he acquired it, sought to expand its civic usefulness. In I928 he consolidated it with the "Friday
Evening Call," developing the "News-Call" from this
merger. The "News-Call" is published weekly on
I  JKIN  rUIUN I  Y LVAIN1A                      99
Friday, and Mr. Schuck is president and general manager of the publishing company. As publisher, he
makes his influence felt as a strong force for good in
his community, and the Republican party knows him as
one of its most influential men.
In I9o6 Mr. Schuck was elected to the Pennsylvania
State Legislature, being reelected in I909 and again
in I913. As a legislator, he made an enviable record
for himself and was on numerous important committees. In addition to his other activities, he has been a
member of a number of civic and social groups, having
been one of the organizers and the first secretary of
the Monessen Board of Trade. This board has don'
much to promote the business prosperity of the community, and Mr. Schuck has worked constantly for
furtherance of the organization's interests and for
other civic improvements. Particularly has he giver
his time whole-heartedly to the construction of streets
for the town and new roads for the county. He belongs also to the Monessen Chamber of Commerce,
the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association
and the Westmoreland County Weekly Newspaper
Publishers Association. Fraternally he is connected
onlv with the Free and Accepted Masons. In his religious faith he is a Presbyterian, attending the church
of his denomination in Monessen.
Carey Lucas Schuck was married, on August 20,
I9o8, to Hallie Hancock, daughter of Jesse and Margaret (Wolf) Hancock, of Monessen, Pennsylvania
She is a graduate of the California State Normal
School, at California, Pennsylvania, and has been active in the social life of Monessen, taking an active
part in social work here and in the affairs of the
Women's Clllb, of which she was president for two
years. She is of Quaker stock, born February II,
I883, in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Schuck
became the parents of a daughter, Margaret Carey
Schuck, who was born April I5, I918, and graduated
from Hood College, Frederick, Maryland.
EDWARD F. JANUSZEWSKI-Edward F.
Januszewski was born in Chicago, Illinois, April 9,
1892, the son of Francis and Anna Januszewski. Francis Januszewski, a native of Poland, was engaged as a
steel worker.
Edward F. Januszewski received his early education
in the parochial schools of Chicago, and later attended
Pio Nono College at St. Francis, Wisconsin, graduat
ing in I9IO. He then came to Monessen, Pennsylvania,
and was engaged as a teacher at St. Hyacinth Pa
rochial School, where he was successfully employed for
eight years, giving up this work to enlist in the United
States Army, February 23, I9I8. He was first stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia, with the 155th Depot
-A I i' ti-l 1)  i r  1)ki   I -tiw  E  ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Brigade, but was later transferred to the Officers
Training School at Camp Sevier, South Carolina.
From here he went to Camp Gordon at Atlanta,
Georgia, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant of infantry, and sent to Camp Wadsworth at
Spartanburg, South Carolina, and assigned with the
5th Pioneer Infantry, later transferred to Division
Headquarters, and transferred from there as commander of the Slavic Legion in August, I918. He received his honorable discharge January 9, I919. Upon
his return to Monessen he became actively associated
with the Januszewski Studio, and engaged in photographic work for fourteen years, discontinuing this
enterprise in I933 when he was appointed for a fouryear term as postmaster of Monessen.
He is a Roman Catholic in his religious belief, and
politically, a follower of the Democratic party. He
was married at West Newton, Pennsylvania, June I4,
I920, to Irene Hubert, a native of that town, born
December 28, I894, the daughter of Nicholas, a native of Alsace Lorraine, France, and Mary (Bauer)
Hubert. Mr. and Mrs. Januszewski are the parents
of three children: I. Irene H., born February I6, 19022.
2. Cecilia M., born November 2I, 1924. 3. Claire A.,
born June 4, 1928.
DAVID H. WEISS-As a prominent member
of the legal profession of Monessen, and one who has
distinguished himself in local political circles, David
H. Weiss is one of the popular residents of this
community.
He was born August 3, I905, in Czechoslovakia, the
son of Elias and Yetty Weiss. He was brought to
America when still young, and received his early education in the Monessen public and high schools, later
entering the University of Michigan. Upon receiving
his degree of Bachelor of Arts he enrolled at the ILaw
School of the University of Pittsburgh, and was graduated in I93I with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He
immediately established an office in Monessen for the
general practice of law, and having been atlmitted to
practice before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania his
success in his chosen field has been most satisfactory.
He was elected to the Monessen School Board in I935
for a six-year term, and during the past year was president of the board. When the death of C. Fred Mentzer necessitated a special election for a member of the
General Assembly on February 23, I937, Mr. Weiss
was the successful candidate, and he has the distinction
of being the first Democrat to be elected to a State
office that year. Also, due to the fact that in the Presidential election of I936, the Democratic party was successful in Pennsylvania for the first time in forty
years, Mr. Weiss in this special election gained the
honor of being the first Democrat in this same span of
years to have his name heading the ballot.
He is a member of Kneseth Israel Synagogue, the
Knights of Pythias, the local Chamber of Commerce
and the Kiwanis Club and the Rostraver Grange. He
is also actively identified with the Tau Epsilon Rho
Fraternity and the B'nai B'rith. Mr. Weiss is unmarried.
JOHN Q. ROBINSON, Jr., M. D.-In both
a professional and civic capacity the name of Robinson has occupied a prominent place in the affairs of
West Newton for over eighty-eight years.  Emulating his distinguished father, Dr. John Q. Robinson,
Jr., has engaged in a general medical practice here
since I893, and throughout this time has also taken
a keen and active part in the life of the community.
In addition to his professional duties he has served
in various municipal offices, and is an active figure in
fraternal circles.
Dr. Robinson, Jr., was born in West Newton, May
24, 1867, the son of Dr. John Q. and Catharine (Kreps)
Robinson, both natives of Westmoreland County, the
former from Rostraver Township, the latter from
Greensburg. His father, who was born July 22, 1817,
and became one of the most highly esteemed and successful members of the medical profession in this
section of the State, received his academic education in
the common schools, Greensburg Academy and Washington College. In I840, after finishing his studies at
the latter institution, he began a career in teaching
which he pursued for three or four years. Throughcut this period he showed a marked interest in medicine and on September 4, I844, began his professional
training under Dr. Biddle of Monongahela City, with
whom he remained about one year. At the expiration
of this period he entered the office of Dr. Hasson, at
West Newton, and remained here until the spring of
1848, when he went to Philadelphia where he attended a lecture series and continued his clinical training at the Pennsylvania Hospital, remaining there for
a period of eight months. Later he took a similar
course at New York University and was awarded his
medical degree from this institution in 1849. The same
year he returned to West Newton and established
himself in a general practice with his old preceptor,
Dr. John Hasson. After profiting by this association
for two years, he branched out on his own account and
initiated a career that was to be marked for its distinction and success. Though medicine commanded
the major part of his attention he recognized his civic
obligations and was unsparing in his support of those
agencies designed to advance the welfare of the comI 00ANNALS OF SOUTHWEQ
munity. He was a member and secretary of the local
school board for a number of years, being a member
of the board when the present grade school building
was erected in I867; served as president of the
Farmers' Bank of West Newton throughout its existence, was a member and secretary of the town council, and worshipped at the Presbyterian Church where
he was on the building committee at the time the present edifice was constructed. On November I2, I850,
the elder Robinson married Catharine Kreps, who was
born in Greensburg, October 28, I83I, the daughter
of the Hon. Jacob F. and Eliza Kreps. Dr. John
Q. Robinson, Sr., and Catharine (Kreps) Robinson
were the parents of the following children: Ada V.,
Georgianna, Achsah Eliza, Martha Louise, Clara Bailey, John Q., Jr., all of whom are deceased excepting
Achsah Eliza, now Mrs. Calvin Fleming of Denver,
Colorado, and Dr. John Q. Robinson, Jr., of whom
further.
Dr. John Q. Robinson, Sr., was of Irish descent on
his paternal side. His grandfather, Alexander Robinson, was the first member of the family to settle in
Rostraver Township. He came here with his family
from Chestnut Level, Lancaster County, shortly after
the close of the Revolutionary War and patented a
tract of land. He married Martha McCormick, and
they were the parents of seven children, among whom
was Thomas Robinson. This man, Dr. John Q. Robinson's father, was born in Lancaster County, July 22,
I777, farmed on the family homestead in Rostraver
Township and married Achsah Loma Bailey, a daughter of Daniel and Lucinda (Perry) Bailey, and a descendant of Thomas Bailey, who came to this country
from England and is known to have been a resident
of the city of Boston as early as I643. The Perry descent includes members who served with the American forces during the Revolutionary War. Dr. John
Q. Robinson, Sr., was the third son of Thomas and
Achsah Loma (Bailey) Robinson.
After a general education in the public schools of
West Newton, Dr. Robinson, Jr., took a two-year
preparatory course at Washington and Jefferson College and then a full college course at the same institution, from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in I890, and received a Master of
Arts degree in I891. He then attended the Medical
Department of the University of Pennsylvania, and
was awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1893.
During that year he became associated with his father
in the general practice at West Newton, which he
has since continued, winning the confidence of the general public and the esteem and respect of his medical colleagues. Throughout this time he has also been;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                              I01
surgeon for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in this
community and at one time acted in the same capacity
for the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, being associated with this system from I893 to about I905. He
is a member of the Baltimore and Ohio Association
of Railway, Surgeons, the Westmoreland County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society,
and the American Medical Association.
His career further parallels that of his distinguished
father in that he also has become a dominant influence in the social and civic affairs of West Newton,
where he has been a member of the school board for
several terms, having been a member of the board
when the present high school was completed in I9I5.
He is a leader in the local Republican organization.
During the World War he served on the Exemption
Board of the 7th District of Westmoreland County,
acting as medical examiner and secretary of same. In
his fraternal affiliations, Dr. Robinson is a member of
Blythe Lodge, No. 593, Free and Accepted Masons,
and is a member of Coudersport Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He also fraternizes with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Junior
Order United American Mechanics. While in college
he was elected a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In his religious convictions he worships at
the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member.
On October II, I894, at Allegheny, Dr. John Q.
Robinson, Jr., married Clara Eva Boyd, daughter of
William and Elizabeth Mary (Sampson) Boyd. Mrs.
Robinson was born at Allegheny August I9, 1872, and
attended Pennsylvania College for Women. Her father
was born at Allegheny and her mother, at West Newton. Dr. and Mrs. Robinson are the parents of seven
children, all born at West Newton. The sons attended
Washington and Jefferson College and two of them
were graduated from that institution. The children
are: I. Clara Elizabeth, who was born February 7,
I897, married at West Newton, December 25, I925,
George Wheeler Roark, of Altavista, Virginlia, and is
the mother of two children: i. George Wheeler, Jr.,
born at Wheeling, West Virginia, July 22, I926. ii.
John Q. Robinson Roark, born at Pittsburgh, October IO, I930. 2. John Q., 3d, born March I9, I898;
married Marion Markle Jackson, of Montclair, New
Jersey.  They have two children, both natives of
Montclair: i. Marion Claire, born August 27, 1925.
ii. John Q., 4th, born July 25, 1928. 3. Samuel Harbison, born September 4, I90I. 4. Mary Emma, born
August 4, I905, married, June I6, 1928, at West Newton, Hugh H. Jones, of Smithton, Pennsylvania, and
is the mother of two children, both born at Pittsburgh: i. Hugh Henry, born April 22, I930. ii. GorANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
don Robinson, born May 20, I937. 5. James Fleming,
born September I8, I907. 6. William Boyd, born
September I8, I908. 7. Helen Louise, born April 8,
19I4, married, at West Newton, November 28, I935,
Walter H. Taylor, of Pittsburgh.
DR. CLARK McEWEN LUMAN-Numbered
among the eminent members of the Uniontown medical
profession is Dr. Clark McEwen Luman who has been
engaged locally in the practice of medicine and surgery
since 1905. He was born in Madley, Bedford County,
January 3, I878, the son of Aaron and Catherine (McEwen) Luman, both deceased. Aaron Luman during
his lifetime was engaged in the operation of a large
farm.
Dr. Luman was educated in the Madley public schools,
took his pre-medical work at Susquehanna University,
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and received his degree
of Medical Doctor in I904 from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He came to Uniontown
in 1905 to establish a practice which has lasted till the
present day, and which has won for him the confidence
and respect of his fellow-citizens who have at times
required his medical and surgical assistance. During
the World WVrar he was a commissioned officer in the
Medical Corps and saw extensive service in France.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, an ardent
Democrat, and an active figure in local civic life. He
is on the staff of the Uniontown Hospital, a member
of the County and State Medical societies and American Medical Association and a Fellow in the American
College of Surgeons. He is also prominent in the
affairs of the Free and Accepted Masons, of which he
has been long a member. His favorite sport is fishing,
which affords him diversion from his strenuous work
in his profession. He was married, in I929, to Mabelle
MacLeod, of Crozet, Virginia, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. William'MacLeod.
ALBERT HARWOOD SAYERS--Continuing
the traditional reputation of the family for association
with the legal profession, Albert Harwood Sayers,
after learning the rudiments and intricacies of the law
under the efficient guidance and tutelage of his father
and grandfather, was admitted to the Greene County
bar, in I893, and has been a well-known figure in the
legal world in this section to the present day.
He was born in Vevay, Switzerland County, Indiana,
May 20, I869, the son of James E. and Annie (Allison) Sayers. James E. Sayers, born in Waynesburg,
May 30, I845, was engaged in the practice of law with
his father, Ezra M. Sayers, who was admitted to the
Greene County bar on the third Monday of September,
1835. James E. Sayers served for thirty-four months
during the Civil War as a member of Company E,
85th Pennsylvania Volunteers. An active Republican,
he was a school director,- a member of the council,
and burgess of Waynesburg. He died September 27,
I926. His wife was also a native of Waynesburg,
being born there in February, I844.
After receiving his early education in the Waynesburg schools, Albert Harwood Sayers attended
Waynesburg College, where he was graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in I891. For the next two
years he worked on the installation of the first pipe
line built in Greene County for natural gas, meanwhile
studying law in the office of his father and grandfather.
On April 23, 1893, he was admitted to the bar and
became associated with Thomas S. Crago in the general practice of law, continuing this partnership until
I898. Then, for the next six years he practiced with
Joseph Patton, and in I904 established offices with
his father, continuing until I926 when he assumed his
duties as judge of Greene County, having been elected
in I925. He retired from this judgeship in I935, and
has since devoted his time to his extensive private
practice. He has long been a director of the First
National Bank and Trust Company of Waynesburg,
and was elected president of this institution in I936.
He attends the Methodist Church, and is an ardent
Republican, having served on the Waynesburg City
Council during I898 and I899, and as a member of the
East Waynesburg School Board from 1904 to I906.
He was also a member of the National Guard for five
years, being first sergeant of Company K, Ioth Regiment Infantry. He is also affiliated with the Free and
Accepted Masons, and holds membership in the Pennsylvania State and Greene County Bar associations.
He was married December 27, 1900, at Greencastle,
Indiana, to Flora Bridges, born June 25,' I873, daughter of James and Mary (Stevenson) Bridges. Mr.
and Mrs. Sayers are the parents of three children: I.
James, born October 12, I90I. 2. Catherine, born
January 3I, I904. 3. Albert Allison, born July I5,
1909.
JOHN INGHRAM HOOK-Admitted to the
Pennsylvania bar in I914, John Inghram Hook has
steadily practiced in Waynesburg for the past twentythree years, and is considered a capable and outstanding member of his profession. He was born in Pittsburgh, August 28, I889, the son of George A. and
Bertha (Kincaid) Hook. George A. Hook was engaged as a contractor, and was an active supporter of
the Democratic party in Greene County.
John Inghram Hook was educated in the Waynesburg schools, and upon graduating from the high
school, matriculated at Waynesburg, and was a menm
I02ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ber of the class of I9II. He then pursued the study
of law in the offices of F. W. and R. F. Downey, and
successfully passing his examinations, was admitted to
the bar, September I7, I9I4. He opened his own office
for the general practice of law, and in I92I entered
into partnership with Jesse Rinehart Scott (q. v.) in
the firm of Scott and Hook.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is
well known in Democratic politics, having served as
county solicitor from 1932 to I936. He is interested
in civic affairs, being a member of the Chamber of
Commerce, and a director of the First National Bank
and Trust Company. He is also an affiliate of the Free
and Accepted Masons and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member of the Pennsylvania and Greene County Bar associations.
He was married, in Waynesburg, June 19, I915, to
Sarah G. Iams, daughter of John T. and Kate (Tlarvey) Iams, and they are the parents of three children:
I. John I., born September 3, I916. 2. Robert A., born
February 4, I924. 3. James, born October I3, I928.
PATRICK HENRY MEIGHEN-In addition
to the numerous duties of his extensive law practice,
Patrick Henry Meighen, a member of the Greene
County bar since I909, is well known in the public life
of Waynesburg, now serving as burgess of the town
in his fourth term. He is a native of Greene County,
having been born in Gilmore Township. May 2, I879,
the son of William H. and Nancy (Eddy) Meighen,
both deceased. William H. Meighen, a farmer and live
stock dealer was active in Democratic affairs, and was
a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company F, 7th West Virginia Infantry Volunteers. He
saw service at the battle of Gettysburg, and had earned
the rank of first lieutenant when he received his honorable discharge.
Patrick Henry Meighen attended the rural schools
of Gilmore and Wayne townships, and later enrolled
at Waynesburg College as a normal student and taught
six years in the public schools of Greene County. HIe
was engaged in this work from I9OI to I907 and then
decided to enter the legal profession, studying the law
in the offices of D. S. Walton in Waynesburg.  He
was admitted to the Greene County bar in T909, and
has been successfully engaged in the practice of law
ever since. He was admitted to practice in the District
Court of the United States for the Western District
of Pennsylvania, April 7, 1921, and the Pennsylvania
Supreme Court, May 9, 1927. He was elected burgess
in 1917 and served a four-year term from I918 to 1922.
In May, I929, he was appointed to fill this office upon
the resignation of John L. Wood, and in November of
the same year was elected to finish this unexpired
term. He was reelected to another four-year term in
I933, and again in I937, and has always conducted the
affairs of this office in a manner which has justified
his fellow-citizens' confidence in his ability. He also
serves as the Greene County representative of the various State departments.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
an ardent Democrat and recognized civic leader, and a
member of the Greene County Bar Association. He
was married in Waynesburg, September 7, I9IO, to
Mary K. Tansey, a native of County Mayo, Ireland,
born November 25, I887, the daughter of Michael and
Nora (McNichols) Tansey, both natives of Ireland.
Mr. and Mrs. Meighen became the parents of eight
children: I. William M. 2. Bernard P. 3. Patrick
Henry, Jr. 4. Margaret AM. 5. Hubert V. 6. Charles
M. 7. James A. 8. Noretta N. Meighen. Mrs.
Meighen died in April, 1926.
KENNETH WILLIAM  SCOTT-A lifelong
resident of Waynesburg, Kenneth William  Scott is
prominently identified with the local legal fraternity,
and he is also active in the civic, political and fraternal
life of this town. He was born March 30, 1883, the
son of John Wesley and Anna Matilda (Cosgray)
Scott. John Wesley Scott, born in Amwell Township, Washington County, in I837 was a successful
merchant, and was also interested in the insurance
business. He died July 25, I925.
Kenneth William  Scott attended the local public
schools and later Waynesburg Academy. He then
enrolled at Waynesburg College, where he received
his degree of Bachelor of Science in I907. He then
began the study of law in the offices of M. E. Carroll,
and was admitted to the Greene County bar in I9I3.
In October, I915, he was admitted to practice before
the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Pennsylvania Superior Court and the United States District Court, and
opened his own offices in January, I916, and in his
more than twenty years' practice, he has earned a high
reputation for the capable manner in which he has
upheld the rights of those who have entrusted their
interests to his care.
He attends the First Christian Church, and is a
prominent Republican, having been secretary of the
Waynesburg Town Council for twenty years, and secretary of the Republican County Committee for twelve
years. He is affiliated with Lodge No. 757, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge No. 153, Free
and Accepted Masons, Royal Arch Council of Washington, Pennsylvania, and New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and he is also a member
of the Greene County Bar Association. In addition he
is a director of the Security Building and Loan Assoto3ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
orator and a forceful debater. He was chosen as one
of the speakers to close the debate on the Panama
Tolls Bill. Among his other notable addresses were
those on the Underwood Tariff, National Defense,
Pensions and Mediations Bills.
Upon his retirement from  Congress Mr. Carr resumed the practice of the law with his firm. In I934
he was appointed postmaster of the City of Uniontown, but still maintains his office for the general practice of the law.
In conjunction with his civic, professional and official duties Mr. Carr has taken an active part in fraternal affairs. He is a Past Master of Fayette Lodge
No. 228 Free and Accepted Masons, Past High Priest
of Union Chapter No. I65 Royal Arch Masons, Past
Commander of Uniontown Commandery No. 49 Knights
Templar, Past Thrice Potent Master of Uniontown
Lodge of Perfection and a member of Gourgas Lodge
of Perfection. He is also a Past Exalted Ruler of
Uniontown Lodge No. 370 Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He finds his principal diversion among
the books of his extensive library, comprising over
5,ooo volumes, the collection of a lifetime.
In I903 Mr. Carr was united in marriage with
Julia M. Kisinger, daughter of John W. and Margaret (Lenox) Kisinger, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. They have one son, John Dickson Carr, the
internationally known author and writer. Mr. and
Mrs. Carr are members of the First Presbyterian
Church of Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
WALTER S. LOBINGIER-Like his distinguished forebears, who are listed among the earliest
t~nd most prominent settlers of the State of Pennsylvania, Walter S. Lobingier, attorney and editor of
Pittsburgh, has exerted a powerful and beneficial influence on the life and surroundings of the city during
a colorful and interesting career that spans over fortyftve years.
Mr. Lobingier was born at Mount Pleasant, Westiroreland County, June I I, I869, the son of J. Smith
Lobingier and Mary Jane Cochran, married December
25, I86o. His mother was the daughter of John
Cochran, born November 17, 1837, died October 5,
1920, and a granddaughter of Samuel Cochran, who
served in the Revolutionary War in the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment, Continental Line, and spent the winter
of 1777 at Valley Forge with George Washington's
army. At the close of the war he moved to a farm
near Scottdale, Westmoreland County, and is buried
at Dawson, Pennsylvania. J. Smith Lobingier, also
a native of Mount Pleasant, where he was born July
24, 1828, and died May 27, I907, engaged in farming
throughout his life, operated a coal mine for a number
of years and manufactured coke which he shipped to
Pittsburgh during the early days of steel making. The
family, long identified with this section of the Comnionwealth, trace their American ancestry to Christopher Lobingier, Sr., great-great-great-great-grandfather of Walter S. Lobingier, who, is recorded to have
come to this country with his brother, Jacob, on September I8, 1727, landing at Philadelphia, and settling
in Hummelstown, located in that section of Lancaster
County which now forms part of Dauphin County.
According to family records he was of French extraction, his forebears having fled from that country to
Germany during the Huguenot persecution. Jacob is
said to have disappeared while fighting Indians. Christopher lived to an advanced age in Hummelstown,
where he was revered and respected. His grave can
still be found in the old churchyard of that community.
Lineage is traced through his son, Christopher, who
was born in Hummelstown, in I74I, and removed to a
six-hundred-acre farm on the Clay Pike, in Mount
Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County in I772. He
was a delegate from Westmoreland County to the first
Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in I776, was
major in the 2nd Battalion of Westmoreland Militia
and was a member of the General Assembly, 179I to
1793. He became one of the largest land owners of
this region and in I766 married Elizabeth Mueller,
whose father, John Mueller, came to this country from
Switzerland in 1752, and was a captain in the regiment of Colonel James Burde during the French and
Indian War. He died July 4, I798, and is buried at
UJnity Church, Mount Pleasant Township. His wife
died at the honme of her daughter, Mrs. Kimmel, in
Somerset County, September 5, I8I5, and was buried
at Stoystown.  They were the parents of nine children, among them  Judge John Lobingier, who was
born in Dauphin County, May 5, 1767, came to Westmoreland County with his parents when he was five
years old and became one of the most prominent and
successful leaders of his generation, serving as associate judge of Westmoreland County, as a member of
the State Legislature, and enjoying a highly successful
position in business. He was a pioneer ironmaker,
erected a mill which now stands as one of the oldest
buildings in Westmoreland County, was interested in
the salt business and operated a hotel in Laurelville
which was one of the most popular hostelries of its
time in this section of Pennsylvania. One of his distinct contributions to, public order came during the
Whiskey Rebellion, when he ardently supported the
government and used his persuasive talents to appease
th.e malcontents. On July 7, 1789, he married (first)
5ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANNIA
ciation. He was married at Philadelphia, October II,
1922, to Viola Porter, a native of Center Township,
daughter of lMr. and Mrs. Levi Porter.
ALBERT M. NICHOLS-Albert M. Nichols
has been engaged in the general practice of law in
Waynesburg for the past thirty years and is highly
regarded in his profession and in the community at
large. He was born January I8, I88I, at Spraggs,
Greene County, the son of Josephus S. and Emma F.
(Spragg) Nichols.  Josephus S. Nichols, born in
Wayne Township in 1853 was engaged in farming at
the time of his death, June 2I, I928. His wife, born
in Wayne Township, March 2, 1862, died February 27,
1922.
Albert M. Nichols graduated from the Wayne
Township schools, and later attended Waynesburg
College, pursuing the academic course. He was then
engaged in abstract work in Ohio and West Virginia
for seven years, after which he studied law in the
offices of S. M. Smith, of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.
He was admitted to the bar in I90o8, and has been practicing in Waynesburg ever since. He is eligible to
appear before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and
in 1928 was admitted to practice in the United States
District Court.
He is a Methodist and a well-known figure in civic
and fraternal life. He is affiliated with the Free and
Accepted Masons, and is Past Exalted Ruler of Lodge
No. 757, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He is also a past director of the People's National
Bank and a member of the Greene County Bar Association.
He was married, June 22, i906, at Moundsville,
West Virginia, to Erma A. Roberts, born October 27,
I885, the daughter of Frank G. and Carrie (Mangold)
Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are the parents of a
daughter, Ruth Elizabeth, born in Waynesburg, Jtmne
8, 1909.
LLOYD EDWIN POLLOCK-After a period
of four years spent in the pedagogical field, Lloyd
Edwin Pollock, of Waynesburg, entered the legal profession, and having been admitted to the bar in 1915
has devoted the past twenty-two years to the general
practice of law in Greene County, where he is recognized as an attorney of unquestioned integrity.
He was born in WVaynesburg, March I, 1886, the
son of Harvey C. and Florinda (Bayard) Pollock.
Harvey C. Pollock, a native of Jefferson Township,
was a well-known Democrat, and an outstanding member of the Waynesburg lega' profession. He served
as clerk of the courts of his native county. His wife
was also a native of Greene County, having been born
in Whitely Township.
Lloyd Edwin Pollock attended the Waynesburg
schools, and graduated from the high school in 1903.
He taught school in Morris Township in I904, and
the following year in Morgan Township. He then
entered Waynesburg College, and was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Science in  90o9. He then
continued teaching in the public schools of Uniontown,
and from I909 to I9II was principal of the Berkley
schools. He then enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania I,aw School, but after one year, transferred
to the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his
degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1915. He was admitted
to the Greene County bar in September of the saine
year, and subsequently was admitted to practice before
the United States District Court, and the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme courts October II, I915,
and the United States Supreme Court, October 23,
I925.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
an ardent Democrat, a member of the American, State
and Greene County Bar associations; and also a member of the board of trustees of Waynesburg College.
He was married, at Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, September 26, I916, to Edna Baily, a native of Cumberland Township, born September I9, i888, daughter of
J. Ewing and Dora (Mitchener) Baily. Mr. and Mrs.
Pollock are the parents of three children: I. Ewing
Baily, born March 25, 1920. 2. Richard Lloyd, born
November 30, 1922. 3. Florinda Bayard, born May I8,
I926.
FRANK THROCKMORTON-As a climax to
an honorable career in the legal profession, Frank
Throckmorton was elected district attorney of Greene
County in I935, and he is conducting the multiple affairs of this office with the same steadfast honesty and
impartiality which characterized his private law practice.
He was born at Rogersville, Center Township,
Greene County, October i6, I889, the son of Albert
B. and Elmira (Smith) Throckmorton.  Albert B.
Throckmorton, a native of Center Township, was born
August 17, I86o. He was engaged in farming at the
time of his death, April 22, I932.
Frank Throckmorton received his early education in
the Rogersville schools, anad later graduated from
Waynesburg Academy. He then entered WVavnesburg
College, and upon receiving his degree of Bachelor of
Science in 1912, enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor
of Laws in I916. After his admission to the bar, he
Io4ANNALS OF SOUTHNWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
entered the legal department of the Globe Indemnity
Company in Pittsburgh. In I920 he came to Waynesburg to begin his private practice, and later became
associated with W. I. Murdock and Judge James
Ingraham, in the Eclipse Theatre Building. His offices
are now located in the Sayers Building, and his extensive practice is testimony of his ability in his profession, and his election to the district attorney's office is
an assurance that the welfare of Greene County will
be strongly upheld for the term of his office.
Mr. Throckmorton is a member of the Baptist
Church, an active Republican, and past president of
the Greene County Bar Association. He was married,
at Pittsburgh, September II, I9I3, to Audra Hampson,
a native of Jackson Township, born June 3, I89I,
daughter of James and Arabelle (Gillogly) Hampson.
Mr. and Mrs. Throckmorton are the parents of a
daughter, Margaret Hampson Throckmorton, born at
Rogersville, April 27, 1917, a senior at Waynesburg
College.
LEWIS W. SAYERS-Inaugurating his practice of law in Waynesburg after his discharge from the
army at the conclusion of the Spanish-American War,
Lewis W. Sayers has been a leading figure in the local
legal fraternity since the beginning of the twentieth
century, and enjoys an enviable reputation throughout
this locality.
He was born in Greene County, December 3, I866,
the son of Benjamin Franklin and Margaret (EIaveley) Sayers. Benjamin Franklin Sayers, a native of
Waynesburg, engaged in farming, and was a follower
of the Republican party. He died in 1923. His wife,
a native of Evansville, Indiana, died May 15, 189o.
Lewis W. Sayers was educated in the rural schools
of Greene County, and later attended Waynesburg
College, where he graduated magna curn laude, and
received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1890. He
then read law in the office of James E. Sayers, Esq.,
and was admitted to the Greene County bar in I894.
He continued in this office until 1898, when he enlisted
for.war service, with Company K, Ioth Pennsylvania
Infantry.  He enlisted as commissary sergeant, but
was promoted to sergeant-major of the regiment January I2, 1899. He saw active service in the Philippines, and in the battles of Malate, Laloma Church,
Guiguinto and Malolos. After the war he launched his
private practice of the law, and is recognized as an
able, fearless and honest attorney.
He is a Presbyterian in his religious belief, and is
a member of the Republican party. He is affiliated
with the Greene County Bar Association, and holds
membership in the Spanish-American War Veterans.
He was married, February 27, 1902, to Sally Adams
Cooke, daughter of Arthur Inghram  and Arabella
(Blackmore) Cooke, and they are the parents of four
children: I. Margaret B. 2. Lewis W., Jr. 3. Charles
C. 4. Sara Frances Sayers.
PERRY ELSWORTH WRIGHT-For more
than thirty-five years the Greene County representative of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New
York, Perry Elsworth Wright also occupies an outstanding position as a Sunday school leader in the
county.
Perry Elsworth Wright was born in Wind Ridge,
Greene County, March 3, 1862, son of John McGlumphy
and  Hester Ann  (Caseman)  Wright. John  McGlumphy Wright, who was born in Wind Ridge, October I2, 1820, and who died February 14, 1902, was a
carpenter and farmer and during the Civil War served
for two years and ten months as a sergeant in Company C, I8th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, his period of service falling between his enlistment on June
5, I862, and his discharge because of wounds suffered
in action at the battle of Antietam. His wife, Hester
Ann (Caseman) Wright, was born in New Freeport,
Greene County, March 5, 1824, and died in Wind
Ridge, April 5, I866.
After passing through the public schools of Richill
Township, Greene County, Perry Elsworth Wright
worked for a period on the family farm with his father
and brother, following this employment witlh engagements in the oil fields of Greene County. In 1903 he
became associated with the Pittsburgh Life and Trust
Company, with whom he remained until 19II. On
May IO, I9II, he was appointed postmaster at Wind
Ridge, serving until May I0, 1914. He then came to
Waynesburg, and again became associated with his old
company, the Pittsburgh ILife and Trust Company,
remaining until 1916, when he resigned to become associated with the Mutulal Life Insurance Company of
New York, with whom he has continued to the present
time.
Always interested in civic matters, Mr. Wright is
a member of the Democratic party and, in November
of 1935 was elected to the office of Register and Recorder for a term  of four years.  Another interest
which has bulked very large in Mr. Wright's life is
the Presbyterian Church, particularly its Sunday
school, a field of endeavor in which he has labored for
many years and won wide recognition, being chosen
as a delegate to the 1924 World's Sunday School Convention in Glasgow, Scotland. Mr. Wright has also
served as president of District No. 5.
Perry Elsworth Wright married, April I, I885,
Lizzie Ferrell, daughter of George Washington and
Nancy (Throckmorton) Ferrell, of Wind Ridge. M.r.
I05ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERiN PENNSYLVANIA
Ferrell, who was born in Washington County, April
I6, 1828, was a shoemaker; his wife, born in Center
Township in I832, spent her life in Greene County.
Mrs. Wright was born in Wind Ridge, April 3, I866.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright are the parents of four children:
I. Blanche, born March i6, i886. 2. Stanley Ferrell,
born September 2, I889. 3. Paul Edgar, born December 27, 1892. 4. John Caseman, born January 3, I895.
SANKEY WESLEY METZLER-The contribution made by the Metzler family to the life of
Uniontown has been a significant one, and has been
enriched by the work of Sankey Wesley Metzler, long
a prominent business man here. Leading in the work
of many organizations and doing everything in his
power for the furtherance of worth while interests, he
has earned the admiration and affection of his fellowcitizens in all walks of life.
Mr. Metzler was born December 13, 1877, at Albright, Preston County, West Virginia, son of Noah
and Mary (Feather) Metzler and member of an old
and noted family. The Metzler line was founded in
the United States by Jacob Metzler, who came from
Germany in early life, grew to manhood in Somerset
County, Pennsylvania, learning the trade of miller and
becoming prosperous, and owned land and a mill. He
married and founded a family. John Metzler, one of
his sons, was born in Somerset County, this State,
there becoming a farmer. After his marriage, he removed to the vicinity of Bruceton, West Virginia,
there to remain for the rest of his life. He married
Rachel Ross, a native of Somerset County, and they
were the parents of seven children.
One of these children was Noah Metzler, father of
Sankey Wesley Metzler. This Noah Metzler was
born in Somerset County, and was a young man when
the family removed to West Virginia, settling near
Bruceton, in Preston County. He learned the blacksmith's trade, in which he continued through all the
years of his life in the same county. He was a blacksmith in the Union Army for three years of the Civil
War. For the last ten years of his life he lived in
Kingwood, West Virginia, having retired from active
business endeavors in I9o8. He lived from I840 to September II, 191I, dying in Kingwood. From I86o to I9oo
he was in business at Albright, Preston County, West
Virginia. He was a Republican, a local office holder,
and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
married Mary Feather, a native of Preston County,
West Virginia, daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth
Feather, of that county. Abraham Feather was for
many years a wagoner on the National Pike, freighting
between Wheeling and Baltimore. He owned his own
teams and a good farm in Preston County. He was a
veteran of the Union Army, serving in the Civil War.
After the death of Noah Metzler, Mary (Feather)
Metzler made her home in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.
The children of Noah and Mary (Feather) Metzler
were: I. Oda F., deceased, was the wife of William E.
Sharps, who is connected with the Wright--Metzler
Company, of Uniontown. 2. Charles R., deceased, was
trainmaster on the M. and K. Railroad and a resident
of Morgantown, West Virginia. 3. Sankey Wesley, of
further mention.
Sankey Wesley Metzler received his early education
in the public schools, and began his business life as
driver of a delivery wagon for a mercantile firm at
Independence, West Virginia. He advanced rapidly,
and at the end of seven years was an owner and manager of the store. He formed a partnership with J.
M. Hartley, of Fairmont, West Virginia, and purchased the business from its owner and his old employer, W. E. Sharps. They operated the store successfully for five years. Then, in association with
Frank W. Wright, of more recent years a resident of
Orlando, Florida, he organized, in February, I904, the
Wright-Metzler Company, for operation of a department store in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, with Mr.
Wright as president and Mr. Metzler as secretary
and treasurer. In I907 the company established a department store on East Main Street, Uniontown, so
beginning an enterprise that was destined to become
more than ordinarily successful.
Along with his numerous other undertakings, Mr.
Metzler is president and a director of the American
Department Stores Corporation of Pennsylvania; the
Wright-Metzler Company, of Uniontown; the Caldwell Store, Inc., of Washington, Pennsylvania; the
Metzler-Wright Company of Warren, Pennsylvania;
and the Fayette County Community Trust. He is a
trustee and chairman of the executive committee of
Uniontown Hospital; a director of the Uniontown
Chamber of Commerce and the Pennsylvania Retailers'
Association; and a member of many other business.
social, civic and fraternal groups. He is active in the
Uniontown Country Club and is a member of the
Duquesne Club (Pittsburgh), holds the thirty-second
degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry,
belongs to Fort Necessity Chapter of the Sons of the
American Revolution, and is a trustee of Asbury
Methodist Episcopal Church, Uniontown. Politically
he has followed an independent course in local politics,
though he is a Republican in his national affiliation.
On October I2, I904, Sankey Wesley Metzler married Margaret Clare Judkins, daughter of John W. and
Anna (Cole) Judkins, of Barnesville, Ohio. Since
1916 they have resided at No. 8I Pennsylvania Avenue,
Uniontown, Pennsylvania. They have two childrenio6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I. Martha Judkins Metzler, born May I5, I9O6; she
was married, on July 17, 1929, to Daniel W. MacDonald, Jr., also of Uniontown, and they became the
parents of two sons: i. William Herbert MacDonald
(called "Sandy"), who was born April 17, 1930. ii.
Sankey Metzler MacDonald, born June 13, 1935. 2.
William Judkins Metzler, born May 9, 1912; he married, on March II, I936, Mary Ann Lambert, daughter of William L. Lambert, who is now deceased, and
Emily (Miller) Lambert, of Somerset, Pennsylvania.
STEPHEN PAUL ACKLIN-A lumber dealer
and a general contractor, Stephen Paul Acklinl, of
Waynesburg, is also associated there in the operation
of the Pine Street Garage, the Jefferson Products
Company and the Acklin Lumber Company.
Stephen Paul Acklin was born in Waynesburg, November 4, I902, son of Charles and Mary (Eicheberger) Acklin. Charles Acklin. a native of Greene
County, is a lumber dealer; his wife, Mary (Eicheberger) is a native of West Virginia.
After passing through the public schools of Waynesburg, including two years at the Waynesburg High
School, Stephen Paul Acklin spent two years at
Bordentown Military Institute and then studied for
three years at Waynesburg College. In 1922 he became associated with his father, Charles Acklin, who
is president of the Acklin Lumber Company and also
operates the Jefferson Lumber Company. The two
organizations deal in lumber, mine supplies, and operate the Pine Street Garage and engage in general
contracting activity, employing about twenty-eight
men on an average. Another son, C. W. Acklin, has
also entered the business.'A Democrat in politics, like
his father, Stephen Paul Acklin belongs to Waynesburg Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons and is a member of the'Waynesburg Methodist Episcopal Church
and the Retail Lumbermen's Association of Western
Pennsylvania.
Stephen Paul Acklin married, at Cumberland. Maryland, in October, I926, Mary Crawford, who was born
in Waynesburg, October 27, 1902. She is the daughter of Carl and Fannie (Hughes) Crawford, the
former a native of Washington County, and the latter
being born in Greene County.
FRANK B. DUNBAR-General manager of the
Mather Collieries since 1929, Frank B. Dunbar, of
Wavnesburg, has had a very wide experience in the
mining industry, being associated with the industry
for more than fifty years.
Frank B. Dunbar was born in Aurora, New York,
March 6, 1875, son of Frank G. and Emma Jean
(Thomas) Dunbar. Frank G. Dunbar, a traveling
salesman, was born in Aurora, New York, in i85I; his
wife, Emma Jean (Thomas) Dunbar, was also a native of New York State, being born in I853.
After passing through the public schools of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, Frank B. Dunbar studied
in the commercial department of the Indiana State
Normal School at a later period. Since Mr. Dunbar
was twelve years of age, he has been working in the
mines. Rising rapidly from the lower ratings as a
miner, by I9o1 he became superintendent of the Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal and Iron Company, an office
which he occupied until I903, when he was made the
superintendent of the Pittsburgh Coal Company. This
second office Mr. Dunbar held into I910, then becoming the superintendent of the Lackawanna Steel Company.  After five years with the Lackawanna, Mr.
Dunbar accepted a post with the International HIarvester Corporation as superintendent, leaving that
company in I921, after six years, to become the general
superintendent of the Hillman Coal and Coke Company. This office Mr. Dunbar retained until I929, at
which time he came to the Mather Collieries as general
manager. A member of the Republican party, like his
father before him, Mr. Dunbar has extended his business interests to include a directorate in the Jefferson
National Bank of Waynesburg. A member of several
Masonic bodies, including the Knights Templar and
the Shrine, Mr. Dunbar also belongs to Waynesburg
Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Waynesburg Rotary Club, the American Mining Institute, the Western Pennsylvania Engineers' Society
and the Greene County Country Club and Nemacolin
Country Club. Mr. Dunbar is also a member of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Waynesburg.
Frank B. Dunbar married, May i8, I896, at Brockway, Jefferson County, Carrie V. Keller, a daughter
of Samuel and Sarah (Smith) Keller, who was born
in Jefferson County, September 23, I877. Her parents
are both natives of Jefferson County. Mr. and Mrs.
Dunbar are the parents of four children: I. Donald
C., born March 4, 1897, in Brockway. 2. Verne, born
September IO, I900, in Punxsutawney. 3. Herbert L.,
born April Io, I9O6, in Imperial. 4. Helen, born June
30, I912, in Fllsworth.
JAMES  CLINTON  BANE-District attorney
for Washington County since I935, James Clinton
Bane is one of the leading members of the Washington
bar as well as being one of the leaders of the Washington County organization of the Democratic party.
James Clinton Bane was born in East Pike Run
Township, Washington County, February 3, 1902, son
of Lawrence Lemmon and Olive (Virtue) Bane. Lawrence Lemmon Bane, a Democrat and justice of the
Io7ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
peace, was born in Clarksville, January 3, 1872, and
his wife was born in Eldersville, September 30, i875.
After passing through the public schools of East
Pike Run Township, James Clinton Bane graduated
from high school in I918 and, selecting the legal profession for his life work, entered Duquesne University,
receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws in I923.
Admitted to the Washington County bar, September
IO, 1923, Mr. Bane established himself in general
practice in Washington and he has developed a large
practice as, successively, he was admitted to practice
before the Pennsylvania Supreme and Superior courts
and the Federal District courts in 1923 and the United
States Supreme Court in April, 1935. A member of
the Young Men's Democratic Club of Washington,
Mr. Bane was nominated for the office of district
attorney of Washington County in November of I935
and won the four-year term beginning January I, I936.
A thirty-second degree member of the Masonic Fraternity, Mr. Bane is also a member of the Lions Club
of Washington, the Moose, Washington Lodge, No.
776, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Washington
County Golf and Country Club and the Nemacolin
Country Club, as well as belonging to Trinity Episcopal Church of Washington.
James Clinton Bane, married, March I4, i928, at
Washington, Mary Helen Rodd, born at Cuyahoga
Falls, Ohio, July 23, I9OI, daughter of F. W. and
Mary Helen (Doubleday) Rodd, both natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Bane are the parents of a son:
James Clinton, Jr., born in Pittsburgh, July 20, I937.
MATTHEW B. ARMSTRONG-Sheriff of
Washington County, Matthew B. Armstrong, of
Washington, has followed a career as a school teacher
and as a public official since his return froim France
after the World War.
Matthew B. Armstrong was born in Brownsville,
Fayette County, December 22, I896, son of John T.
and Mary Ann (Labin) Armstrong, both natives of
England, who have spent most of their lives in Southwestern Pennsylvania, where Mr. Armstrong was a
miner.
Matthew B. Armstrong, after passing through the
public schools of Rice's Landing, Fredericktown, California and Gallatin, graduated from the Donora High
School in I917 and then, on April ii, 19I8, enlisted in
the United States Marine Corps. Appointed a corporal after training, he was assigned to the 84th Company, 6th Regiment, 2d Division, and sent to France
in September of the same year, serving later in the
Army of Occupation until discharged on July I3, IoT9.
For a time, Mr. Armstrong worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, after returning home and then, for a
year, he was with the Monongahela Railroad. Meanwhile, he had determined to be a teacher and studied at
California State Normal School, graduating in 1922
and, then, teaching for a year or two in East Bethlehem Township, coaching the high school team there
as well in 1922 and also coaching the Centerville High
School teams in I923. But in I924 Mr. Armstrong
abandoned his career as a teacher and associated himself with Joseph B. Haver, a druggist at Fredericktown, an activity which occupied Mr. Armstrong until
193I, at which time he entered the office of the WVWashington County Commissioner at Washington, serving
first as Veterans' Grave Registrar and, later, as personal property clerk. Always an active Republican,
Matthew B. Armstrong served as an assessor in East
Bethlehem Township'for three years beginning in
I925 and, for two years, I929-30, was chairman of the
township's Board of Health. Then, after six years of
residence in Washington, he became a candidate in
November, I937, for the office of sheriff of Washington County, winning the election to the four-year term
which began January I, 1938. Mr. Armstrong has
continued his war-time associations by activities in
veterans' organizations, being a charter member of
Hanson Cole Post, No. 39I, American Legion, being
adjutant of the Twenty-fifth District of the Pennsylvania State Department of the Legion, being a member
of the Graves Registration Committee. and belonging
to Voiture Locale No. 676, of the "40o and 8." Mr.
Armstrong, who is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, also belongs to the Council No. 36I, Junior
Order United American Mechanics, the Arms Club
of Washington; the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge,
No. 22, Washington, Pennsylvania; is an honorary
member of the Society of Sons of Italy, No. 270; a
member of the Pennsylvania State Sheriff's Association; the American Society National Shrines of the
American Revolution; and the Second Division Association of the American Expeditionary Forces.
Matthew  B. Armstrong married Hazel E. Litton,
of Fredericktown, born April I, I898, and a daughter
of William C. and Rebecca (Renner) Litton. William
C. Litton was born in Fredericktown; his wife was a
native of Fayette County. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong
are the parents of two children: I. Elizabeth H., born
May io, 1925. 2. Matthew L., born May 5, 1932.
FRANK A. RUGH-For almost thirteen years
Frank A. Rugh has maintained his own offices in
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, for the general practice of
law, and is considered a most able member of the legal
profession. He was born in this city, November 15,
I894, the son of Jacob Welty and Jennie Elizabeth
io8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Ruff) Rugh. The elder Mr. Rugh, a native of
Greensburg, was engaged as a farmer in Westmoreland County.
Frank A. Rugh was educated in the Jeannette
schools, and after graduating from  Jeannette High
School, entered the University of Pittsburgh, and received his degree of Bachelor of Science in Education
in I9I7. He then enrolled in the Law School of the
university, but soon afterwards the World War intervened in his studies, and he enlisted, May 15, 1917, as
a member of the American Expeditionary Forces. He
was assigned to Base Hospital No. 27, first called the
University of Pittsburgh Ambulance Unit, and served
until April I, 1919, when he received his honorable discharge as a corporal.  He then resumed his legal
studies and was graduated from the University of
Pittsburgh with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in
1924. Admitted to the bar the same year, he practiced in Pittsburgh as an associate of R. T. M. McCready, remaining here until 1926 when he returned to.eannette to establish his own office. In addition to his
legal duties he is president of the Keystone Supply
Company, and a director of the Jeannette Thrift Corporation.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and in politics a follower of the Republican party..An
active figure in civic life, he holds membership in the
Jeannette Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of Post No. 344, American
Legion. He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted
Masons, and holds the thirty-second degree of Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the
Westmoreland County Bar Association.
IHe was married at Pittsburgh, August 2I, I92I, to
Hazel Gibson Witt, born at Latrobe, August i8, 19oo00,
the daughter of James C. and Lillie (Abenathy) Witt.
Mr. and Mrs. Rugh are the parents of six children:
I. Frank A., Jr. 2. Lillie Jane. 3. James Witt. 4.
Helen Louise. 5. Robert Jacob. 6. Patricia Ann, all
born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania.
JAMES  EDWIN   DUNCAN, 3d-Vice-president of the Duncan-Miller Glass Company, of Washington, James Edwin Duncan, 3d, of Washington,
Pennsylvania, also serves the company as treasurer
and as a director.
James Edwin Duncan, 3d, was born in Washington,
June I9, I9IO, son of James Edwin, Jr., and Mary
(Smiley) Duncan. James Edwin Duncan, Jr., born
in Pittsburgh, has been president of the Duncan-Miller
Glass Company for the past twelve vears. His wife,
Mary (Smiley) Duncan, is a native of Titusville.
Passing through the East Washington grade school,
James Edwin Duncan, 3d. graduated from  the East
Washington High School with the class of 1928 and
then, attending Lehigh University, received his degree
of Bachelor of Arts in 1932. Returning to Washington, he entered the Duncan-Miller Glass Company,
manufacturers of glass tableware, and in I933, was
elected vice-president, treasurer and director, positions
which Mr. Duncan has held through the present time.
A director of the Citizens' National Bank of Washington, James Edwin Duncan, 3d, belongs to the Associated Glass and Pottery Mantfacturers, the Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Washington
Rotary Club, as well as being a member of the Beta
Theta Fraternity, the First Presbyterian Church of
Washington and the local organization of the Republican party.
HENRY WILLIAM  HOFFMAN-Entering
the employ of the People's National Gas Company in
I907 as an engineer, Henry William Hoffman worked
in various capacities until 1920 when he was appointed
chief engineer of the station situated at Brave, Pennsylvania, and he has continued in this position to the
present day. This company, producers and distributors
of natural gas products, employs sixty men at this
plant.
Mr. Hoffman was born in Warren County, Pennsylvania, December I4t, I885, the son of Rudolph and
Mary (Sprandle) Hoffman, both deceased. Rudolph
Hoffman, born in Germany, December 28, I840, was
a tanner by trade, and saw service with the German
Army in the war with Austria. He died at Sheffield,
Pennsylvania, February 2, I935.
Henry William Hoffman graduated from the public
schools of Sheffield, Pennsylvania, and later took a
course in mechanical drafting at the Scranton Correspondence School. In I900 he secured employment
with J. H. White Company, manufacturers of bottles,
and two years later entered the oil fields of Northern
Pennsylvania. In I9o5 he entered the employ of the
Warren Street Railway Company, continuing with
this organization until I907 when he came to Brave,
Pennsylvania, to begin work for the People's Natural
Gas Company, where he has been steadily occupied
ever since.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and a follower of Republican principles. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He was married in Greene
County to Minnie Phillips, daughter of J. A. Phillips.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are the parents of three children: I. Rudolph K., born July 12, I919. 2. Mary
Theresa, born September i8, I915. 3. Elizabeth Louise,
born June i8, I926.
Io9ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
JOHN WESLEY HOY-Assistant chief engineer of the Brave Branch of the People's Gas Company, John Wesley bIoy, of Brave, Greene County,
has spent nearly forty years, all of his active life so
far, in the service of the gas company.
John Wesley Hoy was born in Brave, March 15,
I890o, son of Thomas and Minerva (Kent) Hoy.
Thomas Hoy, a farmer, was born in Hoover's Rln,
Greene County; his wife, Minerva, is also a native of
the same county.
Attending the public schools of Brave until he became fifteen years of age, John Wesley Hoy became
an employee of the People's Gas Company in Brave in
I905.  Starting at the bottom, Mr. Hoy gradually
worked his way upward through various positions
until he was appointed assistant chief engineer, an
office which he holds at the present time. LIike his
father, a member of the Democratic party, Mr. Hoy
has always taken an active part in the civic life of
Brave, being a member of the School Board of Wayne
Township and being a school director in I937 and I938.
A member of the Modern Woodmen of America and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Mr. Hoy is
also very active in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
being steward and a trustee as well as the president of
the Bible class for four years and the Sunday school
superintendent for several years.
John Wesley Hoy married, in April, I9II, in Brave,
Louie Effie Cole, a daughter of Isaac and Ellen (Taylor) Cole, natives of Greene County, where Mrs. Hoy
was born January 6, I89I. Mr. and Mrs. Hoy are
the parents of a son: John Wesley, Jr., born in Brave,
Greene County, in January, 1921, and now a student of
West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
DAVID HOUGH WOODWARD-A member
of the undertaking profession for more than eighteen
years, David Hough Woodward now operates the
David H. Woodward Funeral Home in Monessen, a
modern establishment which he has been conducting
since I933. He was born at West Newton, the son
of Samuel L. and Etta (Tarr) Woodward, both deceased.  Samuel L. Woodward, born in Elizabeth,
Pennsylvania, in I86o, was engaged in farming in
Westmoreland County at the time of his death, November 3, I930. His wife, a native of Madison, Pennsylvania, died July I, I926.
David Hough Woodward received his early education in the West Newton schools, and after graduating
from West Newton High School in I917, prepared for
his career at the Cincinnati College of Embalming.
He then secured employment in the undertaking parlors of Bernard Volk, Jr., at McKeesport, where he
remained until I927. For the next three years he
served as deputy coroner at the Allegheny County
Morgue, and in I930 opened his first establishment at
Mt. Pleasant, remaining here until I933, when he
transferred his business to the present site in Monessen. He is a member of the State Board of TUndertakers.
He is a Presbyterian and a member of the Democratic party, and an active figure in the civic life of
Monessen. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Fire Department and Crothian's
Beneficial Society, and is affiliated with the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
He was married, at West Newton, August 25, I931,
to Ruth Morrow, a native of Scottdale. born January
4, I907, the daughter of Elmer and Maude (Ruth)
Morrow.  Mr. and Mrs. Woodward are the parents
of two children: I. Charles William, born at Mount
Pleasant, March 9, I932. 2. David Hough, Jr., born
at West Newton, October I7, I934.
DOMER SLATER NEWILL, M. D., Physician,
Surgeon-For many years successfully engaged in the
practice of medicine and surgery, Dr. Domer Slater
Newill is today recognized as one of Connellsville's
leading professional men. He is highly respected and
honored in every circle of his acquaintance, and his
accomplishments have been both numerous and useful
in the sphere of his profession and beyond its borders.
Dr. Newill was born July 12, I891, at Champion,
Pennsylvania, son of George Franklin and Sue C.
(Davis) Newill, both now deceased, and member
of an old and honorable family. The family name is
doubtless a variant of Newall, Newell, which originated as a surname of locality from the parishes of
Newhall in counties Chester, York, Edinburgh, Forfar, Kincardine and Ross, and others in England and
Scotland. The American line is as follows:
(I) Stephen Newill, the progenitor of the American branches of the Newill family, came from Ireland in the latter part of the eighteenth century, settling in New Jersey. Despite the fact that he came
from Ireland, he was a staunch adherent to the Presbyterian Church, and this allegiance, combined with
his obviously English name, implies that the Newills
were not originally Irish, but English. Perhaps they
were natives of one of the northern border counties,
compelled to seek refuge in Ireland because of religious persecution meted out to Dissenters of Scotland
and England in the early decades of the eighteenth
century. Students of the family have deduced that
Stephen Newill farmed in his early years in New
Jersey, but it is not known whether he had a landed
estate or worked for others. It is on record, however,
IIOANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sophia Moyer, and after her death he married (second), on September 5, I839, Elizabeth Cross, born in
1792, died October 3, I85I. Judge Lobingier died at
Mount Pleasant, February 26, I859. Among his children was John Lobingier, grandfather of Walter S.
Lobingier, who was born at Laurelville, August 2I,
I799, engaged in farming until 1882, and then took up
residence in the home he built at Mount Pleasant,
where he passed away May I6, i885. On November
25, 1824, he married Elizabeth Smith, daughter of
Jacob Smith, whose father, Philip, had come to this
country from Germany and married Mary Armel, of
Westmoreland County.
Walter S. Lobingier received the early part of his
general education in the public schools of his native
community and later completed this part of his studies
at the Mount Pleasant Classical and Scientific Institute. He then matriculated at Washington and Jefferson College, which he attended for one year, and at
the expiration of this period entered the University
of Wooster, in Wooster, Ohio, from  which he was
graduated in the class of I892. That same year he
came to Pittsburgh to begin a career in journalism.
He secured his first reportorial position as a member
of the editorial staff of the "Dispatch," and during
his association with this paper gained wide experience,
covering a number of famous stories, the most interesting being the Homestead strike.  In the years that
followed he was to work in various capacities for several of the leading newspapers in this city and elsewhere. In this connection he was Pittsburgh correspondent for the "New York Daily News," city editor
of the "Pittsburgh Times," and later went to Denver,
Colorado, where he continued his journalistic pursuits.
He returned to Pittsburgh and in I897 established the
"Index," which still continues as one of the most
widely read weekly publications of its kind in this city.
IEventually he assumed the post of financial editor for
the "Pittsburgh Press," and was working in this
capacity when he determined to establish himself in a
law practice. He was trained in the legal profession
and in I9O3 was admitted to the Allegheny County
bar. The same year he established himself in a general practice, which he hlas since conducted with outstanding distinction and success, specializing in Appellate Court practice and annotations of legal publications, and as associate editor of the "Pittsburgh Legal
Journal."
Widely known through his professional activities,
Mr. Lobingier has been active in social and civic
affairs. For years he had been one of the active leaders
of the local Republican organization and is listed as
a charter member of the Colonial Republican Club.
He fraternizes with Lodge No. 684, Free and Accepted
Masons; St. Clair Chapter, No. 305, Royal Arch
Masons; Mt. Moriah Council, No. 2, Royal and Select
Masters; Duquesne Commandery, No. 72, Knights
Templar; Pennsylvania Consistory, thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He also is a member of East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, Sons of the American Revolution, of the
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, the Allegheny County
and Pennsylvania Bar associations, and at one time
served with Company E, Ioth Regiment of the Pennsylvania National Guard, from which he was honorably discharged.
On December 30, I897, Walter S. Lobingier married
Rose M. Fulton, who died January 28, I924. She was
a daughter of James and Martha (Morrison) Fulton,
and they were the parents of one daughter, Martha
Fulton Lobingier.
DAVID EMULOUS BANE-A member of the
Pennsylvania bar, David Emulous Bane, of Uniontown, has earned for himself a position of high respect
and distinction among his fellow-citizens. His long
association with the life of this Commonwealth has
brought him the very high regard of those who know
him in every walk of society.
Mr. Bane was born on January I8, I879, in Jefferson Township, Greene County, Pennsylvania, son of
Morgan Andrew and Mary Elizabeth (Bowser) Bane,
members of old and honorable families. The Banes
trace their ancestry to Mathew Baines, of Weyersdale,
Lancashire, England, who was married to Margaret
Hatton, at Lancaster, Monthly Meeting of Friends, Io
mo. 22, I672, and the record of that meeting shows the
birth of four of their children, vix., Thomas, Eleanor,
Timothy and William. Mathew Baines, with his family,
sailed for America in the year I687, but he and his
wife and two of his children died at sea; the two surviving children, Eleanor and William, upon their arrival at Chester, were taken in charge by Friends, and
placed with Quaker families in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Joseph Bane, great-grandfather of David E. Bane,
moved from Bucks County to the Shenandoah Valley,
and later moved with his family, along with the fanlily
of Andrew Morgan, to East Bethlehem Township,
Washington County, Pennsylvania, locating near Fredericktown, in the year I814. John Randall Bane, son
of said Joseph Bane, and grandfather of David E.
Bane, married Nancy Morgan, daughter of the said
Andrew Morgan. Nancy Morgan was a descendant
6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
that in 1773 he entered Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, buying land in Mount Pleasant Township
and there living for the rest of his life. Evidently he
was well advanced in years when he first went to
Westmoreland County, for State records show that
without exception his six sons and his son-in-law,
Barney McCall, served in the Revolutionary War. His
sons were James, Joshua, John, Robert, Thomas and
Richard Newill. His only daughter, Mary, became
Barney McCall's wife.
(II) Robert Newill, the son with whom we are
directly concerned in this line of descent, was the
great-great-grandfather of Dr. Domer Slater Newill.
Born in Maryland, he became an early pioneer in
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, patenting two
hundred and eighty acres of land in Mount Pleasant
Township and there residing until his death. He was
a farmer and, like his father, a Presbyterian. He
married Mary George. Their children were: John,
George, James, David L., Sinai Craig, and Ann
Thompson Newill.
(III) James Newill, third of these children and the
third son of the family, married Susanna Derby. Like
the progenitor of the family in America, he had by
this marriage seven children, six sons and a daughter:
James, George, John, William, Robert, Joshua, and
Mary Long Newill.
(IV) William, the fourth son, was the first of the
family to settle in Fayette County, and was the grandfather of Dr. Domer Slater Newill. He married
(first) a Miss Lemmon. They had several children:
i. Nancy, wife of a Mr. Bronson. 2. Caroline, wife of
Jacob Porch. 3. James, who married Anna Matthews,
both now deceased. 4. Alexander M. 5. David. William Newill married (second) Amanda Jane Porch,
who died November 23, i886. He himself died January
I5, I885. Their children were: I. George Franklin,
of further mention. 2. Charles P. 3. William P. 4.
Anna P. 5. Ivy P.
(V) George Franklin Newill, father of Dr. Newill,
was born August 3I, I865, and died in I930. He was
engaged for years in farming operations of magnitude
and was a school director of Saltlick Township, Fayette County. He married, November I4, I889, Sue
C. Davis, who was born March 27, I863, at Indian
Head, Pennsylvania, and died in I934. The children
of this marriage were: I. Domer Slater, of further
mention. 2. Lyman, born July 23, I893, took up his
home at Champion, Pennsylvania. 3. Iva Luella, wife
of Ray W. Miller, of Ruffs Dale, in Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania. 4. James Arden, born June
21, I899, now deceased. 5. Elmer E., born April 4,
1902, now of Champion, Pennsylvania. 6 and 7. Reed
Hill and Raymond Brooks. twin brothers, born December 22, I904, of Champion and Donegal, Pennsylvania, respectively.
(VI) Domer Slater Newill received his early education in the Fayette County schools, and in I9II was
graduated from Ohio Northern University with the
degree of Bachelor of Science. In I915 he received
his degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, then entered Westmoreland County Hospital to serve his interneship. Establishing offices for his own private practice, he was
engaged in general medical work until I924, when he
took up industrial surgery as a specialty. For years
he has been connected as consultant in industrial surgery with the Koppers Coal Company. More recently
he has also served other corporations in this capacity,
among them the Indian Creek Coal and Coke Company, the Melcroft Coal Company, the Connellsville
division of the West Penn Railways and the Monongahela division of the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was
chief surgeon of this Pennsylvania Railroad division
and surgeon with the West Penn Railways.
Considered an authority on industrial surgery and
particularly adept at handling the difficult problems
that arise in connection with this type of work, Dr.
Newill is also active as a member of the surgical staff
of Connellsville State Hospital. He has done valuable research work in gynecology and general surgery,
both at the University of Chicago and the University
of Vienna, and is the author of monographs on "Vaginal Hysterectomy" and "Non-penetrating Wounds
of the Abdomen," as well as many other articles. He
is a member of the Fayette County Medical Society,
the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the
American Medical Association, and he also belongs to
the American Association of Railway Surgeons and
the Vienna American Medical Association. He is a
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In
addition to his other activities, he is a member of the
Medical Reserve Corps of the United States Army.
On December 24, I935, he was appointed a member of
the Bureau of Medical Education and I,icensure of the
Department of Public Instruction, Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
Dr. Newill's hobby is birds. Ornithology and Aviculture are unusual studies for one in his profession,
but he has come to be recognized as one of the outstanding students along these lines in America and has
a considerable reputation abroad. He has the largest
collection of rare and ornamental pheasants in Pennsylvania, and he has bred and cross-bred many rare
specimens of which he has the only samples in existence. By his methods of breeding he has been able to
create new specimens, some of which he has presented
to zo6logical gardens in different parts of the country.
I I IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
It has taken him years of close study and research to
produce some of his rare birds, and he is a member of
the American Avicultural Association and the British
Avicultural Association.
Dr. Newill has also concerned hinmself with social
welfare work and different projects designed to promote human betterment.  He has for several years
been chairman of the Underprivileged Child Committee. He holds membership in the Kiwanis Club and
the Free and Accepted Masons. In the Masonic Order
lie is connected with Marion Iodge, No. 562, Free and
Accepted Masons, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Connellsville Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Gourgas ILodge
of Perfection, Valley of Pittsburgh; Pennsylvania
Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (in
which he holds the thirty-second degree), and Syria
Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine (Pittsburgh).
On November I9, 1909, at Indian Head, Pennsylvania, Dr. Domer Slater Newill married Malinda
Saylor, of Scottdale, daughter of William and Sadie
(Enos) Saylor. Dr. and Mrs. Newill became the parents of the following children: I. William Kenneth,
born May 12, 1911, at Champion, Pennsylvania, graduated in I934 from Ashland College with the degree of
Bachelor of Science and from the University of West
Virginia with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, now
studying medicine at the Medical School of the University of Cincinnati for his degree of Doctor of
Medicine. 2. Harold Saylor, born January 15, I915,
in Cincinnati, Ohio, graduated in June, 1937, from
Ashland College with the degree of Bachelor of
Science, and captain of the football team at that institution of learning, now a student in medicine at the
University of Pittsburgh. 3. Domer Slater, Jr., born
April I, I9I9, at Donegal, Pennsylvania, now a junior
at Ashland College.
JAMES GOLD- As mayor of the city of Monessen since 1933, James Gold has administered the affairs of this office in a manner which has earned for
him the confidence and support of the local populace,
who recognize in him an honest and capable public
official. He was born at Coal Glen, November 13,
1891, the son of James and Grace (Torrance) Gold.
The elder Mr. Gold, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, is
engaged in coal mining. His wife was born in Motherwell, Scotland.
James Gold received his public school education in
the schools of Steubenville, Ohio, and later took a
special course in evening school, and furthered his
education through the medium of the International
Correspondence School. From I903 to 1916 he was in
the employ of the Lable Iron Works at Steubenville.
Ohio, and in the later year moved to Monessen, where
he worked for the Pittsburgh Steel Company until
I93I, interrupting his period of service during the
World War, to become a member of Company D,
I36th Infantry, 37th Division. In 1933 he was elected
to his present post in the official family of Monessen,
and he was rewarded in 1937 by reelection to another
term of four years.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
a staunch supporter of the Democratic party. He is
connected with the local Chamber of Commerce and
Rotary Club, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He also holds
membership in the American Legion.
He was married at Pittsburgh, November 14, 1921,
to Thelma Willey, a native of Allenport, and they are
the parents of four children: I. Norma. 2. Joan. 3.
Colleen. 4. Sheila, all born in Monessen.
CLAUDE MITCHELL-Active in educational
circles since I909, Claude Mitchell, in I918, was
appointed superintendent of the West Newton schools,
which position he has conscientiously and capably filled
to the present day. He was born at Mifflinburg,
Pennsylvania, August 15, 1887, the son of Charles and
Mary  Alice  (Brouse)  Mitchell.  The elder Mr.
Mitchell, a cobbler by trade, has taught school for a
time and has engaged in farming. His wife, born at
Mifflinburg, April 15, I864, died in July, I929.
Claude Mitchell attended the Linestone Township
public schools, and later enrolled at Susquehanna University, where he was graduated in 1912 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Meanwhile he had identified himself with the teaching profession, and from
I909 to I9Io taught in the Snyder County, Pennsylvania, schools. He then was appointed principal of the
Lewis Township schools at Millmont, Pennsylvania,
where he remained for two years, following which he
went to Defiance, Pennsylvania, to accept the principalship of the Broadtop Township High School. After
four years at this post, he entered his present position,
and his years of experience in the pedagogical field
have benefited him in his present task of supervising
the activities of sixteen grade schools and one high
school, with a personnel of more than thirty teachers.
Mr. Mitchell has done postgraduate work, and earned
his degree of Master of Arts from the University of
Pittsburgh in 1925, and the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy from the same institution in I93I.
He is a member of the West Newton Methodist
Church, a supporter of the Republican party, and an
active figure in civic and fraternal life. He is past
president of the Rotary Club, a member of the AmeriII2ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
can Association for the Advancement of Science, and
an affiliate of Phi Delta Kappa and Phi Gamma Mu
fraternities. He is also identified with the American
Academy of Political and Social Science and the
American Genetic Society, and in the Masonic Order,
he has passed through the Consistory, and holds the
thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite.
He was married, at Penns Creek, Pennsylvania,
July 23, 1912, to Rhoda Viola Bowersox, born June
19, 1894, the daughter of Henry A. and Sally (Ocker)
Bowersox. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents of
three children: I. Mary Verdilla, born November I,
I9I5. 2. Dorothy Laverna, born October I4, I919.
3. Marion Lorena, born September 28, 1922.
JAMES E. TINSTMAN-Throughout his industrial career of more than fifty years, James E. Tinstman has been associated in numerous capacities with
the United States Pipe and Foundry Company, and
since 1920 he has been general manager of the plant
located at Scottdale. He was born at West Overton,
East Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County,
October 22, 1870, the son of Jacob Overholt and Anna
(Leighty) Tinstman, both deceased. Jacob Overholt
Tinstman, born in East Huntingdon Township, November 23, 1832, was for many years head distiller of
the Overholt Distillery. He was also interested in
the coal and coke business in this section, and was a
member of the Masonic Order.
James E. Tinstman received his education in the
East Huntingdon Township and Bull Skin Township
schools, later transferring to the Scottdale public
schools. He attended the Scottdale High School and
in i886 he entered the employ of the National Foundry
and Pipe Company, the name of his present employer
prior to I899. He started as a laborer, and in later
years served as moulder, yard foreman, shipping clerk,
superintendent and resident manager. In 1920 he was
appointed resident general manager, and he has capably handled the numerous duties of this office to the
present day.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is
prominently identified with the Republican party. He
was a member of the City Council for eighteen years,
and during the last ten years of his term served as
president of this group.
He was married, January iI, I900, to Sarah A.
Rutherford, a native of New  Castle, England, born
January I8, I871, the daughter of John and Anna
(Robson) Rutherford. Mr. and Mrs. Tinstman are
the parents of a daughter, Helen, born October 3I,
I900, who married David  V. Loucks, of Scottdale,
Pennsylvania.
HARRY SCOTT LOHR--For over fifty years
the name of the Lohr family has occupied a prominent
place in the social, civic and business affairs of the city
of Ligonier, where its fame is being perpetuated today
by Harry Scott Lohr, successful lumber dealer and
building contractor here for over a quarter of a century. In addition to his business prominence Mr.
Lohr is also widely known for his generous and useful
contributions to the welfare of the community, which
he has served in several official capacities.
Mr. Lohr was born at Latrobe, Unity Township,
Westmoreland County, January 28, 1873, the son of
Michael J. and Louise (Griffith) Lohr, both members
of old and honored families in this section of the State
of Pennsylvania. His father, who was a farmer and
mason by trade, was born at Cremahoning Township,
Somerset County, November 5, I842, the son of John
and Rachel (Ray) Lohr, and was a veteran of the Civil
War. He enlisted September 4, i86i, as a member of
Company C, 54th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, for three years and at the end of that period
reenlisted for the duration of the war. He fought in
West Virginia, the Shenandoah, the James and the
Potomac, seeing action in a number of large and important engagements, which included Cedar Creek,
Newmarket, Lynchburg, Petersburg and Appomattox
Court House.  He was captured twice, escaped once
and the last time was imprisoned at Annapolis, Maryland, being incarcerated four days before General
Lee's surrender. On May 30, 1865, he was discharged
after having served for nearly four years. He returned
to his home at Jenner Township in Pennsylvania,
farmed here for a time and engaged in his trade as a
stone mason, until he rented a farm in Ligonier Township which he eventually purchased. He was active in
Ligonier affairs and at one time served as tax collector
for the town. The first member of his family in this
State was John Lohr, his grandfather, who owned and
operated a large farm in Stoystown, Somerset County,
where he was a prominent Republican, served as town
constable and worshipped at the Lutheran Church.
Harry Scott Lohr received a general education in
the public schools of Ligonier and spent his boyhood
on the family farm where he assisted his father until
he was fifteen years of age. At that time he broke
home ties and became a clerk in the general store of
Murdock and Berkey in Ligonier. where he worked
for five years. He then entered the tonsorial business
in association with S. S. Dice, and continued in this
capacity for twelve years at the end of which time he
retired from this work to join his brother, James
Garfield Lohr, in organizing the Lohr Lumber Company, which he has since been associated with. In
conjunction with this firm he has also conducted a genII3ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
eral contracting business, which is one of the most
successful of its type in Westmoreland County. In
this activity he employs a large staff of mechanics,
bricklayers, carpenters, stone masons, concrete men
and laborers, and is credited with having supervised
the erection of some of the most beautiful homes in
this community, as well as several large and important business buildings, among them the National
Bank of Ligonier.
Like his distinguished forebears, Mr. Lohr has contributed substantially to the upbuilding of Ligonier.
He is a leader of the local Republican organization, is
a former school director and worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he is a member of the
board o;f trustees.
Mr. Lohr married Anna R. Davis, daughter of
William B. and Martha (McKinstrey) Davis, both of
Ligonier, where her father engaged in the blacksmith
trade and was a prominent Republican. Her mother's
father, John McKinstrey, was a native of County
Antrim, Ireland, and came to this country during his
youth, settling in Ligonier where he practiced his
trade as a tailor until his passing. Mrs. Lohr, who
has inherited a musical talent from her father, has
been a member of the choir at the Ligonier Methodist
Episcopal Church since she was twelve years of age.
She is also active and prominent socially and belongs
to the Ladies Aid Society. Mr. and Mrs. Lohr are
the parents of the following children: I. William
Davis, born June 27, 1895, attended public schools,
the Indiana Normal School, studied for one year at the
Carnegie Technical School in Pittsburgh, and later
served in the United States Army. 2. Nancy Louise,
born August 23, I899, and attended the Pennsylvania
College for Women in Pittsburgh.
CHARLES B. HEGAN-As treasurer of the L.
W. Darr and Company of Ligonier, Pennsylvania,
general contractors and builders, and operators of a
general hardware store, and also the Ligonier Valley
Realty Company, Charles B. Hegan is numbered
among the leading business men of this locality. He
was born at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland County,
January 22, 1879, the son of John L. and Harriett
(Fisher) Hegan. John L. Hegan, also a native of
Pleasant Unity has been engaged for many years as
a watchmaker.
Charles B. Hegan was educated in the Pleasant
Unity public schools, and later attended Greensburg
Seminary. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, and became associated with his fatherin-law, J. W. Darr at Lauighlinstown, in the operation of a general store. After nine years at this work,
he entered the sawmill business. where he remained
until 1920, when he assisted in the organization of the
L. W. Darr and Company with which he is still associated. This company, dealers in all types of lumber
and building supplies, is one of the leading establishments of its kind in this section.  Mr. Hegan also
serves as secretary of the Ligonier Valley Realty
Company.
He is a member of the United Brethren Church of
Laughlinstown, and a follower of the Democratic
party, and is connected with both the Westmoreland
County and Western Pennsylvania Retail Lumber
Dealers associations.
He was married, at Laughlinstown in I905 to Zura
Darr, daughter of John W. and Mary Jane (Koontz)
Darr. Mr. and Mrs. Hegan are the parents of eight
children: I. John I. 2. Mary Odessa. 3. Harry E.
4. Claire. 5. Nellie. 6. Charles. 7. VVilliam. 8.
Richard.
ROY PATTISON BOWSER-Roy Pattison
Bowser, prothonotary of Armstrong County, was born
in East Franklin Township, on the outskirts of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, September 2I, I887, the son of
Lewis and Eva (Snowden) Bowser, both deceased.
Lewis Bowser, long employed as a teamster, was a
supporter of the Republican party.
Roy Pattison Bowser was educated in the public
schools of Kittanning, and then secured a position as
clerk in the store operated by D. J. Heaphy. After
one year he purchased a store and entered the grocery
business for himself. He later disposed of these interests, and during 1923 and 1924 served as a clerk for
the Armstrong County Trust Company. In 1924 he
again entered the general grocery business, and continued until I937 when he found it necessary to sell
the store in order to devote all his time to his work at
the courthouse. He was elected county treasurer in
I93I for a four-year term. and in appreciation of his
efforts in behalf of the public he was elected prothonotary in 1935 for a four-year term, 1936 to I940.
He is a member of the Baptist Church and an ardent
Republican, and a prominent figure in fraternal life,
being affiliated with the Kittanning Lodge, No. 244,
Free and Accepted Masons, New Castle Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Junior Order of Independent Americans. He is also a member of the local Rotary Club,
and a recognized leader in civic affairs.
He was married, April 24, Igog, to Nellie Powell,
born August 2I, 1889, at Adrian, Pennsylvania, daughter of Edward and Mary (Lloyd) Powell, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bowser are the parents of seven
children: I. Louise, married Harry Mateer, and they
are the parents of a son, Kenneth. born September 25.
II4ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
II5
I933. 2. Richard S. 3. Rosanna M., married Clayton
McGarvey. 4. Evan L. 5. Elizabeth Ann. 6. Thomas
Edward. 7. Janet V. Bowser, married Ernest O.
Hughes.
JOSEPH BLAIR-Joseph Blair was born in
Kittanning Township, August I3, I875, the son of
Thomas and Margaret (Collins) Blair. Thomas
Blair, a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland, was a
shoemaker by trade. Joseph Blair has long been active
in Democratic affairs, and at various times has held
the offices of supervisor, auditor and tax collector.
Mr. Blair was educated in the public schools of
Armstrong County, and then entered the farming industry, to which he has been closely allied to the
present day. Engaged in general farming he now
supervises the operations of his tract consisting of
more than one hundred and ten acres. In 1912 he was
appointed auditor of Armstrong County, which post
he held until I920. He was elected county commissioner in I934 for a six-year term, and the duties of
this office, combined with his extensive farming operations afford Mr. Blair little time for any other activities.
He is a member of the Methodist Church of Simpson, Pennsylvania, and has been county chairman of
the Democratic party for six years. He is a member
of the Young Men's Democratic Club, and is affiliated
with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He was married, at Ford
City, December 6, I899, to Ida M. Dunmire, a native
of Plum Creek Township, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Isaac Dunmire. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are the parents
of four children: I. Hazel. 2. Rita. 3. Hilda. 4.
Adley Blair.
FRANK MATHIAS REBOLT-Since his election as treasurer of Armstrong County in I935, Frank
Mathias Rebolt has proven himself a public official of
unquestioned ability and integrity, and he has conducted the affairs of his office in a manner which has
Verified the confidence placed in him by his fellowcitizens. He was born at Rimer, Madison Township,
Armstrong County, January I9, I894, the son of John
N. and I,ulu (Bowser) Rebolt. John N. Rebolt, also
a native of Madison Township, is engaged as a coal
miner and hotel keeper. Active in Republican affairs,
he has served for sixteen years as school director of
Pine Township. His wife is a native of Washington
Township.
After completing his early education in the public
schools of Madison Township, Frank Mathias Rebolt
enrolled at Clarion Normal School, where he remained
for two years. He then worked as a telegraph operator for the Pennsylvania Railroad for three years,
after which he entered the employ of Harbison and
Walker at Templeton, Pennsylvania, where he worked
as a machinist for seventeen years, terminating his
employment in I934, upon his election to his present
post.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and an
ardent Republican, at present serving as chairman of
Armstrong County. He also served for six years as
auditor of Pine Township. He is well known in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, Loyal
Order of Moose, United Order American Mechanics
and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He was married, at Templeton, October 24, I9I7, to
Florence Gray, born February 2I, I892, at Reynoldsville, the daughter of Harvey and Maggie (Coleman)
Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Rebolt are the parents of three
children: I. Betty. 2. Jack. 3. James, all born at
Templeton, Pennsylvania.
HARRY A. HEILMAN-Since his admission to
the bar in I899, Harry A. Heilman has been.actively
engaged in the practice of law in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, and in his many years of court work he has
gained an enviable reputation in this section for the
high standard of his services and the efficient manner
in which he has conducted the numerous cases that
have been entrusted to his care. He was born here,
September 25, I875, the son of William M. and Emma
L. (Anderson) Heilman. William M. Heilman, a
native of Armstrong County, was engaged for many
years as an architect and builder, and was prominent
in political circles, serving for many years as a school
director and a member of the Republican City Council.
Upon completion of his grammar school education
in Kittanning, Harry A. Heilman entered Phillips
Academy at Andover, Massachusetts, and after graduating in I895 matriculated at Princeton University,
Princeton, New Jersey. After one and one-half years
at this institution he transferred to the University of
Pennsylvania, and was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws in I899. Meanwhile he was reading
law in the offices of George Stuart Patterson in Philadelphia, and was admitted to the Philadelphia bar in
June, I899. In September of the same year he became
a member of the Armstrong County bar, and in I900
was admitted to practice in the Appellate Court. He
has since been admitted to practice in the United States
District Court, and the Circuit Court of Appeals. He
also serves as president and a director of the Safe
Deposit and Title Guarantee Company, and is a director of the Elger Company.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTE'RN PENNSYLVANIA
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
prominent Republican, having served as solicitor of the
Borough of Kittanning for twenty-five years, and also
as a school director. He is a member of the American, State and County Bar associations, the Rotary
Club and the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh, and is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and the Free and Accepted Masons, in which
he holds the thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite. He also holds membership in the Kittanning Country Club.
He was married at Oil City, Pennsylvania, April
Io, I90I, to Bess Hulings, of Oil City, Pennsylvania,
daughter of General Willis T. and Emma (Simpson)
Hulings. Mr. and Mrs. Heilman became the parents
of five children: I. Emma, was married to Ross J.
Buchanan. 2. Willis H. 3. William M., who died in
I933. 4. Mary Anderson. 5. Harry A. Heilman, Jr.
HARRY P. BOARTS-Since his admission to
the Armstrong County bar in I903, Harry P. Boarts
has been actively engaged in the general practice of
law in Kittanning, where he has established an excellent reputation for the learned and efficient manner
in which he has upheld the interests of the many clients
who have at times sought his advice and assistance in
legal proceedings. He was born in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County, the son of Frederick and
Sarah J. (Marsh) Boarts. Frederick Boarts, a native
of Westmoreland County, was employed for many
years as a cooper and also engaged in farming in
Armstrong County, prior to his death in I891. He was
a staunch Democrat.
Harry P. Boarts received his early education in the
township schools, and then attended Greensburg Semiary, after which he taught school in Armstrong and
Westmoreland counties for three years from  I893 to
I896. After working as a clerk for one year in a
store at South Greensburg, Pennsylvania, he entered
Grove City College, and graduated in I9oo with the
degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. He then returned
to the teaching field for a short time, whereupon he
was elected principal of Vandergrift Heights schools
and served for two years. Meanwhile he was studying
law in the offices of ex-Judge Calvin Rayburn and
Samuel H. McKain, and was admitted to the Armstrong County bar December 23, I903. He immediately opened offices for himself in Kittanning for the
general practice of law. Subsequently he was admitted to practice in the Pennsylvania Supreme and Superior courts, and in the Federal courts. He served
as burgess of Kittanning from March, I9o9, until
January I, I914.
He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and
is an active supporter of the Democratic party. He is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and is a member of the Armstrong County Bar
Association.
He was married, November 29, I92I, to Amanda
Elizabeth Robinson.
LEON J. HOUZE, Sr.-The making of glass is
an ancient art, possibly ten thousand years old, during
which period many of its secrets have been lost and
rediscovered. In America attempts to make glass were
undertaken coincident with the first settlements. Yet
it was not until I853 that the first plate glass was
manufactured in this country. This was but four years
before the birth of Leon J. Houze, Sr., one of the
truly great figures in the American glass industry. As
a contemporary writer has stated: "He represents a
connecting link with the very old and the very new in
flat glass, and his lifetime covers a tremendous amount
of change, development and improvement, all of which
he saw and a part of which he was..... "  As a
young man he introduced methods learned in his native
Belgium, a country which then held the undisputed
leadership in the flat glass industry.  And down
through the years his inventive genius and enterprise
have been manifested in numerous notable inventions
and improvements, the pioneer use of natural gas as a
glass-melting fuel; and the establishment of several
centers of industry in Pennsylvania and contiguous
states, not the last of which is Point Marion, the present headquarters of the L. J. Houze Convex Glass
Company. Of this, and the concerns of which it is a
consolidation, he has been the president since shortly
after the turn of the present century.
Mr. Houze was born in Belgium in 1857, and at an
early age became identified with the glass industry
near Charleroi, Belgium. He was well grounded both
in the art and the trade of glass blowing when, in
I879, he came to the United States to enter the employ
of the Day-Williams Glass Company, of Kent, Ohio.
Within two years he had won recognition for unusual
abilities in his field, and together with his brothers,
in I88I, built the first cooSperative window glass factory at Meadville, Pennsylvania. In that same year he
was the first man to demonstrate that natural gas was
an eminently suitable fuel for melting glass.  This
really historic event, like many such things, was as
simple in its origin as it was great in its effects. As
recorded by a contemporary: "It was in I88I when he
was invited to come to Olean, New York, where he
constructed a simple brick tank, and actually melted
glass in it from raw materials, using the new fuel, andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Richard Morgan, who was born in Wales in I700,
and when a young man came to America. He received
large grants of land from Thomas Lord Fairfax under
King George II in the year I734. He settled on this
land near Shepherdstown, Virginia. He built one of
the first houses ever erected in the Shenandoah Valley.
He was a captain in the French and Indian War. His
sons and grandsons were officers and soldiers in the
French and Indian and Revolutionary wars. These
Morgans assembled the one hundred minute men or
Virginia Riflemen and made the historic "Bee Line
March to Boston."  His eldest son, Colonel William
Morgan, from whom David E. Bane is a direct descendant, was born in I737, and died in 1788. He
married Drusilla Swearingen. He was a large property
owner, owning twenty-five hundred (2,50o) acres of
land, located in the Shenandoah Valley, near Shepherdstown. He was an officer in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars.
The following is a copy of the commission issued to
William Morgan:
COMMIISSION
Francis Fauquier Esq. His Majesty's Lieutenant
Governor and Commander in Chief of the Colony and
Dominion of Virginia.
To William Morgan, Gent.
By Virtue of His Majesty's Royal Commission and
instructions appointing me Lieutenant Governor and
Commander in Chief in and over his colony and dominion of Virginia with full Power and Authority to
appoint all officers both Civil and Military within the
same.
I, reposing especial Trust in your Loyalty Courage
and good conduct do by these presents, appoint you,
William Morgan, Lieutenant in a company of Militia
of the* County of Frederick Commanded by Van
Swearingen Gent. You are therefore to act as Lieutenant by duly exercising the Officers and soldiers
under your Command, taking particular care that they
be provided with Arms and Ammunition as the I,aws
of the Colony direct.
And you are to observe and follow such Orders and
directions from time and time, as you shall receive
from me or any other of your superior officers, according to the rules and discipline of War in pursuance of
the Trust reposed in you.
Given at Williamsburg, under my hand and the seal
of the Colony, this ninth day of November, and in the
thirty second year of his Majesty's Reign, Annoque
Domini 1758.                  FRANCIS FAITQUIER.
Morgan Andrew Bane, son of the said John Randall
Bane and father of David E. Bane, was born May
22, 1845, in East Bethlehem  Township, Washington
County, Pennsylvania, and died June I2, I924. He
was a veterinarian and drove on the race tracks of
this section of the State. He was a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons at Beallsville, Pennsylvania. He also took an active part in the public schools
and served for eighteen (I8) years as a member of the
School Boards of East Bethlehem Township and
Deemston Borough. The mother of David E. Bane,
Mary Elizabeth (Bowser) Bane, was born in Jefferson Township, Greene County, July 14, I85I, and died
September I6, I929. She was a daughter of David
Bowser and Malinda (Leonard) Bowser. Michael
Bowser, father of said David Bowser, settled in Greene
County, near Clarksville, on Ten Mile Creek in the
year of I812. Both owned farms and engaged in farming. David Bowser was a cooper, which trade he
followed along with his farming. The said Malinda
(Leonard) Bowser was a daughter of Lot Leonard by
his second wife, Frances (Willis) Leonard. Lot
Leonard was born near Elizabethtown, Morris County,
New Jersey, in the year I755. His ancestor, Solomon
Leonard, a native of Monmouthshire, Wales, removed
to Leiden, Holland, and thence, before I637, came to
America, where he lived successively at Duxbury and
Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Lot Leonard was a
soldier in the Revolutionary War from the State of
New Jersey in the years I775 and I776. He moved to
Greene County, Pennsylvania, in the latter part of the
year of 1776, where he continued to serve until the
close of said war as captain of the Indian Spies and
Rangers. He was married twice. His first wife was
Elizabeth Hoge, to whom were born eight children,
viz.: William, John, Lot, Isaac, George, Nancy, Sarah,
and Leah. His second wife, Frances (Willis) Leonard
was a descendant of Major Joseph Willis, who, with
his son, Joseph Willis, served in the Revolutionary
W\ar from the State of New Jersey. The son, Joseph
Willis, moved to Greene County, prior to the year of
i800.
There was born to Morgan Andrew Bane and Mary
Elizabeth (Bowser) Bane, eight children, zi.z.: David
E.; Leonard Morgan, attorney at law, Fort Wayne,
Indiana; Seth Calvin, Charleroi, a foreman on Lock
No. 4; Orpha Rebecca, teacher; Varoni Minnie
(Bane) Horne, former teacher; Pearl Mae (Bane)
Swaney; John Randall, near Rock Springs, Wyoming,
and Joseph Herschel.
David E. Bane attended the township schools of
Jefferson Township, Greene County, and East Bethlehem Township, Washington County, and Madison
Academy, in Uniontown. and Ohio Northern University. He taught seven terms in the public schools of
Fayette County. He read law with Judge J. Q. Van
Sweringen and Congressman Allen F. Cooper, of
Uniontown. Admitted to the bar on April 25, I908,
Mr. Bane began the practice of law in Uniontown,
and he has continued down to the present his general
legal practice. He is admitted to practice in all the
courts, including the Superior and Supreme Courts
7A  TKT)T A I C' f-r'  C'/-T'TTTr I TT'L-CmTr\'FT LT   TIT-T KT                 T  T A-kTT
earning a fee of five hundred dollars. Nowadays, when
natural gas is used in so many factories that it might
be called the standard glass-house fuel of America, it
is difficult to realize that:it is scarcely more than a half
century, and within the active lifetime of this one man
who is still an important figure in tlie industry, since
natural gas was first applied for this purpose."
From that time onward he perfected and introduced
a series of pioneer achievements which have done much
to make possible the remarkable development of the
industry during the past half-century. Among them
was the now familiar construction of glass tanks in
which the jamb walls are carried on brackets on to
the buck-stays; and thus, together with the crown,
they are supported independently of the blocks, making
it possible to remove the worn-out blocks for repairs
without disturbing the superstructure. Of this invention he made a free gift to American furnace builders
but subsequently patented at least a half dozen further
inventions of importance in glass manufacture. Included in this series are devices for holding glass disks
on cast iron formers in a heating oven, and softening
them into convex shapes. These pieces find a multitude
of applications as covers for pictures, for clock faces,
instrument dials and the like. When the blowing of
window-glass cylinders by mouth became superseded
by processes for drawing flat glass into sheets mechanically, Mr. Houze turned to this production of
convex glass as a specialty.
In the meanwhile-for some decades after I88IMr. Houze had designed and constructed glass factories all over the United States. In I899 he became
especially impressed with the advantages of Point
Marion, Pennsylvania, for industrial purposes when
he started there the Jeannette Glass Company with
which he was associated until I902, severing this connection to form a group of workmen and organize
The Federated Glass Company, of which he became
president and general manager. In I914 he also established the Houze Window Glass Company, and in
I923 merged these two companies to create the present
L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company, with plants at
Point Marion and sales offices in New York City and
Chicago, Illinois. In addition, the business of the Morris Glass Company, hand bottle manufacturers, was
acquired in I917. Of these enterprises he has continued
as the directing head since 1902, and is fortunate in
having sons and sons-in-law who have become associated with the founder in later years. A description
of the present specialized activities of the L. J. Houze
Convex Glass Company, can be found in the biography
of his son, Roger Joseph HIouze, which follows this
record.
1_I AU   tlN  N D Y LN VN AIN IA                117
To his industrial activities, Leon J. Houze, Sr., has
given complete devotion over a long period. As said
in the beginning, he stands out as a "truly great figure
in the American glass industry." In private and public
capacities, Mr. Houze has always been an exponent of
the best type of civic loyalty and progressiveness.
During his many years in Point Marion he has wielded
a definite and benign influence in its affairs, both as a
citizen and industrialist.
Leon J. Houze, Sr., married Irma Andris, who was
born September 2, I867, at Jemappes, Belgium. At four
years of age she entered the Convent at Enghien,
Belgium, where she remained until she was twelve
years old, at which time she left for America, with
two older sisters, to join other members of the family
who had preceded them to America, where they had
settled at Durhamville, New  York.  She attended
school in the latter city, and when eighteen years of
age, she married and, with her husband, came to
Pennsylvania in I899. They had the following children: I. Armand L. Houze, Sr., (q. v.). 2. Roger J.
Houze (q. v.). 3. Mae Marietta (Houze) Board.
4. Florine Manila  (Houze) Foltz.  5. Marguerite
Irma (Houze) Board. 5. Leon J. Houze, Jr.
ROGER JOSEPH HOUZE-As secretary and
treasurer of the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company
of Point Marion, Roger Joseph Houze continues the
distinguished record which has marked the association
of this family with the American glass industry for
many years. Building on the notable achievements of
his father, Leon J. Houze, Sr. (q. v.), founder of the
Houze companies, he has been largely responsible for
their development and for the fame which has come to
Point Marion as one of the major centers of fine
glass manufacture in the United States.
Roger Joseph Houze, who has been in partnership
with his father since I9IO, was born at Fostoria, Ohio,
on December 23, 1890. His mother was Irma (Andris)
Houze. He completed his preliminary education at
Point Marion High School and later studied at Eastern College, Front Royal, Virginia; Duquesne University in Pittsburgh; and Notre Dame University in
Indiana. Upon the completion of his education he
entered the glass plants of the Houze companies and
served a thorough apprenticeship under his father's
guidance in all phases of glass manufacture. When he
was only twenty he became a partner of his father in
the manufacture of convex glass and glass specialties,
and since the organization of the L. J. Houze Convex
Glass Company has served as its secretary and treasurer.  "The Houze enterprises," to quote from  an
account of its operations, "have the distinction of beAiNINAI,Z) UP b(-)U'l-17iWhANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ing the only ones of their kind in the United States
in which such a large variety of glass specialties are
made, including Houze transparent colored blown
sheet glass.  They also manufacture the glass for
motor and welding goggles, red glass for tail-lights
and stop-light glass. They also specialize in tinted
spectacle glass which is supplied to a number of optical
companies."
The development of the Houze business in colored
glass for goggles began during the World War, which
shut off importations of this material. Importers and
manufacturers of goggles turned to Leon J. Houze,
Sr., for help. Beginning with amber, and afterward
developing euphos green, azure blue, fieuzal, London
smoke and numerous special tints for sun glasses and
for welding goggles, his company have gradually
established themselves as leaders in this field of manufacture. Thus, the plant of the L. J. Houze Convex
Glass Company is one of the few places in the countrv
--if not the only one-where the blowing of windowglass cylinders by mouth can still be observed, since
manifestly, it is not feasible to set up machines for
drawing special colors, no one of which can be produced in great quantities, and each one requiring careful compounding and special control of the melting
process. Flat glass for many purposes, as well as convex glass, goggle lenses and a number of other specialties have been developed in this factory. Many
items are blown in paste molds, and many articles,
such as ash trays and lamp bases, are gathered and
pressed by hand. "Because of their skill in making
colored glasses," to quote from a brief account of its
operations published by the company, "and because of
the presence of many highly trained workmen, these
people are in position to take care of a multitude of
special pieces which could not be undertaken by larger
plants, whose routine of production is less flexible, and
whose melting processes are such that standardization
of ware and its manufacturing in large quantities are
necessary for economical operation. Because of the
peculiar nature of their plant and its equipment, their
aim cannot be tonnage, but they are in a position to
produce the small and unusual in whatever shape and
color may be required. "
Roger J. Houze is managing head of the L. J.
Houze Convex Glass Company, which now employs
over four hundred workers, and it is under his leadership that the remarkable development of the company
has taken place. He is assisted by his brother, Armand
L. Houze, Sr., who is in charge of technical and factory operations. Two sons-in-law of the founder, the
two Board brothers, are also members of the corporation and active in its management. Armand L. Houze,
Jr., representing the third generation of his family, is
a recent graduate in glass technology from the New
York State College of Ceramics at Alfred, New York.
In addition to Leon J. Houze, Sr., as president, and
Roger J. Houze, secretary and treasurer, the other
officers of the company are: Armand L. Houze, Sr.,
vice-president, and William H. Board, Sr., purchasing
agent and director.
Roger J. Houze is also vice-president and director
of the First National Bank of Point Marion; a director of the Point Marion Bridge Company, the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, the Point Marion School
Association, and a member of the American Ceramic
Society. He has been influential for many years in
community affairs and served a term on the Point
Marion Borough Council. He is a Democrat in politics; is affiliated fraternally with Valley Lodge, No.
459, Free and Accepted Masons, Masontown; with
Morgantown (West Virginia) Lodge, No. 470, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; and is a member
of the Morgantown Country Club, the Pittsburgh
Chamber of Commerce, the Motor Club of Uniontown
and the Rotary Club of Point Marion.
On November 9, I92I, Roger Joseph Houze married
Mary Louise Steele, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania,
daughter of George Thomas and Cora  (Newell)
Steele. Mr. and Mrs. Houze have one daughter, La
Verne Elois, born June 6, 1923, now a student in the
Roberts-Beach School, Catonsville, Maryland.
ARMAND L. HOUZE, Sr.-Having been associated with his father in the glass manufacturing business in Point Marion since his youth, and in his present
capacity as vice-president of the L. J. Houze Convex
Glass Company, Armand L. Houze, Sr., has contributed much to the expansion of this business founded
by his father, which has made Point Marion one of the
chief centers of this industry in the United States.
Armand L. Houze, Sr., was born in Durhamville,
New York, April 30, 1887, the son of Leon J. Houze,
Sr. (q. v.).  He graduated from the Point Marion
schools, and attended Duquesne University for one
year. He then entered Notre Dame University but
after one year he decided at the age of seventeen to
discontinue his college work, in order to launch his
business career with his father in the Federated Glass
Company. He learned the intricacies of glass-cutting,
and afterwards worked in various other departments,
and when the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company was
founded he was placed in charge of the glass coloring
and chemical departments, and in I923 assumed the
vice-presidency of the firm. The practical knowledge
of the business gained through his experiences in the
various divisions of the industry has been most beneficial to him in the performance of his present important duties. When the occasion permits he likes
ii8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to indulge in his favorite sport, fishing. which hobby
constitutes his chief recreational diversion.
He is a Democrat, and prominent in local affairs,
having served on the Borough Council of Point Marion
from  I931 to I935.  He is also a member of the
Morgantown, West Virginia, I,odge, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Flks.
He was married October 4, I9IO, to Katherine M.
Thalmann, of Morgantown, daughter of Albert and
Marie Thalmann. Mr. and Mrs. Houze, Sr., are the
parents of three children: I. Armand L., Jr., a graduate of Alfred University, Bachelor of Glass Technology, and now assisting his grandfather and father
in the management of their glass business (q. v.).
2. Roger J., 2d, born January 3I, I915, a student at
the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
3. Roberta Irma, born September I, 1921, a student at
Seton Hill Academy in Greensburg.
ARMAND  L. HOUZE, Jr.--Another member
of the family to become identified with the glass industry and at the present time employed as a chemist
for the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company in Point
Marion is Armand L. Houze, Jr.
He was born June 2I, I9II, in Point Marion, the
son of Armand L., Sr. (q. v.), and Katherine M.
(Thalmann) Houze. Armand L. Houze, Sr., has
been associated with this same company, founded by
his father, Leon J. Houze, Sr. (q. v.), for more than
thirty years, and now is vice-president of the concern.
Armand L. Houze, Jr., attended the local public
schools and graduated from Point Marion High School
in I929. After three years at the University of West
Virginia, he enrolled at Alfred University in Alfred,
New York, where, in 1935, he received the degree of
Bachelor of Glass Technology. He immediately entered
his present scene of employment and promises to become an important factor in the industry, as his father
and grandfather before him. He is a Democrat, a
member of the local Rotary Club and the American
Ceramic Society.
He was married to Mary E. Barbary, daughter of
Mrs. Bertha Barbary, June 30, I937.
RENE FERDINAND HOUZE-Following in the
footsteps of his father, Rene Ferdinand Houze learned
the trade of glass worker, and has been identified with
this industry in Point Marion, Pennsylvania, for more
than thirty-five years.
Mr. Houze was born July 2I, i885, in Meadville,
Pennsylvania, the son of Vital and Flora (L.adriere)
Houze, natives of Jumet, Belgium. Vital Houze, who
was born in I852, was a glass worker, and came to
America in I88o, to follow his trade.  He became
associated with the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company, and remained with this one firm for the remainder of his life. He died June 29, I937, at the age
of eighty-five. His wife died September 28, I9II.
Rene Ferdinand Houze attended the public schools
of Muncie, Indiana, and immediately upon graduation,
he learned the trade of glass blower. He came to
Point Marion in I900, and entered the employ of the
Jeannette Glass Company, and later transferred to the
L. J. Houze Glass Company, now known as the I,. J.
Houze Convex Glass Company, where he has been
superintendent of the press and blowing departments
since I92I. His ready willingness to contribute the
benefit of his years of experience to the progress of
those under his charge has made him popular with his
men and a valued member of this organization.
He is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and takes a keen interest in all
church affairs. In politics, he is a supporter of the
Democratic party, and he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a fishing enthusiast, and devotes a large part of his spare time to
this hobby.
On August Io, I9IO, he was married to Eva Jane
Johnson, a native of Point Marion, and daughter of
Noah M. and Mary Ellen (McClain) Johnson. Mr.
and Mrs. Houze are the parents of one daughter,
Bernice E., born April 8, I914, a graduate of the
University of Pittsburgh with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts; she married Azel Meadows, Jr., of Huntington, West Virginia, and they are the parents of one
son, Brian Kent Meadows.
WILLIAM HOUSTON BOARD, Sr.-In his
capacity as assistant secretary and treasurer of the
L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company, and with his
duties as assistant purchasing agent for this concern.
William Houston Board, Sr., is an important member
of the official family of this thriving business.
Mr. Board was born January I8, I888, at Front
Royal, Virginia, the son of Luther Iden and Lucy
Belle (McCuen) Board.  Luther Iden Board, born
in Front Royal in I859, engaged in farming, and died
July 5, I933. His wife is still living. \William Houston
Board attended the Front Royal schools, graduating
from the high school in I9O6. He then took a business
course at Eastern College for three years, and afterwards acted as assistant postmaster from I9IO until
I916. In I916 he entered the employ of the Houze
W\indow Glass Company, and remained as secretary of
this organization until I923, when the business merged
with the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company. He
then assumed the duties which he is performing at the
present time.
iigANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He is a member of the Democratic party, prominent
in industrial circles, and most active in civic and fraternal affairs. He is a director of the First National
Bank of Point Marion and he is also treasurer and a
director of the Point Marion Bridge Company, and
for the past four years has been treasurer of the
School Board. He is a member of Unity Lodge,
No. 146, Free and Accepted Masons, at Front Royal,
Virginia, Morgantown Lodge No. 4I, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and the local Rotary
Club.
On October I7, I916, he was married to Mae Marietta Houze, daughter of Leon J. Houze, Sr., president
of the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company. Mr.
and Mrs. William Houston Board, Sr., have three
children: I. William Houston, Jr., born March 22,
I918, a graduate with high honors of the Augusta
Military Academy, Fort Defiance, Virginia, now attending the University of Virginia. 2. Charles Luther,
born November 28, 192I, also a graduate with high
honors of the Augusta Military Academy, Fort Defiance, Virginia. 3. Margaret Elaine, born October
30, I924, and a student at Point Marion Junior High
School.
CHARLES BERKLEY BOARD-After a successful career in the field of pharmacy, Charles Berkley Board entered the employ of the L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company in I92I, and to date has efficiently
fulfilled his various duties as an assistant secretary.
Mr. Board was born in Front Royal, Virginia, April
I4, 89go, the son of Luther Iden and Lucy Belle
(McCuen) Board.  He is the brother of William
Houston Board, Sr. (see preceding biography).
Charles Berkley Board received his early education in
the local schools, graduating from the high school in
90o8. He attended Eastern College in Front Royal
for two years, and then began the study of pharmacy
at the College of Medicine in Richmond, Virginia,
where he received his degree of Graduate in Pharmacy
in 1913. He began his practice the same year, but
interrupted his very promising career in 1916 to enter
the service of his country. He enlisted in the Ii6th
Infantry, 29th Division, and was overseas for twelve
months being attached to a machine gun unit. He saw
service at the Meuse Argonne Front and in the Baschwilder sector, and was honorably discharged as a first
lieutenant. On his return from France he renewed his
pharmacy work, but after a year he came to Point
Marion and to his present position where he is highly
regarded by the entire personnel of the concern for
his knowledge of operations and his interest in the
welfare of the workers.
He is active in Democratic affairs, and has been
serving on the Borough Council of Point Marion
since I935. He is prominent in fraternal circles, being
affiliated with Lodge No. I46, Free and Accepted
Masons, Hiram Royal Arch Chapter, No. 45, at Front
Royal, Virginia, Winchester Commandery Knights
Templar, No. I2, at Winchester, Virginia, and Acca
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, at Richmond, Virginia. He also holds membership in the Rotary Club, Hager Post, No. 499, of
the American Legion of Point Marion, and Millar
Post, No. I86o, of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of
Front Royal, Virginia.
He was married, on July 12, 1920, to Marguerite
Irma Houze, of Point Marion, daughter of Leon J.
Houze, Sr., founder of the famous L. J. Houze Convex Glass Company (q. v.). Mr. and Mrs. Board
are the parents of one daughter, Rosa Lee, born December io, 1922, now  a student in Roberts-Beach
School at Catonsville, Maryland.
JOSEPH A. McCLARAN-For many years
engaged in business for himself in Saltsburg as owner
of a drug store, Joseph A. McClaran served three
generations of many of the community's leading families before his retirement in I936. Since that year he
has devoted his attention mainly to his personal business activities, and he is today one of Saltsburg's best
known citizens and residents.
Mr. McClaran was born May 25, I866, at Saltsburg,
Pennsylvania, son of James and Catherine (Andre)
McClaran, both native Pennsylvanians. His father,
born at New Alexandria, this State, died in 1883. The
mother is also deceased.
The public schools of Saltsburg provided the early
education of Joseph A. McClaran, who started his own
business activities independently in I88I in the city of
his birth and lifelong residence. Opening a small drug
store in that year, he saw it grow and develop as the
years went on until its operations covered a wide area.
His retirement in I936 by no means diminished his
contribution to his community, for he has continued his
active service to the people of Saltsburg through his
many-sided participation in local affairs. His fiftyfive years in business constituted an unusual record of
service here, and endeared him in a lasting way to the
people of the district.
Supplementing his business activities with public
service, Mr. McClaran was postmaster of Saltsburg
under three Presidents: William McKinley, Theodore
Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. His total period
in that responsible position covered twelve years and
three months. He was also a member of the School
I20ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Pennsylvania, and the Supreme Court of the United
States. In addition to his own legal practice, Mr.
Bane is a leader in the general affairs of his profession, being a member of the Fayette County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and
the American Bar Association. He is the senior member of the firm of Bane and Bane, his son, Fustace
Herschel Bane, being associated with him. Politically
he is a staunch Democrat, and a member of the Central
Christian Church, of Uniontown. In the Free and
Accepted Masons he is connected with Fayette Lodge,
No. 228, and with the Royal Arch Chapter, Knights
Templar Commandery and the ILodge of Perfection.
He was elected and served one term as school director
in North Union Township, and one term on the School
Board of the city of Uniontown.
On December I2, I903, David E. Bane married
Nellie Ray Ramage, of Percy, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Daniel A. and Sarah (Hanan)
Ramage, members of old and honorable families, who
were among the early settlers of Fayette County.
(James Ramage, grandfather of the said Nellie Ray
(Ramage) Bane, with his six brothers, served on the
side of the Union in the Civil War.) Five children
were born to this marriage; viz.: I. Eustace H., graduated from Pennsylvania State College in T127, with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and from the Pittsburgh Law School of the University of Pittsburgh in
I930 with the Bachelor of Laws degree; he now practices his profession in association with his father, as
noted above. He was married-to Frances Belle Daugeherty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Daugherty, of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, on Aulgust T2,
I930; to whom was born a daughter, Donna Lee Bane,
I,n October I8, I93I. Eustace H. Bane is admitted to
practice in all the courts of the State of Pennsylvania,
and is a member of the Fayette County Bar, Pennsylvania State Bar and American Bar associations. In
the Free and Accepted Masons he is connected with
Laurel Lodge, No. 65I, Royal Arch Chapter, No. I64,
UJniontown Commandery, No. 49, and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
2. Ruth Naomi, wife of Ross Chalfant Shriver, of
Charleston, West Virginia, was married Tune I2, I930;
she is a graduate of the Universitv of West Virginia,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Her husband
is also a graduate of that university. Two children
have been born to this marriage, vis.: Patricia Ann,
born March 30, 193I, and Ross Chalfant, Jr., horn
January 22, 1933. 3. Sarah Elizabeth Bane is a graduate of the Uniontown High School and has had one
year each in the University of Pittsburgh Extension
School and Indiana State Normal College, and is living at home with her Darents. 4. Catharine Robhrta
Bane, now deceased, was a graduate of the Uniontown
High School and an art student of the Junior Class at
Indiana State Teachers' College at the time of her
death. She ranked high in her class as an art student,
and her mural painting was one of four selected to
decorate the walls of the Young Men's Christian
Association of that institution. She was killed in an
automobile accident while at home over the Thanksgiving holidays on November 30, I933. 5. David Morgan Bane is a graduate of Duke University, Durham,
North Carolina. He graduated magna cur laude from
that institution on June 6, I938, with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa,
Pi Gamma Mu, and Alpha Kappa Psi. In September,
1937, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in
the 308th Cavalry Reserve of Pittsburgh. He is also
an Eagle Scout, having acquired seventy-seven merit
badges. He is now registered as a law student in the
University of Pennsylvania.
ROBERT CLARK HAGAN-Engaged in the
practice of law in Uniontown, Robert Clark Hagan
has performed a work of importance and value to this
city, and has earned the warm respect and admiration
of his contemporaries in all walks and departments of
life. His participation in community affairs has
brought him the gratitude of the people here and has
established him definitely in a position of leadership
and standing.
Mr. Hagan was born August 8, I89I, in Trauger,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, son of Harry
and Elizabeth (Clark) Hagan and member of an old
and honorable family. His great-grandfather, John
Hagan, came to Fayette County, this State, from
County Derry, Ireland, and was a farmer and stone
mason. Engaged in business as a contractor, he built
a part of the National Pike through Uniontown for
the government about I820. His son, Robert Hagan,
the paternal grandfather of Robert Clark Hagan, was
born in South Union Township, Fayette County, in
I832, and died in August, 1914, after a successful career as a farmer and sheep and cattle raiser. His son,
Harry Hagan, Robert C. Hagan's father, was born
in South Union Township, Fayette County, on June
20, I858, and was a mining engineer and a prominent
Uniontown merchant, serving his community useftlly
as postmaster under the administration of President
Woodrow Wilson. He lives retired in Uniontown,
where his wife, Robert C. Hagan's mother, is also a
resident. She was born here February 20, I866.
Their son, Robert Clark Hagan, attended the public
schools of Uniontown, and in I9Io was graduated
from high school here. Becoming a student at Bucknell University, he was graduated in I914 from that
8A NT  AT A TC Cz     V            TT-   TxATU   -PUT  WT  -  --   T-kT C    7 T   T A ATT A
~ IN IN IY  i1L~c3'1JV    -j'       I  iVV  
Board for a number of years. During the World War
he served on different boards and committees, doing
much to advance the country's cause. He is today
holding the thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite in the Free and Accepted Masons. He
is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He worships in the faith of the Methodist
Church.
In I889 Joseph A. McClaran married Anna A. Jamison, of Pennsylvania. The children of this marriage
have been: I. Kenneth R., who attended Bucknell College; he married Helen Foster, and they have one
child. 2. Mary B., who studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music, wife of Henry Hagel; they have
one child. 3. J. Fred, who died at the age of twentysix years; he married Adeline Barnes; they had one
child. 4. Anna L., wife of G. W. Eisaman.
JOHN ALBERT SHEETZ-From a coal miner
in the hills of Pennsylvania to leadership in two such
diverse fields as candy manufacturing and hotel proprietorship, John Albert Sheetz has led a strenuous
life and one packed with accomplishment. His new
Penn Albert Hotel in Greensburg and his Albert
Sheetz Mission Candy Company in Hollywood, California, are the two major interests of Mr. Sheetz at
present.
John Albert Sheetz was born in Berlin, Somerset
County, on February 9, I873, the son of John C. and
Malinda (Cope) Sheetz. John C. Sheetz was born in
Berlin and spent his life there. In his early life he
was a carpenter and later a coal miner. He served
with the Union armies during the War Between the
States and held the rank of a sergeant. He also did
some nursing while in the army. The Sheetz family
came to Pennsylvania from Germany, the first Jacob
Sheetz being a cabinetmaker. His son was Joseph
Sheetz, also a cabinetmaker.  His son was John
C. Sheetz, father of John Albert Sheetz. Malinda
(Cope) Sheetz, the mother of John Albert Sheetz,
was the daughter of Ludwig and Catherine Cope. Both
were natives of Germany but came to Pennsylvania
before the War Between the States. Ludwig Cope was
a farmer but during the war he served as a soldier in
the Union armies and was slightly wounded.
John Albert Sheetz attended the public schools of
Berlin and then, learning the trade of cigar making,
as a boy, followed the art for ten years. However,
his uncle, Eli Sheetz, who was a candy manufacturer
in Washington, District of Columbia, offered him an
opportunity to learn that business and Mr. Sheetz
spent two years with him in the Capital City. But
cigar making was still more interesting than candy
1 ~'UN  I~ 1IN1N  YL VAIN1A                    121
making and Mr. Sheetz left Washington to come to
Greensburg, where he associated himself with Jacob
Ehalt, cigar manufacturer. After a few years Mr.
Sheetz bought out the business and for seven years
he manufactured the Sheetz Stogie. Then, selling out
the cigar manufacturing business, Mr. Sheetz moved
to Monessen, Pennsylvania, where he purchased a
hotel. Enlarging the building, he conducted it for
fifteen years under the name of the Sheetz Hotel. It
is still being operated under that name. After a twoyear interlude in the oil business in Burkesville, Kentucky, with D. O. Bennett, of Greensburg, Mr. Sheetz
returned to Greensburg and bought the Ehalt Hotel,
which he operated for five years. Then, leaving the
hotel field again, Mr. Sheetz spent twelve years in
Latrobe in the coal and coke business as president and
general manager of the Oakville Coal and Coke Company, the Elizabeth Coal and Coke Company, and the
Ridge Coal and Coke Company. In this activity, Mr.
Sheetz was associated with Congressman Wyant, W.
D. Waltham and J. F. Irwin. However, in I922, Mr.
Sheetz returned to two earlier interests, hotel operations and candy manufacturing. That year he built
the beautiful new Penn Albert Hotel in Greensburg, of
which he is owner and operator, and also, organized
the Albert Sheetz Mission Candy Company in Hollywood, California. In this candy company, Mr. Sheetz
is president and general manager and is associated with
his four sons and two sons-in-law. An active Democrat in politics, Mr. Sheetz has been tax collector for
Greensburg and, while a resident in Monessen. was a
member of the Town Council for a number of years.
He is president of the Pennsylvania State Hotel Association and also president of the Southern California
Candy Manufacturers Association. He is a member of
the Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church of
Greensburg.
On April I I, I889, John Albert Sheetz married
Gertrude Ehalt, daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Caushen) Ehalt, in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. and
Mrs. Ehalt spent most of their lives in Greensburg.
Mr. Ehalt, who was born in Germany, was a hotel
man all his life. Mr. and Mrs. Sheetz have four sons
and three daughters: I. Paul Ehalt, now of Hollywood, California. During the World War, he served
overseas in the American Expeditionary Forces. 2.
John A., Jr., now of Hollywood; he, too, served in
France during the World War. 3. Pierre F., also of
Hollywood.  He was in training during the World
War but did not complete his training before the
Armistice. 4. Eugene, also of Hollywood. 5. Mrs.
Charles Showater, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. 6. Mrs.
Will Cooper, of Los Angeles, California.  7. Mrs.
Thomas 1. McKnight, of Hollywood, California.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
AVRA  N. PERSHING, Jr.-Well known in
constantly widening circles as an exceptionally able
lawyer, Avra N. Pershing, Jr., of Greensburg, Westmoreland County, is also a prominent figure in athletics and civic affairs, and humanitarian and social
activities. If his surname sounds familiar to the followers of football, it is even more so to the world at
large, as that of the head of our army in France during the World War.
The family from which he and General John J.
Pershing sprang was founded in America by one Frederick Pershing (Pfoersching) of noted French Huguenot lineage, who came to this country from AlsaceLorraine on the good ship "Jacob," landing at the
port of Philadelphia, October 2, I749. He settled,
first, north of Frederick, Maryland, which was then
the frontier of the Southern Colonies. Not many miles
south of the Pershing cabin was the one-time quarters
of General Edward Braddock's forces of French and
Indians, so disastrously defeated in July, i755, when he
tried to invest Fort Duquesne, the present site of
Pittsburgh. In I768 Frederick Pershing removed to
Westmoreland, locating along Nine-Mile Run, in UJnity
Township, near the present site of Youngstown, where
he and his sons built "Coventry" upon his land. This
was in the days of Fort Ligonier and Fort Pitt, when
the Byerlys were situated west of Bushy Run; the
Proctor and Hughes families at Cochran's Ford; and
several Maryland and Virginia families were to be
found some twenty miles south. One of the sons of the
original Frederick Pershing was the Rev. Daniel
Pershing, who was the father of twelve children, one
being Joseph Pershing (I810-71), whose son, John F.
Pershing (I834-I906), was the father of General John
J. Pershing, Commander-in-Chief of the American
Expeditionary Forces.
Another son of Rev. Daniel Pershing was Isaac
Pershing (I8oo-86), father of the Rev. Justus H.
Pershing, who was a minister of the Church of the
United Brethren and a veteran of the War Between
the States. He married Mary Maguire, like her husband, a native of Derry Township, Westmoreland
County. Of their children was Avra N. Pershing, Sr.,
a Greensburg coal operator, who married Minnie
Everett, daughter of the late Frederick Steck and
Clara (Blair) Everett, natives of Greensburg and
Salem Township, respectively.
Avra N. Pershing, Jr., son of Avra N. Pershing,
Sr., and Minnie (Everett) Pershing, was born on
March 20, I905, in Greensburg. After being graduated
from the Greensburg High School in 1922 he entered
Lafayette College, from which he received the degree
of Bachelor of Science, with the class of 1926. He
then matriculated at the School of Law, University of
Pittsburgh, being graduated in I929, a Bachelor of
Laws. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, that same
year, he has since been engaged in a general practice
of his profession in Greensburg.
Since high school days, Mr. Pershing has displayed
qualities of leadership and service. He was elected
president of his senior class, a distinction which was
repeated when he led his graduating class at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. In church, as in
school, the same readiness to be of service has been
evident, as shown by the fact that for the past five
years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school
of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. In
recent years his interest in civic affairs has carried
him into wider fields. Among his activities are membership on the board of directors of the Young Men's
Christian Association and the Young MAen's Christian
Association Home; of the local advisory board of the
Salvation Army, and the Community Forum Committee. A Mason, Mr. Pershing is affiliated with
Greensburg Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons. He also belongs to the Greensburg Rotary Club,
Phi Delta Phi, legal fraternity, and the Phi Delta
Theta, college fraternity. Along professional lines he
is a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the Westmoreland County Bar Association.
He is an active Republican in politics.
All athletics have always engaged Mr. Pershing's
keen interest, although football has been and continues
to be the greatest of games to him. In 1920 and 192I
he played on the Greensburg High School State championship teams. In I922, I923, 1924, and I925, he was
a member of Lafayette's eleven. He was line coach
of the Greensburg High School team in 1926 and
1927, and in 1928 he coached the football team at Hurst
High School in Mount Pleasant Township. He is now
a member of and a past president of the Westmoreland County Football Officials' Association.
On July 24, I929, Avra N. Pershing, Jr., married
Dorothy Gail McKee, daughter of Dr. Claude Worth
and Anna (Humphries) McKee, of Greensburg. Dr.
McKee is a son of the late Dr. James Worth and
Harriet (King) McKee, of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Dr. McKee is an eye, ear, nose and throat
specialist of Greensburg. Mrs. McKee is a daughter
of Enoch A. and Esther Humphries, late residents of
Scottdale, where Mr. Humphries was an operator of
local coal mines. Mrs. Pershing was educated in the
Greensburg High School; the Baldwin School, in
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; and the University of
Michigan. Like her husband, she is active in civic
and educational affairs, serving as president of the
122ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Greensburg College Club (1937-38 and I938-39) inclusive, is a member of the board of the Greensburg
Library Association, and identified with various
women's organizations.
HON. ROBERT GRAY ALLEN-A son of
Massachusetts, Robert Gray Allen, has made his home
in Greensburg for the past ten years, winning success
in both business and politics. He is now a member of
the Seventy-fifth Congress of the United States.
Congressman Allen was born in Winchester, Massachusetts, on August 24, 1902, a son of Arthur Harrison
and Sally (Gray) Allen. Arthur Harrison Allen, born
in Ithaca, New York, and died in North Bridgeton,
Maine, on July 2, 1925, was a prominent civil engineer. He constructed the early bridge in Yellowstone
Park, as well as early steel bridges over the Mississippi between Minneapolis and St. Paul. During the
World War he served as a maj or in the Engineer
Corps of the United States Army. Arthur Harrison
Allen was of a family of English descent who settled
near Ithaca, New York. His father was a veteran of the
Civil War, as were his four uncles, his father's brothers. Sally (Gray) Allen. was a daughter of Walter
Scott and Mary (Prime) Gray. Walter Gray, who
was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, spent his
life there as a mason and contractor. During the Civil
War he was a seaman on the United States frigate
"Cumberland" and escaped death when his vessel was
rammed and sunk in Hampton Roads by the Confederate ironclad, "Merrimac," only by swimming ashore.
That experience caused him to enlist in the U'nion
Army, where he served during the balance of the war.
His wife, who was a native of Maine, died in Portsmouth. One of the members of a preceding generation of the Allen family, was Captain Robert Gray,
who was in command of a fighting ship during the
Revolutionary War.
Robert Gray Allen, the namesake of the intrepid
Revolutionary seaman, attended public schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and in Newton, Massachusetts,
and then graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover,
Massachusetts, in 1922. He attended Harvard College
for four years, leaving before receiving his degree. In
I926 he spent another period at the Harvard School
of Business Administration, specializing in executive
management. After completing his studies at Cambridge he entered the office of the Walworth Manufacturing Company in Boston and in I929 became sales
manager at the company's plant in Greensburg. This
position he held until January I, I937, when he took
office as Congressman from the local district. He is
a member of the Democratic party. Mr. Allen belongs
to the Greensburg Episcopal Church and is a member
of the Greensburg Rotary Club and Greensburg I,odge,
No. 51, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On January I7, I925, Robert Gray Allen married
Katherine Hancock Williamson, a daughter of Frederick Lee and Ella (Hancock) Williamson, of Franklin. Mr. Williamson who is now deceased, was cashier
in an Oil City bank. Mrs. Williamson now lives in
Franklin. Mrs. Allen passed through the Franklin
public schools and attended Miss Madero's School in
Washington, Dana Hall School, at Wellesley, Massachusetts, and Smith College, class of I927, Northampton, Massachusetts. She is a member of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church of Greensburg. Mr. and
Mrs. Allen have two children: I. Katherine Hancock
Allen, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 7, I926. 2.
Robert Gray Allen, Jr., born in Greensburg on August
27, I93I.
LLOYD O. HART-An outstanding attorney
and prominent leader in the civic life of Washington,
Pennsylvania, Lloyd O. Hart, was born February I9,
189o, the son of William Chalmers and Katherine L.
(Ellenberger) Hart. The elder Mr. Hart, born on a
farm near Bradys Bend, Armstrong County, in I859,
came to Washington County with his brothers in I885
and engaged in the oil business. He was of Scotch
descent, his parents, William and Elizabeth (Robertson) Hart both having been born in Scotland. William Chalmers Hart died October I5, I919. His wife,
born in Fairview Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, in I864, is still living.
Lloyd O. Hart was educated in the Washington
public schools, and after graduating from West Washington High School in I907, entered Washington and
Jefferson College, receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I9II. He then enrolled at the Law School of
the University of Pittsburgh, where he received the
degree of Bachelor of Laws in I9I4. The same year
Washington and Jefferson College conferred the degree of Master of Arts upon him. After his admission
to the bar, he began his general practice in Washington, where he has become a distinguished member of
his profession. On May 24, I918, he enlisted in the
United States Army and was overseas for ten months.
He was attached to Evacuation Hospital No. 2, and
also saw service on the Meuse Argonne Front, and
was a member of the Army of Occupation at Coblenz,
Germany. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant, first-class, July 2, I919.
He is active in the affairs of the Third Presbyterian
Church, being an elder, and also teacher of the Men's
Bible Class. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and served as a school director from
I930 to I934. He has also been a director of the
I23ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Young Men's Christian Association since I914, and
since I937 has been president of this body. He is an
active Rotarian, and a member of the Chamber of
Commerce, and is affiliated with the County, State
and American Bar associations. A prominent Mason,
he is a member of Washington Lodge, No. I64, Free
and Accepted Mason; Washington Chapter, No. I50,
Royal Arch Masons; Washington Council, No. I,
Royal and Select Masters; Jacques de Molay Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar; Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Pittsburgh. He has been District Deputy
Grand Master of the Twenty-ninth District of the
Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Pennsylvania, since December 27, I927.
He was married May 24, I918, to Bertha M. Zediker
of Washington, daughter of George Grant and Belle
H. (Adams) Zediker. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are the
parents of two children: I. Martha Jean, born July I,
1921. 2. William Chalmers, born June 7, I923.
A. C. SCALES-After several years as a teacher,
A. C. Scales, of Greensburg, determined to follow the
law as his profession and he has, since making that
determination, risen rapidly in the fellowship of attorneys.
A. C. Scales was born on December 24, 1900, in
Warrick County, Indiana, a son of Clemer and Martha
(Shoulders) Scales. Clemer Scales, who spent his life
in Warrick County as a farmer, was the son of Lafayette Scales, a veteran of the Union Army in the Civil
War. His wife was a native of Pike County, Indiana.
Martha (Shoulders) Scales was a' daughter of Elijah
and Mary Shoulders. Elijah Shoulders, a native of
Warrick County, was a member of the Union Army
during the War Between the States. His wife was a
native of Warrick County, also.
Mr. Scales attended the public schools of Warrick
County, graduating from the County High School in
I917. Then, after a term at Normal School, he attended Oakland City College and transferred to the
Indiana State University, where, in I926, he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Selecting
the law as his life work, he studied at Georgetown
University, winning his degree of Bachelor of Laws
in 1928. However, school teaching proved attractive
and Mr. Scales taught history at the Pitcairn High
School and, for two years, taught problems of democracy at Donora High School. Then his early interest
in the law reasserted itself and he won admission to
the Pennsylvania bar in June of I93I.  Setting up
alone in Greensburg, Mr. Scales has conducted a general practice ever since. His professional interests
include membership in the Pennsylvania State Bar
Association and the Westmoreland County Bar Association. A Mason, Mr. Scales belongs to the Walnut
(Iowa) Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also
a member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 51, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, Trafford Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Loyal Order of Moose,
Irwin Country Club, Trafford Rotary Club and
Gamma Eta Gamma legal fraternity. Mr. Scales is a
member of the Presbyterian Church at Trafford and is
a Republican in politics.
On December 23, I930, A. C. Scales married Gladys
L. Neil, a daughter of W. C. and Flora (Black) Neil,
of Pitcairn. Mr. Neil was a yard foreman for the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company; he and his wife reside at Trafford, Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Scales is a
graduate of Pitcairn High School, a member of the
Trafford Presbyterian Church and belongs to several
women's organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Scales have two
sons: John N., born December 3, 1932, and Robert E.,
born November 25, I937.
JAY CURTIS JAMISON-Jay Curtis Jamison
is an executive of the Jamison Coal and Coke Company of Greensburg, director of the First National
Bank here, also director of South Union Coal Company, and is an officer in several other industrial and
financial enterprises.
Mr. Jamison was born in Greensburg, November
I5, I88o, the son of Robert S. and Caroline (W\ible)
Jamison, both natives of this State where the family
has been established since early Colonial days. His
father, who was born July 13, 1835, and died in
Greensburg, March 13, 1903, engaged in farming during the early part of his career, later entered the
lumber business and in June, I892, founded the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, which he headed as
president until his passing and which has been managed by his heirs since. The elder Jamison was a member and for many years an elder of the Second Reformed Church of Greensburg. He was the son of
Hugh and Jane (Stewart) Jamison, both natives of
this part of the State, where the former, who was a
lieutenant in the United States Army during the War
of I812, engaged in farming. It was his father, John
Jamison, who first came to this country from Ireland
with his parents, who originally settled in Maryland
and later removed to Fulton County. John Jamison,
son of Francis Jamison, married Janet Martin, also a
native of Ireland, who with her two brothers and two
sisters suffered a harrowing experience during an
Indian raid on their Pennsylvania home, which was
burned to the ground. The children were carried away
by the Indians and eventually sold to the British in
124ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Quebec. After an absence of three years they found
their way home by way of London. One daughter
was never found and another child was not restored to
the family for ten years.
After a general education in the public schools of
Greensburg and Mercersburg Academy, Jay Curtis
Jamison became associated with his father and brothers in the Jamison Coal and Coke Company which he
has since been associated with.
Mr. Jamison is a member of the Greensburg Country Club, the Hannastown Country Club, the Westmoreland Hunt Club, the Oakmont Country Club and
the Pike Run Country Club. He fraternizes with
Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he belongs to the Syria Temple of Pittsburgh, and is also a member of Lodge,
No. 5II, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. He worships at the Second Reformed Church
of Greensburg and finds his principal diversion and
recreation in the game of golf.
On March 17, I909, Mr. Jamison married May
Brown, a native of Greensburg, and the daughter of
Samuel Potter and Margaret (Hill) Brown. ITer
father, who was born here December 9, I862, and died
September 6, 1923, entered the drug business founded
by his father in I859, and continued in this work until
his death.  He was a graduate of Washington and
Jefferson College, served on the local school board
for seven years, was a Democrat in politics and worshipped at the First Presbyterian Church.  Samuel
Potter Brown was the son of Will and Millicent
(Eyster) Brown, the former a native of Greensburg,
where he was born in I840o,and died in March, 1890.
He founded Brown's Drug Store and erected the
building it has since occupied in 1859. The founder
of this concern was the son of Dr. Samuel Potter and
Mary Jane (Nichols) Brown. The former, who was
born in Greensburg in I8oi, and died here in I86o, was
graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in
1823 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and practiced  in  Middletown, Blairsville, and  Greensburg
throughout his life.  Will Brown's wife, Millicent
Eyster, was a native of York, and the daughter of Rev.
Michael and Julia (Eichelberger) Eyster. Her father
held various pastorates in Westmoreland County and
finally became one of the early pioneer pastors of the
Zion Lutheran Church in Greensburg.
Mrs. Jamison's mother, Margaret (Hill) Brown,
who was born in Westmoreland Countv and died in
Greensburg in I926, was the daughter of John and
Lavinia (Tavlor) Hill
Mrs. Jamison, who was educated in the schools of
Greensburg, is prominent socially, serving as president of the Women's Association of the Westmoreland Hospital, as secretary of the'local chapter of the
American Red Cross and holding membership in the
Greensburg Country Club, the Pike Run Country
Club and the Westmoreland Hunt Club. She worships
at the First Presbyterian Church here. Mr. and Mrs.
Jamison are the parents of four children: I. Jay Curtis,
Jr., who was born May 17, 19I3, is a graduate of the
Hill School, attended the UJniversity of Virginia, and
is now connected with the Jamison Coal and Coke
Company. 2. Will Brown, born August 27, 1916, a
graduate of Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, and
now a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he is a member of the class of 1939. 3.
David Stewart, born June I8, 1920, now a student at
Phillips Exeter Academy. 4. Margaret Brown, born
November 9, 1925.
ISADORE L. HOREWITZ-A prominent figure in the financial life of Connellsville and Fayette
County, Isadore L. Horewitz is vice-president, secretary and manager of the Fayette Motor Finance Corporation and vice-president and secretary of the Fayette Loan Company.
Mr. Horewitz was born January 15, 1897, in Wladislavov, Poland, son of Emanuel and Helene (Tumpson) Horewitz. His father, born near Warsaw, Poland, in I868, was engaged in the insurance business
in Connellsville until his death on March 14, 1921.
The mother was born in Wladislavov, Poland.
The United States became the home of Isadore L.
Horewitz when he was only three years of age, in
I9OI, coming to this country with his parents.  He
attended the schools of Connellsville, Pennsylvan:a,
where the family settled, and in I913 was graduated
from high school here. Taking up the insurance business, Mr. Horewitz was associated with his father in
this city until i918. There was a period of interruption
in the days of the World War, when, in I918, he attended the Infantry School of the Officers' Training
Corps at Camp Lee, Virginia, being discharged honorably in November of the same year. He then entered
the insurance and real estate trade on his own account,
establishing a business under his own name, and continuing it until June, I921. It was then that the Fayette Motor Finance Corporation was organized, of
which he became secretary and manager and continued
in those positions thereafter, later being named vicepresident. He is regarded as an expert in automobile
financing, and at the same time is vice-president and
secretary, as already noted, of the Fayette Loan Company, in Connellsville, an enterprise that was organized
in 1929.
In addition to his other activities, Mr. Horewitz has
concerned himself with public affairs. He is a member
I25ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
institution with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three
years later, in I917, he took the Bachelor of Laws degree from  Harvard University.  At the time of his
completion of his work at Harvard, he found his country just entering the World War, and he himself
served in the United States Army as a member of an
unattached infantry unit until he was honorably discharged on January 28, I9I9.
His admittance to the bar of this Commonwealth
came in I9I7, and since that time, in private practice
and general legal and court work, he has performed a
labor of great value to Uniontown. He is a member
of the Fayette County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, and his activities have
led to his being widely known in professional circles.
He has been admitted to practice in all the Pennsylvania State courts. Likewise he is a leader of different
civic, social and fraternal groups, belonging to Laurel
Lodge, No. 651, of the Free and Accepted Masons and
being affiliated also, in the Masonic Order, with Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite and Syria Temple (Pittsburgh) of the Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a
member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, which he
joined in his student days. He is also vice-president
of the Uniontown Country Club and one of its active
members and belongs to the Bethel Baptist Church, in
Uniontown.
In November, 1925, Robert Clark Hagan married
Ruby Richardson, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter of Stephen A. and Matilda (Wright) Richardson.
ALFRED EMERSON JONES, Jr.-Carrying
on a general practice of law in Uniontown, Alfred
Emerson Jones, Jr., is one of his city's leading professional men. For a short time he was associated
with George W. Tanner, Jr., under the firm name of
Jones and Tanner, and his service as a lawyer and as
a public-spirited citizen has been outstanding.
Mr. Jones was born November 4, I909, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, son of Alfred Emerson and Jennie (Morrow) Jones. His father was born December
3, 1870, at Easton, West Virginia, and was graduated
from the Normal School at Edinboro. He read law
under the instruction of D. M. Hertzog, of Uniontown,
who trained so many young lawyers, and in AMarch,
1897, he was admitted to the bar. For the rest of his
life he carried on his legal practice, and he also figured
prominently in public affairs. He served, from I900
to I902, as assistant district attorney of Fayette County
under the late United States Senator W. E. Crow,
and then was elected to succeed Senator Crow, serving as district attorney from 1902 to I905. In 1909 he
was defeated in the election after having won the Republican nomination for judge of the Court of Common Pleas. From 1922 to I925 he was first assistant
district attorney, and from I928 to 1931 he acted as
special prosecutor. He was a member of the Fayette
County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association. He held the thirty-second degree of
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Free and Accepted Masons, and was an initiate in the Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was
active in the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church as
a member and trustee, and was, superintendent of the
Sunday school. He married Jennie Morrow, who was
born in 1870 in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and
died June 30, I92I, sister of former Judge S. John
Morrow.
Alfred Emerson Jones, Jr., attended the public
schools of Uniontown, his Pennsylvania birthplace,
and in I927 was graduated from high school. In i931
he took the Bachelor of Arts degree at Dartmouth
College, and in 1934 was graduated, a Bachelor of
Laws, from the University of Pittsburgh. Admitted
to the bar of Pennsylvania on December 3, 1934, Mr.
Jones took up the general practice of his chosen profession in Uniontown, where he has continued his
work down to the present. He was associated with
his father, Alfred E. Jones, Sr., in the law firm of
Jones and Jones, until the elder man's death on February Io, I937.
In addition to his work as a practitioner of law, Mr.
Jones is prominent in the general affairs of his profession. He is a member of the Fayette County Bar
Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association. A staunch Republican in his political views, he
belongs to the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and is
affiliated with Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church.
He is unmarried.
ELVIN J. TILTON-The "Brownsville Telegraph," of which Elvin J. Tilton is editor and publisher, was established on January 27, I9I5, being the
twenty-third newspaper to have been founded in this
city. The original publisher was Henry Baker Reiley,
but on June I, 1928, the "Telegraph" was taken over
by the present publishing company. It now has a circulation of more than 8,ooo daily, and is described as
"independent Republican" in its political policy. The
same company also issues the "California Sentinel," of
California, "Pennsylvania," a weekly newspaper, and
the "Enterprise," at Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania,
which is also published weekly. The "Telegraph" is
the only paper being published in Brownsville at the
time of writing.
9ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of the board of directors of the Connellsville Board of
Trade, and a former treasurer of same; a life trustee
of the local Carnegie Public Library; member of the
Boy Scout Council, of Connellsville. For a number of
years he has served on the Young Men's Christian
Association and Salvation Army boards, also has
headed numerous financial drives in the community
for the Salvation Army and the Red Cross, He is a
charter member of Milton L. Bishop Post, No. 301, of
the American Legion, and in 1931 and 1932 was its
commander. It was during his term as commander
that the Legion Home was established in Connellsville. Mr. Horewitz is a member of the Jewish Synagogue. He is unmarried. His favored diversion is
horseback riding and in this connection he is vicepresident of the Chestnut Ridge Hunt Club, which
maintains a pack of fox hounds in the vicinity of Dunbar, in Fayette County.
IRA DAVID YOUNKIN--The contribution
that Ira David Younkin has made to the business world
has been a significant one in his community, the city
of Connellsville, where he is extensively engaged in
the produce business under his own name.
Mr. Younkin was born July 21, I886, in Springfield
Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son of William Dayton and Lucinda (Harbaugh) Younkin. His
father, born in I857 and died in 191o, was a native of
the same township and county. He was a farmer. The
mother was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
The Younkin family is an old and honorable one in
Western Pennsylvania.
The public schools of Springfield Township, in his
native Fayette County, provided the early education of
Ira David Younkin, whose first employment was with
F. T. Adams, in Connellsville, in the wholesale produce business. With Mr. Adams he remained associated in the same line of business for about four years.
He and his brother, Osborne Younkin, then started
operations together in the wholesale produce business
in Connellsville, establishing the firm of Younkin
Brothers and carrying on this activity in association
with each other for five years. At the conclusion of
that period Ira D. Younkin sold his interest to his
brother, connecting himself with the Tri-State Candy
Company, at Connellsville. After three years in the
candy business, he returned to the produce business on
his own account and under his own name. He has so
continued down to the present.
Taking a lively interest in the affairs of his city and
its people and institutions, Mr. Younkin is a Republican in his political views. In I929 he was elected to
the City Council of Connellsville, serving for four years
in that capacity and then being reelected. In January,
I936, he was appointed mayor of Connellsville to succeed H. D. Minerd, who had been elected county treasurer. In I937 Mr. Younkin was elected mayor of
Connellsville for a four-year term. Long active in
the Rotary Club of Connellsville, Mr. Younkin has a
record of more than ten years of perfect attendance.
He is a director of the Board of Trade of his city and
a member of the Merchants' Club, as well as a trustee
of the Carnegie Public Library.  In the Free and
Accepted Masons he is affiliated with King Solomon's
Lodge, No. 346, as well as with the Consistory of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and Syria Temple of
the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He worships in the faith of the United Brethren Church,
and is treasurer of the board of trustees of his congregation. He was appointed to that post in I925. He
is now also general church treasurer.
On October 29, 1915, Ira David Younkin married
Clara Jeffries, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, daughter
of John C. Jeffries. Two children, Grace and Anna
Younkin, were born of this marriage, and both of them
are students at Hood College.
WILLARD ATKINSON GRIFFIN-A descendant of a family which has been closely associated
with the growth and development of Washington
County, Willard Atkinson Griffin has been actively
interested in the business life of this locality for almost
forty years, and at present is president of the Ward
Supply Company, Inc., of Brownsville, manufacturers
and distributors of mine, mill, railroad and contractors' supplies.
Mr. Griffin was born in Brownsville, Fayette County,
July 20, 1877, the son of Matthew Shelby and Emma
Celestia (Minehart) Griffin. Matthew Shelby Griffin,
also a native of Brownsville, was, for many years prior
to his death in I926, owner and operator of the Griffin
Dry Goods Store which was established by his father,
Peter S. Griffin in 1828 as a general store.  The
Griffin family came to America with Captain John
Smith, and Matthew Griffin, father of Peter S. Griffin,
was the pioneer of the family in Washington County,
coming here from Baltimore, Maryland in I8oo00. Emma
Celestia (Minehart) Griffin, also born in Brownsville,
is a descendant of a family which came to America
with Peter Stuyvesant, and her grandfather, Adolph
Minehart, built the first glass manufacturing plant
west of the Allegheny Mountains for Albert Gallatin,
and later erected a similar building for himself in
Brownsville.
Willard Atkinson Griffin received his grammar and
high school education in the local schools, and then
matriculated at Washington and Jefferson College,
graduating with the degree of Electrical Engineer in
I26ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I897. For the next three years he was engaged in
engineering work, and then in 900oo took over the management of the Griffin Dry Goods Store. He conducted
this business until 1912, when he disposed of his holdings, selling the business to Nathan Kaufman. He
then returned to engineering, and was in the employ
of the Crossan Construction Company, but after two
years, again entered the business field, organizing with
C. S. B. Ward, the Ward Supply Company. Mr.
Griffin first acted as salesman, later as secretary and
manager, and in 1926 assumed his present duties as
president, and his many years' experience in the business world have been most beneficial to this company,
and have been instrumental in the growth of this
organization to its present position as one of the
largest establishments of its type in this locality.
Mr. Griffin is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and is an active figure in the affairs of the Democratic
party. He has served as school director of Brownsville for the past twenty-eight years, president of the
School Board for the past ten years, and president of
the Fayette County School Directors Association during 1936 and I937. He is also a well-known participant in civic affairs, being a past president of the
Brownsville Rotary Club, and district governor of the
I76th District, of International Rotary (I938-39), and
secretary of the Brownsville Hospital Board. He is
also a life member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks at Charleroi; is a member of the Fort
Necessity Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution,
admitted through Peter Pool and Colonel Willets, and
is eligible to admission through eight different sources.
He was married August 15, I9oo, to Sarah Madeira
Sloan, of Brownsville, daughter of William Philip and
Ada (Madeira) Sloan. Mr. and Mrs. Griffin are the
parents of a son, Willard Atkinson, Jr., born January
3I, I9O6, a graduate of Amherst College.
LAURA MAE (McCORMICK) CLARKLong active in the civic life of Connellsville, Mrs.
Laura Mae (McCormick) Clark has earned a position
of distinction and standing in this city and has been one
of its most enthusiastic and consistent promoters.
Mrs. Clark was born at Connellsville, Pennsylvania,
daughter of William and Nannie (ILoor) McCormick
and member of an old and honorable family. The McCormick family dates back to an early period in IWNesttern Pennsylvania, and the Loors were also among the
early settlers here. William McCormick was born in
I86I in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and here he remained practically all his life. He was a prominent
contractor of the community, and for years served as
street commissioner of the city, retiring after twentyfour years in that important public office. He was one
of the early Democrats in his political views, and is
still ardent in his support of the Democratic party,
though he has withdrawn from his more active associations in politics. His wife, Mrs. Nannie (Loor)
McCormick, Mrs. Clark's mother, was born in i86o,
in Connellsville, and died June 5, 1928.
The public schools of Connellsville, her native place,
furnished ILaura Mae McCormick's early education.
She was graduated from high school here, and then at
once became active in community affairs. She has
always taken a lively interest in politics, as has her
father, being a staunch Democrat. Her activities in
different civic movements have brought her the warm
praises of her contemporaries. She is a member of
many organizations, and her service to the community
has been such as to lead to her appointment as postmaster of Connellsville by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt on April I, I936.
She is a member of the Order of Eastern Star,
the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Women's Auxiliary (of which she was
formerly president), and the Methodist Episcopal
Church. She is now president of the Ladies' Aid
Society of her church.  She was admitted to the
Daughters of the American Revolution through her
ancestor, Colonel William Crawford. Each of these
groups has, in some definite and concrete way, benefited from her labors in its behalf, and she is widely
known and respected among her host of friends.
In I903 Laura Mae McCormick became the wife of
Oliver Perry Clark, of Connellsville, a jeweler, who
died May I8, 1917. A daughter, Ruth Louise Clark,
was born to them in I903, and died in I924.
FREDERICK ELIJAH YOUNKIN-Following his earlier career in education, Frederick Elijah
Younkin was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in I909
and has since been engaged in the practice of law at
Connellsville. He is a well-known figure in his profession and in the civic life of this community.
Mr. Younkin was born in Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on October 28,
I874. He is a son of Michael and Ann Maria (TMcClintock) Younkin and a member of the old Pennsylvania family founded in America by Johann Herman
Junkin, who came from Holland. Mr. Younkin's
great-great-grandfather was Jacob Younkin; his greatgrandfather, Frederick G. Younkin; and his grandfather, Frederick F. Younkin. All were residents of
Western Pennsylvania. His father, Michael Younkin,
was born in Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset
County, on December 25, 1825, and died on December
I27ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
31, I898. He was a stage driver in early life, and
later a farmer. Ann Maria (McClintock) Younkin,
the mother, was born in Upper Turkeyfoot Township
in I834, and died on April 6, I904.
Frederick Elijah Younkin received his preliminary
education in the public schools of Upper Turkeyfoot
Township, and later attended normal school at New
Lexington, Somerset County, and W\Nest Virginia Conference Seminary, now West Virginia Wesleyan College, at Buckhannon, West Virginia. In 1899 he was
graduated from Northern Indiana Normal School, at
Valparaiso, Indiana, with the degree of Bachelor of
Science, and in the following year pursued the classical
course at Valparaiso College, taking the degree of
Bachelor of Arts from that institution in I9oo. From
I903 to I9o09 he served as principal of the Third Ward
Schools, of Connellsville, meanwhile reading law in
the offices of Sterling, Higbee, Dunbauld and Brown.
Following his admission to the Pennsylvania bar in
I9o09, he opened his own office in Connellsville at
Nos. 409-Io Title and Trust Building, which he has
since occupied. He carries on a general practice which
has grown steadily with passing years, and in meeting
its varied duties he has firmly established his professional reputation. He has appeared in many local
cases of importance and has represented leading interests in the several courts.
Mr. Younkin is a member of the Fayette County
Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is also a
member of the Commercial Law League of America.
He has been very active fraternally in the Free and
Accepted Masons, and is a member of this order of
King Solomon Lodge, No. 286, at Connellsville; the
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the Commandery of the
Knights Templar; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in Pittsburgh;
and of the higher Scottish Rite bodies, including
Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, the Knights of the
Rose Croix and Pennsylvania Consistory. Mr. Younkin is affiliated, in addition, with General Worth
Lodge, No. 346, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
at Connellsville. While lending substantial support
to all worthy civic causes, he has been especially interested in education and from 1912 to I9I6 served as a
school director at Connellsville. For three years of
that time he was president of the board. Mr. Younkin
is a Republican in politics and is a member of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Connellsville. He
is active in church work and for many years past has
served as a member of the board of trustees and as
teacher of the Men's Bible Class. His favorite diversions are reading and hiking.
On July 26, 1911, Mr. Younkin married Maud Elizabeth Scott, of Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset
County.  She is a daughter of Noah and Margaret
(Ferguson) Scott.
MILTON VINCENT MUNK-As head of the
organization which bears his name, Milton Vincent
Munk directs the firm of undertakers and funeral directors which he established at Connellsville in I031.
Although one of the more recent enterprises of its
kind, its modern facilities and dignified service have
resulted in the development of a substantial business.
Mr. Munk was born in Connellsvi!!e on June Io,
I9o6, a son of Frederick and Mary (Brookman)
Munk. His father, who was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in I857, came to the United States in 1872
and has made his home in Connellsville for many years.
He is prominent in the city's life and now serves as
alderman. Mary (Brookman) Munk, the mother, was
born in Cumberland, Maryland.
Milton Vincent Munk was educated in the Connellsville public schools, completing the high school course
in I924. In 1925 he became associated with F. S.
Durst, undertakers, at Connellsville, with whom he remained until I928. In further preparation for his profession he studied at the Cincinnati College of Embalming in 1929 and 1930, and upon completing his
course he entered business for himself at Connellsville in I93I. He has always maintained the most
modern equipment and supplies both ambulance and
undertaking service.
Mr. Munk also serves as deputy coroner of Fayette
County, having assumed this office in I933. The coinmunity has availed itself of his professional services
in increasing measure since he first entered business,
with consequent development of the enterprise which
he heads.
Mr. Munk is active fraternally as a member of
Lodge No. 503, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Knights of
Columbus, the Unity Fraternity and the Loyal Order
of Moose. He is also a member of the Young Men's
Christian Association of Connellsville and of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church.
He married, on February I9, I935, Iren Miller, of
Connellsville, daughter of Thomas B. anA Mary (McDade) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Munk have one son,
Milton, Jr., born December T9, 1936.
SAMUEL  D. OPPENHEIM-The  career of
Samuel D. Oppenheim, of Connellsville, is interesting
and colorful. A native of Poland, he came to this
country as a young man, learned the language and
I28-, A A A. I L_ La_   V 1 1 1  V V 1.
customs, served what might be termed an apprenticeship in several local stores and then enlisted in the
Canadian forces for World War service. Upon his
return he established himself in business and founded
Oppenheim's, which he has developed into one of the
finest and most popular men's wear stores in the western part of the State.
Mr. Oppenheim was born in Neustadt, Poland, May
26, 1884, the son of Joseph and Anna (Goldstein)
Oppenheim, both of his birthplace. He attended the
public schools there and in 1902 came to Connellsville
where he supplemented this early education with further study. The same year he secured a position as
clerk in the Kobacker Store here and continued in this
capacity for a year and a half, leaving to join Mace
Brothers' store, with which he was connected for ten
years. He then became associated with Sam Goodman
for one year, after this joining Wertheimer Brothers,
with whom he remained for nine years. It was at the
expiration of this period that the World War broke
out. He gave up his interests in Connellsville and
enlisted in the Canadian Army, becoming a member of
the Royal Fusiliers, serving with that unit overseas
for a year and nine months. He was honorably discharged in I9I9 and the following year returned to
this community to found his present establishment
which he has since conducted with such outstanding
success.
Throughout his life in this community he has taken
a keen and active interest in social and civic affairs,
supporting all worthy public projects and being identified with a number of leading organizations, including
the Milton B. Bishop Post, No. 30I, of the American
Legion, Lodge No. 303, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Young Men's Christian
Association. He also fraternizes with the Knights of
Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and adheres
to the Jewish faith in his religious convictions.
In 192I Mr. Oppenheim married Celia Finkelhor, of
Pittsburgh, and the daughter of Max and Anna Finkelhor. Mr. and Mrs. Oppenheim are the parents of
two children: I. Joseph H., born October Io, 1926. 2.
Maurice H., born July io, I93I.
J. DONALD PORTER-Carrying on a general
insurance business in Connellsville, J. Donald Porter
has distinguished himself as one of the community's
leading citizens and business men.
Mr. Porter was born March 20, I877, in West Newton, Pennsylvania, son of John R. and Carrie (McBeth) Porter, both of this State. His father, born
in Rostraver Township, Westmoreland County, was
for a half century associated with the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad. He died March 30, I914. His wife,
3 1 F~ N_   r1L1N\ i I-)LVAINlf'                 I29
the mother of J. Donald Porter, was born at Normalville, Fayette County. The Porters are one of the
oldest families of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The public schools of Connellsville provided the
early education of J. Donald Porter, who afterward
became a student at the University of West Virginia,
completing his work there in 1894. He then took up
insurance work in Connellsville, where he has carried
on an independent business under his own name since
he was twenty years of age. He carries a general line
of insurance, and is widely known in insurance circles
here and elsewhere.
In the affairs of his community he takes an active
part. He is a staunch Democrat, an active Kiwanian,
and a fraternalist whose life has been an example of
the true teachings of brotherhood.  He belongs to
Lodge No. 503 of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. In the Masonic Fraternity he is a member of
King Solomon's Lodge, No. 346, Free and Accepted
Mason, being also affiliated with the Royal Arch
Chapter. He is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite
Mason in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Pittsburgh, and is a member of Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He worships in the faith of the Christian
Church.
On June 12, I9OI, J. Donald Porter married Myrtle
Pfeifer, of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Charles and Sarah J. (McDowell) Pfeifer. The
children have been the following: I. Sarah J., wife of
Dr. Copeland Merrill, D. D. S., of Wellesley, Massachusetts; they have children: Joyce, Ann, and Jane
Merrill. 2. Dorothy, the wife of H. D. Leisenring,
of Chicago; they have a son, H. D. Leisenring, Jr.
3. J. Donald, Jr., a student at Phillips-Exeter Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire.
FRANK P. LINDSAY-After twenty years in
the automobile business in which he dealt in all the
popular makes of cars, Frank P. Lindsay, of Washington, Pennsylvania, retired in 1936 to take up his
duties as clerk of the courts of Washington County,
having been elected to this office, November, I935, and
serving until his death in I937. He was born November 14, 1885, in Blain Township, Washington County,
the son of Jesse Addison and Nannie Belle (Grimes)
Lindsay. The elder Mr. Lindsay, a farmer, and native
of Ohio, died in May, 1927. His wife, born in Buffalo
Township, Washington County, is still living.
After attending the township schools, Frank P.
Lindsay learned and followed the machinist trade for
five years. He became superintendent of the Browning Steam Shovel Works in Mansfield, Ohio, and
after two years went to Cleveland, Ohio, as superinANNAT,'Fi? OF      TTT1-HATPQmTr'DXT  -D-UcNT)TNT-T\7T T7 A -XTT AANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tendent of the V. R. Browning Hoisting Company. He
continued with this concern for three years and then
returned to Washington County to establish and engage in the retail grocery business under the name of
Lindsay Brothers. Two years later he entered the
automobile business, and his establishment enjoyed a
large patronage in this vicinity.
He was a member of the Second United Presbyterian Church, an ardent Democrat, and an active participant in civic and fraternal life, being affiliated with
Claysville Lodge, No. 447, Free and Accepted Masons,
the Chapter, the Commandery, Knights Templar, the
New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh; Lodge No. 776,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
local Rotary Club.
He was married, December 9, I9O8, to Bessie M.
Supler, of Claysville, Pennsylvania, daughter of James
H. and Elizabeth (Bryan) Supler.  Mr. and Mrs.
Lindsay were the parents of one daughter, Elizabeth
Belle, born August I3, I918.- Frank P. Lindsay died
December 24, I937.
GLENN GEORGE MARTIN, Jr.-Becoming
associated with his father in the real estate and insurance business in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, in I926,
Glenn George Martin, Jr., has been actively engaged
in this field ever since, and upon his father's retirement in I930, he has been operating as the head of his
own firm. He was born here, December 20, 1907, the
son of Glenn and Cora A. (Kelley) Martin. The
father, who was born in Barberton, Ohio, had been
connected with the real estate and insurance business for thirty years at the time of his retirement. His
wife, born in I876, is a native of Pittsburgh.
Glenn George Martin, Jr., attended the local schools
and was graduated from Jeannette High School in
I926. He then entered his father's office, and in his
eleven years in this field has experienced marked success. In July, I933, he was appointed justice of the
peace to fill the unexpired term of Squire Edward A.
Eagen, and in 1933 he was elected to a full six-year
term in this office.
He is a communicant of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, and is prominently identified with the
affairs of the Republican party. He is widely known
in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Knights
of Columbus, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He was married, September 8, I927, to Margaret
Neider, of Greensburg, daughter of Jacob D. and Mary
(Eckler) Neider. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn George Martin,
Jr., are the parents of three children: I. Thomas
Wayne, born June I5, I929. 2. Maureen Margaret,
born November 8, I932. 3. Frederic Alan, born December 9, I934.
OLIVER   M. STINEMAN-Throughout his
business career, Oliver M. Stineman has been associated with the mining industry in South Fork, Pennsylvania, and at present is president of the Stineman
Coal Mining Company, and in addition is prominent
in banking circles, having aided in the founding of the
present Moxham National Bank at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and the president of this institution since its
founding in I919.
He was born at South Fork, December 25, I878,
the son of Jacob C. and Eleanor (Varner) Stineman.
Jacob C. Stineman, one of the most outstanding citizens of Cambria County, enjoyed a long and successful career as a banker and coal operator, and for
about sixteen years and at the time of his death was
a member of the State Senate. He was the founder
of South Fork, Pennsylvania, and largely through his
efforts, this locality became a prosperous and well
known mining district. His death, April 2, I913,
brought to an end the career of a man recognized by
all as a most industrious and energetic business man,
and a loyal and public-spirited fellow-citizen.  His
wife, a native of Cambria County, died in I9II.
Oliver M. Stineman attended the local public
schools, and after completing his studies at Kiskiminetas Preparatory School, became associated with his
father in the mining industry, being placed in charge of
No. 3, Stineman Mine, at South Fork. He continued
in this capacity until the death of his father in I9I3,
when, together with his brother, WV. I. Stineman, as
executors, he assumed control of the vast mining
interests formerly held hy his father, and became president of the Stineman Coal Mining Company. In I9I9
Mr. Stineman assisted in the organization of the Moxham Deposit Bank at Johnstown, with a capital stock
of $50,000, and was elected president of this institution. On September 26, 1922, this bank entered the
national system, and has since then been known as the
Moxham National Bank, with resources of more than
two million dollars, and recognized as one of the
strongest and safest banking establishments in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to his
mining and banking activities, Mr. Stineman is also
president of the South Fork Water Company, president of the South Fork Cemetery Association, and
also a director of several corporations.
He is an active member of the Evangelical Church,
having served for ten years as a member of the board
I30ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I3I
of trustees in South Fork, and twenty years as a member of the board of trustees in Johnstown. He has
also been prominent in public life, having been a member both of the local council and the School Board.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Malta, Golden Eagles, and Sons of
Veterans, and he also holds membership in the
Sportsmans Club of South Fork, Sandy Run Hunting
and Fishing Club, and several other local groups.
He was married, September I6, I903, to Bessie
May Williams, daughter of James E. and Mary Jane
(Oakes) Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Stineman are the
parents of two children: I. Dorothy E., born M\ay 8,
I9O6, a graduate of Beechwood School, married John
B. Cutting. 2. Paul O. Stineman, born January 3I,
I909, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.
HARRY FRANKLIN MOORE-Since preRevolutionary days the Moore family has been
associated with the professional and farming life in
Washington County; and Harry Franklin Moore,
descendant of Dr. Henry Moore, the family pioneer in
America, has been engaged in the general practice of
law in Washington, Pennsylvania, for the past thirty
years, and has also distinguished himself in the political
and civic life of this locality.
Harry Franklin Moore was born in South Franklin
Township, Washington County, August 24, 1882, the
son of Franklin Henry and Letitia Martha (Hagerty)
Moore, both deceased. Franklin Henry Moore, born
January io, I852, was engaged during his lifetime as
a farmer and stock raiser. He died November I7,
I923. His wife, born in Buffalo Township in I853,
died in I917. Dr. Henry Moore was born near Boyle,
Ireland, March i8, I74.2, and was a member of the
Church of England. On December Io, 1762, he married Mary Dodd, who died March 3, I823. Dr. Moore
came to America in the spring of I773, settling in
Baltimore. On November 8, I773, he came to Washington County, and received a patent of land known as
Battlefield in Franklin Township, where he remained
until his death, April 13, 1826. His son, Robert Moore,
was educated at Washington College, and admitted to
the bar in I803, he moved to Beaver to practice his
profession, and remained there until his death. He was
a general of militia and represented his district in
Congress from I817 to I82I. He also served for a
time as a member of the State Legislature.
Harry Franklin Moore received his early education
in the public schools of Washington and Buffalo townships, and then entered the preparatory department
of Washington and Jefferson College. He then enrolled at WVashington and Jefferson College, where he
received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1904. He
next matriculated at the Pittsburgh Law School, but
after one year transferred to the University of Michigan Law School, where he was graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Laws in I907, and upon completion of postgraduate work at Washington and Jefferson College, received the degree of Master of Arts
in I9O8. On October 26, I9O8, he was admitted to the
bar and has been engaged in the general practice of
law, especially in negligence cases, in Washington,
Pennsylvania, to the present day. In addition to the
local courts, he is admitted to practice in the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme courts, and in the United
States District Court.  He served for one year as
assistant district attorney under the late Judge Cummins and for twenty years was a member of the Borough Council of East Washington.
He is a former member of the board of trustees of
the Second Presbyterian Church, and is an independent in his political allegiance. Always an active participant in civic and fraternal life, he is president of
the advisory board of the Salvation Army, a member
of the Rotary and Bassett clubs, and a member of the
County and State Bar associations, and is affiliated
with the Washington Lodge, No. I64, Free and Accepted Masons, Chapter and Commandery, Knights
Templar, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. Hie is also
a member of the University Club of Pittsburgh, and
the Washington Country Club.
He was married, March 27, I9I1, to Edna K. Smith,
of Kent, Ohio, daughter of Rev. Edward J. and
Frances (Daugherty) Smith. Rev. Mr. Smith, a
Methodist minister, was a Civil War veteran, having
served with the Army of the Potomac, II2th West
Virginia Regiment.
DR. LELAND THOMPSON HENRY-Following in the worthy footsteps of his father who has
been a prominent member of the medical profession in
Apollo for more than half a century, Dr. Leland
Thompson Henry began the active practice of medicine here in 1925, and is highly regarded in this locality both for his established medical ability and for
his interest in civic affairs.
He is a native of Apollo, having been born in this
city March 23, I900oo, the son of Dr. Thomas James and
Margaret J. (Elder) Henry.  Dr. Thomas James
Henry was also born in Apollo, November 3, I858, the.son of Alexander and Mary' (Talmadge) Henry, both
deceased. Alexander Henry, born near Freeport;
Armstrong County in I8o8, was employed as a furnace
builder in Apollo. His wife was the daughter of Dr.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Elvin J. Tilton, the editor and publisher, was born
May I8, I906, in Gibson, Iowa, and in 1927 he took
the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the University of
Iowa after having completed his public school and
other preliminary studies. He came into newspaper
work from a farming background, his father, Grant
Tilton, having been a farmer, born in Noble County,
Ohio, in I865, died March 4, I9I9. The mother was
Theresa (Hall) Tilton, a native of Millersburg, Iowa.
After completing his university work, Elvin J. Tilton
was employed with newspapers in Iowa City, having
begun this work while still attending college. In
1928, after also doing newspaper work in Des Moines
and Cedar Rapids, he came to Brownsville, Pennsylvania, to be managing editor of the "Telegraph." It
was in 1935 that he became its publisher, and he has
continued to operate this same paper and to edit it
down to the present.
In addition to his other activities, Mr. Tilton is
active in politics. He is a Republican in his sympathies, though he characterizes both himself and the
"Telegraph" as "independent Republican." He belongs to many prominent Brownsville organizations,
among them the Rotary Club and the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is associated with the Phi Kappa
Psi Fraternity, which he joined in his student days.
In spare time, when not busy with publishing or with
his numerous other duties, he greatly enjoys outdoor
sports and recreations, being particularly fond of
bird hunting.
In July, 1932, Elvin J. Tilton married Margaret
Julia Renn, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Chester and Amanda (Boudeman) Renn. One daughter was born to this marriage, Jane Renn Tilton, on
April 6, I935.
Mr. Tilton's contribution to Brownsville and to
those communities where he has lived and worked has
been a significant one.  It is fitting that he should
have chosen a quotation from the Hon. Charles G.
Dawes as a sort of guide for the "Telegraph." These
words by the former Vice-President are to be found
on the paper's editorial page:
If you work in a town, in Heaven's name work for
it. If you live in a town, live for it, give for it. Help
advance your neighborhood. Respect the great power
that protects you, that surrounds you with the advantages of advanced civilization, and that makes it
possible for you to achieve results. Speak well of it.
Stand by it. Stand for its civic and commercial supremacy. If you must obstruct or decry those who
strive to help, why-quit the town. But as long as
you are a part of a locality, do not belittle it. If you
do, you are loosening the tendrils that hold you to the
community and with the first high wind that comes
along you will be uprooted and blown away. And
probably you will never know why.
MAX J. LAPONSKY--Esteemed as one of Fayette County's most able and prominent attorneys, Max
J. Laponsky, who has practiced here for over two decades, has taken a constructive part in the affairs of
Brownsville, for which he has served as solicitor for
a number of years.
Mr. Laponsky was born in Russia on May 27, 1890,
the son of Louis and Bessie (Balis) Laponsky, both
of his birthplace and deceased, the former on July 2I,
I93I, and the latter on May 3, I928. As an infant he
was brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where his father engaged in
the mercantile business. He attended the public schools
of this city, completed this part of his studies at the
Central High School in I907, and then enrolled at the
Cleveland Law School, in which he secured his professional training and from which he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the class of
I912. He was admitted to the Ohio State bar the same
year and established himself in a general practice in
Cleveland which he was to conduct for two years. In
I914 Mr. Laponsky came to Uniontown and was admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar two years later,
on February 7, I916. It was during that year that he
initiated a legal career in Brownsville, which he has
since conducted with distinction and success. In his
professional affiliations he is a member of the Fayette
County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association.
Mr. Laponsky was first named solicitor for the
Borough of Brownsville in I92I. When the boroughs
of Brownsville and South Brownsville were consolidated, he was elected to continue in that office, which
he has now occupied for a total of sixteen years. During his career he has actively supported the Republican
party in politics and as a resident of Brownsville has
been a member of the local Kiwanis Club.
In 1914 Max J. Laponsky married Rebecca Goodstein of Uniontown, and the daughter of David and
Esther (Levinson) Goodstein. Mr. and Mrs. I.aponsky are the parents of one son: Alfred B., born November 24, 1921, and now a student in the Brownsville schools.
ROBERT E. AUSTIN-The world of education
has benefited to a remarkable degree from the labors
of Robert E. Austin, who is principal of the Senior
High School of Brownsville, and whose constructive
outlook has been of value to the whole of the civic
and social life of the city.
Mr. Austin was born January 7, I899, in Glens
Falls, New York, son of William H. and Ida (Whiting) Austin. His father, a retired contractor, was
1oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Samuel Talmadge, the first doctor in the territory now
considered Indiana County.
After graduating from the local public schools and
Elders Ridge Academy, Dr. Thomas James Henry
enrolled at the University of Wooster at Cleveland,
Ohio, where he was graduated in 1884 with the degree
of Doctor of Medicine.  Before entering medical
school, he had taught school for three years, two in
the Apollo schools, and one year in Conemaugh. After
being admitted to the practice of his profession in
I884 he conducted offices in the Penn Run, Indiana
County, for three years, and then in 1887 came to
Apollo where he has engaged in practice to the present
day, and where he is regarded as a most capable and
learned member of the medical profession. He is also
vice-president of the First National Bank of Apollo.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and has
long been active in the affairs of the Republican party,
having served many years as a member of the council,
and also a member of the School Board. He is also
affiliated with the County, State and American Medical
associations. He was married, in I885, to Cora C.
Cochran, of Apollo, daughter of R. S. and Mfary
(Hart) Cochran. Dr. and Mrs. Thomas James Henry
became the parents of three children: I. Arthur C.,
who served in the World War overseas as a member
of Company A, 2d Division, and who died in 1922.
2. Dr. Edwin Blair, a graduate of the University of
Pittsburgh, also engaged in the service of his country
during the World War, attached to hospital work in
the United States, now a practicing physician in Pittsburgh. 3. Harold Hart, who died in 1895. Cora C.
(Cochran) Henry died July IO, I895, and Dr. Henry
remarried, in I897, Margaret J. Elder, of Apollo,
daughter of Joseph T. and Mary (Thompson) Elder.
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas James Henry became the parents of four children: I. Dr. Leland Thompson, of
whom further. 2. Donald Elder, an electrical engineer,
residing in East Orange, New Jersey. 3. Thomas
James, Jr., an electrical engineer, residing in Newark,
New Jersey. 4. Mary Margaret, married Richard D.
Fleischmann, of Elkton, Maryland. Mrs. Margaret
J. (Elder) Henry died in I923.
Dr. Leland Thompson Henry is a product of the
Apollo schools, and after graduating from the high
school in I917 enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh,
later transferring to the University of Michigan, where
he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I925. He next served his interneship at St.
Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, after which he
launched his private practice in Apollo, and has there
been successfully engaged to the present day. He also
serves as a director of the First National Bank in
Apollo.
Dr. Leland Thompson Henry is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church, a loyal Republican, and a
member of the local American Legion. He is also
affiliated with the Apollo Lodge, No. 437, Free and
Accepted Masons, and the New Castle Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and in addition holds
membership in the County, State and Medical associations and the Phi Gamma Delta and Nu Sigma Nu
fraternities.
He was married, May 30, 1929, to Alice Owens, of
Apollo, daughter of Joseph and Jennie (Turner)
Owens. Dr. and Mrs. Leland Thompson Henry are
the parents of a son, Leland Thompson, Jr., born
December 31, I93I.
DR. WILLIAM LYLE McBRYAR-Throughout his medical career, Dr. William Lyle McBryar,
was engaged in the practice of his profession in Apollo,
in association with his father until his death in I899.
He contributed most capably and unsparingly of his
time and efforts towards the welfare of the community
at large, and was highly regarded both by those he
served and his fellow-colleagues in the medical profession. He was born in Apollo, September 28, i86i, the
son of Dr. William and Sarah Jane (Callen) McBryar.
The elder Dr. McBryar was engaged in the general
practice of medicine in Apollo for many years prior to
his death in I907.
Dr. William Lyle McBryar received his early education in the Apollo public schools, and later studied
at Elders Ridge and Blairsville academies, after which
he enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College. He
later transferred to Jefferson Medical College, where
he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in I884.
After fulfilling the State Board requirements, he received his license to engage in the practice of his profession, and became associated with his father. During
the Spanish-American War, he was attached to Company G, I6th Pennsylvania Regiment, and saw active
service at Porto Rico. After receiving his honorable
discharge, he returned to active practice in Apollo,
where he continued until his death, April io, 1899. He
was a member of the Presbyterian Church, an active
Republican, and an affiliate of the Free and Accepted
Masons.
He was married, October 25, I888, to Margaret
Johnston, of Apollo, daughter of Thomas, a brick
manufacturer, and Sarah Jane (Thompson) Johnston.
Margaret (Johnston) McBryar still resides in Apollo,
and is a member of the Fort Hand Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution. Dr. and Mrs. William
Lyle McBryar became the parents of a daughter, Lucille, a graduate of Wilson College, and a member and
Past Regent of Fort Hand Chapter, Daughters of the
I32ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I33
American Revolution; she married, September i8,
I9I9, John Lang Speer, a native of Limestone, Clarion
County, born November 22, I889. Mr. Speer, a graduate of Mercersburg Academy and Lafayette College
with the degree of Bachelor of Science, furthered his
studies at Columbia University in 1915, and in 1932
was awarded the degree of Master of Science by the
University of Pittsburgh. He followed a career as
assistant combustion engineer for approximately ten
years, and since 1920 has engaged in educational work,
serving as instructor of Biology and Science, and also
as faculty manager of athletics of Westinghouse Junior
and Senior High School in Pittsburgh. He was attached to the defense department during the W\orld
War, and was a member of the Development Division,
Chemical Warfare Service. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and a supporter of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Speer are the parents of two
children: i. John Lang, Jr., born November 15, 1I20,
now a student at Mercersburg Academy. ii. William
McBryar, born May 13, 1923, now attending Apollo
High School.
In the death of Dr. William Lyle McBryar, the
city of Apollo sustained the loss of one of its most
eminent and respected citizens, and a humanitarian
who always considered his own welfare and interest
secondary to that of his fellowmen.
FRED  H. CLAWSON-Coming to Leechburg
in I93I, Fred H. Clawson opened one of the most
modernly equipped funeral establishments in this section of Pennsylvania, and to this date has successfully
operated it, together with a complete ambulance service. He was born in Avonmore, Westmoreland County,
June 12, 1907, the son of Sanford Murray and Edna
(Porter) Clawson. Sanford Murray Clawson, a native of Belle Township, born April 12, I874, was engaged as a merchant for twenty-two years in Avonmore, prior to his retirement in 1921. He was the
son of Sanford Clawson, who for many years engaged
in farming on an extensive scale in Bell Township.
Edna (Porter) Clawson, born in Pittsburgh in I871,
was the daughter of Veer Porter who saw service in
the Civil War.
Fred H. Clawson acquired his early education in the
Avonmore public schools, and later attended Slippery
Rock Normal School. After teaching for one year in
the Bell Township schools, he enrolled at the Eckels
School of Embalming in Philadelphia, graduating in
1928. The next three years he spent in association
with Homer C. Yockey, at his Avonmore funeral
establishment, and then in I931 entered business for
himself in Leechburg, where his policy of fairness and
sincere consideration in all business relations have been
instrumental in establishing an extensive and satisfied
clientele.
He has been a member of the official board of the
Hebron Lutheran Church for the past four years and
politically he is a supporter of the Republican party.
He is also well known fraternally, being affiliated
with Leechburg Lodge, No. 577, Free and Accepted
Masons, Lodge No. 377, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, Lodge No. I9IO, Fraternal Order of
Eagles, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He is also a member of the Armstrong County Funeral Directors Association, and is serving as vicepresident.
He was married, in June, 1932, to Rosalie J. Walter,
of Johnstown, a graduate with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, daughter of Robert and Flora (Speicher)
Walter, both well known among the older Cambria
County families. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson are the parents of a son, Robert Sanford, born February I, I935.
WILLIAM WIBLE JAMISON-Born March
Io, I86o, 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 public schools, where he obtained
a fairly good general education. At the age of twenty
years he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad as chainman on an engineer corps. After two
years in this service he was employed as mining engineer by several large coal companies in this part of
the State. For ten years he followed this occupation
and then was associated in forming the Jamison Coal
and Coke Company, of which his father was president.
From that time to this date he has continued in an
official capacity with this company.  His interests,
however, were not limited to a single company but
covered a large connection with other enterprises in
his own and adjoining counties. In politics he is a
Republican, but has never been a candidate for a public
office.
William W. Jamison was united in marriage March
Io, I886, with Elizabeth T. Eccles, a daughter of
Johnson and Jane (McCune) Eccles, of Connellsville,
Pennsylvania.
To Mr. and Mrs. Jamison the following children
were born: I. Ralph Eccles Jamison, born January
II, I887; married, October Io, I912, Elizabeth Head,
by whom he had four children: i. Elizabeth E., now
married to I. Dalby Marsh. ii. Ralph E., Jr. iii.
William W., Jr. iv. Marian H. Jamison. 2. Robert
P. Jamison, born August 27, I888; married, October
14, I914, Gertrude Sloan, by whom he had one son,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Robert A., who died October 29, I934.  Robert P.  Lodge No. 386, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Jamison died July 25, I933. 3. Thomas P. Jamison,  Elks, and is a member of Lodge No. 20I, Loyal Order
born April i8, I892; married, June 12, I917, Dorothy   of Moose at Apollo. In addition, Mr. Gallagher is a
Tebbitts, and has two children: i. Sallie Reed.  ii.  prominent figure in local civic life being a member and
Caroline Jamison. His wife, Dorothy T. Jamison, died   past president of the Chamber of Commerce, and
September 25, I935.                                  president of the Apollo Motor Club, with which orRalph Eccles and Thomas P. Jamison have long   ganization he has been associated for the past thirteen
held official positions in the Jamison Coal and Coke   years. He has also served for twelve years as presiCompany.                                             dent of the Kiskiminetas River and Conemaugh River
Improvement Association.
JAMES S. GALLAGHER-Since his entry into               He was married, October 4, I894, to Sara Ellen
the oil and gas business in I9O6, James S. Gallagher   Artman, of Apollo, daughter of Eli and Sarah Jane
has been independently operating on an extensive   (Stitt) Artman.  Mr. and Mrs. Gallagher are the
scale, and for the past twenty years his headquarters  parents of four children: I. Kenneth E., married
have been in Apollo, Pennsylvania, whence he directs   Goldie Stine, and they are the parents of a son, J.
the production of oil and gas and the leasing of land   Leonard Gallagher. 2. Martha Cleora, married John
over an area from New York State, as far west as   C. McCullough, and they are the parents of a daughOklahoma. He was born in Rural Valley, Armstrong   ter, Martha Ellen McCullough. 3. Verna I., married
County, the son of Andrew and Isabella (Elgin) Gal-  L. K. Gumbert, and they are the parents of three chillagher, both deceased. Andrew Gallagher, a native of  dren, James S., Mary Jane, and Sara Ann Gumbert.
Philadelphia, was engaged in the merchandising busi-  4. Samuel E., married Dora Heckman, and they are
hess in Rural Valley, Apollo and Vandergrift, Penn-  the parents of two daughters, Doris Ann and Nancy
sylvania. He was an active Democrat, and served four  Lee Gallagher.
years as a member of the Armstrong County Commission. He died in I916. His wife, born near Rural    ELLIS  CALVIN  WINTERS, M. D.-During
Valley, died in July, I9I5.                          the twenty-three years he has practiced in Ford City,
James S. Gallagher received his elementary school  Armstrong County, Dr. Ellis Calvin Winters has won
education in the Rural Valley schools, and later at-  an enviable reputation as one of the most able and
tended the Hill School. He next enrolled at Mount  successful general practitioners and surgeons in this
Union College in Ohio, and upon completion of his  part of the State. Aside from his professional accomcourse at that institution, became a teacher in Arm-  plishments he has also been active in the social and
strong County, which activity he ceased two years  civic life of his surroundings,'contributing ably and
later to become bookkeeper and a stockholder in the  generously to the general welfare and holding memberSaltsburg Rolling Mill, located in Saltsburg, Pennsyl-  ship in a number of the leading clubs and societies here.
vania. After several years here he entered the employ  Dr. Winters was born in Watsontown, Northumberof the Old Meadow Rolling Mill at Scottdale, Penn-  land County, January 17, I889, the son of Elmer and
sylvania, but two years later returned to Saltsburg, to   Emma (Machamer) Winters, both of his native State,
become associated with the United States Sheet and  the former from  Turbotville, where he was born in
Tin Plate Company.  He continued here until I9o6   i868, and the latter from her son's birthplace, where
when he entered the oil and gas business, with head-  she was born in i865. His father has been a successquarters in Saltsburg. In I918 he moved to Apollo,  ful building contractor in Southwestern Pennsylvania
where he has since become one of the leading figures  for a number of years. Dr. Winters received the early
in the industrial world of Pennsylvania.             part of his general education in the public schools of
He is a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church   his native community and completed this part of his
at Wayne Township, and is a supporter of the Demo-  studies at the Dewart High School in I907. He then
cratic party, having served as a member of the Apollo  took a pre-medical course at Bucknell University,. at
Town Council for twelve years, during six of which he   Lewisburg, and later matriculated at the Medicoheld the presidency of that body. He is well known   Chirurgical College, in Philadelphia, from  which he
fraternally, being affiliated with the Williamson Lodge,  was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine
No. 43I, Free and Accepted Masons at Saltsburg, and  in the class of I914. The following year he served as
holding life membership in Valley of Pittsburgh Con-  an interne at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in
sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria   Pittsburgh, and in I915 established himself in Ford
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic   City, where he has continued since, specializing in surShrine. He also holds an honorary life membership in  gery. Today he is one of the most widely known and
I34ANNAL.S NF  SOTTT'WTTV'CT'RT:T D17.'TNTC'V T IT7A TT A
respected medical leaders in Armstrong County, where
he enjoys a large clientele and is highly esteemed by
his professional colleagues. Throughout his long and
distinguished career he has been a member of the
staff of the Kittanning General Hospital, and has held
membership in the American Medical Association, the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the Armstrong County Medical Society.
The only time his career was interrupted was
shortly after the United States entered the World
War. He enlisted in the United States Army Medical
Corps, was commissioned a first lieutenant and served
overseas for thirteen months as a member of the staff
of Base Hospital, No. 204, of the American Expeditionary Forces. On August 9, I919, he was honorably
discharged from the service and returned to resume
his practice in Ford City. Through his military service he is a member of the local post of the American
Legion.
In a civic capacity, Dr. Winters is a former health
officer of Ford City, and socially belongs to the Ford
City Kiwanis Club. He fraternizes with the Knights
of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
is also a member of the Phi Beta Pi Fraternity. He
is a Republican in politics and in his religious convictions worships at the Baptist Church. Fond of outdoor sports he finds his principal diversion in hunting.
In I920 Dr. Winters married Isabelle Bowser, of
Ford City, the daughter of A. B. Bowser, D. D., and
Ella (Stebbins) Bowser. Dr. and Mrs. Winters are
the parents of three children: I. James Elmer, born
August 26, 1921. 2. Evelyn Jane, born December 3I,
I923. 3. Robert Addison, born July 3I, I925.
THE INDIANA PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY ("THE INDIANA GAZETTE")-When one considers mortality of newspapers during the present century, Indiana has reason
for pride in "The Indiana Gazette" and its progress
over the past twenty-five years under the ownership
and publication by R. N. Ray and his sons. This daily
journal was founded in I890 by a large group of stockholders. Its record over the following two decades
was not too good. In 19I2 R. N. Ray had the courage
and enterprise to purchase all outstanding holdings and
continue its issue. Later he took in as partners his
three sons: R. Hastie Ray, D. Dwight Ray, and Nelson Dewitt Ray, who have directed its affairs and
destinies to the present time. Together they have made
it a verv fine newspaper which compares favorably
with the journals of large metropolitan centers. In
equipment and service, everything is of the best modern
type.  Its circulation, of about ten thousand, covers
~IL.LvlN ~.1 FNiNZ  1L VAlNlA                  135
the county and much neighboring territory. Its commercial and job printing plant is fitted to do business
on an extensive scale and caters to a large clientele.
HARRY WILSON FEE--In his professional
and civic accomplishments, Harry Wilson Fee is one
of the most highly respected leaders of Indiana, Pennsylvania, for which town he is now serving his second
term as postmaster and in which he has conducted a
successful practice of law for a number of years, as a
member of the firm of Fee and Tomb. He has also
won distinction in various other fields of endeavor,
particularly as a soldier, serving this country in the
Spanish-American War and later as an officer of the
Pennsylvania National Guard, from  which he was
retired with the rank of lieutenant-colonel in I9I2.
Mr. Fee was born at Reed's Station, VVhite Township, Indiana County, March 9, I870, the son of John
J. and Ellen (Duncan) Fee, both residents of his
birthplace, where his father engaged in farming. He
received a general education in the public schools and
later worked in various capacities.  Eventually he
took up the study of law in the office of D. H. Tomb,
father of D. R. and J. Wayne Tomb, his present law
partners. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania State
bar in I898, and the same year established himself in
a general practice which he was to conduct without
interruption until I9I3. In the meantime he had assumed a very prominent place in the political life of his
community, becoming one of the leaders of the local
Democratic organization. He was first elected Democratic county chairman in I897. His activities led to
his election to various public offices, among them that
of auditor for Indiana County, county solicitor, which
he occupied from I903 to I9O6. After returning from
the Spanish-American War he was continuously active
in the Democratic party organization, as secretary,
chairman, or in some other capacity until I913, when
Woodrow Wilson assumed the Presidency, and appointed Mr. Fee postmaster of Indiana for the first
time. He continued in that office until I922, at which
time he resumed his former activities in the Democratic party, serving continuously, I924 to I936, as
Democratic county chairman. It was in 1922 that Mr.
Fee formed his present law partnership with D. R.
Tomb and J. Wayne Tomb. His previous efficient and
able administration as postmaster of the community
prompted President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in
T9o6, to reappoint him to that office, which he now
occupies. He was acting county solicitor with James
W. Mack, between I927 and I93I. Mr. Fee was for
many years a member of the board of censors of the
Indiana County Law  Association, and as a lawyer
-       1  11-    N          U   1   \ V  )- -L-L  V V J.j, 0ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTE'RN PENNSYLVANIA
belongs to the American Bar Association and the
Indiana County Bar Association.
His social activities have largely been confined to
fraternal organizations.  In this connection he is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Woodmen of the World, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. As mentioned in the introduction to this review, his military experience has been
long and honorable. During the Spanish-American
War he served as a sergeant in the 5th Regiment of
the Pennsylvania National Guard and continued as a
member of this body after the conflict, later being
transferred to the Ioth Regiment and commanded the
Ist Battalion. He rose through the various ranks, up
to and including that of major, being retired with the
commission of lieutenant-colonel. During the World
War, he was one of the outstanding patriotic leaders
of this section and served on numerous boards and
committees.
In I9OI Harry Wilson Fee married Cora Myers,
native of this State, and they were the parents of one
child: Eunice E., who died at the age of nineteen, on
February 23, I923, in her graduation year at Ann
Arbor, Michigan.
JAMES  D. AKE--Lumberman, Banker, Merchant and Man of Large Affairs-James D. Ake, of
Hillsdale, has been for many years a prominent figure
in the life of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He is widely
known throughout this section and has contributed
perhaps as prominently as any man to its development.
Mr. Ake was born at New Washington, Clearfield
County, Pennsylvania, on December ii, I852, a son of
Jacob G. and Eliza (Notley) Ake. His father was at
different times a merchant, lumberman and farmer in
New Washington. In I865, at the close of the Civil
War, he moved to Indiana County and opened a store.
This enterprise he sold in the following year and retired to the farm he had purchased at Hillsdale.
James D. Ake received a public school education.
He was reared on the farm and assisted his father in
its operation, as well as in his mercantile and lumbering ventures, until he reached the age of twenty-five.
From that time on he has been an independent business man. For a period of years he conducted sawmills near Indiana and Saltsburg, selling lumber to the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Then he engaged in
lumbering operations on the Susquehanna River, and
at the same time conducted a store in partnership with
his brother, D. S. Ake, and bought and sold cattle and
other stock. Eventually he purchased his brother's
interest and became associated in business with George
McKeage. For a considerable period, during this stage
of his career, he was engaged extensively in railroad
building, constructing a branch for the New York
Central Railroad Company; a line near Williamsport,
Pennsylvania; the line to Arcadia, Pennsylvania; the
Pittsburgh and Eastern road; the line from Rossiter
Junction to Rossiter and from Potts Run to Madeira;
and part of the line from Burnside to Cherry Tree,
Pennsylvania. In I902 he also conducted a store at
Burnside. His lumbering operations, which he continued for many years, have been extensive. In partnership with Horace Tompkins, he put into the headwaters of the Susquehanna some 78,000,000 feet of
lumber, and in partnership with the late J. W. Clark
he was engaged in the manufacture of rough and
dressed lumber of all kinds. He has been a moving
spirit in other large enterprises, among them the Indiana County Street Railroad Company. He built the
street car system of this company at Indiana and was
general manager during its construction. Over a long
period he has been prominently identified with various
banking interests, serving as president of the bank at
Cherry Tree; as vice-president of the First National
Bank of Glen Campbell and the Farmers Bank of
Indiana; and as a director of other banking institutions, some of which are no longer in existence. He
was a director in former years of the Juniata Manufacturing Company of Williamsburg; was president
of the Hillsdale Coal and Lumber Company; president
of the Arcadia Water Company and president of the
Arcadia Land Company. He also conducted a twohundred-acre farm in Montgomery Township, Indiana
County, and had other property interests there, which
made him the largest taxpayer in the township.
Despite advancing years, Mr. Ake retains the vigor
which has always characterized him and whose effects
have been seen in the widespread interests marking
his career. He has been a true builder of Western
Pennsylvania, and his name is known far and wide
throughout this area.
On June I9, I883, Mr. Ake married (first) Sarah
Frances Churchill, of Hillsdale, daughter of Philander
and Elizabeth (Rank) Churchill. They became the
parents of six children, of whom Wilfred H. died when
he was five and one-half years old. The others are:
2. Almont. 3. Everett C., who became president of
the Clymer Bank and president of the Bank of Glen
Campbell, and who married Bertha Miller. 4. Philander, who married Helen Wrigley. 5. Elizabeth R.
6. James H., who married Ruth Bostic.
Mr. Ake married (second), on February I5, I932,
Molly Smith, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
HON. JAMES IRWIN BROWNSON-One of
the beloved residents of Washington, the Hon. James
Irwin Brownson has performed a work of importance
136ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
II
born December io, I862, in Glens Falls. The mother
was born January I, I867, in that same place.
The public schools of Glens Falls, New York, furnished the early education of Robert E. Austin, who
was graduated from high school in I9I7. Becoming
a student at St. Lawrence University, in Canton, New
York, he took the degree of Bachelor of Science in
I92I at that institution. Serving in the World War
for four months after the United States entered that
conflict, in I918, he returned after that interim to his
studies at the university. He started his school work
in I921 in North Union Township, Fayette County,
Pennsylvania, spending one year there, and afterward
he spent four years as a teacher at Uniontown High
School. For five years he was a teacher in Redstone
Township, Fayette County. Then, from I931 to I934,
he was principal at South Brownsville, also serving
for a time as supervising principal. At the consolidation of the boroug6hs of Brownsville and South
Brownsville, Mr. Austin became principal of the
Senior High School here, so continuing down to the
present.
Continuing his studies in the realm of education
from time to time, Mr. Austin took the Master of Arts
degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 1936. He
has also served his community in numerous ways,
quite aside from teaching, being prominent in fraternal
and social life. He joined Glens Falls Lodge, No.
21I, of the Free and Accepted Masons early in life,
as well as Chapter No. 55 of the Royal Arch Masons,
and he is now active in Uniontown Commandery, No.
49, of Knights Templar, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple (Pittsburgh) of the
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He also belongs to the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity
and the Alpha Tau Omega, which he joined in his
student days. He worships in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, participating in many of the activities
of the local congregation in Brownsville. In leisure
time he concerns himself extensively with athletics.
On June 26, I924, Robert E. Austin married Mildred
Waggoner, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Thomas A. and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Waggoner.
Two daughters were born to them: I. Anne Austin,
on August 3, I926. 2. Elizabeth, on March I, I928.
JESSE COLDREN-As an educator and a public-spirited participant in the affairs of Brownsville,
Jesse Coldren has usefully served his community and
its people. He is head of the history department of the
local high school, and is widely known for his manysided s,rvice to his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Coldren was born September io, I88o, in
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, son of John and Anna
(Pfaff) Coldren, both natives of Brownsville, the
father born September I4, I843, and the mother on
January I, I852. The father, a tanner, then a carpenter, and later a retail merchant in Brownsville, died
February 27, I9I9, and the mother passed from this
life on July 27, I930.
The public schools furnished the medium for Jesse
Coldren's early education, and in I896 he was graduated from high school in Brownsville, his birthplace.
He then became a student at the State Normal School
in California, Pennsylvania, taking the degree of
Master of Education in I899. Then, attending the
University of Pittsburgh, he received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I924 and that of Master of Arts
in I929. At the time of writing Mr. Coldren is preparing for a doctorate, and expects to take the degree
of Doctor of Philosophy. So has he continued his
studies throughout his active career, remaining himself
a student while teaching others and directing their
education. He began his active teaching career in
I900, spending a year in Redstone Township's schools.
There followed four years in the schools of Washington Township and four years as assistant principal in
Brownsville. For thirteen years he served as principal of the Brownsville schools, and for one year he
was supervising principal of the Brownsville Township
schools. After eight years as assistant principal of
Redstone Township High School, Mr. Coldren became,
in I933, head of the history department of Brownsville High School.
Continuing in his chosen profession as an educator
down to the present, he has effectively and distinctly
served the community of his birth and long residence,
and at the same time has lived up to the traditions of
an old and honorable family. The Coldrens were
established in this district of Pennsylvania by his
grandfather, John Coldren, who came with his brother,
Jesse Coldren, from Maryland in I8Io, taking up
farming. Later they became gunsmiths and scythe
and cycle makers. The Coldren family were originally
Quakers, though Jesse Coldren is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, acting as
secretary of his congregation and as clerk of Session.
Politically he is a Republican, and at different times
he has served on the Election Board for his party. In
I929 he was elected to the Brownsville City Council,
on which he has continuously served since that time.
He is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society, of whose Fayette-Westmoreland branch
he has recently been elected vice-president. He also
belongs to the National Geographic Society. AddingANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I37
and value to the city and its people, as well as to this
Commonwealth. As a lawyer and judge and as a
thoroughly public-spirited citizen, he has well earned
the recognition that has come to him, and so it is that
he is respected, honored and trusted in an ever-widening circle of acquaintance.
Judge Brownson was born January 25, I856, in
Washington, Pennsylvania, son of the Rev. James
Irwin and Eleanor McCullough (Acheson) Brownson
and member of an old and honored family. His paternal grandfather, John Brownson, was a civil engineer
by profession, who served in the War of I812 with the
rank of major, afterward being stationed at a military
post in Ohio. Richard Brownson, the paternal greatgrandfather, founded the family in Pennsylvania, having come here from Connecticut. During the War of
the American Revolution, he served as a surgeon with
the Army of George Washington, operating in Pennsylvania. Afterward he came to Franklin County to
make his home. On the maternal side of his house,
Judge Brownson's grandfather was David Acheson,
who came to America from Ireland, settling first in
Philadelphia and there becoming'a merchant, and later
removing to Washington, Pennsylvania, where he continued his occupation. Rev. James Irwin Brownson,
father of Judge Brownson, was a native of Franklin
County, a graduate of old Washington College, and
for fifty years pastor of the First Presbyterian Church,
in Washington. Judge Brownson's mother was a native of Washington.
James Irwin Brownson received his early education in the public schools, afterward taking the full
course at Washington and Jefferson College, where
he was graduated. He was admitted to the bar soon
after he attained his majority, sometime later he became a member of the law firm of Donnans and
Brownson. This firm afterward came to be known as
Brownson, Donnans and Miller. In January, I918, he
was appointed judge, and in November, I910, he was
elected for a full term. At the retirement of Judge
J. A. McIlvaine, in 1922, he became president judge.
In November, 1929, he was reelected for another term.
Along with all his other activities, Judge Brownson
is president of the board of trustees of Washington and
Jefferson College and was for a number of years a
member of the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania
Training School, at Morganza, first being appointed to
this office by Governor William C. Sproul and afterward being reappointed by Governor Gifford Pinchot.
Again he was reappointed by Governor John S. Fisher.
For nine years he was county solicitor, and he has also
served as a member of the South Washington Borough
Council, which borough is now a part of the city of
Washington. For some years he was a director and
president of the Farmers' and Mechanics' National
Bank and upon its merger with the Washington Trust
Company he became a director of the larger organization.
He finally retired from his post at the bank when he
was appointed to the bench. His work as a member of
both bar and bench has distinguished him and has
established him as an outstanding leader. He holds
membership in the Washington County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the
American Bar Association. He is also a member of
the Bassett Club, the Washington County Club and
the Nemacolin Country Club. Active in many civic
undertakings, he has contributed substantially to the
work of the Boy Scouts of America, being local representative in W\ashington of the National Council. He
is also a member of the American Academy of Political
and Social Science, the Archaeological Institute of
America, the Pennsylvania Society of New York, the
American Forestry Association, the National Geographic Society, the Pennsylvania Scotch-Irish Society, and the Phi Kappa Psi and Phi Betta Kappa
fraternities. Among his other affiliations, Judge
Brownson is active in the University Club, of Pittsburgh; is president of the Washington County Historical Society; president of the board of directors of
the Community Chest, and honorary president of the
Neighborhood House Association, a civic enterprise of
local interest and community welfare. Judge Brownson
is unmarried.
JOHN FRENCH KERR, M. D.-Ranked among
the most prominent and successful physicians of Fayette County is Dr. John F. (J. French) Kerr, who
throughout his long and distinguished career, which
spans over-thirty-five years, has conducted a hi.hly
successful general practice in the community of Connellsville, where he is also active in a social and civic
capacity.
Dr. Kerr was born in Beaver County, Auo.ust TQ.
1876, the son of Dr. Presley M. and Nancv T. (Ingalls) Kerr, both natives of his birthplace. where his
father, who was also a physician, practiced for many
years. The elder Mr. Kerr, who was born in T83.g,
and died November 5, I884, received his professional
training at the Allopathic Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I86o. He began to
practice near his birthplace and save for the period he
served in the Civil War continued there until his
death. When the aforementioned conflict broke out
he was appointed an assistant surgeon in the I2Tst
Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, entering theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
service on December I5, I862. His term of enlistment was for three years but he was honorably discharged by special order, January 9, I863, due to ill
health. Later he was again called into service and
served in a professional capacity at Hairwood and
other hospitals for over a year. After the war he resumed his practice and was appointed physician of the
Beaver County Home, a post he occupied for fourteen
years, when he was obliged to retire due to his health.
This branch of the family is of Scotch-Irish origin.
According to records the progenitor was one David
Kerr, native of County Antrim, Ireland, who married
Jane Black. In the history of Scotland the Kerrs are
noted as fighters and military leaders, one of the most
distinguished having been Alexander Kerr, who with
William Wallace was instrumental in placing Robert
Bruce on the Scottish throne. David Kerr came to
this country during his youth and settled near Frankfort Springs, Beaver County, where he engaged in
farming and fought off Indians until his passing. He
was the father of James W. Kerr, who was born in
Beaver County, farmed here, married Mary Allen, and
was the father of eight children, among them Presley
M. Kerr, father of Dr. Kerr.
After a general education in the public schools of
Beaver, Dr. Kerr attended the Slippery Rock State
Normal School and later matriculated in the medical
department of the University of Pittsburgh, from
which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in the class of I899. He served a period of
interneship at Pittsburgh and in I9oI came to Connellsville where he established himself in a general practice
which he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and success. Throughout this period he has enjoyed a large and lucrative clientele and been identified in a prominent capacity with a number of the
leading medical institutions in this section; serving as
a member of the staff of the Connellsville State Hospital and holding membership in the American AMedical
Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society,
and the Fayette County Medical Society. He is a
Republican in politics, and worships at the United
Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Kerr married Mary Jane Dick, a native of New
Florence.
HIRAM SWANK-Somerset County ranks the
name of Hiram Swank among its immortals, and with
reason, because he was the inventor and perfector of a
nozzle and sleeve which, in a hundred forms, is now
in universal use. Designed as a valve to permit the
pouring of molten metal and to act as a shut-off whenever desired, they are made of special fire clays. The
company has been in business eighty-four years and at
present is supplying seventy-five per cent. of the needs
of the entire country, which means they are the world's
largest producer of this particular refractory. This
product is shipped from coast to coast, to Canada,
Australia, India, Japan and Mexico. The company has
offices in the principal cities, including Philadelphia,
Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and
Cleveland.
A potter by trade and occupation during the early
years of his career, and later a manufacturer of a special kind of fire brick, it was but incidental to his
regular activities, but suggested by them, that Hiram
Swank conceived and made a better way for pouring
molten steel.
Mr. Swank was born in Somerset County, July I6,
I834, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Snyder) Swank.
Although reared on a farm he attended school until
he was nineteen years of age. Then, instead of following agriculture as a vocation, he secured employment
as a clerk in a general store. After a year, however,
he went to Davidsville, where he learned the potter's
trade. Later, for two years, he entered into a partnership with his brother to carry on a pottery business.
In I856 Hiram Swank left Davidsville for Johnstown,
where he was joined two years later by his brother
and they became associated as J. and H. Swank in the
operation of a pottery concern. This partnership was
dissolved in 1887, and Hiram Swank changed over
his pottery plant to one fitted for the manufacture of
a special kind of fire brick, for which he found an extensive market, and which still remains in a class by
itself.
As already indicated, the origination of the first
steel nozzles was the result of the observation of a
well-recognized need and the application of concentrated thought and natural genius to supplying a necessity. As with most mechanical improvements brought
into use, the process and the thing itself was so sinlple
that the only wonder is that they have not been discovered very much earlier. All this began in 1870, and
some of his productions were shown in the Centennial
Fair at Philadelphia, in I876. Aside from his manufacturing enterprises, Mr. Swank was prominent in
Johnstown business and municipal circles as a director
of the Title, Trust and Guarantee Association, an incorporator of the Citizens Cemetery Association, and
one of the organizers of the old Vigilant Fire Company.
In I862 Hiram  Swank married Malinda E. Wills, a
daughter of Elias Wills, of Somerset County, and they
were the parents of nine children: I. Charles McClelland, born June 4, I863, married Charlotte -Oppey.
2. Annie E., born March Io, 1865, married B. F. Harmoney. 3. Albert Franklin, born November I7, I867.
I38... %-.. v.L IL  vv i-.d
4. Lenore, born February I4, I87I. 5. Milton R., born
October 6, I872. 6. Ida May, born June I6, I875, who
married Frank Phillips. 7. Mary B., born July 5,
I877, married L. G. Zang. 8. James Webster, born
February Io, I88o, married Elizabeth Crotzer.  9.
Ralph Lloyd (see accompanying biography).
Hiram Swank died June I8, I919.
RALPH LLOYD SWANK-Becoming associated with his father's brick manufacturing concern
more than thirty-seven years ago, Ralph L. Swank
has served in various capacities throughout his lengthy
connection with the Hiram Swank Sons, Inc., and
since I927 has held the office of president, during
which period he has guided the destinies of this large
manufacturing plant in accordance with the traditions
for honesty and fair dealing which have been characteristic of this business since it was founded by the
late Hiram Swank in I856.
Ralph Lloyd Swank was born in Johnstown, March
28, I883, the son of Hiram and Malinda E. (Wills)
Swank (see accompanying biography). Hiram Swank
began his career in the manufacture of clay products
in I854, when he opened a small plant at Davidsville,
Pennsylvania. In I856 he came to Johnstown, and
located on the corner of Vine and Market streets. In
1870 Harry Swank was admitted as a partner in the
enterprise, and in I890 the plant headquarters were
moved to the South Side of Johnstown. Later a much
larger plant was needed because of increased operations, and the present structure in the Woodvale section was erected, with three of Mr. Swank's sons,
Charles McC., Albert F., and Milton R. Swank becoming partners in the business. In I914 the business was
incorporated with Milton R. Swank as president, and
thirteen years later he was succeeded by Ralph L.
Swank, who has held the office of president to the
present day. The other executive officers of the company are: Albert F. Swank, vice-president, and George
Geiser. There are now four plants producing more
than fifty million bricks per year and requiring the
services of upward of eight hundred employees, and
this concern is admittedly one of the oldest and largest
of its kind in America.
Ralph Lloyd Swank received his education in the
Johnstown public schools, and then at the age of
seventeen became associated with the organization
whose head he is today. Mr. Swank has had many
years of experience in the various phases of brick
manufacturing, and his advice and spirit of coSperation with other members of the firm have been largely
instrumental in building this business to its present
high standard. Mr. Swank is also vice-president and
a director of the Flood City Brass Company, and is,J.I U.E-  I NN,I  o N I L V A1N, IA         139
numbered among the leading and most energetic business men in the Johnstown area.
He is a deacon in the Lutheran Church, and is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, holding the
thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite and being a member of Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, American Institute, Steel and Iron, Bachelor
Club and the Sunnehanna Country Club.
He was married, in 1906, to Helen M. Ferguson, of
Columbus, Ohio, and they are the parents of two children: I. C. Ferguson, a graduate of Ohio State TJniversity, who married Helen Colgan, and they are the
parents of two children: Barbara Ann and Ralph II.
2. Mary C., a graduate of Finishing School and Greenwich Seminary; she married John B. Harlow.
EBENSBURG MOUNTAINEER-HERALDNo history of journalism in Cambria County would
be complete without mention of the Thompson family,
particularly the late W. R. Thompson, who for over
half a century exerted a powerful and beneficial influence over the social, civic and business life of this
section as an editor, publisher and business leader. He
acquired the paper shortly before the turn of the century and though on several occasions he disposed of
his interest in the publication, he nevertheless returned
to guide its destiny and can be credited with being
directly responsible for making it one of the finest
weekly papers in the State. Today the policies which
proved so sound in the success of the "MountaineerHerald" under his administration, are being carried on
by his three sons, David J., James F., and Walter
R., Jr., who in a large measure have inherited their
distinguished father's journalistic abilities.
For over forty years the "Ebensburg MountaineerHerald" has faithfully recorded the march of events
in Cambria County. It has been an impartial, forthright and sincere journal, reflecting the integrity of its
editor and founder, who conducted his journalistic
activities in accordance with the highest professional
ethics and ideals.
The "Mountaineer-Herald" came into existence in
I898, when W. R. Thompson purchased the "Cambria
Herald," then edited by Fes Lloyd, and merged it with
the "Ebensburg Mountaineer." It made its initial bow
to the public on Thursday, June 23, of that year, as a
six-column paper, twenty inches in depth. From the
outset Mr. Thompson was a progressive editor. His
first edition contained one of the first copperplate
photographic reproductions in this section, which was
embodied in an advertisement inserted by J. M. Thompson, the editor's father.
ANNALS OFP C)NTTTT-WlCTP'QFDM T D]PNTNTCTTT'7 A KTT AANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
It was a courageous undertaking in view of existing
conditions. The country was at war with Spain and
there was no certainty of its effect on economic conditions.  Despite this restiveness W. R. Thompson
launched his enterprise, exhibiting an optimism that
was to characterize many of his undertakings. Read
his opening editorial in which he says:
With this issue the "Mountaineer-Herald" enters
upon a new volume with every assurance of success
and of the continued good-will and hearty support of
all its large circle of friends. Happy in the consciousness of this, we feel spurred on to greater efforts for
the future and mean to neglect no opportunity for the
improvements of the paper. Notwithstanding the war,
we intend to keep the paper at the same high standard
as at present.
Such was the assurance of the editor who glowingly
lived up to his promise.
We are told the first issue of the paper was a
masterpiece of typographic beauty. It was set by hand
and printed on a fine grade of pure white stock. It not
only made a colorful physical appearance but also contained stirring news of our army's reaching Santiago,
Cuba, of Dewey at Manila as well as exciting local
features, including Nelson Brown's heroism in stopping
a team of runaway horses, and the Ebensburg cycle
run.
The first of numerous changes that have been made
since, occurred in I9OI, when the paper became known
as the "Ebensburg Mountaineer-Herald," a four-page
issue with its format increased to eight columns. The
following year, in May, I902, Mr. Thompson was to
relinquish control for the first time, selling the paper
and all of its stock, both financial and material, to
T. L. Gibson, whom he assisted in the management.
On January 22, I903, the following item appeared in
the newspaper; "A Change in Our Firm: An equal
half interest in the'Mountaineer-Herald' was purchased Monday by its former owner, W. R. Thompson,
who since disposing of the paper had continued in its
employ. The firm name will be Gibson  Thompson."
It was not to be for long, however, for on July 3, of
the same year Mr. Gibson retired and the paper reverted to its original ownership. Mr. Thompson renewed his activities with zest and enthusiasm. In 1904
he purchased a double-magazine Mergenthaler linotype
composing machine, the first in Cambria County. In
the years that immediately followed the paper enjoyed
an era of great prosperity and influence. The volume
of business increased to such an extent at times that a
supplement was attached to carry the business and
news. By January, 1905, the paper was increased to
eight pages and was so published until April 25, I912,
when Mr. Thompson again retired, turning the property over to Herman T. Jones, who was to be editor
and proprietor until November, I915, when he was
elected controller of Cambria County. Under Mr.
Jones' management further mechanical and editorial
improvements had been made. A Whitlock cylinder
press was installed, and as a crusading editor he got
out several highly interesting special editions, one
dealing with woman suffrage, another called a special
"Acquaintance Edition," and still another celebrating
one of the anniversaries of the paper. Mr. Jones,
now president of the Citizen's Lumber Company of
Ebensburg, was a very popular and successful editor.
He has been described as "an up-to-date, progressive
editor who put forth his best efforts to give his readers
a newsy, reliable newspaper, and he did. He relinquished control of the paper only after he had been
elected Cambria County controller, one of his pledges
having been that if elected his official duties would
control all his time. This promise he lived up to, as
he has all others. He departed from the newspaper
world heavy-hearted, but well-wished and admired by
all-never to return to it."
From that time until his passing, on October 26,
I933, W. R. Thompson was to serve as editor, maintaining a progressive and independent spirit. Under
the editorship of Mr. Jones the publication had been
issued on a semi-weekly schedule. When Mr. Thompson
again took charge it reverted to its original character
as a weekly. It continued to undergo changes, new
equipment was added and the size was changed on
three different occasions to meet circumstances of the
times. Among the most important changes, however,
was the erection of a new plant, which was constructed
and occupied during the winter of I915, supplanting the
former operating headquarters which were in the old
Opera House. Events of moment were recorded, in
the momentous era that followed. Interesting accounts
of the World War are to be found in the old
files, evincing the spirit of the times and noting the
part Cambria citizens played in the great struggle.
The effectiveness of all this news was heightened
under the expert editorship of Mr. Thompson. It was
a period of great prosperity for the weekly, and the
proprietor, an able business man as well as journalist,
took advantage of the opportunities offered. With his
passing a dominant figure disappeared from the scene
of Cambria County's activities, a man who had employed his talents to the benefit and welfare of the
entire region. Of his career we quote the following
comment:
Through stormy days and calm Mr. Thompson had
stood by his Republican principles and his given word.
His death was greatly lamented in Ebensburg, the
home of his birth and his entire life, and he is still
140sadly missed..... He had faithfully served his community for fifty years in the newspaper business, was
the town's oldest business man and one of the best
known and most highly respected citizens of Cambria
County..... Mr. Thompson was widely known for
his great writing ability and through his personal
efforts developed the "Ebensburg Mountaineer-Herald"
into what is rated one of the finest weekly newspapers
in this State. He undoubtedly was the dean of newspapermen in Cambria County and contributed more to
the success of the press at Ebensburg than any other
individual.
W. R. Thompson was succeeded by his son, David
J. Thompson, as editor, and his wife, Mrs. W. R.
Thompson, as publisher.  David J. Thompson, who
has since conducted the affairs of this paper, was born
June I2, 1908, and received a general education in the
public schools of Ebensburg. He is married to Iona
Edwards and they are the parents of one child, Shirley
I. He is also assisted in the publication of the paper
by his brothers: James F., who was born April 28,
I898, served with the United States Navy during the
World War and is now married to Alice Wilson and
the father of the following children: James F., Jr.,
Barbara, and Roger. The third brother, Walter R.,
Jr., was born July 12, 1912, attended the public schools
of Ebensburg, and is now married to Rebecca McCabe.
S. STEWART KINKEAD-Thirty years of distinguished public service mark the career of S. Stewart
Kinkead, deputy treasurer of Cambria County since
19I5. Prior to entering public life he had been associated with a large steel company in this region.
Mr. Kinkead was born in Ebensburg, Cambria
County, July 4, i865, the son of George A. and Deborah (Evans) Kinkead, both deceased, the former in
1902 and the latter in I9I7. His father engaged in the
insurance business here for a number of years. Mr.
Kinkead received a general education in the public
schools and after completing his studies secured employment with the Cambria Steel Company which he
was to be associated with for twelve years. At the
expiration of this period he retired to become deputy
register of wills and recorder of deeds, an office he
occupied for six years. He was then named deputy
prothonotary, served in that capacity for a like period
after which he was elevated to full. prothonotary of
Cambria County, which he maintained from 90o8 to
1915, when he was named deputy treasurer of the
county. His official accomplishments have been characterized by an efficiency and thoroughness that have
won the recognition of his colleagues and the public.
Mr. Kinkead fraternizes with the Order of Free and
Accepted Masons; is Past Master of the Blue Lodge
and a member of the Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic,J' L'JX.LNI  1-.   N N   IL V A1IN 1 A       I4I
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs
to the Pennsylvania Society of New York, a number of
the leading local clubs in Ebensburg, and worships at
the Presbyterian Church. During his life he has made
an extensive collection of literary works bearing on the
life and times of Abraham Lincoln, which today is
listed as the largest library of its type in the State.
He also has acquired a number of other rare and
valuable books. Among his friends and acquaintances
he lists a number of men who have become prominent
in national affairs. The nature of these friendships
is evidenced by the fact that many have sent him autographed portraits.
In I905 Mr. Kinkead married Mary G. Carthew,
of Johnstown.
DR. EARL CLEVELAND SHERRICK-Beginning a general medical practice at Connellsville, in
December, 19Io, Dr. Earl Cleveland Sherrick has become a prominent member of his profession in this
area, and specializing in Diagnostic Roentgenology, he
enjoys a wide and extensive practice. He was born
July 7, I884, at Pennsville, Pennsylvania, his brother,
Ernest Harrison Sherrick, and he, being twin sons of
Burton Todd and Clara Belle (Burkhart) Sherrick.
Ernest Harrison Sherrick died at the age of six years.
Burton Todd Sherrick, a native of Westmoreland
County, was a coal operator, and also engaged in the
hotel business. He was a Democrat, and school director of Bullskin Township, Fayette County, for many
years.
After finishing his elementary and high school education in the Connellsville schools, Dr. Sherrick matriculated at Jefferson Medical College, and received
his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 19o8. He then
served an interneship at Jefferson Hospital and St.
Timothy's Memorial Hospital, Philadelphia, and then
came to Connellsville to establish his private practice.
He is radiologist at Connellsville Hospital, and is also
a member of the surgical staff of this institution. In
addition, he is radiologist of Mount Pleasant Hospital,
and a member of the executive staff of the Connellsville State Hospital. He has been president and mnember of the Board of Health of Connellsville for the
past ten years. He is a former member of Company
D, Ioth Regular Infantry, National Guard, having enlisted in I910.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and active
in the affairs of the Democratic party. In 1937 he was
elected a member of the Connellsville City Council,
but due to a third class city ordinance, he could not
accept that office, he being the medical inspector of
the Connellsville school district. He therefore resigned
ANNALS  ).F' -nTTT'T-TRAf;Q' T'TDMT D'PXTNTT'T'TA TT A.11.L.1 A    LI.J- i \-/ L' 1i,               I  I I     V 121ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the office of city councilman to which he had been
elected. He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted
Masons, and the Lodge of Perfection, and is a member of the Kiwanis Club and past member of the Connellsville Country Club. He is a member and president of the Fayette County Medical Society, and a
member of the Radiological Society of North America,
Pennsylvania Radiological Society, and Diplomat of
the American Board of Radiology. He is a member of
the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the
American Medical Association.
He was married, January I, I9I4, to Edith Merriam
Ives, a native of Philadelphia, born February I7, I89I,
daughter of Robert and Anna (Morrison) Ives. Dr.
and Mrs. Sherrick are the parents of five children: I.
Annabel, born June 22, 1915. 2. Dorothy Mae, born
September 7, I916. 3. Edith Rosemary, born September 27, I9I7. 4. Iola G., born January I, I9T9.
5. Earl Cleveland, Jr., born January I9, 1923.
JAMES H. CONNELL, Jr.--Active in the practice of law, James H. Connell, Jr., occupies a position
of leadership and distinction in the community of
Cresson. Along with his other work, which has been
extensive and varied, he is professor of law at St.
Francis College, being one of the youngest men ever
to receive that honor.
Mr. Connell was born January 21,'I909, at Cresson,
Pennsylvania, son of James H. and Martha (Quartz)
Connell, both of Pennsylvanian birth. His father, who
is now retired from his active endeavors, served for
twenty-eight years as agent with the Pennsylvania
Railroad. He is associated with many individuals and
groups in efforts to improve conditions in the Cresson
community and in this district of Pennsylvania, and
is one of Cresson's loved and honored citizens.
The public schools provided the early education of
James H. Connell, Jr. After completing his studies
in the Cresson schools, he became a student at the
University of Pittsburgh, taking the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I93I and the degree of Bachelor of
Laws in I934. Admitted to the bar of this Commonwealth in I935, he began his practice in the same year
at Cresson, where he has continued his professional
work down to the time of writing. His position as
professor of law at St. Francis College is one of
which he is especially and justifiably proud, and his
work as an educator has been of value.
Giving his time and attention also to the general
affairs of his profession, Mr. Connell is a member of
the Cambria County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association. Through these memberships he keeps in close touch with all the newest
developments in his profession, and is widely acquainted
with his colleagues. He is, among his other duties,
solicitor for the School Board of the Borough of
Cresson, solicitor for Cresson Township and Cresson
Township School District and the First National Bank
of Cresson. Though he saw no active military service
in the World War, having been too young at the time,
he is an honorary member of the American Legion at
Cresson. He is also an honorary member of the Cresson Firemen's Association, is president of Rotary
International, and is a member of several other clubs.
He belongs to the National Legal Fraternity Phi
Alpha Delta, which he joined in his student days. His
practice is a lucrative one, growing as time goes on.
He is unmarried.
WALTER  L. PIPER-For many years prominently connected with the mining industry, Walter L.
Piper is one of the leading citizens of Lilly, where he
has made a very notable and distinctive contribution to
the life of his times. He is now general superintendent
and general manager of all the mining interests of the
W. H. Piper Company, one of the foremost mining
organizations of this region of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Piper was born September 30, I88o, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, son of M. K. and Minerva (Benson) Piper and member of an outstanding family. His
father, M. K. Piper, lived in Huntingdon County,
Pennsylvania, until his death in I937. Both parents
were prominent Pennsylvanians.
Walter L. Piper attended the public schools of
Huntingdon, his Pennsylvania birthplace, and later became a student at Juniata Business College. For some
years he was engaged in the mercantile business in
association with his father. Then, in I899, he connected himself with the W. H. Piper Company and
assumed a place of leadership in the mining industry.
This company represents, according to its own claim,
the largest mining interests in Lilly, and is widely
known in this region of Pennsylvania. When he came
to Lilly, Walter L. Piper started work as one of several foremen or minor superintendents. Then, on September I, I935, after long service of value in his industry, he was rewarded by promotion to the position of
general superintendent and general manager of his
company, having supervision in this capacity of all the
mining properties of the Piper organization. About
two hundred and ten men work under his direction,
and they, like the other people of the Lilly community,
hold him in the highest esteem for his contribution to
the general welfare.
In addition to his work in the mining industry, Mr.
Piper is a director of the First National Bank, of
Lilly. He has held a number of public offices, acting
as a school director and otherwise effectively serving
I42ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the people of Lilly. During the World War perio(
he was a member of different boards and committees
Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pyth
ias, being a past chancellor of his lodge, and is also
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Lutheran in his religious faith, he served for years al
a deacon of his congregation.
In I902 Walter L. Piper married Margaret Forsyth
of Pennsylvania. The following children were bor
to them: I. Martin. 2. Leslie, who married Myrtl
Appleyard.  3. Harold.  4. Pearl.  5. Benson.  t
Nelson. 7. Minerva.
R. MEADE STINEMAN-R. Meade Stineman
a member of the legal profession and the only prac
ticing attorney in South Fork, Pennsylvania, was born
here September 9, I903, the son of Albert M. an(
Katherine (Rowland) Stineman. Albert M. Stinemar
son of Jacob C. and Mary (Varner) Stineman (q. v.)
was prominently identified with the industrial and civi
life of South Fork. He died in January, I93I. Hi
wife, a native of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, is stil
living.
R. Meade Stineman received his early education i
the local public schools, and after completing his pre
paratory work, enrolled at Dickinson College, wher
he was graduated in 1929 with the degree of Bachelo
of Laws. He was admitted to the bar the followin
year, and immediately established offices in Sout
Fork for the general practice of his profession. Ma
Stineman is solicitor and a director of the South For]
National Bank, a director of both the South For]
Water Company and the Stineman Brothers Suppl
Company, and also solicitor for the Stineman Coo
Mining Company. He is an active figure in loca
affairs and is recognized as an enthusiastic civi
booster.
He is a member of the Evangelical Church, and
affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, th
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Beta Thet
Pi Fraternity and many local clubs. He was marrie
in 1936 to Dorothy Louder, daughter of Mr. and Mr,
E. W. Louder.
BART C. LEONARD-Closely identified wit]
the coal mining industry in South Fork, Pennsylvani;
for the past thirty-eight years, Bart C. I_eonard is non
serving in the capacity of vice-president and managin
director of the Adams Fuel Company, which busine,
he helped organize under the name of Riverside Co;
Mining Company in I913.  He was born'March
I877, at Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, the son of Ai
thony and Catherine (McCaffrey) Leonard. Anthor
d Leonard, a native of County Sligo, Ireland, died in. 888.
-    Bart C. Leonard received his education in the paroa  chial schools of Lackawanna, and remained in this city
k  until about I90o, when he came to South Fork to
s enter the employ of the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke
Company, operating at Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania. He
1,  also became assistant cashier of the First National
n   Bank, and he was thus engaged until I913 when with
e  other enterprising associates, he organized the Riveri.  side Coal Mining Company, coal mining operators. In
the beginning, this company resorted to mules for their
power, but in I9I6 the entire plant was electrified,
with all modern equipment, and operations steadily
increased until the daily production amounted to approximately one thousand tons of coal, requiring the
n
d   employment of more than two hundred men. During
the years 1931 and 1932 the mine remained closed, but', reopened in I933 under its present name, The Adams
I'  Fuel Company, and is to this day producing a large
C daily tonnage. During the World War, Mr. Leonard
was a member of the Advisory Draft Board and also
served on various other local boards and committees.
Mr. Leonard professes the Roman Catholic faith, is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
-  Elks, and is also connected with numerous local ore
ganizations.
He was married, in I9o8, to Mary Elizabeth Harth  man, of Clearfield County, daughter of Philip and
Bridget (Leach) Hartman. Philip Hartman is a nak tive of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are the park  ents of two children: I. Joseph C., born September 9,
y   I9o09, a graduate of Clayton Military Institute and
Manhattan College. 2. Mary Elizabeth, born July 2,
l  I9II, formerly a student at the University of Pittsic burgh.
s   EMANUEL I. DeROY-Emanuel I. DeRoy has
been engaged in the retail jewelry business practically
e  throughout his business career, and his present estabta  lishment in Johnstown is the largest and most modern
store of its kind in the area between Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia. He was born in Pittsburgh, November
5, I889, the son of Israel and Katherine (DeHahn)
DeRoy, both deceased. Israel DeRoy, a native of
h   Holland, was the pioneer of his family in Pennsyla,  vania, and the founder of the DeRoy jewelry business.
w   In I87I he started a small jewelry store in Pittsburgh,
ig  and through years of conscientious work and a policy
ss  of honest and fair dealings with all, he lived to see
a!  the business expand to a position where it was re6,  garded as the leading retail jewelry house in the
n-  Pittsburgh area. He died in 1935 at the age of eightyny  nine years.
I43ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
authorship to his other accomplishments, Mr. Coldren
has written "Political Campaign Songs of the United
States from Washington's Time to the Present" and
"Thomas Brown's Towne, the Story of Old Brownsville, Pennsylvania."
On August 8, 1933, Jesse Coldren married Sudie
Truxall, of Brownsville, daughter of David Truxall
and Mary (Childs) Truxall.
CHARLES WILLIAM RUSH-During an active professional career which covers forty years,
Charles William Rush has risen to a position of recognized prominence at the Fayette County bar. He
has practiced at Uniontown since I898 and has been
active throughout this period in the general life of the
community.
Mr. Rush was born in Farmington on February 2I,
I867, a son of William Harrison and Anna Eliza
(Frost) Rush and member of a family long established
in this section. His great-grandfather, I.evi Rush,
came to Fayette County about I8oo00 and was engaged
in farming here. His grandfather, Charles W. Rush
was a hotel keeper on the National Pike two miles
east of Farmington, conducting the hostelry once
known as "Seldom Inn," now the property of George
Santo. William Harrison Rush, the father, who was
also a hotel keeper, was born at Farmington in I844
and died on March 2I, I9oo. He was a veteran of the
Civil War, in which he served as a bugler in the 82d
Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. Anna Eliza (Frost)
Rush, his wife, was born at Searights, Fayette County,
in 1848, and died on March 28, I930.
Charles William Rush, of this record, received his
preliminary education in the public schools of Dawson,
after which he entered California State Normal
School, at California, Pennsylvania, where he was a
member of the class of I883. He received the degree
of Master of Arts at this institution and devoted his
earlier career to teaching. Subsequently, however, he
took up the study of law at the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of ILaws in I897. In the following
year he was admitted to the Fayette County bar and
entered the practice of his profession at Uniontown.
With passing years, as he established his reputation at
the bar, the demands upon his services grew steadily.
He has never limited his efforts to any single field of
law and has met the responsibilities of a considerable
general practice with fidelity and success.
Mr. Rush is vice-president (I937-38) and ch2irman
of the Law Examining Board (I938) of the Fayette
County Bar Association. A Democrat in politics, he
has been influential in local councils of his party and
for a number of years past has served as counsel for
the borough of Dawson, in addition to other professional connections. He is active in civic affairs and
is an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Dawson.
Mr. Rush is unmarried. He is well known throughout
this section of the State and has a wide circle of acquaintances and friends.
WILLIAM HODGE BURCHFIELD - The
eminent position the Joseph Horne Company, Pittsburgh, has attained as one of America's great stores,
can be attributed to the efforts of one family whose
representatives have been identified with the management of the concern for nearly eighty years. The name
of Burchfield stands behind this enterprise. Today its
fame is being perpetuated by William Hodge Burchfield, second vice-president and director of the firm,
and Albert Horne Burchfield, president. Apprenticed
in the business under the able guidance of their distinguished father, Albert Pressly Burchfield, one of the
outstanding merchants and civic leaders of his generation in Pittsburgh, these two men have carried on the
successful policies of their predecessor and inculcated
modern methods that have enhanced the prestige of the
establishment and indicated, more than any -other single
factor, their native abilities.
William Hodge Burchfield was born in Allegheny,
now North Side, Pittsburgh, August 23, 1877, the
son of Albert Pressly and Sarah Jane (McWhinney)
Burchfield. His father, member of an old and honorable Pennsylvania family that has been established here
since the pre-Revolutionary era, was born in Allegheny, January 20, I844, the son of Robert Cochrane
and Susan Rebecca (Hackwelder) Burchfield. At the
age of thirteen he gave up further study in the public
schools of his native community and embarked on a
mercantile career that was to be distinctive for its
success. He began with William Semple, a dry goods
merchant in Allegheny and continued here until Tuly
I, I858, when he severed his connections to come to
Pittsburgh where he secured employment with the
Joseph Horne Company, a dry goods firm with which
he was to be associated from that time until his death
on January 8, I9IO. Eight years after he entered the
firm he became a member and was placed in charge of
the wholesale end of the business, which was incorporated in August, I897, and was to operate under the
name of the Pittsburgh Dry Goods Company. He continued as executive head of this organization until the
death of Mr. Horne in 1893, when he resigned to devote
his entire attention to the retail business. By this time
he was one of the most highly respected leaders in
Pittsburgh and in addition to the aforementioned position was also vice-president of the Western Pennsylvania Exposition Society. a member of the executive
12ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Emanuel I. DeRoy completed his early education
in the Pittsburgh public schools, and then enrolled at
Miami Military Institute. He next entered Kiskiminetas Preparatory School, and after graduation became associated with his father's business. During
the World War he was an enlisted man but his period
of service was confined to the United States. After
receiving his honorable discharge he returned to his
father's store in Pittsburgh and continued there until
r930, when he came to Johnstown to open a branch
store on Market Street.  The disastrous floods of
1936 caused considerable damage to this store, but
Mr. DeRoy undaunted by this setback and encouraged
by an ever increasing patronage, built a larger and
finer store and is now able to cater to his many customers as before under the most modern conditions and
in pleasant and ideal surroundings. This store covers
more than five thousand square feet of floor space,
and with a personnel of eighteen workers under the
direct supervision of Mr. DeRoy, all those visiting this
establishment can be assured of personal and courteous
attention.
Mr. DeRoy is affiliated with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and is also an active member of the Lions-International, Chamber of Commerce
and Bureau of Industry.
He was married, in 1926, to Shari Jacobs, a native
of Pennsylvania.
WALLACE SHERBINE-Postmaster of Wilmore, Cambria County, for the past fifty years, Wallace Sherbine is also one of the outstanding citizens of
Southwestern Pennsylvania, being prominent in both
political and philanthropic concerns as well as being
a leading banker, coal operator, merchant and business
man.
Wallace Sherbine was born January 30, I868, in
Cambria County, son of Philip and Elizabeth (Mulholland)  Sherbine.  Philip  Sherbine, who was a
farmer, was a veteran of the Civil War, fighting for
the United States in the Pennsylvania Infantry.
After passing through the public schools, Wallace
Sherbine became a merchant while still very young
and, when he was only twenty-one years of age, was
appointed postmaster of Wilmore by President Benjamin Harrison, a position which he has filled through
the past fifty years. In addition to his interests as a
merchant, during his long career, Mr. Sherbine has
been concerned with other enterprises.  For many
years one of the largest coal operators in Cambria
County, he also served the First National Bank of
Portage as president for twenty-five years, building
that institution up from its small beginning to its present place of importance. Another enterprise to which
Mr. Sherbine has devoted a great amount of attention
is the Johnstown Sanitary Dairy Company, a concern
organized on April 28, I9o2, and which, under the
presidency of Mr. Sherbine, is now one of the largest
establishments of its kind in Pennsylvania, being capitalized at three hundred thousand dollars and maintaining a payroll of some hundred and fifty persons and
operating a large motorized fleet of vehicles which
serve an area some sixty miles on all sides of Johnstown with dairy products. A member of the Wilmore
City Council and of the Wilmore School Board for
many years, Mr. Sherbine has always been vitally
concerned with civic interests as well as being ready
and willing to support all projects for the advancement
of Cambria County. One of his greatest philanthropies
has been the Church of the United Brethren of Wilmore, of which he has been an elder and a deacon.
Probably his greatest single gift to this church came
in 1920, when he advanced the funds with which to
build the congregation's present large brick building.
When this edifice was completed, Mr. Sherbine burned
the mortgage and made the members of the church a
clear gift of the property. This is but a single example
of the generosity which has made him widely respected
throughout the entire western half of Pennsylvania.
His memberships in fraternal organizations include the
Masonic bodies and the Junior Order of United
American Mechanics.
Wallace Sherbine married, in IS9I, Alice Shaffer,
daughter of Christian and Susan (Ober) Shaffer.
Christian Shaffer, who died in 1918, was a veteran of
the Civil War. Mr. and AMrs. Sherbine are the parents
of a daughter, Lura E., now Mrs. E. E. Hughes, and
the mother of four children: Robert, Alice Jean, Ruth
Anne, and Charles.
W. STURGIS FRANKENBURGER, M. D.Since I9I9 Dr. W. Sturgis Frankenburger has conducted a general practice of medicine in Carmichaels,
Greene County. Prior to coming here he practiced in
various other sections of the State and served in the
Medical Corps of the United States Army during the
World War.
Dr. Frankenburger was born in Smithfield, Fayette
County, November 23, i886, the son of George C. and
Martha A. (Sturgis) Frankenburger, both natives of
Springhill Township, Fayette County. His father, who
was born May 9, 1858, and engaged in farming
throughout his active life, died December Io0, I37.
His mother, born February I3, 1857, died January 8,
1929. After a general education in the public schools
of his native county Dr. Frankenburger attended the
University of West Virginia for two years and then
matriculated at the Jefferson Medical College in PhilaI44ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
delphia, from which he was graduated with a degree
of Doctor of Medicine in I9II. During the eighteen
months that followed he served as an interne, spending eight months at the Pottsville General Hospital
and a like period at the Philadelphia General Hospital.
He began his career as physician for the W. J.
Rainey Coal and Coke Company at Allison, and was
with this concern when the United States entered the
World War. He resigned and enlisted in the Medical
Corps, was commissioned a first lieutenant and served
as instructor at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, until he was
honorably discharged from the service on December
26, I918. The following spring, in April, I9I9, he
came to Carmichaels where he has since engaged in a
general practice of medicine.  He belongs to the
American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society and the Greene County Medical Society.
Aside from his professional affiliations he fraternizes
with Valley Lodge, No. 459, of the Free and Accepted
Masons, in which he also belongs to the Pittsburgh
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. In his religious faith he worships at
the Presbyterian Church. His principal recreation is
fishing.
On June 30, I9I7, Dr. Frankenburger married Hildred H. Hutchinson, of Uniontown, and daughter of
Harmer D. and Jennie (Leonard) Hutchinson.
Through her Leonard ancestry she is eligible to membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Dr. and Mrs. Frankenburger are the parents of three
children: I. Robert S., born September I8, I918. 2.
M. Jeanne, born May 23, I920. 3. Ann, born February
I9, I926.
ALEXANDER JACK-On the basis of his long
experience in the coal mining industry, which he has
engaged in practically his entire career, Alexander
Jack is eminently qualified for his position as general
superintendent of the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke
Corporation, which he has been associated with since
I934.
Mr. Jack was born in Barclay, Pennsylvania, February 14, T89I, the son of James and Jane (Barr)
Jack, both natives of Scotland. His father, who came
to this country as a young man and engaged in mining,
died in I925. After a general education in the public
schools of Cambria County, Mr. Jack attended the
Carnegie Institute of Technology, where he specialized
in mining. Completing his training he began his career
with the Johnstown Coal and Coke Company, also with
the Shoemaker Coal Mining Company for four
years, and later spent an eight-year period in the Department of Mines of the State of Pennsylvania. At
the expiration of this period, in I934, he joined the
Pennsylvania Coal and Coke Corporation as general
superintendent and in this capacity has had complete
supervision over all mines of this great corporation,
which is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
His work entails a diversified scope of activity, including the management of the twenty-four hundred persons employed. In his duties he has won the respect
of both his subordinates and superiors, who are aware
of his abilities, his impartiality and his knowledge of
mining from both a theoretical and practical standpoint.
During the World War Mr. Jack first served as
private and later was commissioned a second lieutenant
in the Infantry of the United States Army. Through
his military experience he is a member of the local
post of the American Legion. Mr. Jack fraternizes
with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, in which
he belongs to the Williamsport Consistory, thirtysecond degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine.  He worships at the Presbyterian
Church.
In 1921 Mr. Jack married Jessie R. Wilson, a native
of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two
daugh,ers: I. Elizabeth W., born August 13, 1925. 2.
Mary Margaret, born November 9, I927.
H. J. BRINTZENHOFF-For the past ten
years H. J. Brintzenhoff has been associated with the
Cambria Mercantile Company at Cresson, serving as
secretary and treasurer of the local organization since
I930. Previous experience as an auditor and manager
for a large baking company in this section of the State
has eminently equipped him for his present undertaking.
Mr. Brintzenhoff was born at Berks County, October 5, I894, the son of J. K. and Mary (Smith) Brintzenhoff, the former a native of Reading, and the latter
of her son's birthplace, where she died in I896. For
many years his father has engaged in the mercantile
business. After a general public school education Mr.
Brintzenhoff attended the McCann Business College
and later took extension work in the Wharton School
of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He
began his business career as an auditor for Kolb's
Bakery in Reading and served in this same capacity for
this organization in Allentown and Johnstown, being
associated with this venture for about nine years.
In 192I he resigned from the bakery company and
for eight years was a public accountant. In 1929 he
became associated with the Cambria Mercantile Company at Cresson, in which he assumed his present posiI45ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tion as secretary and treasurer in I930. This concern,
one of the largest of its type in the western part of
Pennsylvania, operates a chain of stores in all of those
communities where the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke
Company own and operate mining properties.
As a resident of Cresson, Mr. Brintzenhoff is a
member and secretary of the local Rotary Club, is a
former school director, and fraternizes with the Order
of Free and Accepted Masons; is a Knight Templar
and belongs to the Shrine. In religion he worships at
the Reformed Church.
Mr. Brintzenhoff, who represents the fifth generation of this family in the United States, traces his
American ancestry to his paternal great-great-grandfather, Jacob Frederick Brintzenhoff, born May 30,
I775, and died November 25, I863, and who came here
from Alsace-Lorraine during the nineteenth century.
In 1915 Mr. Brintzenhoff married Ethel M. Moser,
native of this State, and they are the parents of three
children: I. Allen M., who is twenty years ol01. 2.
Mary Jane, who is eighteen. 3. Ethel May, who is
ten.
R. S. LEWIS-Having interested himself in railroad work in his early youth, R. S. Lewis, of Cresson,
Pennsylvania, has been associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad in various capacities throughout his
business career.                            A
Mr. Lewis was born at Pittsburgh, July 21, I890,
the son of William S. and Mary (Jones) Lewis, both
natives of Pittsburgh. William S. Lewis is now retired from business. His wife died in I894. R. S.
Lewis attended public school and Duff's College, and
then entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad
as a messenger, was later appointed to the clerical
department and finally advanced to an agent. In I935
upon the retirement of J. H. Connell he was transferred to his present post at Cresson, an important
assignment, inasmuch as the Pennsylvania Railroad
maintains a terminal and large workshop here. During
the World War he enlisted in the army and was stationed at Camp Lee.
Mr. Lewis is an active member of the Loyal Order
of Moose, the local Rotary Club and the American
Legion. He is unmarried.
GEORGE M. LANG-After serving as a railroad man for a number of years, George M. ILang
established himself in a general insurance and real
estate business which he has since conducted, thus attaining the distinction of being the oldest man in this
field in Cresson, from the standpoint of continuous
service. During this period he has also come to be
identified with several other business interests in an
advisory capacity, has occupied public office and taken
a deep interest in social affairs.
Mr. Lang was born at Cresson, August 8, I887, and
received a general education in the public schools here.
After finishing his studies he secured a position with
the Pennsylvania Railroad and was to be associated
with this system for about fifteen years. In I919 he
retired from this work and established himself in his
present insurance and real estate business. In addition
to conducting this enterprise he is also a member of
the board of directors of the First National Bank of
Cresson, secretary of the Cambria County Federal
Savings and Loan Association and has served in the
office of borough treasurer at Cresson for the past
twenty years. He is a member and former president
of the Cresson Rotary Club, the Summit Country Club,
and fraternizes with the Ebensburg Council of the
Knights of Columbus. During the World War he was
a member of various patriotic boards and committees.
In his religious convictions Mr. Lang adheres to the
Roman Catholic faith.
In 1922 Mr. Lang married Helen M. Commel of this
State, and they are the parents of six children: Anne
Marie, Barbara, George M., Jr., H. Commel, Thomas
J., and Martha.
JOHN  G. LEAMER-The  position John  G.
Leamer has assumed in the industrial and financial life
of Adams Township, Cambria County, as president of
the Salix State Bank and general superintendent of
the Henrietta Mines, has gone to establish him as one
of the most respected and able business leaders in
Cambria County, where he has resided and worked for
over forty years. Throughout this period he has also
contributed to the social and civic life of his surroundings, serving in public office and holding membership
in several of the leading clubs and societies of this
section.
Mr. Leamer was born in Pottawattomie County,
Kansas, March 26, 1875, the son of Levi G. and Martha (Canan) Leamer, both natives of Blair County,
Pennsylvania. His father, who was a merchant and
also engaged in the iron business, died in I924, at the
advanced age of ninety-six years; his mother passed
away in I916 at the age of eighty.
Mr. Leamer received a general education in the
public schools of Altoona and after completing his
studies began his career in a clerical department of the
Pennsylvania Railroad. Eventually he retired from
this work to establish himself in a contracting business which was largely devoted to paving and road
work. He continued this enterprise until I899, when
he joined the Henrietta Mining Company as a clerk.
Through diligence, ability and aptitude he won steady
I46ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I47
promotion and in I9I9 was appointed general superintendent of the plant, which at its peak had an operating
staff of about five hundred men. Since that time he
has continued in this capacity, winning wide recognition for his administrative talents.
The extent of his business success here is further
evidenced by the fact that he was one of the organizers
and founders of the Salix State Bank, at Salix, which
was established by a group of business and professional
men in I924. The bank, which was capitalized at fifty
thousand dollars at the time, now boasts assets totaling
nearly half a million dollars, which reflects due credit
on its management. The original executive staff was
headed by F. J. Livingston as president and C. S.
Burtnett, as cashier. They, in turn, were succeeded by
Mr. Leamer and E. F. Dunmire, present incumbents.
In a civic capacity Mr. Leamer has served with
characteristic distinction. During President Wilson's
administration he was appointed postmaster of Dunlo,
and in more recent years served four terms as a member of the School Board of Adams Township. He
fraternizes with the Knights of Pythias, in which he
is past chancellor of the local lodge, and also belongs
to the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, in which
he is a member of the Williamsport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the Jaffa Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Miystic Shrine,
in Altoona. Through his American ancestry, which
dates back to the early Colonial era, Mr. Leamer is
eligible to membership in the Sons of the American
Revolution, and is a life member of the Cambria
County Historical Society, to which he has donated a
number of highly interesting revolutionary relics which
he has collected over a period of years. Mr. Leamer
worships at the United Brethren Church. During the
World War he patriotically supported all movements
designed to aid the cause and was a four-minute
speaker. Few men in this section enjoy greater approbation than Mr. Leamer, who enjoys the esteem and
confidence of a host of friends and associates.
In I904 Mr. Leamer married Maude Black, of Altoona, and they are the parents of one son, James A.
Leamer, who was born November 26, I905, studied at
the Kiskiminetas Springs School and attended the
Pennsylvania State College for three years.  He is
now married to Mildred Stull, and they are the parents of a son, James A.. Jr.
W. W. LIVINGSTON, M. D.--The unique distinction of being the oldest practicing physician, from
the point of service, in Cambria County, is accorded
to Dr. W. W. Livingston, of Dunlo. whose long and
distinguished career here spans over thirty-six years.
Throughout this period he has enjoyed an enviable
reputation as one of the most able and successful medical men in this section, and is also widely known in
social and civic circles.
Mr. Livingston was born at Salix, November 2I,
187I, the son of Josiah H. and Eliza (Sidman) Livingston. His father, who died in I925, engaged in farming throughout his life. His mother was the daughter
of Rev. John Sidman. After a general education in
the public schools of his native community Dr. Livingston matriculated at the Cincinnati Medical College
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in the class of I902. The same
year he returned to Pennsylvania and established himself in a general practice at Dunlo which he has since
conducted with outstanding success. In a professional
capacity he is a member of the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society and the Cambria County Medical
Society.
Aside from his professional duties Dr. Livingston
has also contributed generously to other phases of
community life. He is a member of the board of directors of the Salix State Bank of Salix, for years was
a member of the Summerhill School Board and during
the World War enlisted in the Medical Corps of the
United States Army, was commissioned a first lieutenant and served at Camp Upton throughout the conflict. Through his military experience he is a member
and former commander of the local post of the American Legion and in his fraternal affiliations belongs to
the Knights of Pythias. In his religious convictions
he worships at the United Brethren Church.
In I9oI Dr. Livingston married Edith R. Ratts, of
Illinois, and the daughter of Dr. R. K. and Fannie
(Matthews) Ratts, both deceased, the former in 1924,
and the latter in I935. Mrs. Livingston was also graduated from the University of Cincinnati Medical College with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and practiced for several years. Dr. and Mrs. Livingston were
the parents of three children: I. Dr. W. H., now
thirty-four years of age, who was graduated from the
University of Cincinnati with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine, and is now a practicing physician. 2. Leroy
G., who is twenty-nine, and taking a special course in
aviation. 3. Wilma, who died in 1925.
ROBERT WILLIAM  SMITH One of the
leading attorneys of Westmoreland County, Robert
William Smith, of Greensburg, combines his professional interest with a vigorous activity in golfing. He
is a member of the United States Senior Golf Association and has been a member of the American Senior
International Team since I93I.
Robert William Smith was born at Latrobe on
August 7, I876, the son of Daniel William and CaroANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
line Fulton (Osburn) Smith. Daniel W. Smith was
born at Derry Trip, Westmoreland County, and lived
for many years until his death in Latrobe. He was a
contractor and builder and was a Republican. A member of the Latrobe Methodist Episcopal Church, he
served that institution as steward. Caroline Fulton
(Osburn) Smith was the daughter of Robert E. and
Caroline (Fulton) Osburn. Both were natives of
Pennsylvania.
After passing through the Latrobe public schools
and graduating from the high school in I893, Robert
William Smith attended Washington and Jefferson
College as a member of the class of I897. Following
his reading law in the office of Moorhead and Head,
Mr. Smith was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in
I900. Opening his office at Vandergrift, Pennsylvania,
Mr. Smith practiced alone until I905. That year, he
and James S. Moorhead, of Greensburg, formed the
firm of Moorhead and Smith, an association which
continued until Mr. Moorhead retired. R. Edward
Best joined Mr. Smith at that time, the firm becoming Smith and Best. A little later, John F. Horn
entered the association, the firm name being made
Smith, Best and Horn. In I930 Mr. Smith's son,
Robert William Smith, Jr., passed the State bar examinations and was taken into the firm. However, the
legal title of the firm has remained unchanged.
Mr. Smith, Sr., has been and remains very active in
various civic bodies and fraternal associations. In the
Masonic organization, for the past twenty years he has
been a member of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Other Masonic
bodies to which he belongs include: Newcastle Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in which
he holds the thirty-second degree and belongs to Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, Pittsburgh. He also belongs to Greensburg
Lodge, No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Vandergrift Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Smith is a member of the Bankers Club of New
York; Oakmont Country Club, the Greensburg Country Club, the Hannastown Country Club, the Latrobe
Country Club, the Pleasant Valley Country Club and
the United States Senior Golf Association. A member of the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Smith has been
on the church's board of trustees for the past twenty
years. He is a Republican in politics. Other organizations to which Mr. Smith belongs include the Greensburg Rotary Club, of which he is a charter member
and past president, the Westmoreland County Bar
Association, the American Bar Association, and the
Pennsylvania Bar Association, of which he was vicepresident in I935. During the World War, Mr. Smith
was Federal Fuel Administrator for Westmoreland
County and, since that time, he has also been chairman
of the advisory board of the Salvation Army. Interested in the Westmoreland Hospital, Mr. Smith is
vice-president and chairman of the executive committee
of the Hospital Association.
On December I6, I902, Robert William Smith married Onida Whitworth Nesbit, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of Rev. D. K. and Alice (Whitworth) Nesbit. Rev. Mr. Nesbit was educated as a
Presbyterian minister but later became pastor of the
First Congregational Church at Peoria, Illinois. Mrs.
Smith, who died February 20, I937, was educated at
Hollidaysburg Seminary at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, a member of the
board for aged and was a member of the Westmoreland Hospital Auxiliary Board. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
had four children: I. Robert W., Jr., born September
I6, I903, graduated from Dartmouth in I926 and from
Pittsburgh Law School in I929, and is a member of
his father's law firm. He married Abigail W. Guthrie,
of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and has two children: Susan
and Alden. 2. Alice Caroline, now Mrs, Joseph S.
Bair, of Greensburg; she has two sons, Joseph, Jr.,
and Richard Nesbit. 3. Richard Nesbit, who was
killed in an automobile accident in February, I935,
while a student at the University of Pittsburgh. 4.
David Nesbit, born July 20, I9I6, now a student at
Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania.
STEPHEN J. CONWAY-The Stephen J. Conway Funeral Home of Johnstown is one of the most
dignified and finest establishments of its type in this
section of Cambria County. Success of the institution
can be attributed to its founder and present owner,
Stephen J. Conway, under whose able direction it has
been conducted for over a quarter of a century.
Mr. Conway, a native of Johnstown, was born here
January 3I, I884, the son of Anthony and Elizabeth
(Feehley) Conway, both natives of Mount Savage,
Maryland. His father, who was engaged in mill work
throughout his life, died in I9IO, as did his mother.
After a general education in the parochial schools, Mr.
Conway began his career with the Carnegie-Lorraine
Steel Company, later worked in a clothing store and in
I9o8 began his activities as a mortician in the Allegheny County Morgue. After working here for a year
he removed to McKeesport, where he became associated with the firm of Bailey and Striffler, funeral directors, which he was to be associated with until 191I,
when he returned to Johnstown to establish the
Stephen J. Conway Funeral Home, which was originally located at No. 433 Locust Street, where the
I46ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I49
present Western Union Building stands, later was
removed to John Fulton House on Park Place and
finally was established at its present location, No. 211
Main Street, which houses large funeral parlors, show
rooms, and is furnished with the most modern equipment.
In his community activities, Mr. Conway is a member of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, fraternizes with the Knights of Columbus, and the Loyal
Order of Moose and worships at the Roman Catholic
Church.
In 1912 Mr. Conway married Elizabeth Marshall, a
native of this city, and they are the parents of the following children: I. Dr. William M., who was born
May 17, I9I3, and is a graduate of Notre Dame IUniversity and Loyola University, interning at Mercy
Hospital, Pittsburgh. 2. Stephen J., Jr., born February 23, I916, also a graduate of Notre Dame, employed by his father in business. 3. Elizabeth M., born
September 17, 1917, and a student at Seton Hill
College. 4. Eulalia M., born December I7, 1923, and a
student at Johnstown Senior High School.
MARTIN J. MADIGAN--One of the highly
honored citizens of Portage and Cambria County,
Martin J. Madigan has been prominently connected
in this district with the Pennsylvania mining industry.
At the same time he has held a number of public
offices, including that of burgess of Portage, a town
of twelve thousand people.
Mr. Madigan was born November 22, I864, at Danbury, Connecticut, son of Martin J. and Ann (Nash)
Madigan, of County Clare, Ireland. His father, who
was a stonemason and plasterer and the pioneer representative of his family in Pennsylvania, died in I894
at the age of eighty-four years. The mother died at
the ripe old age of one hundred years.
The schools of East Abington, Massachusetts, provided the early education of Martin J. Madigan, who
for fifty-two years was engaged in the mining industry. He served in many different capacities in that
industry, having been boss driver, assistant foreman
and superintendent, as well as an operator.
Early in life Mr. Madigan became interested in
public affairs, was a constable in Cambria County for
thirty-eight years and was elected burgess of Portage
on January I, 1938. In numerous ways he has effectively served his community, and the people of Portage
and Cambria County have been truly appreciative of
his efforts and accomplishments. They have every
confidence in him and his powers, and his long years of
service have been worth while and valuable. The office
of burgess is the chief executive post in the city government and the highest honor at the disposal of the
electorate. In countless other ways Mr. Madigan has
been honored by his fellow-citizens, and he has served
them in numerous other capacities. During the World
War he was a member of different boards and committees constituted to help the Federal Government
effectuate its war-time policies. He is a member of the
United Mine Workers of America, formerly belonged
to the old Knights of Labor, and is also affiliated with
the Loyal Order of Moose. He worships in the faith
of the Roman Catholic Church.
In 1884 Martin J. Madigan married Anna Kiley, of
Philadelphia. Fourteen children were born to them,
of whom eleven are living at the time of writing.
These eleven children are: I. Martin J., Jr. 2. John,
who served in the World War in France, and was
gassed. 3. Joseph, who also served during the World
War. 4. Thomas. 5. Regis. 6. Albert. 7. Ellen. 8.
Hannah. 9. Annie. I0. Leona. II. Margaret. All of
these children are graduates of the high school at
Portage, and all of them are married except John and
Regis Madigan. There are, at the time of writing,
twenty-four grandchildren.
MILTON F. BRANDON-The long and extensive experience Milton F. Brandon has enjoyed in the
mining industry of Southwestern Pennsylvania, eminently equips him for his present position as general
superintendent of the Vintondale Colliery Company, of
Vintondale, which he has occupied since I930. During
his long and distinguished career he has been active in
the social, civic and business life of his surroundings,
contributing usefully, generously and substantially to
the general welfare.
Mr. Brandon was born in Indiana County, March
31, I885, the son of Thomas J. and Nancy Jane (Hildebrand) Brandon, both natives of his birthplace and
both deceased, the former in 1936, at the advanced
age of eighty-nine years, and the latter in I929. His
father, who was born in Armstrong Township, engaged in farming.
After a general education in the public schools of
his native county, Milton F. Brandon began his mining
career, working for a number of companies in this
section, among them the property at Graceton, where
he began as an engineer and later was named superintendent. Through perseverance, hard work and ability
he won an enviable reputation in the mining industry,
and in I930, when Otto Hoffman passed away, he was
called to Vintondale to assume the duties of general
superintendent of the Vintondale Colliery Company,
one of the largest coal operating firms in Cambria
County. His duties are responsible and varied. He
not only supervises the work of several hundred men
but also manages the many houses which are ownedANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
by the company. His efficient administration has not
only gained him the confidence of his fellow-workers
and employers, but also has established him among the
leading business figures of this region, a fact which is
evidenced through his present directorship in the
Nanty Glo State Bank.
Mr. Brandon is a member of several sporting organizations and fraternizes with the Order of Free
and Accepted Masons, in which he belongs to the
Williamsport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and the Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He has also been
through all the chairs of the local lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and during his residence in Indiana County was a member of the HIomer
City School Board for several years, as well as serving as county road supervisor. Any worthy cause
has always enlisted his whole-hearted support, and
during the World War he exhibited his patriotism by
serving on several official boards and committees. In
his religious convictions he adheres to the Protestant
faith.
In 1903 Mr. Brandon married F. Boyd Campbell,
of Homer City, and they are the parents of the following children: I. Margaret Bell, who was born
December 27, I904, and is now married to Robert P.
Bayard. 2. Thomas C., born October I2, I9Io. 3. M.
Boyd, born March I7, 1916. 4. Frank B., born January 2, I927.
PETER L. CARPENTER-For over forty
years, Peter L. Carpenter has been the proprietor of
the Capital Hotel in Johnstown, which has become,
under his management, one of the city's best known
institutions. Throughout this period he has occupied
an important place in Johnstown life, contributing
largely to the development and progress of the community not only through his business interests but as
an enlightened and public-spirited civic leader.
Mr. Carpenter was born at Johnstown on September
Io0, I855, a son of Joshua F. and Katherine (Levy)
Carpenter, both members of Pennsylvania families.
His father, who at various times was engaged in several different business enterprises, was best known as
the manufacturer of Carpenter's Liniment, a proprietary preparation widely distributed in Southwest Pennsylvania.
Peter L. Carpenter received a public school education. He went to work at the early age of thirteen
with the Cambria Iron Company, later the Cambria
Steel Company, and remained in this connection for
seven years, during which time he received a diploma
as an expert steel roller.  In I879, seeking larger
opportunities, he started west with another youth of
his own age. On the way he traded horses three times.
Upon reaching Fort Wayne, he entered the employ
of the Bass Foundry and Machine Company, where
he remained for two years. At the end of this time, in
I88i, he returned to Johnstown and opened a restaurant in the basement of the Hurlburt House Hotel.
In I884 he moved to Franklin Street and his place of
business there was entirely destroyed in the great
flood of I889. He rebuilt on the same site,, however,
and in three years' time had regained all that he had
lost. In 1892, expanding his interests, Mr. Carpenter
purchased the Cambria Club House, the only hotel in
the city that withstood the ravages of the great flood
of'89 and the later flood of I896. When he acquired
this property it was a thirty-six-room hotel. He added
forty more rooms and changed its name to the Capital
Hotel, by which it has since been known. Establishing and maintaining the finest standards he has operated the hotel as sole owner during the intervening
years, always on a strictly temperance basis. It is not
only one of the oldest but one of the best hotels in
Johnstown and has enjoyed through the years a substantial patronage.
In addition to this interest, Mr. Carpenter was one
of the organizers of the Johnstown Trust Company.
He has never limited his attention solely to business
but instead has taken a vital part in all civic projects,
contributing generously of his time and effort and of
his means to make possible the betterment and progress
of his community. He was one of the organizers and
president for some time of the Johnstown Planning
Committee. He is past president of the Chamber of
Commerce and during the World War, served on various boards and committees to advance the necessary
projects of the period and was Food Administrator for
the local district under Herbert Hoover. Often his
leadership or active support has been a decisive factor
in securing for the city some civic benefit and in recent
years he has presented to the municipality a very valuable addition to the park system-a property consisting of forty acres of land which is to be known as
Carpenter Park in his honor. This is a beautiful
wooded park, through which runs a lovely brook. It
has interesting mineral deposits and is replete with
woodland vistas, to which the citizens of Johnstown
may now repair for relaxation and enjoyment.
In addition to his other connections, Mr. Carpenter
was active fraternally in the Knights of Pythias, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the NMystic Circle
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in
the latter of which he is a life member. He is a
member of the Lions International and is a LIutheran
in religious faith, serving for a period of years as an
elder of his church.
I50ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I5I
Mr. Carpenter married Eda W. Weiskotten, of
Mansfield, Ohio.
Advancing years have not forced him to relinquish
his many interests and he remains today an honored
figure in the city which has so long been his home.
B. NEWTON  PALMER-After a long period
of years in which he was engaged in teaching in different Pennsylvania communities, B. Newton Palmer
went into the flour, feed and explosives business in
Portage and became eminently successful in his undertakings. He is now living retired from these activities,
looking after his own private interests.
Mr. Palmer was born July 2, I878, in Fulton County,
Pennsylvania, son of Thomas R. and Maria (Morgret) Palmer, of that same county. The father, who
was a farmer, died in 1905.
The public schools of his native county provided B.
Newton Palmer's early education, and afterward he
attended the Shippensburg Teachers' College, where
he was graduated with the class of I896. He was then
a student at Bucknell College, where he took a special
course of study.  He received his Master of Arts
degree in I898. For twenty-one years he carried on
his work of teaching in the public schools, first in
Fulton County; later, from I905 to I9o8, in Adams
Township, which was the first township to employ a
supervising principal in Cambria County. From Io09
to I9I2 he taught in Portage, and he also served as
the first headmaster of Salix Academy. After retiring
from teaching, he entered into business for himself at
Portage, conducting an enterprise in the sale of flour,
feed and explosives until I933. In that year he withdrew entirely from that business in order to devote
himself to his many private interests.
At one time, in addition to his other activities, Mr.
Palmer was a director of several business and financial institutions. He has taken a lively interest in the
affairs of Portage, serving on the School Board of
this borough for many years and also as the board's
treasurer. He is a past president of the Cambria
County Association of School Boards and has likewise
been treasurer of the Cambria County School Directors Association, and a member of the Cambria County
School Board, and has served as mercantile appraiser
for Cambria County. He has been a leader in many
undertakings designed to better conditions in Portage.
He has written a number of articles that have appeared
in newspapers, as well as a book entitled "Memoirs
of Peter Morton of McConnellsburg." His interest in
the Boy Scout movement has been of great value to
his community's younger members. He also has to his
credit the organization of a fine high school band, and
is generally accepted as an authority on Portage town
affairs. During the World War he was active in the
different Liberty Loan campaigns. He is a member
of several fraternal orders, and his life has exemplified
true fraternal teachings.  In the Free and Accepted
Masons he belongs to Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Knights Templar Commandery, and Jaffa Temple
of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is a past chancellor of his lodge of the
Knights of Pythias and a metnber of the Knights of
Malta, and has gone through all the chairs in the
Warfordsburg Lodge, No. 6oi, of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He worships in the faith of
the Baptist Church.
In I9I2 B. Newton Palmer married Sara A. Winegardner.
WALTER G. BERT-Since the turn of the century Walter G. Bert has been identified in an official
capacity with the Farmers National Bank, of Beaver
Falls, and his experience in banking has extended over
more than four decades. It is probable that better
than any other man in the city he knows the financial
history of the place and county, not alone as regards
banking institutions, but of the municipality. He has
long been active in civic affairs, and there have been
few worthy movements undertaken for the benefit of
Beaver Falls and its people with which he has not
been identified.
Mr. Bert was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania,
March 7, 1874, son of Adam and Catherine (Guibert)
Bert. His father, a native of Rohrbach, Germany,
who died in I891, was a merchant tailor, universally
held in high esteem by all with whom he came in
contact.  Mrs. Bert came originally from  AlsaceLorraine. The parents saw that their son received a
good general education, and he was twenty when he
entered the employ of G. S. Barker and Company,
private bankers, in I894. A surprisingly large number
of our country's bankers over fifty years of age, gained
their first experience in private and State banks, which
seem to have been good training grounds. In I900
Walter G. Bert went to Beaver Falls to accept the
position of teller with the Farmers National Bank.
In 1917 he became cashier, succeeding George W.
Morrison, and at the same time was elected vicepresident. He has filled both posts with marked skill
and success since that time.
The Farmers National Bank was organized in I893,
with Frank F. Brierly as its first president. He was
succeeded in this office by J. Rankin Martin, who was
followed by the present incumbent, Dr. J. S. I,outhan.
It is interesting to note that there have been only two
cashiers in the organization since it was founded, Mr.
Morrison and Mr. Bert.  Other executives of theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
present include, Ernest Richardson, vice-president, and
W. W. Donds, assistant cashier. The Farmers National is one of the largest and strongest banks in
Beaver County, with total assets of above five million
dollars. It has the record of never having missed payment of an annual dividend. It is axiomatic that no
bank is sounder than its officials, and Mr. Bert's long
and devoted association with this institution is one of
the outstanding factors in its progress and stability.
He also is the treasurer and a director of the Home
Protective Savings and Loan Association, and a director of the Beaver Valley Water Company.
Mr. Bert was to the fore during the World War
period as a leader of Liberty Loan drives and of the
organized endeavors to raise funds for the various
humanitarian agencies, such as the Red Cross Society.
Fraternally, he is a Knight Templar and a thirtysecond degree Mason, affiliated with New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is a director of the Board of Trade, a
Rotarian, and is of the Lutheran faith.
In I898 Walter G. Bert married Laura W. Braden,
of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of two
daughters: I. Catherine E., a graduate of Geneva
College, who married W. P. Bell. 2. Clara L., a graduate also of Geneva College, who married Robert W.
Ransom, and they are the parents of two children:
Walter F. and Catherine Margaret Ransom.
J. E. RINESMITH-The owner and publisher
of "The News-Beacon" at Zelienople, J. E. Rinesmith
has been connected with journalism and printing since
he was a small boy. Although still a young man he
brought to his present business and establishment a
knowledge and experience of unusual breadth. It is
well recognized that he publishes a fine weekly that
serves a wide territory and has not only been able to
maintain it during a period that has witnessed the
death and burial of so many papers, but has increased
the circulation of "The News-Beacon," improved the
plant and its equipment, and enlarged the commercial
printing activities of his establishment.
Mr. Rinesmith was born at Paris, Illinois, August
I8, I905, son of J. L. and Mary E. (Sims) Rinesmith,
both natives of Illinois. His father was a contractor
and builder, but the son as a lad developed a liking for
the printer's trade, and was only thirteen years old
when he began working in a newspaper shop. There
followed periods of varied length when he was connected with publications in Grove City, Pennsylvania,
Paris, Illinois, and Kokomo, Indiana, prior to I931
when he came to Zelienople, Pennsylvania, and founded
"The Tri-Boro Beacon." A year later he merged
"The Tri-Boro Beacon" with the "Connoquenessing
Valley News" and changed the title to its present
form, "The News-Beacon." At Zelienople in I878
Colonel Sam Young founded the "Conoquenessing
Valley News." Later, his son, John R. Young, took
over the journal, which eventually was sold to a Mr.
Stoughton. Then a Mr. Ziegler ran it until I9OI, when
John E. Kocher bought and controlled its affairs,
more or less until I932, the time Mr. Rinesmith entered
the picture as sole owner and publisher. "The NewsBeacon" is issued weekly, with a circulation of above
seventeen hundred. His modernly equipped plant does
a large business in book work, job and commercial
printing. Like any good newspaper man he is a good
citizen, supplementing the power of his press with
personal devotion to the best interests of the communities he serves. He is a member of the Rotary
Club; worships at the Presbyterian Church; and fraternally is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In I927 J. E. Rinesmith married Edith M. Burns, of
Paris, Illinois, and they have a daughter, Patricia
Jean, born October I, I933.
HERBERT WIRSING-Register of Wills and
clerk of the Orphans' Court of Westmoreland County,
Herbert Wirsing, of Greensburg, traces his descent
back through families who have been active in the development of Pennsylvania and the defense of the
United States.
Herbert Wirsing was born in Mt. Pleasant on May
2, 1874, a son of Captain James J. Jones and Charlotte
(Fluke) Wirsing, of Westmoreland County. Captain
James J. Jones Wirsing, who was born in Donegal
Township, November 9, I840, and died in Greensburg
in I917, served in the Union Army during the entire
period of hostilities against the South. He was wounded
six times.  Most of his service was as captain of
Company C, 84th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.
Coming to live in Greensburg, he spent thirty-three
years in the real estate and insurance business. A
prominent Democrat, he served as a school director in
Greensburg for eight years and was county treasurer
for four years beginning in i88o. Captain James J.
Jones Wirsing was the son of John and Mary
(Shafer) Wirsing. John Wirsing, who was born
January 7, I798, was a farmer in Donegal Township
and held a number of local offices. His wife was the
daughter of Peter Shafer who served with General
Washington throughout the Revolutionary War. John
Wirsing was the son of Rev. John Casper and Catherina Elizabeth (Bilthari) Wirsing. Rev. Mr. John
Wirsing was born December 27, I766, in Ditzingen
near Waertzburg-on-the-Main, Germany. After service
as a commissioned officer in the Germany Army, he
migrated to America on October 3, I789. While on
I52ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the ship crossing the Atlantic, he met Catherine Elizabeth Bilthari, born in Germany on April I2, I768.
Miss Bilthari had, as was the custom of the time, sold
her services for a number of years in return for passage to America. However, long before the ship
reached the New World, she and Rev. Mr. John Wirsing, who had seen duty as a soldier at home, became
engaged. As soon as the ship docked, Rev. Mr. John
Wirsing purchased her time from the bondholder and
married her. After living for a time in Baltimore,
they went into Westmoreland County, where he was
a pastor in the Methodist Church. In I825 the family
moved into  Somerset County.  Charlotte  (Fluke)
Wirsing, Herbert Wirsing's mother, was a daughter of
William S. and Elizabeth (Moore) Fluke. A farmer
of Bedford County, Mr. Fluke also served as a sheriff.
Mr. and Mrs. Fluke both died in Greensburg.
Herbert Wirsing, after graduating from the public
schools and high school of Greensburg, attended Indiana Normal School. For five years, after completing his education, he was employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a weigher of coal and
coke. And then, following two years as a bookkeeper
for the National Glass Company of Pittsburgh, he
became Deputy United States Collector of Internal
Revenue for the Twenty-third District of Pennsylvania. This office, Mr. Wirsing held for nearly eight
years, leaving it to become deputy recorder of deeds
for Westmoreland. Four years later he was made the
first city clerk of Greensburg and, while still in that
office, eight years later was elected register of wills
and clerk of Orphans' Court, and he has remained in
that office since that time. He is the first Democrat
ever elected to the office. Mr. Wirsing is one of the
leading members of his party in the county. For the
past ten years he has been treasurer of the Westmoreland County Democratic Committee. He is also a
member of the First Methodist Church of Greensburg.
In September, I9I6, Herbert Wirsing married Pearl
Coughenour, daughter of Cyrus and Sophia (Shrader)
Coughenour, of Hempfield Township. Both natives of
Hempfield Township, Mr. Coughenour was a farmer
there until his retirement. He has served as tax collector of South Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Wirsing
have two children: I. Herbert C. Wirsing, born May
13, I918, and now a student at Franklin and Marshall
College at Lancaster. 2. Mary Jane, born April i,
1920, now a student at Seton Hill College in Greensburg.
JAY GARDNER RUDOLPH, III--Supervising
principal of the Union Township schools, Jay Gardner
Rudolph, III, was born in Punxsutawney, March 5,
1905, the son of Jay Gardner Rudolph II and Zel!a
I53
(North) Rudolph. Jay Gardner Rudolph II is engaged in mining engineering, and also serves as a
school director. He is the son of Jay Gardner Rudolph I, one of the first settlers in Jefferson County,
who lived to the age of ninety-five years.
James Gardner Rudolph III completed his early
education in the local schools, and after graduating
from Punxsutawney High School in I923 embarked
on a teaching career, being engaged in the Cortez,
Pennsylvania schools until 1925. The following year
he taught at Nu Mine, Pennsylvania, and then entered
Indiana State Teachers College, graduating with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in I93I. He has since
taken postgraduate courses at Penn State College.
During I93I and I932 Mr. Rudolph III taught at
Dayton, Pennsylvania, and then in 1933 came to Union
Township High School in the capacity of athletic
coach. Three years later he was appointed principal,
and in I937 became supervising principal of the Union
Township schools, which post he continues to fill in a
most capable manner.
He is superintendent of the Sunday school of the
United Presbyterian Church, a Republican, and a
member of the Lions Club and the National Education
Association. He was married, at New Castle in 1931,
to Katherine Morrow, daughter of Daniel C. and
Pearl (Smith) Morrow, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Jay Gardner Rudolph III are the parents of a son, Jay
Gardner Rudolph IV, born August 12, I935.
JAMES STRAINNE LOUTHAN, M. D.-The
dean of the medical profession in Beaver County,
James Strainne Louthan, M. D., has engaged in the
practice of his profession for far more than a half
century as physician and surgeon. Since I8go he has
been located in Beaver Falls, one of its most prominent
and respected citizens. His career began in a day
when there were no hospitalization facilities in the
smaller town for the treatment of diseases. He had to
be physician and surgeon, obstetrician, dietitian and
even dentist, carrying his own supplies, having access
to no medical library but his own, working long hours
and traveling rough roads. All this was splendid
training and no doubt was the background of the skill
and reputation that has grown with the years. It was
also one of the reasons for his vigorous endeavors to
secure better medical facilities for the sparsely settled
sections of our country and more effectual attention
to public health.
Of Scotch-Irish ancestry, Dr. Louthan was born
April 28, I854, in South Beaver Township, Beaver
County, Pennsylvania, son of James and Nancy
(Strainne) Louthan. His father, one of the early
settlers of this part of Pennsylvania, was a carpenterANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
who also engaged in agriculture throughout most of
his mature years. Dr. Louthan obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of the McElhenny
District, and prepared for higher studies at old Greensburg Academy, Darlington, Pennsylvania. He entered
Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania,
teaching school while he completed his formal education. He also read medicine, and was graduated from
Adelbert College, Medical Department of the Western
Reserve University, on March I7, 1882, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
Dr. Louthan began to practice his profession that
same year at Ohioville, Pennsylvania, with Dr. U. S.
Strauss, and so continued until I89o. He then came to
Beaver Falls, where he has remained active for fortyeight years. He has been surgeon for the Pittsburgh
and Lake Erie and the New York Central Railroad
systems for forty-five years. In I903 he established
the co-partnership of Drs. Louthan and Patterson, the
latter a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. In I924 Dr. J. W. Smith, also a graduate of
Jefferson Medical College, was admitted as a partner.
Dr. Louthan was one of the organizers of the Beaver
Valley General Hospital, and a member of its original
staff of physicians and surgeons. He is today the only
survivor of the thirty-two first organizers and staff.
He also serves the Providence Hospital, Beaver Falls,
and is the oldest member of the Beaver County Medical Society.  Other professional connections include
the American Medical Association and the Pennsylvania State Medical Association.  He was the fifth
president of the Beaver Falls Rotary Club, of which he
was a charter member. Fraternally, he is affiliated
with the Free and Accepted Masons, a member of the
Commandery, Knights Templar, and a member of the
higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
including the Temple, at Pittsburgh, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. A Republican in
politics, he has steadfastly refused to stand for election to public office. During the World WVar. Dr.
Louthan was chairman of the Council of National
Defense for Beaver County, and had charge of all its
multifarious activities. He worships in the faith of
the United Presbyterian Church.
In Beaver County, Pennsylvania, on June 20, I883,
Dr. James S. Louthan married Ida May Johnston,
daughter of Joseph and Lizzie (McClure) Johnston.
Dr. and Mrs. Louthan are the parents of the following
children: I. Ethel Joe. who married Roy B. Brierly,
and is the mother of: i. Frank Lothan Brierly, who
married Elizabeth Hughes, and they have two children: Martha Green and Frank F. ii. Jane Johnston
Brierly, now assistant superintendent of the Public
Health Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. iii.
Ruth Kendrick, who married Charles Corbett, and they
have a son, James Kendrick. iv. Martha. 2. Elizabeth Angemiska, who married Charles P. Babbitt, and
they are the parents of a son, James Louthan Babbitt.
DAVID JOHN GILES-For the past twenty
years, David John Giles has been associated with the
Latrobe Electric Steel Company, manufacturers of
special tooled steel products, and at the present time is
works manager for this organization, considered one
of the leading industries in Westmoreland County. He
was born in Youngstown, Ohio, October 6, I89o, the
son of Joseph James and Elizabeth Ann (Thomas)
Giles. The elder Mr. Giles for many years was engaged both as factory worker and storekeeper for the
National Tube Company.
David John Giles received his early education in the
public schools of McKeesport, and Carnegie Institute
of Technology. His first period of employment was as
a chemist for the Firth Sterling Steel Company of McKeesport, where he occupied the position of Metallurgical Research Engineer for fourteen years. During
that period he did special metallurgical work on materials produced by that firm for use in the World
War, during which engagement he had the opportunity
of doing special research work in the conservation of
raw material. Following the HWorld War period. on
January I, I9I9, Mr. Giles entered the employ of the
Latrobe Electric Steel Company as metallurgical
engineer, and on January I, I936, he assumed his
present duties as works manager, in which capacity
he has been most successful. The products of this
company are shipped to many distant points including
South America and Europe, and the high grade of
quality, present in all materials, has permitted successful operation despite the recent decline in business
activities throughout the Nation.
Mr. Giles is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, and during his residence in McKeesport became affiliated with the Youghiogheny Lodge, No. 583,
Free and Accepted Masons, also uniting with the McKeesport Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, and later
becoming a charter member of the new Thomas B.
Anderson Chapter, No. 309, of Latrobe. He is also
a member of McKeesport Commandery, No. 86,
Knights Templar, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh, and
in his community life is an active member of the
Latrobe Country Club.
He was married, November 30, I9o09, at Pittsburgh,
to Anna P. Sharpless, daughter of William James and
Rebecca (Penna) Sharpless, and granddaughter of
James and Elizabeth Penna. Mr. and Mrs. Giles are
I54ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the parents of a daughter, Dorothy Ellen, born August
2I, I911, married John Cunningham  Bingham, of
Latrobe, September 4, I937.
JOHN  CHARLES SLIKER-Becoming associated with the Greensburg Post Office more than
thirty-two years ago, John Charles Sliker has ever
since been a trusted and capable employee of the government, and since 1920 he has held the responsible
position of assistant postmaster. He was born November 28, I886, at Carnegie, Pennsylvania, the son of
William and Mary (Jones) Sliker. William Sliker
was born at Pittsburgh, then known as Six Mile
Ferry, March I7, I844, and spent his boyhood there,
and as a young man enlisted in Company H, 78th
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, being later honorably discharged after a period of distinguished service.
He then entered the mining industry, where he remained until his death in 1907. His wife, daughter of
William and Lucy (Price) Jones, was born in'W,ales,
June 4, I848, and came to America with her parents in
1859. The paternal grandfather of John Charles Sliker
was Andrew Sliker, who was a native of Toms River,
New Jersey, and who was one of the early pioneers
of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
John Charles Sliker was brought to Greensburg,
when three years of age and secured his early education in the old East Greensburg Borough schools. He
later entered the employ of the Keystone Coal and
Coke Company, and while there, prepared himself for
a business career through a three-year course in
Leech's Business College. He was later successful in
passing a postal examination, and became a carrier out
of the Greensburg office, July I? I905. He was advanced to a clerkship, August I5, I918, and on May
T, I920, assumed his present duties as assistant postmaster. When he first entered the postal service, the
office bad been maintaining a delivery service for only
about five years, but since has installed a large rural
delivery system with six radiating routes, also parcel
post and postal savings departments, and now employs a working force of forty-five members, and the
present state of efficiency maintained in this office is
largely attributable to the long tenure of postmasters
and assistant postmasters, the late R. A. Fulton Lyon
having served as postmaster for almost forty years
and the recently retired John T. Painter, over a long
period, with Mr. Sliker having served under both these
long-term postmasters.
Mr. Sliker is an active member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years has been
a member of the board of stewards. He is also a
past commander of the Knights of Malta, and active
in the Woodmen of the World.
He was married November 2I, I9II, to Myrtle B.
Smith, daughter of Martin and Marguerite (Brinker)
Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Sliker are the parents of two
children: I. Margaret Sliker, R. N., a graduate of the
Greensburg High School in I93I, a graduate of the
Uniontown Hospital, March I5, I936, and a postgraduate nurse of the Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, June I, I937, where she is now employed. 2.
Robert C. Sliker, a graduate of Greensburg High
School in the class of I937.
ALVARO B. COBER-For more than forty
years, Alvaro B. Cober has been closely associated
with the field of education, and since I918 he has held
the office of assistant county superintendent of the
Somerset schools. He was born May I7, I873, in
Somerset County, the son of Aaron Jacob and I.ucinda
(Brant) Cober. Aaron Jacob Cober was a descendant
of Peter Cober who came from Germany about the
middle of the eighteenth century, first settling near
Baltimore, later migrating to the section now known
as Somerset County. He was the original progenitor
of the Cober and Cover families of Pennsylvania, and
the Cober families of Iowa and Canada. Aaron Jacob
Cober, born August 5, I836, married Rebecca Knepper,
and they became the parents of two children: Priscilla
and Rebecca. Mrs. Cober died when Rebecca was a
child, and Mr. Cober married Lucinda Brant, daughter
of Frederick Brant, and they were the parents of six
children: I. Alvaro B., of whom further. 2. Clara. 3.
Dillie. 4. Rilie. 5. Judd. 6. Mary. Aaron Jacob
Cober died June 6, I9oo00.
Alvaro B. Cober was educated in the Somerset
County schools, and the County Normal School. In
I897 he graduated from the State Teachers College at
California, Pennsylvania, and has since engaged in
postgraduate work at Columbia University, University of the Philippines and Penn State College. He
taught school for a time before entering college and
then, upon graduating, he was employed in the Brothers Valley Township and the Fayette City schools.
He was later appointed principal of the Berlin schools,
but after a brief tenure of office, went to the Philippine
Islands as supervising principal of schools, in which
position he remained seven years. Upon his return to
Pennsylvania he became supervising principal of the
Brothers Valley schools. After two years he was appointed to his present position, and for the past twenty
years has capably and conscientiously fulfilled the
numerous duties of this office. In addition he has been
teaching in the local Berlin Normal School for four
terms, and is the author of a booklet on arithmetic for
advanced students, called "Review and Test Problems."
He was also president of the board of trustees of the
I55ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
California State Teachers College at California, Pennsylvania, and is now president of the Berlin-Brothers
Valley Community Association.
He is a member of the official board and superintendent of the Sunday school of the Brethren Church
at Berlin, and is a Republican in his political beliefs.
He is affiliated with the Meyersdale Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Oriental Commandery,'Knights Templar; and
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of Hilicrest
Grange and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Alvaro B. Cober was married to Nellie Koontz,
May 3, I916. He retired from active school work July
I, I938.
VINCENT ROBINSON SMITH-City Solicitor of Monessen for the past sixteen years, Vincent
Robinson Smith is one of the most active attorneys in
Westmoreland County. The Smiths are a legal family;
not only is Mr. Smith a lawyer, but two of his brothers
are prominent attorneys and their father, J. R. Smith,
was president of the Westmoreland Bar Association
at the date of his death.
Vincent Robinson Smith was born on February I,
I892, in Scottdale, a son of Jesse R. and Clara (Clifford) Smith. Jesse R. Smith, who was born in Huntingdon County on March 29, I850, and died in Scottdale on December 20, I929, was a leading lawyer of
the Westmoreland bar. He read law in Huntingdon,
Pennsylvania with the firm of Brown and Bailey and
was admitted to the bar in I88I. Establishing himself
in Greensburg, he built up a very successful practice.
Jesse R. Smith also concerned himself with interests
beyond his profession. He became a coal operator in
both Pennsylvania and West Virginia and had an
interest in several enterprises in manufacturing organizations in both states. He was a trustee of the
First Presbyterian Church in Scottdale and was an
active member of the Republican party. Jesse R.
Smith was the son of Jesse P. and Sarah (Robinson)
Smith. Jesse P. Smith was born in Huntingdon County
on March 9, I812. A farmer, he fought in the Union
Army during the Civil War under General John B.
McClelland. His wife was a daughter of Vincent and
Susan (Hess) Robinson, of Huntingdon County. The
first member of the Smith family in America was
Jesse Smith who, coming from Germany about I790,
settled in Huntingdon County with his bride, a Miss
Parnell, also of German birth. Clara (Clifford)
Smith, mother of Vincent Robinson Smith, was a
daughter of C. Meyer and Susan (McElroy) Clifford,
of L.igonier Township, Westmoreland County.
Vincent Robinson Smith, after graduating from the
Scottdale High School in I9o9, taught school in Madison. However, he continued his studies at Lafayette
College, later winning his Bachelor of Philosophy
degree in I9I4. Then, fired by ambition for a legal
career, he attended Pittsburgh Law School, receiving
his law degree in 1917 and being admitted to the Pennsylvania bar the same year. The World War broke
into his plans, however, and he entered the army. After
training at Fort Niagara, he was commissioned a first,
lieutenant and sent to the Infantry School of Arms at
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
After this training, he was assigned to the 8oth Division, stationed at Camp Lee, and was sent to France
as a captain in the 3I8th Infantry. During the thirteen
months that Captain Smith served in France he took
part in three major drives with the 8oth Division and
also served with the British Expeditionary Force in
the Albert sector. Returning home after the Armistice,
Captain Smith was stationed again at Camp Lee, in
Petersburg, Virginia, and then honorably discharged
on June 7, I919. Thus free to attend to his career
again, Mr. Smith established himself in Monessen as
a partner with Judge D. J. Snyder. A year later, Judge
Snyder was appointed to the Orphans Court and the
firm was reestablished as Smith, Keenan and Smith
with the main office in Greensburg and a branch office
in Monessen. A Democrat, Mr. Smith has played an
active role in politics. His professional interests make
him a member of the Westmoreland County Bar Association while his army career brings him into such
veterans' organizations as the Last Man's Club of the
U. S. A., the Thomas McKee Post of the American
Legion in Monessen and the American Legion Post
in Scottdale, of which post, Mr. Smith was the first
commander. He is a member of the Greensburg
Country Club and the Monongahela Valley Country
Club. He is also a member of the First Presbyterian.Church of Greensburg and of Phi Delta' Phi legal
fraternity.
On May I, 192I, Vincent Robinson Smith married
(first) Maxine Thompson. Mrs. Smith was a native
of Vicksburg, Mississippi. She died in Greensburg
December 2I, I933. On October 17, I936, Mr. Smith
married (second) Mary Whitten, of Lafayette, Indiana, a graduate of Purdue University. Mr. Smith has
a son by his first marriage: Vincent Robinson, Jr.,
who was born on September I2, 1925. Mr. Smith has
two brothers and one sister, Mrs. Jessie Smith McCormick, recorder of deeds of Westmoreland County.
The brothers, Clifford M. and Marquis M. Smith, are
both lawyers and are associated with Vincent R. Smith
in practice.
I56ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I57
THOMAS WILSON DICKEY-For nearly
forty years an attorney in general practice in New
Castle, Thomas Wilson Dickey was elected to the
bench in I937 in recognition of his professional standing and personal popularity in New Castle.
Thomas Wilson Dickey was born November 6, I877,
in New Castle, son of David and Mary (Devlin)
Dickey. David Dickey was active in New Castle's
civic concerns for many years, serving as director of
charities, member of the School Board and member
of the City Council.
After passing through the public schools of New
Castle, Thomas Wilson Dickey prepared for the legal
profession at the Law School of the University of
Pennsylvania, being admitted to practice on December
6, I90I. Returning home, he established his office with
Harry K. Gregory, his preceptor, now deceased, in
New Castle, where he has remained ever since, developing a large general practice. A Republican, Mr.
Dickey has always been keenly interested in the various details of civic life but has chosen to serve his
community within the limits of his profession, thus
serving as prosecuting attorney in I9IO and continuing
through I9I3. In I937 Mr. Dickey was elected to his
present additional office of law judge of the courts of
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. A member of the
Masonic Fraternity, Judge Dickey also belongs to the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the New
Castle Field Club, and is a director and the treasurer
of Margaret L. Henry Children's Home. Judge Dickey
is also a vestryman and formerly the treasurer of
Trinity Episcopal Church of New Castle.
Thomas Wilson Dickey married, November 22,
1920, Katharyn Byers, daughter of Henry W. and
Jennie M. (Markel) Byers. Judge Dickey is the
parent of two children: I. Emily Louise, married to
George Brown Zahniser, and the mother of a daughter,
Emily Louise Dickey Zahniser. 2. Thomas Wilson,
Jr.
JAMES NORMAN MARTIN-With a record
of more than fifty years devoted to the practice of law
in New Castle, Pennsylvania, James Norman Martin
is recognized as one of the most able practitioners in
this section, and in his long career he has been identified with legal cases that have aroused national inter-.est.
He was born in Wilmington Township, Lawrence
County, October 30, I859, the son of James and Sarah
(Mills) Martin. During his lifetime, the elder Mr.
Martin engaged in farming. James Norman Martin
attended Shepherd's School and later Westminster
College, and then studied law, first in the offices of
Senator Lucien Baker, of Leavenworth, Kansas, and
afterwards with D. B. Kurtz in New Castle. He
was admitted to the bar in I883, and started the practice of law, as a partner of S. L. McCracken, in the
firm of Martin and McCracken. This partnership was
severed in i886, and Mr. Martin conducted his offices
alone, until the firm of Martin and Martin was organized with Norman A. Martin his son, as the other
partner. James Norman Martin acted as attorney for
Robert Graham in his litigation against the Pittsburgh
and Lake Erie Railroad Company, an important case,
as it established a principle applicable to settlement of
railroad damage cases. He also served as attorney for
the children of Harriet Patterson in the contest of a
will wherein she bequeathed a fortune of three million
dollars to the Point Loma Theosophical Society. This
case, tried in San Diego, California, attracted wide
attention, and resulted favorably to  Mr. Martin's
clients. In addition to his wide legal interests, Mr.
Martin also holds directorships in the First National
Bank of New Castle, and the Union Trust Company
of Lawrence County.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
and is a staunch Democrat, having served a term as
judge of the Seventeenth District, embracing Lawrence
and Butler counties. Fraternally, he is affiliated with
the Free and Accepted Masons and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
He was married, at Bedford, Pennsylvania, November Io, I884, to Jane Wood Andrews, daughter of
Rev. John K. and Jane (Wood) Andrews. Mr. and
Mrs. Martin are the parents of one son, Norman A.,
born November 20, I886, a graduate of Yale University in I907 with the degree of Bachelor of Iaws,
now associated with his father; married Harriett Reis.
GEORGE W. MUSE-Since his admission to
the Pennsylvania bar in I896, George W. Muse has
been identified with the New Castle legal fraternity,
and with the exception of a ten-year period as search
clerk in the Land Office, Department of Internal
Revenue, in Harrisburg, he has been actively engaged
locally in the practice of his profession.
He was born April I4, I874, in Tow Law, Durham
County, England, the son of Nicholas and Charlotte
(Spencer) Muse. Nicholas Muse came to America
in I886, with his family, settling in New Castle, and
was engaged as an iron moulder.
George W. Muse continued his public school education in the New Castle schools, and after graduating
from the high school in I893, studied law in the offices
of S. L. McCracken. He was admitted to the bar in
December, I896, and immediately began his private
practice. On July I, I903, he was appointed to the
Land Office, and October I, T9I3, returned to NewANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Castle to resume his private practice, and is now associated with Orville Brown and Charles A. Wallace.
Mr. Muse is also interested in history, and has written many sketches which have been published in the
"New Castle News." During the Spanish-American
War and the Philippine Rebellion he served as a private in Company B, Ioth Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, and participated in the advance at Malolos.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
staunch supporter of the Republican party. He served
as district attorney from I917 to 1920, and was Inheritance Tax Appraiser for the Auditor General's Department from I927 to I937. He is actively interested in
civic affairs, organizing and serving as president of the
Rotary Club. In the Masonic Order he has passed
through the thirty-second degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and he is also affiliated with the
Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In addition he holds membership
in the Spanish-American War Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was married, at New Castle, November 3, I903,
to Clara F. Read, daughter of William and Elizabeth
Matilda (Rutter) Read. The Read family settled in
New Castle after the War of I812, and are one of the
oldest families of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Muse
are the parents of three children: I. Martha, born
February 20, I911, married Francis Baldauf. 2. George,
born September 2I, 1915, midshipman at the United
States Naval Academy in Annapolis. 3. Robert Frank,
born June 3, I917, at present a student at Washington
and Jefferson College.
CHARLES A. WALLACE-Now a practicing
attorney in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Charles A.
Wallace was born June I7, I9o6, at Bocktown, Beaver
County, the son of Dr. W. Charles and Sadie L.
(Morrow) Wallace.  Dr. Wallace, a minister, and
president of Westminster College, attended the Officers
Training Camp at Plattsburg, New York, during the
World War. He received his degrees of Doctor of
Philosophy from Muskingum, Geneva and Tarkio colleges, and at one time was district governor of the
Rotary Club. He was also prominent in the world of
Masonry, attaining the thirty-second degree of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
After his graduation from New Wilmington High
School in 1922, Charles A. Wallace enrolled at WTestminster College, where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I926. He next entered the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in I929.
While at this institution he was a member of the editorial staff of the "University Law Review." He was
admitted to the Lawrence County bar the same year,
and in I930 to the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme
courts. He transferred his activities to New York
City in I930, and by 1932 was admitted to all New
York courts. In I933 he was admitted to practice
before the United States Supreme Court, and two
years later returned to New Castle, where he is still
actively engaged.
He is a member of the Republican party, an officer
of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
an affiliate of Kappa Phi Lambda, Tau Kappa Alpha
and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. Mr. Wallace is unmarried.
ORVILLE BROWN-For the-past eighteen years,
Orville Brown has been engaged in the general practice of law in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was
born here, August IO, I894, the son of former Sheriff
James H. and Evelyn (March) Brown.
Orville Brown received his early education in the
local schools, and graduated from the high school in
1912. He next entered Bethany College, and received
the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in I9I5. He
then prepared for his legal career at Columbia University Law School, graduating with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws in I92I. Since being admitted to
the bar he has been identified with the New Castle
legal fraternity continuously. During the World War
he served as an enlisted man in the army for thirteen
months. He is a member of the Christian Church, a
Republican, a Mason, and a member of the County,
State and American Bar associations.
He was married, September 8, 1928, to Bernice
Brothers, daughter of Elzie W. and Edith (Frew)
Brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of
two children: I. Bruce Britton Brown, born July 9,
I929. 2. James Orville Brown, born January 19,
I933.
REV. WILLIAM VINCENT McLEAN-After
a quarter century spent in the service of God
in the Methodist Episcopal faith, Rev. William Vincent McLean came to New Castle, Pennsylvania, September 20, I937, and in his brief career as pastor of
the First Methodist Episcopal Church in New Castle,
he has endeared himself in the hearts of his flock who
recognize in him, an able minister and an active leader
in civic life.
Rev. Mr. McLean was born in Fairview Township,
Mercer County, July 7, 1883, the son of Andrew Alfred
and Sarah Matilda (Simons) McLean. Andrew Alfred McLean, a farmer, was a descendant of John
McLean, an early settler in North Salem, and a member of the American Army in the War of I8I2.
I58ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
After securing his early education in the township
public schools, Rev. Mr. McLean attended Sandy ILake
Institute, graduating in I902. He spent the next year
at Allegheny College, and then, after a year at Grove
City College, took a theological course under the
Ministerial Board of Training of the Conference. He
started preaching in I907, and after one year as supply
pastor at Sigel, joined the conference, and served as
pastor in various churches in Jefferson County. He
has had charges at Valier, Rimersburg, Reynoldsville,
Wayne Street, Erie, and Titusville, prior to assuming
his present duties at New Castle, and he has always
enjoyed the respect and good-will of those with whom
he has become in any way associated.
He is a member of the Republican party, and is
affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons. Always
interesting himself in civic affairs, he is connected
with the local Rotary Club, and is a past member of
the Reynoldsville Kiwanis Club.
He was married, in Fairview Township, December
27, 1905, to Suella E. Reagle, daughter of John Calvin
and Sarah (McBride) Reagle. Rev. Mr. and Mrs.
McLean are the parents of four children: I. Kenneth
G., married Goldie Hovis, and they are the parents of
a daughter, Lois Jean. 2. Donald D. 3. Keith E. 4.
Marguerite E., married Floyd Dean, professor of
English and French at Espeyville High School.
JOHN GORDON LAMOREE-A practicing
attorney in New Castle, Pennsylvania since 1929, John
Gordon Lamoree was elected district attorney in 1937
for a four-year term, and assumed the duties of this
office, January 3, 1938. He was born in New Castle,
March IO, I9OI, the son of George W. and Minnie
(McCabe) Lamoree. George W. Lamoree, born in
Black Rock, New York, was the pioneer of the family
in Lawrence County. For many years he was president of the Standard Brewing Company. He passed
away February 27, 1924,
After completing his public school education, John
Gordon Lamoree entered Manlius Military Academy,
graduating in I920. He next enrolled at the University of Michigan, and after receiving his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in 1925 matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh Law School, where he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in I028.
After his admission to the bar, he launched his private
practice in New Castle and was steadily engaged in
his profession until he began his new duties in the
district attorney's office. From 1918 to I920 he was
a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, an ardent
Republican, and a member of the Fraternal Order of
Eagles, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Free and Accepted Masons. He is also affiliated
with the Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. He
was married, February 6, 1937, to Margaret Elliott, of
New Castle.
FRED MECHLING McINTYRE-Prominent
in the coal operation business in Western Pennsylvania for many years, Fred Mechling McIntyre is
president and general manager of the Coral Coal and
Coke Company of Greensburg, an operating company.
He is also prominent in fraternal organizations.
Mr. McIntyre was born in Greensburg on February
I9, I885, a son of Henry S. and Emma (Turney) McIntyre. Henry S. McIntyre, who was born at Georgia
Station, Westmoreland County, and died in Greensburg
on May 25, I927, was a locomotive engineer for the
Pennsylvania Railroad. During the World War, he
was secretary of a Young Men's Christian Association
camp at Camp Hancock, Georgia. A Republican, he
was active in the affairs of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Greensburg, being both a trustee and
superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a son
of James and Barbara Ann (Funk) McIntyre. James
NMcIntyre, was a foreman with the Pennsylvania Railroad and worked under Andrew Carnegie. He was a
son of John and Catherine (Harbach) McIntyre. John
McIntyre, a native of Scotland, settled in Westmoreland County and served in the Revolutionary War as
a private in the ISt Pennsylvania Regiment as well as
in Colonel Francis Johnston's and Colonel Morgan's
regiments. He served for five years in all. His wife
was a native of Germany and died in Westmoreland
County. Emma (Turney) McIntyre, mother of Fred
Mechling McIntyre, was a daughter of Samuel S. and
Eliza (Armstrong) Turney, of Westmoreland County.
James Armstrong, the maternal great-grandfather of
Fred Mechling McIntyre, was one of the pioneer inn
keepers of Greensburg, having been granted, in February, I8I2, a license to conduct an inn which was
located at the corner of Main and Otterman streets;
this document now in the possession of the subject of
this review, was issued at Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
then the capital of the State.
Samuel S. Turney, the maternal grandfather of
Fred Mechling McIntyre, was at one time postmaster
of Greensburg, having been appointed in 1869, by
President Ulysses S. Grant. He served for sixteen
years, passing away in Greensburg.
He was a son of Jacob and Margaret (Singer)
Turney, both natives of Westmoreland County. Jacob
Turney served as treasurer of Westmoreland County
in 1822. He was a son of Daniel and Margaret Turney, natives of Northampton County. Daniel Turney,
159ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
who was of German descent, served as a lieutenant in
the Revolutionary War, fighting under Captain Henry
Ritz and Colonel George Brening as well as being an
officer of the 6th Company of the Northampton County
Militia.
Fred Mechling McIntyre was educated in the Greensburg public schools and at the Greensburg Seminary.
For two years, beginning in I90I, he was employed in
the engineering department of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Then, for four years, ending in I907, he was a
cost accountant with the Kelly and Jones Company.
In I907 be joined the staff of the Keystone Coal and
Coke Company and in the twelve years that followed
he held various positions, including that of credit manager. In July of I919 he organized the Cambria
Westmoreland Coal and Coke Company in Greensburg and became the president of the organization.
Then, on July I, I936, the Coral Coal and Coke Company was formed and he became its president and general manager. A Republican in politics, Mr. Mcintyre is a member of the Second Reformed Church, the
Hannastown Golf Club, Greensburg Lodge, No. 5II,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and several
Masonic bodies, including Greensburg Lodge, No. 518,
Free and Accepted Masons; Urania Chapter, No. I92,
Royal Arch Masons; Olivet Council, No. I3, Royal
and Select Masters; the Kedron Commandery, No.
I8, Knights Templar; Syria Temple, in Pittsburgh,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine;
the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and other bodies. Mr.
McIntyre finds recreation in hunting and fishing and
golf.
Fred Mechling McIntyre has been married twice.
His first wife, Florence Scheibler, a native of Greensburg, died on September 26, I930. She was a daughter
of W. F. Scheibler, of Greensburg. Of this marriage
there were born two sons, one who died in infancy,
and William T. McIntyre, born August 7, Igog9. He
is. in the real estate business in Staunton, Virginia,
where he married Harriett Hogshead, and they have
two children: Sue Mason and William T. Mcintyre,
Jr.
On January 2, I932, Mr. McIntyre married (second)
Ann Potts, a daughter of William M. and Margaret
(Taylor) Potts, of Greensburg. Mrs. McIntyre, who
is a graduate of the Greensburg High School, is a
member of the Second Reformed Church. The children of this second' marriage are: Nancy Margaret,
born March I7, 1934; and Fred Potts McIntyre, born
December Io, I935.
CLYDE CHAPMAN GREEN-Superintendent
of schools of New Castle, and former superintendent
at New Brighton and'Beaver Falls, Clyde Chapman
Green is one of the leading educators of Pennsylvania,
having a record of many years of service both as a
teacher and as an executive in the schools of the State.
Clyde Chapman Green was born June 4, I877, at
North Buffalo, Armstrong County, son of James
Robert and Sara Jane Green. James Robert Green
was a teacher, farmer and merchant.
After passing through the public schools of Armstrong County and Pittsburgh, Clyde Chapman Green
began his preparation for his life work as an educator
by attending Slippery Rock State Normal School. He
was a rural teacher in Armstrong and Butler counties
before the Spanish-American War. Before he could
devote himself to his profession, however, that war
broke out and Mr. Green enlisted and served in Company E, I5th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After he returned from the army he taught in
elementary schools of Parker City and Kittanning.
Meanwhile, Mr. Green had continued studying at
Grove City College and shortly won appointment as
principal of the high school at Irwin, being later promoted to the position of supervising principal of the
Irwin schools. Continuing his studies at Grove City
College and Columbia University as a graduate student, Mr. Green left Irwin to become superintendent
of schools in New Brighton, serving in similar capacity
at Beaver Falls. During his incumbency at New
Brighton and Beaver Falls, he acted as instructor during the summer sessions at Grove City College. In
I9I8 he became principal of the Clarion State Normal
School, serving in that capacity until I926, when he
came to New Castle as superintendent of schools,
which position he has filled continuously since that
time. In addition to his active duties as a teacher and
executive, Mr. Green has long devoted considerable
time and energy to the general welfare of his profession, being the first president of the Midwestern Section of the Pennsylvania State Education Association,
and the following offices in the Pennsylvania State
Education Association: president of the Department
of Superintendents, president of the Department of
Higher Education, vice-president of the association,
member of the Legislative Committee and, three times
delegate to the National Education Association. During his professional life he has always been active in
community and civic affairs, in such organizations as
the Chamber of Commerce, Community Chest, Red
Cross, Associated Charities and Anti-Tuberculosis
League.  He is a director in the last three named
organizations. He has been a frequent contributor to
educational magazines, instructor at teachers institutes,
and a speaker many times at the conventions of the
Pennsylvania State Education Association. At the
Cincinnati and Cleveland conventions of the National
i6oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Education Association he was one of the speakers;
was given a place in "Who's Who in Education" because of his address and articles on administration.
Mr. Green is also a member of the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania Schoolmen's Club,
the Rotary Club of New Castle, of which he is president, and the Field Club of New Castle. He is also
a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity, being
a Past Master of Union Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons of New Brighton, and a member of Olivet
Council, No. I3, Royal and Select Masters, of Greensburg, Beaver Falls Commandery, No. 84, Knights
Templar, and New Castle Consistory, No. 32, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. A member, too, of Phi Sigma
Pi Fraternity and Pi Gamma Mu Fraternity, Mr.
Green is also active in the affairs of the Presbyterian
Church, having been an elder of churches in New
Brighton, Beaver Falls and New Castle, and a trustee
of the church in Clarion.
Clyde Chapman Green married, August 27, 90o2, at
Butler, Edith Nesbit, daughter of William Reid and
Laura (White) Nesbit. Mr. and Mrs. Green are the
parents of three children: Dorothy Lucile, Lois Edith,
and James Reid Green.
WILLIAM VERNON KENNEDY-After more
than a decade spent in the service of Beaver County,
William Vernon Kennedy still retains control of the
sheriff's office.
Mr. Kennedy was born February I,4, I896, in New
Brighton, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, the son of
Charles Clinton and Bertha (Baker) Kennedy. Charles
Kennedy, a native of Butler County was a steel
moulder by trade. He died in I935.
William Vernon Kennedy received his early edulcation in the New Brighton public schools, but early in
his youth he entered the employ of the Penn Bridge
Company, and from there he transferred to the Standard Gauge and Steel Company. Ambitious at all times
to advance himself, he again changed positions, being
employed by the Armstrong Cork Company until
April, I917, when he answered his country's call to
arms. At the outbreak of the war, he enlisted in the
Machine Gun Company of the Ioth Pennsylvania Infantry. Later he was promoted to the rank of corporal, and saw service in four major engagements in
France. In the famous Argonne drive he led his section into the midst of hostilities, but unfortunately
was wounded. He received his honorable discharge
from the United States Army in February, I919, and
again entered the employ of the Armstrong Cork
Company. He retained this position until I923 when
he was appointed deputy sheriff of Beaver County.
The same perseverance and loyalty to duty which he
displayed in France he now applied to his new duties,
and in 1927 he was elected sheriff. He served in this
capacity for four years, when he decided to retire.
However, in I935 he again entered public life, being
appointed deputy sheriff, followed the next year by
his election as sheriff, which office he still holds.
He is a member of the Episcopalian faith and is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He was
formerly a captain in Company D of the National
Guard, a Past Commander of the Beaver County Post
of the American Legion, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
William Vernon Kennedy married Abigail Holt, also
a native of Beaver County, February I4, I920. Mr.
and Mrs. Kennedy are the parents of two children:
I. Wilda Gene. 2. Weber Vernon Kennedy.
REV. MORTIMER STACY ASHTON-Rev.
Mortimer Stacy Ashton brought to his work in the
Episcopal ministry a family background of consecrated
service. In his New Brighton charge he has continued
in the high traditions of his name in the care of a
growing parish.
Rev. Mr. Ashton was born October 30, 1882, in WVest
Haverstraw, New York, the son of Rev. Dr. Amos
Turner and Amelia Huntington (Sill) Ashton. Dr.
Ashton, who was born in Providence, Rhode Island,
was educated in the local schools and later at Brown
University, where he received his degree of Doctor
of Divinity. At one time he was rector of St. Janles
Church in Hyde Park, New York. In addition to
Rev. Mortimer Stacy Ashton, Dr. and Mrs. Turner
Ashton were the parents of Rev. Frederick Turner
Ashton, rector of Christ Episcopal Church at Greenville, Delaware, Margaret Abbey, now deceased, and
Leonora Sill Ashton.
Rev. Mortimer Stacy Ashton was educated in Trinity School, New York City, until I900, when he
entered Bard College for one year, and then the General Theological Seminary, being graduated in I907.
He had received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in
I904, and his degree of Master of Arts in 1907. He
was ordained a minister of the Episcopal Church by
Bishop David H. Greer, June 9, I907, and was immediately assigned to service at the Bronx Settlement
House in New York City. In I9Io he became rector
of Zion Church in Morris, New York, remaining until
I9I8, when he was called to the rectorship of Emmanuel Church in Corry, Pennsylvania. In I926 he
came to Christ Church in New Brighton, and has remained here ever since, administering to the spiritual
i6iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
needs of his ever increasing flock in a manner which
has gained for him the love and respect of the entire
community. During the war he attempted to enlist,
but upon being rejected for service, he devoted his
time to social service work at home. He was appointed
chaplain oi the I I2th Infantry of the Pennsylvania
National Guard in 1920, and remained in this capacity
until I926.
He has always been active in all local affairs, and
was a member of the Rotary Club at Corry, while
stationed there. He is now a member of the Beaver
Falls Lions Club, and the Sons of the American Revolution, tracing his ancestry to Captain Thomas Stacy,
commander of the Rhode Island cruiser "Diamond,"
later captured, and dying aboard a prison ship; and on
his mother's side to Micah Sill, a private of the 6th
Continental Regiment of Connecticut, under Colonel
Parsons.
RALPH ALLEN COOPER-Ralph Allen
Cooper has been engaged in the general practice of
law in New Castle for the past ten years. He was
born here, April 22, 9Ol., the son of Clarence Clyde
and Minnie (Allen) Cooper. Clarence Clyde Cooper,
also a native of New Castle, is a garage proprietor.
Ralph Allen Cooper attended the New Castle schools,
and after graduating from the high school in I919
entered Washington and Jefferson College, graduating
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I923. He then
matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, and
received his degree of Bachelor of Laws in I928. He
was admitted to the bar later in the same year, and
established offices for the general practice of law in
New Castle, where he has been actively engaged to
the present day. He is attorney for the State Capital
Savings and Loan Association, and for the county controller, and is also secretary of the New Castle Civil
Service Board. In addition he is a director of the
Equitable Building and Loan Association. He is
solicitor for the Borough of Wampum.
He is a member of the First United Presbyterian
Church, a prominent Republican, and an affiliate of
Phi Gamma Delta and Phi Delta Phi fraternities. He
is a well-known Mason, having passed through the
Consistory, and holding the thirty-second degree of
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a member
of the Order of Coif.
He was married, at New Castle, June 9, I928, to
Edith Lockhart, daughter of Clyde W. and Elizabeth
(Kirkpatrick) Lockhart.  Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are
the parents of two daughters: I. Ann, born December
3I, 1929. 2. Jeanne, born January 8, 1935.
VAUGHN RUSSELL DeLONG-Like his distinguished father, Vaughn Russell DeLong has risen
to become one of the most prominent educators of his
surroundings. During his distinguished career, which
spans over fifteen years, he has taught in the schools
of Kentucky, and Ellwood City, Lawrence County,
where he began as principal of the elementary division
and in I932 was named to the office of superintendent
of schools.  The increasing  responsibility  he has
assumed during this period indicates the nature of
his success and the esteem he is held in by his professional colleagues and the public.
Mr. DeLong was born at Corning, Perry County,
Ohio, January 24, I903, the son of George Washington and Addie (Moore) DeLong, both residents of
that State where his father served as district superintendent of schools in Muskingum County, until his
death in I920. He completed his general education at
the Dresden High School, in Dresden, Ohio, in I9I8,
matriculated at Ohio Wesleyan University from which
he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I923, and then attended Ohio State University,
from which he was awarded his degree of Master of
Arts in 1929. Since that time he has been taking
graduate work at New York University toward his
doctor's degree.
Mr. DeLong began his career as a member of the
high school faculty in Ashland, Kentucky, serving in
this capacity from  1923 to 1926. During the latter
year he was named principal of the elementary schools
in that city and remained here until 1920 when he
accepted a similar post in Ellwood City. Three years
later, in I932, he was named superintendent of schools
and continued in this office with distinction and success until March I, -1938. Though a comparatively
young man, Mr. DeLong has already established a
record of achievement that gives great promise for
the future. He is progressive in his outlook and has
written numerous articles on various phases of modern
education, which have been published in several leading educational journals. In his professional affiliations
he is a member of the Pennsylvania State Education
Association and all its branches. Aside from this
phase of his life he is also interested in the social and
civic affairs of this community where he is.a former
director of the Ellwood City Kiwanis Club, He is a
Republican in politics and worships at the Miethodist
Episcopal Church in which he is a member of the
board of stewards.
On July 3, 1922, at Wellsburg, West Virginia, -Mr.
DeLong married Doris Britt, daughter of J-seph'-and
Cora (DeYarmon) Britt. Mr. and Mrs. DeLong are
i62ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
board of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and a
director of the Mt. Pleasant and Bradford Railroad,
and of the Pittsburgh and Mansfield Railroad, before
the latter was absorbed by the Wabash. During the
Civil War he served in the Union Army and throughout his life was a prominent member of Post No. I62,
of the Grand Army of the Republic. He also served as
senior vice-commander of the Department of Pennsylvania, and later was senior vice-commander-in-chief
of the National Grand Army of the Republic, as well
as charter member and chairman of the Soldiers' and
Sailors' Memorial Hall Committee, responsible for the
erection of Memorial Hall. In his civic affiliations he
was a member of the board of trustees of the Grove
City College, and the Winona Agricultural and Technical Institute. Socially, he belonged to the Duquesne,
University, Pittsburgh Country, Pittsburgh Athletic,
Union and Americus Republican clubs, and the Pittsburgh Art Society.  He worshipped at the Sixth
United Presbyterian Church.
On October 12, I864, Albert Pressly Burchfield
married (first) Sarah J. McWhinney, daughter of
Mathew McWhinney, prominent Pittsburgh merchant.
They were the parents of the following children: 1.
Emma Marshall, born May I3, I866, married, June
16, 1892, John George McElveen, and died February
7, I894. 2. Henrietta, born November 26, I867; married, October I4, 1890, George Liggett Craig; children: Albert Burchfield, Joseph  Staunton, George
Liggett, Sarah McWhinney. 3. Albert Horne. 4. Sue
Anderson, born September I, I874, died July I3, I886.
15. William Hodge, of whom further. 6. Mary Priscilla, born May 3I, I884. 7. Wilson McWhinney, born
May 3I, I884, died April 20, 1886. Mrs. Burchfiel!d
died in 1897, and Mr. Burchfield married (second)
January 19, 1899, Ivy 0. Friesell, daughter of Peter
and Lydia (Kistler) Friesell, the former an iron manufacturer of Pittsburgh.
The Burchfield family traces its Revolutionary descent to Joseph Sheirer, who was born near Londonderry, Ireland, in I730, came to this country as a youth
and settled on a farm at what is now Paxtang Township, Dauphin County, where he died December I,
1776, after serving as a captain in Colonel James
Burd's Battalion of Associators, Lancaster County. He
was also a member of the Committee of Observation
from that coulnty, was elected a member of the first
Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania and became
one of the outstanding patriots of this section. He
married Mary MIcClure and they were the parents of
Mary Sheirer, who married Samuel Cochrane. Lineage is traced through their daughter Mary Cochrane.
who married Adam Burchfield, native of Green Briar,
Maryland, who settled in Squirrel Hill, now part of
Pittsburgh, and through their son Robert Cochrane
Burchfield, father of Albert Pressly. who married
Susan Rebecca Hackwelder, a native of Bedford.
William Hodge Burchfield completed a general education at the Lawrenceville School in I898, and then
matriculated at Princeton University from which he
was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science
in the class of I902. The same year he returned to
Pittsburgh and became associated with the Joseph
Horne Company. He started in a modest capacity
and worked through the various departments of the
organization, acquiring an experience that was to
qualify him eminently for the responsibilities he has
since assumed. Through his aptitude, ability and initiative he made rapid progress and demonstrated to his
superiors that he was capable of assuming an executive position in the management. Thus, in 1909, he
was elected a member of the board of directors and
later was named to his present position as second
vice-president. The continued success he has enjoyed
in advancing the business interests and welfare of this
great commercial organization is ample testimony of
his fitness, which is widely recognized.  So highly
respected is he by his colleagues that he has been
sought on numerous occasions to serve in an official
advisory capacity for other large enterprises and at
present is a director of the Continental Trust Company and member of the board of trustees of the
Grove City College.
Despite the pressure of business he has found time
to devote to social and civic affairs and is a member
of several leading clubs in this vicinity, including the
University Club, the Pittsburgh Press Club, Duquesne
Club, Yale-Harvard-Princeton Club, the Stanton
Heights Golf Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association and the local Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. In religion he worships at the Sixth United
Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM JEFFERSON SANGSTON-For a
quarter of a century, William Jefferson Sangston has
been engaged in the practice of law at Uniontown. He
is a well-known member of the Fayette County bar
and continues the tradition of substantial citizenship
associated in this section with the family name since
before the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Sangston was born in Masontown, Fayette
County, on July 3I, I886, a son of William J. and
Martha (Inghram) Sangston. His great-great-g-reatgrandfather, Isaac Sangston, who came from the
eastern shore of Maryland, was the first of this name
to settle in Fayette County, occupying and working
the Mickey Farm  in German Township.  His son,
James Sangston, was a tavern keeper in Germantown.
Q3ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the parents of two children: I. Merrill Britt, born
October I8, I923. 2. Catherine Lynnette, born April
30, I93I.
CHARLES HENRY AKENS-Beginning the
practice of law in New Castle, Pennsylvania, more
than half a century ago. Charles Henry Akens has
been an active member of his profession in this locality
to the present day, and in the course of his numerous
legal activities he has served as attorney for various
John D. Rockefeller interests. He was born September
I5, I855, in North Shenango Township, Crawford
County, the son of Hamilton J. and Hannah (Sweeting) Akens. Hamilton J. Akens, a native of Lawrence
County, and a descendant of William Manning, a veteran of the Revolutionary War, was engaged in the
lumber business, and operated a sawmill throughout
his active career. His wife, a native of Leicestershire, England, migrated to America at the age of
twelve years.
The early education of Charles Henry Akens was
acquired in the local school, a small octagonal building
erected by his father, who had also cut the timber
himself, and he later studied at the McKee School in
Lawrence County. He was later enrolled at the Pearson Street School in New Castle, and spent one year
at the One Study College of John R. Steeves. He
next attended Edinboro State Normal School, and
graduated in I88o, and meanwhile was engaged in the
teaching profession in the local schools.  He later
entered the law offices of John G. McConahy and B.
A. Winternitz, and after completing the study of the
law, was admitted to the bar in I883. He established
his offices in I885, and has been a prominent and highly
regarded member of his profession in this section
ever since.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a
staunch Democrat, at one time being the choice of his
party as a candidate for representative in Congress.
He is also a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution.
He was married, December 25, I884, to Eva Quigley.
He remarried, March 4, I926, Nettie R. Rogers, a native of New Bedford, daughter of Charles and Margaret (Huff) Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Akens adopted
a daughter, Altha, who married James Hartneady,
and they are the parents of a daughter, Patricia Louise.
GERALD ELVIN NORD-Gerald Elvin Nord,
supervising principal of the Bessemer, Pennsylvania
schools, was born here August I5; I903, the son of
Bernard and Gertie (Ryden) Nord. The elder Mr.
Nord, a native of Sweden, came to Bessemer Borough
in I883, and was one of the first settlers in this section. He was engaged in the hardware business, and
served several years as a member of the Borough
Council.
Gerald Elvin Nord received his early education in
the local public schools, and graduated from Bessemer
High School in I920. He next matriculated at Washington and Jefferson College, and upon graduating in
I924 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts he entered
the pedagogical field, becoming a member of the faculty of the Bessemer schools, where he remained until
I926. He then received an appointment as supervising
principal of the New Wilmington schools, and he continued at this post until I929, when he returned to
Bessemer to become teacher of history and social
studies at Bessemer High School. Two years later
he was advanced to his present position, and has earned
a high reputation for the manner in which he has fulfilled the many duties of this important office. Mr.
Nord has also written numerous articles which have
appeared in various educational magazines, including
"American School Board Journal," "Journal of Education," and "School and Society." He has also engaged in postgraduate work at the University of
Pittsburgh, receiving the degree of Master of Arts in
Education in 1932, and is now studying for his degree
of Doctor of Philosophy.,He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church,
being an elder, and a Sunday school teacher. He is a
supporter of the Republican party, and is affiliated
with the Phi Pi Phi and Phi Delta Kappa fraternities,
and while at Washington and Jefferson College, with
the Phi Tau Gamma Fraternity, now Phi Beta Kappa.
He also is a member of the Bessemer Library Board,
National Education Association, Department of School
Administrators, and the Pennsylvania State Education
Association.
He was married, in Bessemer, June 30, 1926, to
Marion Griffin, daughter of Perry Ward Griffin, a
hardware merchant, and Frances (Addicott) Griffin.
Mr. and Mrs. Nord are the parents of two children:
i. Roland Eugene, born November 25, I929. 2. Marcia
Ann, born August 20, 1933.
REV. FATHER GILBERT STRAUB, O. S. B.
-One of the outstanding Catholic priests of Westmoreland County, Father Gilbert Straub, O. S. B.,
has not only organized three new parishes within the
past few years but has always taken a very active
interest in civic affairs and has always sought to promote the welfare of the communities in which he has
served. He has hosts of friends in all walks of life,
both within his own church and outside of it. He is
i63ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
also actively interested in advancing the work of the
Benedictine Order in China.
Father Straub was born in St. Marys, Elk County,
on January 6, I887, a son of Peter P. and Sabina
(Sorg) Straub. Peter P. Straub, who was born in
Wiirttemberg, Germany,-died in St. Marys on December I7, I9I3. He came to America as a young man
and settled in St. Marys. His wife's father established
a brewery in St. Marys in I872 and Peter P. Straub
became a half-owner of the establishment. On the
death of his father-in-law, Peter P. Straub bought out
the remaining interests and became the owner of the
establishment, which was then known as Straub's
Brewery. The business is still being conducted by
Father Straub's brothers, Anthony, Peter and Joseph
Straub. Father Straub's youngest brother, Alfonse
Straub, is an attorney, practicing at St. Marys and at
Ridgway. The family also included two other brothers, now deceased. One was Gerard Straub, an attorney, who served three terms as district attorney of
Elk County. The other, Frank X. Straub, was a
master brewer. Father Straub has two sisters as well:
Mrs. Fred A. Luhr and Mrs. Daniel Curran, both of
St. Marys. Father Straub's mother, Mrs. Sabina
(Sorg) Straub, was born in St. Marys on April I6,
I858, and died in that city on October 9, 1932.
Rev. Father Gilbert Straub graduated from St.
Mary's Parochial School at St. Marys and then attended St. Vincent College, where he completed his
preparatory schooling. On July 2, I907, he entered
the Benedictine Order and six years later, on June
24, 19I3, he was ordained a priest. In August of that
year, Father Straub was appointed first resident assistant at the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament of
Greensburg. The reason of this assignment was principally due to the fact that Father Straub acquired a
speaking knowledge of the Slovak language, and
thereby attended to the spiritual needs of the many
parishioners speaking that language. This position in
Greensburg he held until November of I9I8. During
this period Father Straub also organized St. Bede's
parish in Bovard. In July of I9I9 he organized St.
Bruno's parish in South Greensburg and at about the
same time, the Holy Cross Parish in Youngswood.
Then, in 1926, he added to the two parishes he was
already conducting, the third parish of St. Gilbert at
Hunkers. Father Straub has always interested himself
in civic activities and has ever been willing to aid in
the development of any enterprise for the good of the
communities in which he is concerned. Thus, he has
won hosts of friends throughout the county. He is a
member of the Benedictine Order and the Greensburg
Council, No. 1490, Knights of Columbus. Among his
extra-parochial interests are his activities in St. Vincent Seminary where, in 193I, he introduced a course
in catechetics. Father Straub is also active in conducting retreats and in giving lectures. Since I935 he
has taken an active interest in the promotion of the
Benedictine Order in China, where his confreres have
established their first monastery, in Kaifeng, in the
Honan Province.
GLENN WILLIAM  JOHNSTON-Since I926,
Glenn William Johnston has been associated with the
Shenango Township schools, and for the past six
years he has served in the capacity of supervising
principal. He was born in Butler County, March 24,
1902, the son of William Edward and Nettie Rebecca
(Hockenberry) Johnston. The elder'Mr. Johnston
has long been engaged as an oil well contractor.
Glenn William Johnston graduated from Portersville High School in I919, and then entered Slippery
Rock State Teachers College where he was graduated
in 1925. He next matriculated at Geneva College,
where he received his degree of Bachelor of Science in
1929. He has since engaged in extensive postgraduate
work at Duke University. Mr. Johnston began his
teaching career while still attending Slippery Rock
Teachers College, being engaged in the rural schools
in Worth Township during the school year of 1922
and I923. In I926 he taught in the Independence
Township, Washington County, schools, and the following year came to Shenango Township where he
taught in the high school until T932, when he was advanced to his present position as supervising principal.
He is highly regarded in this section for his recognized
ability in his profession, and his conscientious efforts
have earned for him the confidence and respect of this
community.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, a Republican, and an affiliate of the Free and Accepted Masons
and the Kappa Delta Pi Fraternity. He is also a
member of the Nautilus Club.
Mr. Johnston is unmarried.
REV. DR. ROGER HENRY WILLIAMSLike his father before him, Rev. Dr. Roger Henrv
Williams has devoted his life to the Baptist ministr)
Rev. Dr. Williams was born in Tivoli, Dutchess
County, New York, on August 25, 1877, the son of
Rev. Jacob Lewis and Emily Beckley (Jones) Williams. Rev. Jacob Williams was born in Saugerties,
New York, June I6, 1842, and died at Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, September 22, 1908. He spent his life
as a Baptist minister, serving his denomination for
thirty-two years as pastor at Forest City, Susquehanna, Wellsboro and Nanticoke, all in Pennsylvania.
He was at first a member of the Republican party but
I64ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
later became a prohibitionist. Rev. Dr. Williams'
mother was born at Saugerties, New York, May 7,
I847, and died February 8, I923, at Bath, New York.
Her parents were natives of Staffordshire, England,
and her father, John Jones, was an iron moulder by
trade. During the Civil War he was an inspector of
guns for the iron mills at Saugerties.
Rev. Dr. Williams received his early education at
Peddie Preparatory School at Hightstown, New
Jersey. In I903 he graduated from Bucknell University with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. Bucknell University also gave him his degree of Master
of Arts and an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity
was bestowed by Eastern University. Rev. Dr. Williams studied for the ministry at Crozer Theological
Seminary at Chester, Pennsylvania, and while attending the seminary was student pastor at Dividing
Creek, New Jersey, from January I, 1905, to February, I906. His first pastorate was at Memorial
Baptist Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where he
served from February 25, I9o6, to October 5, I()4.
While in charge of the Williamsport Church, Rev. Dr.
Williams erected the present church building.  His
next call was to the First Baptist Church at Johnstown, New York. His term of duty in Johnstown
was from October, I914, to June, I927. He had the
delight of first burning the mortgage upon the church,
an obligation of many years' standing, and then rebeautifying the building at a cost of three thousand
dollars. He accepted his present pastorate to the First
Baptist Church of Greensburg on July I, I927. Since
he has been in Greensburg, he has renovated the entire
church building and erected the new Sunday school
unit at a cost of $55,ooo. Rev. Dr. Williams has also
always been generous of his talents in wider fields
than his own churches. He has been moderator of each
Baptist association with which he has been connected.
During the World War he was one of the "fourminute" speakers which assisted the various government campaigns. He is president of the Baptist Ministers Union for the State of Pennsylvania and representative of the Ministerial Association of Greensburg,
chairman of the commission of local missions and
evangelism of the Pittsburgh Baptist Association;
also a member of the Pastoral Change Commission in
the same association. He is a member of the Republican party.
On June 22, 1905, Rev. Dr. Roger Henry Williams
married Nelle Eva Hower, of Lewisburg, daughter of
Jacob and Sarah Jane (Berkley) Hower, of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Both are deceased. Mrs. Williams graduated from Bucknell Institute in I898 and
has been, since her marriage, an active member of the
Baptist Church with especial interest in the women's
organizations connected with the church. Rev. Dr.
and Mrs. Williams have three children: I. Emilie
Eleanor, born February I2, 1907. 2. Sarah Helen,
born January 28, I912. 3. Roger Neal Williams, born
August 2I, I915. Emilie E. Williams graduated from
the high school at Johnstown, New York, and attended Bucknell University. She married Thomas M.
Reinensayder, of Milton, Pennsylvania. They have
two children: I. Patricia Anne. II. Thomas John.
Sarah Helen Williams graduated from Greensburg
High School and, after studying art, married William
C. Watt, of Greensburg. They have a daughter:
Janet Shirley. Roger Neal Williams, a graduate of
Greensburg High School, is now a member of the
senior class of Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
E. ARTHUR  SWEENY-Coming  from  an
influential family in the development of Western
Pennsylvania since Revolutionary times, E. Arthur
Sweeny, of Greensburg, newspaper publisher, teacher
and business man of wide interests, has continued in
his generation generous service to the Commonwealth.
Mr. Sweeny was born in Irwin, Westmoreland
County, in 1882, the son of Edward B. and Rebecca
Edmundson (Muse) Sweeny. Both sides of the family
have seen the development of Western Pennsylvania
since early days. The Sweenys came directly from
Ireland to Western Pennsylvania, while the Muses
migrated up from  the South. Mr. Sweenv's father
started life as a farmer in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, and later was elected clerk of the
Orphans' and Quarter Sessions courts in that county.
He was a Civil War veteran and, in the later years of
his life, was prominent in Pennsylvania Grand Army
Republic circles. He cast his first ballot at the front
during the Civil War for Abraham Lincoln. Mr.
Sweeny's paternal and maternal ancestors have been
landowners and farmers in Pennsylvania since Revolutionary days, and members of the family on both sides
have been Republicans ever since there has been a
Republican party.  His paternal great-grandfather,
Barnabas Sweeny, migrated to the United States from
Ireland in 1790, and took up farming near Tarentum,
Allegheny County. The family later moved to Westmoreland. Mr. Sweeny's mother, originally of North
Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, was a
descendant of Colonel Lawrence Muse, a friend of
George Washington. He came to Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania from Virginia in I766. Colonel Muse
was associated with General Washington in many early
campaigns. Fauntleroy Muse, son of the Colonel, was
a soldier in the Revolution and,- after the war, had
six hundred acres patented to him, part of it being inANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
what is now Versailles Township, Allegheny County.
His son, John I. Muse, located on the "Gallant
Tract" in Versailles Township, served as county treasurer in Allegheny and for several terms was a member
of the Pennsylvania Legislature.  His son, Joseph
Muse, grandfather of Mr. Sweeny, purchased the
"Point Pleasant" farm in North Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, and it was on this stockraising farm that E. Arthur Sweeny spent and worked
the early years of his life.
E. Arthur Sweeny, after completing his education
in the Greensburg public schools, began his newspaper
career in 900oo, at the age of seventeen, as a reporter
on a Greensburg paper. After serving in various editorial capacities, both in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
and including years as correspondent for the Associated
Press, in I909, Mr. Sweeny acquired an interest in
the "Greensburg Morning Review." Later, he became
the publisher of the newspaper. In I924 he and Robert B. Herbert (q. v.) brought about a consolidation
of the daily newspaper business in Greensburg, forming
the Tribune Review Publishing Company, of which
Mr. Sweeny is president and publisher and Mr. Herbert is business manager and secretary-treasurer. The
company publishes two dailies and a weekly newspaper
and also operates a commercial printing plant.
Mr. Sweeny has not, however, limited his professional activities to Greensburg. He has taught a class
in journalism at Seton Hill College, Greensburg. For
a number of years he has been chairman of the advisory board from the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers' Association to the School of Journalism at
Pennsylvania State C-ollege. And he is also a past
president of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers'
Association.
For many years, Mr. Sweeny has been closely
identified with Westmoreland County politics.  He
represented the county as delegate in the 1924, I928,
and 1932 Republican National conventions. In the
campaign of 1936, Mr. Sweeny received the Republican party nomination for Auditor General of Pennsylvania without opposition. He was defeated in the
November election, a Democratic landslide.
Mr. Sweeny has always been actively interested in
civic affairs, particularly in the development and training of youth in good citizenship. This activity won
for him a place on the board of directors of the Greensburg Young Men's Christian Association, a position
he now holds. He is also a charter member of the
Greensburg Rotary Club, and has served as a director
for the Greensburg Chamber of Commerce as well as
having been a director in several Greensburg banking
institutions.  Mr. Sweeny is a member of the First
M'3fthbodist Episcopal Church in Greensburg.
He makes his home in Greensburg with his sisters.
Elizabeth B. and Alvira E. Sweeny. The former is
Westmoreland County regent, Daughters of the
American Revolution.
ROBERT B. HERBERT-As business manager
and secretary-treasurer of the Tribune Review Publishing Company of Greensburg, Robert B. Herbert,
like his father before him, has both devoted his life to
the newspaper profession and won success in it.
Robert B. Herbert was born in Greensburg on December 29, I886, the only child of Robert W. and
Margaret (Black) Herbert.  Mr. Herbert's mother
was directly descended from Revolutionary stock. Her
parents were Robert and Sarah (McGinley) Black.
Robert W. Herbert, was the son of John Herbert,
born in Ireland, June 24, 1813. John Herbert was the
first member of the Herbert family to come to America.
He arrived in Pittsburgh in I849, and later moved to
Westmoreland County where, on a farm near Deltnont,
Robert W. Herbert was born on February 24, 1859.
Robert W. Herbert, after attending the public schools
and New Salem Academy, went to work on the
"Argus" in Greensburg as a printer's devil.  Soon,
after qualifying as a printer, he went to work in the
editorial department of a Uniontown paper. Thereafter, his rise in the profession was rapid.. In succession he served in the editorial departments of the
"Pittsburgh Post," the "Pittsburgh Dispatch" and the
"Pittsburgh Times."  Of this last newspaper, Mr.
Herbert was managing editor.  While working in
Pittsburgh as a reporter, he covered many important
assignments; among them were the Johnstown Flood
and the Homestead Steel Strike. In I9IO Robert W.
Herbert returned to Greensburg and, with associates,
purchased the "Greensburg Daily Tribune." Of this
newspaper, he was publisher for thirteen years, until
his death February I5, I923.
Robert B. Herbert passed through the public schools
of Greensburg and prepared for college at Kiskiminetas Preparatory School. In I9IO he graduated from
Yale University with the degree of Bachelor of Phi!osophy. He is a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
For a year after graduation, Mr. Herbert worked in
the Safe Deposit and Trust Company in Greensburg.
Then he entered the newspaper field with his father.
After training in the circulation department, he was
promoted into the business office and eventually, the
"Tribune's" business manager. On the death of his
father, he came into the office of publisher. On January II, I924, Mr. Herbert and E. Arthur Sweeny,
publisher of the "Greensburg Morning Review" (q. v.),
consolidated their papers into the present Tribune Review Publishing Company. The company, on Novemi66ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ber Io, I924, purchased the "Greensburg Daily Record,"
thus taking control of the daily newspaper field in
Greensburg. In the company, Mr. Herbert took the
office of business manager, a position he still holds.
Twice Mr. Herbert's newspaper career was interrupted by calls to service to his country. Back in
April, I9o8, he had joined, as a private, Company I,
old Ioth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard. By
I9II he was a second lieutenant in the company and
first lieutenant in I9I5. In I916 he saw service with
his regiment on the Mexican border. In July, I917,
the militia of the State was called to duty for service
in the World War and Mr. Herbert was commissioned
a first lieutenant in Company I, IIoth Infantry, 28th
Division. After almost a year in action, on July 29,
I918, Lieutenant Herbert was wounded in action. Invalided back to the United States, he was honorably
discharged in February, I919. When, in 1920, the
Pennsylvania National Guard was reorganized, he
was made captain of Company I, IIoth Infantry. He
resigned his commission in December, I923.  Mr.
Herbert is a member of the First Presbyterian Church
of Greensburg and a Republican in political life.
On June I7, I915, Robert B. Herbert married, in
Greensburg, E. Angeline Huff, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. W. A. Huff.
WALTER ALBERT GENSBIGLER-The
high scholastic standard enjoyed by the public school
system of the city of Greensburg can be directly attributed to the able efforts of Walter Albert Gensbigler, principal of the high school here for the past
decade and one of the outstanding educators of Westmoreland County. In conjunction with his professional
duties he has also been keenly interested in the social
ind civic affairs of his surroundings and contributed
substantially to the general welfare, particularly that
phase of it dealing with youth.
Mr. Gensbigler was born in Butler, Pennsylvania,
October 9, 1889, the son of Joseph and Matilda (Petsinger) Gensbigler, both natives of Butler County and
now residing in his birthplace where his father, a former contractor and builder, is now living in retirement. The parents of his father, who is a Republican
and worships at the Lutheran Church, both came to
this country from Wiirttemberg, Germany, and settled
in Butler County, where they both passed away, his
mother, Barbara (Eck) Gensbigler, dying in his home.
Mr. Gensbigler's mother, was the daughter of John
and Evelyn Petsinger, also natives of Wiirttemberg,
who died in Butler County, where her father engaged
in farming.
Mr. Gensbigler completed his high school education
in Butler County in I907 and then matriculated at
Grove City College from which he was graduated with
a Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of I911. Later
he supplemented this training with postgraduate work
at the University of Pittsburgh from which he received
his Master of Arts degree in I93I. He began his
teaching career at the Parnassus High School where
he was an instructor and athletic coach for four years.
In I915 he became principal of the New Brighton High
School and three years later assumed a similar position
at Beaver Falls, where he continued until I926, when
he came to Greensburg as principal of the high school
here, a position he has since occupied with outstanding
distinction and success. As an educator he is a member
of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, the
National Education Association, and the Secondary
School Principals Association.
Throughout his life in this community he has been
active in promoting agencies designed to advance the
general welfare. In this connection he has served as
chairman of the Court of Honor for the Greensburg
Section of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member and past president of the Greensburg Kiwanis
Club, fraternizes with and is a life member of Tyrian
Lodge, No. 644, of the Free and Accepted Masons, in
which he also holds membership in the New Castle
Commandery, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Hle is
a Republican in politics and worships at the First
Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, where he is a
teacher of the Young Peoples Class in the Sunday
school. During the World War he made many speeches
supporting patriotic causes, notably Liberty Loan and
Red Cross campaigns. He is fond of sports of all
types and finds his principal diversion in fishing.
On June IO, I914, Mr. Gensbigler married Mabel
Ellenberger, a native of Karns City, Butler County.
and the daughter of William J. and Malinda Morris
Ellenberger, both deceased. Her father was an oil
operator. Mrs. Gensbigler was educated at the North
Washington Academy and is a graduate of Grove City
College, where she was awarded a degree of Bachelor
of Music in I9IO. She worships at the Presbyterian
Church and is a member of the Order of the Eastern
Star. Mr. and Mrs. Gensbigler are the parents of one
daughter, Ruth Elizabeth, who was born November
27, I919, was graduated from the Greensburg High
School in I937, and is now a student at Wooster College, Wooster, Ohio.
GEORGE EMERSON WRIGHT-For more
than thirty years a leading real estate and insurance
broker in Greensburg, George Emerson Wright has
an unusually wide business acquaintance and influence.
He is also choir master at the First Baptist Church,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a duty which he has discharged for the past twenty
years.
Mr. Wright was born in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, August 9, I877, the son of William
and Hannah (Henrie) Wright. William Wright was
born in Somerset County in I84I. A truck farmer, he
was also a justice of the peace and, during the Civil
War, he was a corporal in Company B, the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment. During his war service he was wounded at Chancellorsville and again at
Antietam. William Wright was the son of Daniel
and Nancy (Jones) Wright. Daniel, who was a farmer
and shoemaker, was born in 1812 and died in i88I. He
was the son of Frederick and Catherine (Turner)
Wright. Frederick, a farmer in Somerset County,
enlisted in the United States forces in the WVar of
I812 but never returned. It is assumed that he was
killed in the service. Hannah (Henrie) Wright, mother
of George Emerson Wright, was the daughter of
George Henrie, a native of New York, who made his
home in Mt. Pleasant Township, following the trade
of a shoemaker.
George Emerson Wright, after passing through the
public schools of Mt. Pleasant Township, attended the
old Greensburg Seminary, the buildings of which have
long vanished. Leaving school in I895, he became
associated with the Hecla Coal Company at Hecla.
There, as a clerk to begin with, he worked for twelve
and a half years. In I907 he moved to Greensburg,
where he purchased an interest in the Greensburg
Realty Company. After working in the office for a
time, he entered into partnership with John Keim, the
two purchasing the entire business. For five years, the
business was thus conducted as a partnership under
the original name but, in I915, Mr. Wright'purchased
the entire property, annulled the corporation and has
continued ever since to operate the business--a large
office trading in real estate and general insurance. A
member of the Republican party, Mr. WVright is very
much interested in both hunting and fishing. A member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Greensburg, Mr. Wright's interest in and talent for music
has led him to be choirmaster for the past twenty
years at the First Baptist Church.
George Emerson Wright on August I2. I897, married Lillie May, the daughter of Eli and Dora (Lenhart) May, of Somerset County. Mr. May was a
farmer. Mrs. May now resides in Orlando, Florida.
Born October 23, 1878, Mrs. Wright was educated in
the public schools of Somerset County.  She is a
member of the First Baptist Church of Greensburg
and very active in the feminine organizations of her
church.
CHARLES BAIRD HOLLINGSWORTHDescendant of patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, Charles Baird Hollingsworth, an attorney of Greensburg, fought in the Spanish-American War, and during the World War, served
as a member of the local draft board.
Charles Baird Hollingsworth was born on March
3, I867, in Palo Alto, Ohio, the son of Seymour C.
and Susan (Smith) Hollingsworth. Seymour Hollingsworth, who was born in Westmoreland County, March
2I, I84I, died in October, I93I, in Jeannette. During
his maturity, he was a well-known building contractor
and he served as a soldier in the Union armies at the
time of the Civil War. He was the son of Charles
and Rosa  (Steinberger)  Hollingsworth, of WVestmoreland County. Charles Hollingsworth, a cooper,
was the son of John Hollingsworth, a soldier in the
Revolutionary War and was scalped by the Indian
allies of the British at St. Clair's defeat, although he
survived for many years. Susan Smith Hollingsworth.
mother of Charles Baird Hollingsworth, was the
daughter of Jacob Smith, a native of Westmoreland
County.  She died in  Bradenville, Westmoreland
County on March I, I873.
After passing through the public schools of Derry
Township, Westmoreland County, Charles Baird HTollingsworth, attended Washington and Jefferson College. Then, after reading law in the office of Walkinshaw and Banks, he was admitted to the Pennsylvania
bar on October 24, I896. Locating in Greensburg, he
practiced alone for a time and then, in association
with H. E. Marker, established the legal firm of
Marker and Hollingsworth. This partnership endured for about twenty years but, since the company
was dissolved, Mr. Hollingsworth has practiced as an
individual. He devotes himself to a general practi.e.
During the Spanish-American War, he was regimental
quartermaster sergeant and continues this association
by membership in the United States Spanish War
Veterans. During the World War he served on the
draft board. A member of the Westmoreland County
Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, he is also a member of Greensburg Lodge, No.
5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr.
Hollingsworth is a member of the Greensburg Country
Club and the Oakmont Country Club.
On October 23, I90I, Charles Baird Hollingsworth
married Anna Lucinda Freeman, daughter of John
and Rebecca (Guffey) Freeman, natives of Westmoreland County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are deceased. Mrs. Hollingsworth was educated at public
and private schools in Ligonier. She attends the First
Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.
i68ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
FRANK KERNS COCHRAN-Still farming his
ancestral homestead in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, Frank Kerns Cochran has served for
many years in civic office and is now serving his first
term as county commissioner of Westmoreland County.
He makes his home in Greensburg.
Frank Kerns Cochran was born in Salem Township on October I5, I882, the son of James Borland
and Sarah Minerva (Kerns) Cochran. The father
was born in Washington Township, on September
23, I849, and died in Hempfield Township, on April
26, I935. A farmer all of his life, he was an ardent
Democrat, serving as a school director and road supervisor. A member of the Presbyterian Church of Delmont, James Borland Cochran was the son of James
and Jane (Alcorn) Cochran, who were both natives of
XVestmoreland County. Both died in Washington
Township. Sarah Minerva (Kerns) Cochran was
born in Washington Township on October  I, I857,
and died in Hempfield Township on November I6,
I933. She was the daughter of Jacob and Nancy Jane
Kerns, farming families, who lived and died in VVestmoreland County.
Frank Kerns Cochran was educated in the public
schools of Salem Township. After a brief term as a
clerk in a general store at Export, he returned to the
farm and has been concerned with agriculture ever
since. Like his father, a Democrat, Mr. Cochran has
taken an intense interest in public office. He served
as road supervisor in Salem Township and was president of the School Board of that community until he
was elected to the office of Westmoreland County
commissioner. A member of the Presbyterian Church
at Delmont, Mr. Cochran is also active in Greensburg.
He is a member of Greensburg Encampment Lodge,
No. I99, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member
of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted
Masons, Greensburg Lodge Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, No. 5II; a member of the Loyal Order
of Moose at Latrobe and of the Punxsutawney Hunting Club. Mr. Cochran is an enthusiastic big game
hunter and has indulged himself in the sport for the
past nine years.
On October 30, I9IO, Frank Kerns Cochran married Janet Adair, of Salem Township, the daughter of
Frank and Lizzie (McCauley) Adair. Mr. Adair was
a farmer. His wife still resides in Salem Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have a daughter, Sarah Louise,
who was born in September, I911. A graduate of
Greensburg High School, she is the wife of Albert
Wakefield of the State Highway Department. Mr.
Cochran has a sister and brother: Nancy Jane Cochran and Clyde C. Cochran, a farmer.
EDWARD GREB BAUER-Trained as an
aviator during the World War, Edward Greb Bauer
has served Westmoreland County both as a public
official and as an attorney. He maintains his office
in Greensburg but makes his home in Jeannette.
Edward Greb Bauer was born in Penn Township
(now a part of Jeannette) on February 7, I897, a son
of Edward and Barbara Elizabeth (Greb) Bauer.
Edward Bauer, who was born in New York State and
died in Jeannette, was associated for many years with
the Pittsburgh Lamp Brass and Glass Company. He
was also an elder in the United Presbyterian Church
and a Democrat in politics. Barbara Elizabeth (Greb)
Bauer was born in Allegheny County and died in
Jeannette. Her father who was a native of Germany,
was a farmer. Her mother, a native of Allegheny
County, died in Blairsville.
Edward Greb Bauer, after passing through the
public schools of Penn Township, graduated from the
Jeannette High School in I916. Attending Washington and Jefferson College, he graduated from that
institution in I920 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
Study at the University of Pittsburgh earned him his
degree of Bachelor of Laws in I923. He was admitted
to the Pennsylvania bar the same year. Mr. Bauer
opened his law office in Greensburg and has prospered
ever since, conducting his practice alone. A Republican in politics, he has served as assistant district attorney of Westmoreland County, a school director of
Penn Township District and also represented his section in the Pennsylvania State Legislature. His professional associations include: the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and
the Westmoreland County Bar Association. He is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Jeannette. During the World War he enlisted in the
aviation corps and was given training at the Cornell
Ground School and then sent for further training to
Kelly Field at San Antonio, Texas. The war concluded while he was still in training and he was discharged as a cadet private of the first class. Among
the organizations of which Mr. Bauer is a member
are included: Jeannette Lodge, No. 750, Free and
Accepted Masons, Jeannette Post, No. 334, American
Legion, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and Phi Delta
Phi Fraternity.
On May 2I, I927, Edward Greb Bauer married
Virginia Whitmyre Euwer, of Jeannette.  She, the
daughter of William F. and Alice Euwer, was educated in the Jeannette public schools, Mary Lyon
School and Ogontz School. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer have
two children: I. Edward Greb, Jr., born August Io,
1928. 2. Alice Whitmyre, born October Io, 193I.
i6qANNALS OF SOUTHVWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
now Masontown, and his grandson, Jefferson Sangston, grandfather of William Jefferson Sangston, was
born in that community in 18I4. He was a carpenter
and contractor. William J. Sangston, the father, was
born on January 4, I85o at Masontown, and died there
on January 8, I923. He was a farmer and contractor
and owned and operated a planing mill.  His wife,
Martha (Inghram) Sangston, was born in Greene
County on December 8, I852, and is still living.
William Jefferson Sangston, of this record, received
his preliminary education in the public schools of
Masontown and at Waynesburg Preparatory School.
In I9Io he was graduated from Waynesburg College
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and subsequently
prepared for his professional career at the University
of Pittsburgh, where he took the degree of Bachelor
of Laws in I9I4. In the same year he was admitted
to the Fayette County bar and established the general
practice of law at Uniontown which he has since continued. He has been admitted to all State and Federal
courts, including the Supreme Court of the United
States, and has represented important interests in
many cases, in the conduct of which he has firmly
established his professional reputation.
Mr. Sangston is a member of the Fayette County
Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He has
always devoted his principal attention to his practice
but has found time for other interests and has fully
met the duties of good citizenship as a resident of the
Uniontown community. Mr. Sangston is a Democrat
in politics and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He is unmarried.
HOWARD LOYD SPARKS-As partner of
I. L. Sparks and Sons, Howard Loyd Sparks represents the third generation of the family to be actively
associated with the management of the mercantile firm
founded by his grandfather over a century ago and
now listed among the oldest establishments of its type
in Western Pennsylvania.  Throughout his career,
Mr. Sparks, now a resident of Indian Head, has been
active in the social and civic affairs of this section and
at present is serving as clerk of the Fayette County
courts, to which he was elected in I935.
Mr. Sparks was born at Indian Head, Fayette
County, October I8, I896, the son of Isaac I. and
Elizabeth (Terwilliger) Sparks, both of this section.
the former from West Newton, Westmoreland County,
and the latter from Farmington. His father, who was
born January I, I855, and died January I, I929, at
Indian Head, became a partner in the family firm
along with his brothers, James, John, and Hammond.
He eventually headed the business, which was burned
to the ground May 7, I9o09. He then removed the
establishment to Connellsville, operated here for two
years, went to Champion at the end of this period and
in I9I9 returned to Indian Head, where the main
branch has continued since.
After a public school education at Indian Head, Mr.
Sparks enrolled at the California State Teachers
College and was a student there when the United
States entered the World War. He enlisted in the
I3th Field Artillery of the 4th Division and was sent
overseas, where he served for sixteen months seeing
action in many major engagements, including Chateau
Thierry, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse Argonne and the
Vesle Sector. After the Armistice he entered Germany
with the Army of Occupation and later was honorably discharged. Upon resuming civilian life he became associated with I. L. Sparks and Sons, and in
1922 was named partner of the firm, joining his three
brothers in its management. Seven years later, on
May IO, I929, the building occupied by the establishment was destroyed by a cyclone and shortly thereafter the present modern edifice was erected, an imposing structure which stands as a tribute to the
founder of the business, Horatio L. Sparks.  In the
years that have followed, the four brothers, Edward
R., Leslie T., Frank R., and Howard Loyd have expanded their interests and today in addition to the
Indian Head store, they also operate a branch at
Scottdale. The long existence of the firm and its
steady growth clearly indicate its popularity and usefulness, factors developed on sound principles and
policies which are being perpetuated by the present
management.
Mr. Sparks has always had the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens and in addition to his business interests has been actively identified with every
agency of civic betterment. From I923 to I929 he
was a director of the Saltlick Township schools and
for the past fifteen years'has served as secretary of
this school district.  He was elected clerk of the
county courts in November, I935, and assumed office
on January 6, I936, for a four-year term. Through
his military service he is a member of Post, No. 301,
of the American Legion at Connellsville, belongs to
the Forty and Eight organization and the Veterans
of Foreign Wars. He fraternizes with Lodge, No.
503, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
at Connellsville, is a Democrat in politics and worships
at the Evangelical Church.
On June 20, I925, Mr. Sparks married Nell V.
Vansickel, of Ursina, Somerset County, and the
daughter of Ellsworth and Cora (Anderson) Vansickel. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks are the parents of one
daughter, Mary Jane, born January 5, I930.
14ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ROBERT MILLER CARSON-Political activity, civic service, religious interests, and American
Legion work all unite to make Robert Miller Carson,
a prominent Greensburg attorney, one of the most
widely known figures in Westmoreland County.
Robert Miller Carson was born on May 28, I898, in
the vicinity of Homer City, Indiana County, a son of
Harry and Elizabeth (Miller) Carson. Harry Carson,
who was born May 5, I869, was a farmer and for
nearly fifty years an elder of the United Presbyterian
Church. A staunch Republican, he served his community as a school director of sixteen years and has
been an assessor for the past twenty years. Harry
Carson is a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hamill)
Carson. Robert Carson, a native of Center Township, Indiana County, a farmer and carpenter, served
with the Union Army during the Civil War as a lieutenant. Elizabeth (Hamill) Carson, who died in
Youngwood, Pennsylvania, in I923 at the age of
eighty-three, was the daughter of Robert McKelvey
and Jane (Trimble) Hamill. Robert Hamill, a native of the Ligonier Valley, living near Waterford,
was a son of Robert Hamill, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, where he was born on November 25,
I759. During the Revolution, Robert Hamill was a
private in the Pennsylvania Militia and served for
three years, including participation in the battle of
Bunker Hill, Boston, on June 17, I775. Elizabeth
(Miller) Carson, the mother of Robert Miller Carson,
was a native of Indiana County, her family having
been farmers there for several generations.
Robert Miller Carson, after graduation from the
Indiana High School in 19I5, prepared himself for a
career as a teacher at the State Teachers' College,
from which he graduated in I9I7. For a year, Mr.
Carson taught school in Center Township and then,
in the fall of I918, obtained a post in the Greensburg
High School. However, three weeks later, on September 28, he enlisted in the Students Army Training
Corps at the University of Pittsburgh. A month
later, electing to serve in the Coast Artillery Corps,
Mr. Carson was transferred to Fort Monroe in Virginia. Graduating on January 3I, I919, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. When the war concluded, Mr. Carson was discharged but he signed up
again in the Coast Artillery Reserve Corps, in which
branch of the service he now holds a captain's commission. Returning to his interrupted career, Mr.
Carson became principal of the Fifth Ward School in
Greensburg but, after a year, he became convinced that
he desired a legal education. Accordingly, he attended
the University of Pittsburgh, graduated in 1922 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts and then, three years
later, received his degree in law from the Pittsburgh
Law School. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar the
same year, he established himself in general practice
in Greensburg in association with Bell and Bell and
with George E. Barron. Mr. Carson's professional
activities include membership in the American Bar
Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association
and the Westmoreland County Bar Association. Always an active Republican, Mr. Carson has been a
school director of Southwest Greensburg since 1927
and was a candidate for the office of district attorney
in I929. He is chairman of the Southwestern District
of the Young Republican State Committee and was the
first Westmoreland County chairman of the same organization. Mr. Carson has been for years an active
member of the United Presbyterian Church, of which
he is a trustee. He is also keenly interested in Sunday
school work, being a teacher for the past fifteen years
and superintendent of young people's work for five
years. He is now the citizenship superintendent for
Westmoreland County. Mr. Carson has also very
wide civic interests, being a leader in the Americanism
work of the American Legion and a local commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America. In serving in
these various capacities, Mr. Carson is in demand in all
sections of the county as a speaker and executive. His
war service is reflected in his membership in Robert
G. Kotouch Post, No. 318, American I.egion, and in
the "40 and 8" group. Mr. Carson is also a member of
the Greensburg Kiwanis Club, Lambda Chi Alpha and
Delta Sigma Rho fraternities, the Westmoreland
County School Directors' Association (of which he is
president), and the Southwest Greensburg Volunteer
Fire Company. He is also a member of the Grange.
Hunting is Mr. Carson's outdoor sport, although travel
and radio claim much of his leisure time.
On August I6, I923, Robert Miller Carson married
Mildred Leech, daughter of Alvan V. and Rachael
(Wilson) Leech, of Greensburg. Mr. Leech, who was
the founder of the Leech Actual Business College, was
a native of Washington County. He died in Greensburg on May I9, 1922. Mrs. Leech, a native of Taylorstown, is living in Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs.
Carson have had three children: I. Robert Miller, Jr.,
born February 26, 1927. 2. William L,eech, born October 23, 193I; died May 30, I933. 3. Thomas Edward,
born June 25, I934.
SAMUEL EMMET TAYLOR-As president
of the National Deposit Bank of Brownsville, Samuel
Emmet Taylor heads an institution with which the
family name has been closely associated since it was
founded. He has spent his entire career in its service,
and in his rise to the presidency, has taken his place
I70ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I7I
among the most influential figures in the life of this
section.
Mr. Taylor was born in Centerville Borough, Washington County, on July I5, I86o, son of Oliver K. and
Caroline Virginia (Moore) Taylor. He is a grandson
of Samuel Taylor, who came from Philadelphia to
Centerville in 1820 and acquired considerable land as
well as other holdings of importance. He was a director of the Monongahela Bank, established in I8I2.
Oliver K. Taylor, the father, was born in Centerville
on September 20, I829, and was educated in local
schools. He succeeded to his father's interests and as
one of the leading citizens of the district, held many
local offices of importance. In 1872 he assisted in the
organization of the Brownsville Deposit and Discount
Bank and thereafter devoted the greater part of his
time to its management. This institution was given a
national charter under the name of the National Deposit Bank in I88o and has since continued under
practically the same executive supervision as younger
members of the families active in its establishment
have, in turn, assumed administrative responsibilities.
It has been a very successful institution, and from the
year of its organization has never suspended the regular payment of dividends, even in depression eras and
periods of marked financial stress. While the policies
of the bank have been liberal, its interests have been
guarded by experienced financiers. The bank is still
doing business on the site originally occupied in 1872
and where, in I922, the present magnificent bank building was erected, fronting Ioo feet on High Street and
extending back a full square to Water Street. The
building is furnished with every device and facility
characterizing the finest banking houses in the larger
cities. It is an honor roll bank, standing at the head
of honor roll banks in the United States.
Oliver K. Taylor, who so largely impressed his principles and character upon the institution as it exists
today, died on January 15, 1922, after a long and honorable career. He married, in 1854, Caroline Virginia
Moore, of Mendenhall, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Elisha and Zina (Mendenhall) Moore, and they became
the parents of seven children.
Samuel Emmet Taylor, a son of this marriage, was
educated in the public schools of Centerville and
Brownsville, and at Washington and Jefferson College. He began his career with the present National
Deposit Bank as a teller, served a thorough apprenticeship in banking methods and financial practice, and
as he demonstrated his capacity for larger responsibilities, rose gradually within the organization. He
served as assistant cashier and cashier for a number
of years, became vice-president, and upon his father's
death in I922 was elected president, in which office he
has since served. He is well qualified to maintain the
fine traditions of the institution and has guided its
operations with sound judgment and a sure hand. He
has been a director of the bank for over forty years.
Mr. Taylor is well known in Pennsylvania banking
circles and has been active for many years in the
Fayette County Bankers Association, of which he is
now president. In addition to his banking connections,
he is vice-president of the Brownsville Water Company and the California (Pennsylvania) Water Company. He has taken an enlightened interest in public
affairs and the institutions of his community and has
done much to advance the cause of civic progress
through his influence and active leadership. He is
president of the Brownsville Hospital and has given
generously of his time and means to worthy movements of a civic or charitable nature. Mr. Taylor is
a Republican in politics and a member of the Presbyterian Church of Brownsville, which he has served as
a trustee for twenty-five years. Frate-nally, he is
affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons.
On January I2, I885, Samuel Emmet Taylor married Ella Florence Fisher, of Centerville, daughter of
William and Mary (Horton) Fisher. They became
the parents of three children: I. Howard F., who was
graduated from Princeton University in the class of
I9o8 and has spent his career in the service of the
National Deposit Bank, of which he is now vicepresident and cashier. He married Harriet Kelly, of
Culpeper, Virginia, and has one daughter, Mary
Ellen, now Mrs. Mary Ellen Taylor Stelling, of
Winter Park, Florida. 2. Alan K. Taylor. a graduate
of Princeton University in the class of I911 and a
veteran of the World War, in which he served overseas with the 23d Engineers as second lieutenant. He
has also been associated with the National Deposit
Bank during his business career and is now vicepresident. He married Eleanor Binns, of Brownsville,
and has two children: Samuel Emmet Taylor, 3d, and
David Morris Taylor. 3. Oliver M., now assistant
cashier of the National Deposit Bank. He married
Gertrude Howarth, of Brownsville.
CASSIUS LEVI ZEDAKER-Cassius Levi Zedaker, for the past fifty-four years a New Bedford
blacksmith, was born here, September 22, I865, the
son of Levi and Louise (Lickens) Zedaker. Levi Zedaker, a teamster during his lifetime, was a member of Company G, 78th Pennsylvania Infantry for
the duration of the Civil War.
Cassius Levi Zedaker received his education in the
New Bedford schools, and at the age of sixteen years
learned the blacksmith trade. After working for
eight months in the Youngstown (Ohio) Car Works,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
he returned to New Bedford, and established his own
blacksmith shop in I884. He has ever since devoted
his time to this work, and in conjunction therewith,
is engaged in wagon making and various woodworking.
He is also secretary and treasurer of the New Bedford Memorial Association, a member of the school
board for ten years, and in 1941 will complete a twenty
year term as justice of the peace.
He is an ardent supporter of the Republican party,
and in the Masonic Order, he has attained the thirtysecond degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
He was married January I, I89o, in Youngstown,
Ohio, to Anna Shepard, daughter of Charles Richard and Sarah (Morrison) Shepard. Charles Richard
Shepard, long employed as a puddler in the iron
mills was a member of Company B, 4Ist Ohio Volunteers during the Civil War. His wife was the granddaughter of William Morrison who saw service in
the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. Zedaker are
the parents of four children: I. Lee, a graduate of
New Castle Business College, now an employee of
the Ohio Edison Company, married Jennie Clarke,
and they are the parents of five children: i. Cassius
Clarke, now in the United States Army. ii. Ruth
Elizabeth.  iii. Robert Lee.  iv. Lee, Jr.  v. Dahl
Willis. 2. William Leonard, a graduate of the Slippery Rock State Normal College, formerly supervising principal of Chicora High School, and a sergeant major in the United States Army during the
World War, now operating his own dairy in Warren, Ohio, married Adelaide Fleckenstein, and they
are the parents of two children, William Leonard, Jr.,
and David James.  3. Hazel, a graduate of State
Teachers College, married Franklin James Carlisle,
since deceased, and they became the parents of two
children:  i. Paul Willard, a  medical student at
Washington, D. C. ii. Wilson James Carlisle. 4.
Gladys, a graduate of State Teachers College, married Leon L. Murphy, an educational secretary in
Indianapolis, Indiana, and they are the parents of a
son, Stanley Philip Murphy.
WALT  WHITMAN--Throughout his professional career, Walt Whitman has been engaged in the
pedagogical field, and for the past ten years he has
efficiently served as supervising principal of the New
Wilmington Schools at New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania, January I3, I893, the son of Hiram and Leona (Vincent)
Whitman. The elder Mr. Whitman has long been
active in the farming industry. His wife is a descendant of a family which first settled near Baltimore, and participated;i. the Revolutionary War.
Walt Whitman graduated from Utica High School
in I9II, and then entered Edinboro State Normal
School, and upon completion of his studies there, entered the teaching profession. He has since studied at
Thiel College in Greenville, where he received a
Bachelor of Arts degree in 1919, and at Grove City College, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in
I931. Mr. Whitman's first teaching post was in the
rural schools of Snowden Township in Allegheny
County, where he remained from 1913 to I9I5. He then
was appointed principal of the Polk, Pennsylvania High
School, and continued here until 1917 when he enlisted for service in the World War. He was assigned
to the Replacement Camp at the Officers Training
School in Camp Lee, Virginia, and remained here until he received his honorable discharge in December,
1918. When the new scholastic term began in I919,
Mr. Whitman was appointed principal of Clintonville
High School, which position he retained until 1923,
when he was made supervising principal of Rockland Township High School in Venango County.
After six years there he was appointed to his present
post in the New Wilmington School system, and he
has to date carried on his many duties most capably.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
a Republican, and a member of the National Education Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.  He is also; affiliated with the
Knights of Malta, Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled
all chairs. He also holds membership in the local
Rotary Club and the American Legion.
He was married in Pittsburgh in 1918 to Cecilia Allen, daughter of Milton and Adda (Byers) Allen. Mr.
and Mrs. Whitman are the parents of four children:  I. Floyd, born October IO, T919.  2. Helen,
born December 19, 1921. 3. Vincent, born August 2I,
1923. 4. Donald, born October 24, I927.
CLARK WILFRED MARTIN-Practicing law
in Uniontown, Clark Wilfred- Martin has performed
a work of importance and value to his city, and the
Commonwealth of. Pennsylvania is the richer for his
contribution to its welfare.
Mr. Martin was born February 9, I891, in North
Union Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son
of Charles P. and Sara Elizabeth (Rhodes) Martin
and member of an old and honorable family. The
Martins came to Fayette Coutinty about i800, engaging
here in the charcoal furnace business. Elijah Emerson, a great-grandfather of Clark Wilfred Martin,
was a captain in the Mexican War. His paternal
grandfather, John C. Martin, was a charcoal furnace172ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I73
man and later was prominent in mining. Charles P.
Martin, father of Clark Wilfred Martin, was born in
North Union Township, Fayette County, about I866,
and became active in coal mining and farming. The
mother, Mrs. Sara Elizabeth (Rhodes) Martin, was
born in Georgia Township, Fayette County.
Clark Wilfred Martin attended the public schools
of North Union Township, in which he was born,
and in I907 was graduated from the township high
school. He taught for five years in the township
schools of the county, and later attended Valparaiso
University, where he took the degree of Bachelor of
Science in I914. He also taught for a year in the
high school in Fayette County, and for two years
served as supervising principal of the Franklin Township schools. During the World War he was with
the Chemical Warfare Service on Long Island, so
continuing until he was honorably discharged  in
February, I919. Then, attending the University of
Pittsburgh, he taught English at that institution for
two years while taking up his studies of law at the
George Washington Law  School.  In I922 he was
graduated from the Law  School with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws.  Through that same period he
lectured for two seasons with the Radcliffe Chautauqua organization. In I923 he was graduated from
Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, with the
degree of Doctor of Judicial Science.
Admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania, Mr. Martin
took up the practice of law in Uniontown, where he
continues this work today. He is a recognized leader
in his profession, and is a member of the Fayette
County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar
Association and the American Bar Association. On
January I, I936, he was elected county solicitor of
Fayette County for a four-year term. He has regularly taken a lively part in politics and public life,
being a staunch Democrat and a supporter of his
party's policies and principles. He was a delegate to
the national convention of his party in Chicago in
I932. Fraternally he is connected with the Free and
Accepted Masons, belonging to Uniontown Lodge No.
288 and the Lodge of Perfection. He also belongs to
the Acacia Fraternity and the Delta Theta Phi legal
fraternity. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Martin is unmarried.
THOS. RODGERS AUBREY-Business and
public life have absorbed much of the talent of Thos.
Rodgers Aubrey, of Brownsville, whose contribution to
the general welfare has been a significant one. Formerly as county treasurer and now as sheriff of Fayette
County, he has done much to promote the betterment
of conditions in his district, and he is widely respected, honored  and trusted  among his host of
friends.
Mr. Aubrey was born  November I6, I892, in
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, son of Robert Lawson
and Katharine (McCrory) Aubrey, both natives of
Brownsville. His grandfather, Thomas Aubrey, was
likewise a native of Fayette County. Robert Lawson
Aubrey was born in 185I and died in I925. He was
a  manufacturer  and  retail lumber dealer.  Mrs.
Katharine (McCrorv) Aubrey, mother of Thos. R.
Aubrey, was born in I853, and died in September,
I924.
The public schools of Brownsville, his Pennsylvania birthplace, furnished the earliest formal education of Thos. Rodgers Aubrey, who, became associated
with his father in the lumber business known as the
Aubrey Lumber Company, of West Brownsville, which
was established in I859 by the grandfather. At the
death of the father, Mr. Aubrey closed out that business shortly afterward, in I926.  In  1928 he was
elected sheriff of Fayette County, so serving until
I93I. In I932 he was made county treasurer, and he
continued to hold that office until I935, when he was
once more elected sheriff. He is still sheriff of Fayette County, where he has done much to further lawful living and to keep order, in accordance with the
duties that his position demands of him.
A Republican in his political views, Thos. Rodgers
Aubrey has interested himself in all manner of public affairs. He is a member of Brownsville Lodge
No. 60o of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which
order he is also connected with the Royal Arch Chapter, the Knights Templar commandery and Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite. He is likewise a member of Brownsville Lodge
No. 5I of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
Brownsville Lodge No. 1344 of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. In the American Legion,
Mr. Aubrey is affiliated with the A. Kramer Axton
Post. During the World War he effectively and usefully served his country with the 2oth Engineers, and
was overseas for eighteen months until he was honorably discharged in June, I9I9. He is a member of
the Kiwanis Club of Brownsville and of the Presbyterian Church. Aside from serving his county in
public office, he has likewise performed work of value
in his community of Brownsville, having been on the
City Council there in I925 and having been burgess of
the borough in I926 and I927.
Thos. Rodgers Aubrey married, in May, 1913, Martha MacDonald, of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John MacDonald.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
JACOB HENDERSON SHERRARD-As a
member of the bar of this Commonwealth, Jacob
Henderson Sherrard has been able to render a distinctive service to the people and institutions of Brownsville. His accomplishments have been numerous and
worth while, and he is highly esteemed and respected
in every circle in which he moves.
Mr. Sherrard was born July 2I, I889, in Dunbar
Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son of Alexander Conn and Elizabeth Cooper (Pollock) Sherrard,
both natives of this township and county. The founder
of the family in America, John Sherrard, came from
Ireland about I770, settling in Dunbar Township,
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and serving in the War
of the American Revolution. The Sherrards have
continuously lived in this same township since that
time.  Alexander Conn Sherrard, father of Jacob
Henderson Sherrard, was born in I852 in Dunbar
Township, Fayette County, and was for many years an
active farmer. He was also interested in the coal
industry and in banking until his retirement. The
mother, Elizabeth Cooper (Pollock) Sherrard, was
born in Dunbar Township in I854, and died in January, I9O6.
Their son, Jacob Henderson Sherrard, received his
early education in the public schools of Dunbar Township, where he was graduated from high school in
I907. He spent a year at Washington and Jefferson
Academy, and in I9I2 was graduated from Washington
and Jefferson College with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. Then, entering the University of Pennsylvania,
he was graduated from the law school there in I916,
taking the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In the same
year he was admitted to the bar, and since that time
he has carried on his professional practice in Brownsville, his work being of a general nature and not confined to any specialized field of the law.
He is heartily interested in the work of the other
members of his profession, keeping in close touch with
them through memberships in the Fayette County Bar
Association and other groups.  Politically he is a
staunch Democrat, and his service to his party and to
his community and State has been a distinctive one.
For one four-year term, from I930 to I934, he was a
member of the Borough Council of Brownsville. He
also served as solicitor for the Brownsville School
District. His connections with business life have been
particularly valuable, and Mr. Sherrard is now a member of the board of directors of the First National
Bank of Perryopolis. He is a charter member of the
Rotary Club, a member of the Sons of the American
Revolution, and an active worker in Brownsville
Lodge No. 60 of the Free and Accepted Masons. In
the Masonic Order he is affiliated with Brownsville
Chapter, No. I64, of Royal Arch Masons, St. Omer's
Commandery, No. 7, of Knights Templar, and Syria
Temple, of Pittsburgh, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine. During the World War he was
with the Quartermaster Corps, serving for eighteen
months until he was honorably discharged in June,
I919. He is a member now of Kramer Axton Post,
No. 295, of the American Legion, which he helped to
found. He belongs to the First Presbyterian Church
and is a member of the Session. Each of these groups
has, in some definite way, benefited from his labors in
its behalf, and he is respected and honored in an evergrowing circle of acquaintance.
On September 9, 1922, Jacob Henderson Sherrard
married Mary Milholland McConnell, of New York
City, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Milholland) McConnell. Three children were born to them: I. Alexander Conn, 2d, on July 5, I923. 2. Jacob Henderson,
Jr., on November I2, I925. 3. Mary Milholland, on
July 7, I93I.
JOHN WESLEY RANKIN-The prominence
of John Wesley Rankin in the official life of Fayette
County is evidenced by the fact that as a member of the
board of county commissioners for a second term he
has been chosen to head the body as chairman. For
more than eighteen years he has been an influential
figure in the civic and political affairs of this part of
the State, where up to I93o he was head of the Rankin Construction Company and served as supervisor
of South Union Township.
Mr. Rankin was born in North Union Township,
May 29, 1891, the son of Charles A. and Victoria
Elizabeth (Shirer) Rankin, both natives of Fayette
County, where the former was born in I864 and the
latter in I859. His father, who is descended from one
of the oldest families in this section, was engaged in
mining the earlier part of his life and later engaged
in farming. Mr. Rankin attended the public schools
of South and North Union Township until he was thirteen years of age when he began a career in coal mining which he was to pursue for a number of years, retiring from this work in I92I to assume the office of
supervisor of South Union Township to which he was
elected. He served in this capacity for ten years and
during this time also engaged in road contracting
work for the State Highway Department, operating
under the name of the Rankin Construction Company, which he conducted until I93I, the year he was
elected a member of the Fayette County Board of
Commissioners. He was reelected in 1935, and was
chosen chairman of the body in I936. Throughout his
career he has been an active leader in the local Dem
I74ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ocratic organization, where he is highly esteemed and
respected for his public spirit and ability.
Socially he is a member of Lodge No. 370 of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Aerie, No.
828 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and belongs to
the Junior Order United American Mechanics, the
Knights of Pythias and the Maccabees. During the
World War he served with the 26th Division of the
United States Army, was overseas for six months and
was honorably discharged from the service on April
6, I919. Through his military service he belongs to
the local post of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In his religious convictions he
worships at the Baptist Church.
Mr. Rankin married (second) in 1922, Myra Virginia Fisher of Connellsville, and the daughter of
Frank and Mary Fisher. He is the father of three
children: I. Robert Benjamin, born February 21, I916.
2. Marjorie Virginia, born November, I920. 3. John
Wesley, Jr.
MICHAEL KAROLCIK-Through his accomplishments in civic and business affairs, Michael Karolcik of Perryopolis has come to occupy a prominent
place in the affairs of Fayette County. He is a county
commissioner, former school director of Perryopolis,
chief of the fire department in that community and one
of its leading merchants.
Mr. Karolcik was born in Dunbar Township, Fayette County, November I9, I892, the son of Michael
and Mary (Zavatcan) Karolcik, both natives of
Czechoslavakia, from which country his father came
to the United States about I885, and engaged in the
coal mining business until he joined his son. After
attending the public schools of Fayette County, Mr.
Karolcik served as a clerk in various stores of Perry
Township until I907, when he established himself in
a retail meat and grocery business at Perryopolis,
which he was to conduct under his own name. In
I9I8, after the United States entered the World War,
he sold his business, enlisted in the army and served
as a corporal in the 2Ioth Engineers Corps until
he was honorably discharged in March, IgIg.  He
returned to Perryopolis and resumed his activities in
a meat and grocery business which he has since conducted with outstanding success.  He is also the
owner of The Perry Theatre in Perryopolis, also of
one of the finest recreation centers in Fayette County.
As a resident of this community he has been unsparing in his contributions to the general welfare.
In I934 and I935 he was a member of the local school
board and in I936 was elected to serve as a commissioner for Fayette County, his term to expire in
i940. He is a member of the Pennsylvania County
Commissioners, a leader in the Democratic party
here, belongs to the local board of trade, is chief of
the fire department, fraternizes with the Loyal Order
of Moose, and is a member of The Connellsville Lodge,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a
member of American Legion Post, No. 5I, Uniontown,
and has belonged to the National Slovak Sokol since
young manhood; is also a member of the National
Slovak Society. In his religious convictions he worships at the Greek Catholic Church, in which he has
served as president of the Church board since 1914, and
is also a member of the Greek Catholic Union. He is
an ardent sportsman and particularly fond of baseball.
On May 30, I926, Mr. Karolcik married Anna
Timosko of Star Junction, Fayette County, and the
daughter of John and Susie Timosko. Mr. and Mrs.
Karolcik are the parents of two children: I. Thomas
M., born September 5, 1927. 2. Irene A., born March
I, I929.
JAMES WATSON SEMBOWER -Ranked
among the prominent and successful business men of
Uniontown and Fayette County is the name of James
Watson Sembower, manager, assistant secretary, treasurer and director of the Uniontown Thrift Corporation.
He not only has won note for his banking accomplishments but is also widely known for the contributions
he has made to the social and civic life of this section.
Mr. Sembower was born in Uniontown, September
I9, I895, the son of Jasper Thompson and Elizabeth
(Sickels) Sembower, both natives of his birthplace
where his father, who is now living in retirement, engaged in the general contracting and retail lumber
businesses. The family, of German-Irish stock, is listed
among the early settlers of Somerset County, where its
early representatives were known by the name of
Zembauer, since altered to its present anglicized form.
Mr. Sembower received a general education in the
public schools of Uniontown, completing his high school
studies in I9I5. When the United States entered the
World War he enlisted in the Army Air Corps,
received the rank of sergeant of the first class, went
overseas and served in France for sixteen months.
He returned to this country during the spring of I919
and was honorably discharged from the service on May
28 of that year.
He began his business career with the Fayette Title
and Trust Company, in which he became assistant
treasurer, serving in this capacity until the bank was
merged with the National Bank of Fayette County.
1I75ANNALS OF SOIITTIWV-iqT/TTR TM PT%      TNTC'TT  AT A XTT A
EMMITT JEHU McDANIEL-Over twenty
years ago Emmitt Jehu McDaniel came to Uniontown
from his native State of Ohio and established himself
in a general practice of law, which he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and success, becoming one of the outstanding members of the bar in
Fayette County where he is also widely known for
his civic and political activities.
Mr. McDaniel was born in Columbus, Ohio, July
24, I891, the son of Henry Clark and Sara Martha
McDaniel. His father, now deceased, was a pioneer
in railroading and was also actively interested in mining throughout his life. After a general education in
the public schools Mr. McDaniel taught for four terms
and then determined to take up the study of law. He
worked his way through the preparatory department
of Ohio Northern University and later was graduated
from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of
Laws. Shortly thereafter, in I914, he was admitted
to practice in the Supreme Court of Ohio. He was
admitted to the Fayette County bar in I9I6. Five
years later he was admitted to practice in the Supreme
Court of the United States, and in I93I attained the
same privilege in the Supreme Court of this State.
During his career in this city he has established an
enviable reputation as an attorney, being recognized
as an authority on many phases of law and holding
the high esteem and respect of his professional colleagues as well as the public in general.
He has been actively identified with the civic and
political movements of this section, being particularly
prominent in the affairs of the local Republican organization, for which he now serves as chairman of the
Fayette County Committee. His political influence is
further indicated by the fact that between I923 and
I926 he was elected and served as a member of the
State Legislature. The long and well-rounded experience he has enjoyed as a lawyer and legislator,
coupled with a native leadership and ability, have
prompted members of the Republican party to choose
him as their candidate for the judge of the Court of
Common Pleas.
During the World War, Mr. McDaniel enlisted in
the United States Army and was commissioned a captain in the 87th Regiment of the Igth Division. Through
his military service he holds membership in the Lafayette Post, No. 5I, of the American Legion. Aside
from this affiliation he is a member of the Grange and
fraternizes with Lodge, No. 370, of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks.
On August 4, I917, at Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Emmitt
Jehu McDaniel married Beatrice C. Daley, daughter
of John and Martha Daley. They are the parents of
four children: I. Robert Emmitt, born IMay 13, I9r8.
JJ -J, -.N 1I J,  I, V 2JN~All      1I5
2. Lawrence Daley, born August 4, I919.  3, John
Henry, born September I2, I925. 4. Beatrice Jean,
born December 9, I928.
ARTHUR ALEXANDER BROWN-Coming
to Fayette County after a varied career as.a railroad
man, soldier, student and lawyer, Arthur Alexander
Brown of Connellsville has established an enviable
record as an attorney and is ranked as one of the
prominent members of the bar in this section.
Mr. Brown was born in Dunbar Township, August
I, I894, the son of Albert Cameron and Margaret
Ellen (Quinn) Brown, the former a native of Redstone Township, Fayette County, and the latter of
Clarksburg, West Virginia. His father, who was born
in I854, and died in 1905, was a carpenter by trade
and descendant of William Brown, who according to
family records served with the Continental forces
during the Revolutionary War.
After completing a general education in the Dunbar
Township High School in I911, Mr. Brown secured
employment with the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie
Railroad, which he was to be associated with until
I920, save for his period of service in the army during
the World War. At that time he enlisted and became
a member of Company B of the 63d Engineers. In
April, I918, he went overseas with this unit and served
there as a sergeant, experiencing action on several
fronts until the spring of I9I9, when he returned to
this country and was honorably discharged on June
I6 of that year.
Recognizing the need for further study as a means
of satisfying his ambition, Mr. Brown matriculated at
Bethany College, which he attended for three years
and then transferred to West Virginia University,
from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in I924, and was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws in I927. At that time he was admitted
to the West Virginia State bar and established himself in a general practice at Morgantown which he
conducted for one year. He then joined the legal
staff of the People's Natural Gas Company in Pittsburgh and continued with this organization until January I, I933. In the meantime he had been admitted
to the Pennsylvania State bar in 1929. During the
former year he came to Uniontown and was associated
with H. S. Dumbauld until October I, 1935, when he
removed to Connellsville and took over the practice of
H. George May, which he has since conducted with
outstanding distinction and success.
Though he has been a resident of this city for a
comparatively brief period, Mr. Brown has already
assumed a prominent place in social and civic affairs.
He is active in the local Democratic organization andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at which time he was appointed assistant cashier.
On October io, I931, the bank closed and Mr. Sem-'bower remained with the receiver liquidating the
business until January I, I933. He then became manager of the Uniontown Thrift Corporation, in which
he had been a member of the board of directors, and
has continued to serve in this office since with distinction and success.
His interest in community affairs has been varied
and useful. He is secretary of the Uniontown School
Board, which he formerly headed as president, and
takes an active interest in the local Republican organization. Socially, he belongs to the Uniontown Rotary
Club, Lafayette Post, No. 5I, of the American Legion,
and fraternizes with the local lodge of the Free and
Accepted Masons, in which he is also a member of
Union Chapter, No. I65, of the Royal Arch Masons,
Uniontown Commandery, Knights Templar, and the
Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
He is a member of the board of trustees and worships at the Third Presbyterian Church of Uniontown.
On December 3I, I9I9, Mr. Sembower married
(first) Pauline Litman of Uniontown, and the daughter of Charles S. and Bessie (Dutton) Litman. She
died February 5, I929. There were three children by
this marriage: I. Joan Litman, born August I6,
192I. 2. James Watson, Jr., born April, I923. 3.
Janet Estelle, born February 27, I927.  Mr. Sembower married (second) June I6, I934, Helen Todd
of Uniontown and the daughter of Springer and
Jannie (Jeffries) Todd.
ARTHUR HIGINBOTHAM-For over a quarter of a century Arthur Higinbotham has been a prominent figure in official circles of Fayette County, where
he has served as a commissioner since I935, occupied
other important administrative posts and been a leader
in religious and fraternal affairs.
Mr. Higinbotham was born in Redstone Township,
Fayette County, March 2I, 1882, the son of Uriah and
Elizabeth Ann (Holland) Higinbotham, both natives
of this State, the former from Mapletown, Greene
County, and the latter from Redstone Township in
this county. His father, who was born on November 22, 1857, has engaged in farming throughout his
life. His mother passed away on August 2I, I930.
After attending the public schools of his native community Mr. Higinbotham started on a farming career
that he was to pursue successfully until I9II. The
latter year he was elected supervisor of Redstone
Township and continued in that capacity until I935,
when he was named county commissioner of Fayette
County, the office he now occupies. In conjunction
with his official duties he has maintained an interest in
farming and at the present time has over one hundred and ten acres under cultivation.
Interested in civic and political matters throughout his life, Mr. Higinbotham has become one of the
most influential figures in the local Republican party,
in which he is held in high esteem by his colleagues. He
has centered the major part of his social activities in
fraternal  organizations,  holding  membership  in
Brownsville Lodge, No. I344, of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, the Dunlap Council, Junior
Order United American Mechanics and the Lewis Encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In his religious convictions he is a very active parishioner in the Redstone Township Presbyterian Church.
In I904, Mr. Higinbotham married Della Jane
Woodward of Dunbar Township, Fayette County, and
the daughter of E. F. and Alma (Cox) Woodward.
Mr. and Mrs. Higinbotham are the parents of four
children: I. Uriah Finley, born September i I, I905,
a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a
Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and now practicing
at Fayette City. He married Elsie Elfring of Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of one son: Arthur,
Junior. 2. Robert W., born October I4, I907; married
Pauline Nabors, of Uniontown, and they are the parents of one daughter: Sandra Louise. 3. Wilbur
Woodward, born August I, I9I6. 4. Betty Jean, born
June I, I924.
JACOB BLACK ADAMS, Jr.--As a member of
an old and distinguished Pennsylvania family Jacob
Black Adams, Jr., has maintained the illustrious traditions of his forebears through his accomplishments
as an attorney and public official in Uniontown, where
he has practiced and lived since I929.
Mr. Adams was born in Greene County, May 3, I902,
the son of Jesse Heidrick and Cora L. (Piatt) Adams,
both natives of this State where his father was engaged in farming and the dairy business for a number of years. He passed away February 2, I938.
Upon completing his general education at the Wayneburg High School in I919, Mr. Adams matriculated at
Waynesburg College from which he was gradvated
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of I924.
He then entered the Harvard University Law School
and was awarded a Bachelor of Laws degree from this
institution in I929. The same year he was admitted to
the Pennsylvania State bar, and was licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth
and the Federal District Court. Since that time he
has practiced under his own name in Uniontown,
I76ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I77
where he has been solicitor of the school district for
the past two years and is a member of the Fayette
County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar
Association and the American Bar Association.
Mr. Adams has been actively and prominently identified with the social and civic life of Uniontown
throughout his residence here and is a former president of the Uniontown Kiwanis Club, a leader in the
local Republican party and fraternizes with the Laurel
Lodge, No. 65I, of the Free and Accepted Masons in
which he is a member of Union Chapter, No. I65, of
the Royal Arch Masons and the Pennsylvania Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. As a student in
college he was elected a member of the Delta Sigma
Phi Fraternity. Like his forebears, he worships at
the Presbyterian Church.
On November 6, I926, Mr. Adams married Alice
Martha Minor of Girard's Fort, and the daughter of
Owen W. and Rachael Frances (Stevenson) Mlinor.
Mr. and Mrs. Adams are the parents of three children: I. Martha Jean, born April 3, I93I. 2. Jacob
Black, 3d; and Charles Francis, twins, born May 7,
I935.
VERY REV. PATRICK K. COLLINS, LL. D.,
V. F. P. P.-The spiritual life of Butler has been
greatly enriched by the contribution made to it by the
Very Rev. Patrick K. Collins as pastor of St. Paul's
Church. He is also Vicar Forane, Dean of Butler
County, and as such has supervision of all Catholic
churches in the county. Honored and loved by his
flock and by all whose privilege it has been to know
him and benefit from his spiritual ministry, he enjoys
the warm esteem and affection of the people of this
district.
Father Collins was born December 13, I866, in Baltimore, County Cork, Ireland, son of Dennis and Mary
(Sweeny) Collins. He received his early education in
the public schools, later entering the classical institute
of his community and there continuing his studies.
Determining to dedicate his life to the work of the
church, he became a student at the Ecclesiastical Seminary at Maynooth, Ireland, there taking his theological
course. Graduated from that institution, he received
the holy orders of priesthood on June 21, I89gI, then
came to the United States to connect himself with
missionary work in the Pittsburgh diocese under the
Right Rev. Bishop Phelan. He then held appointments as assistant pastor of the Church of St. John
the Baptist, in Pittsburgh, and pastor at St. Joseph's
Church, Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, spending twelve years in those two parishes.
Then came the appointment to the pastorate of St.
Paul's, in Butler, where he succeeded the Rev. Daniel
S. Walsh, a victim of the typhoid fever epidemic in
December, I903. No record of Father Collins' life
would be complete except against a background of the
history of this church, in whose growth and development he has so richly participated. Back in the'fifties
and'sixties of the last century, the Catholics numbered
enough settlers in Butler County to carry on an active
program. Before St. Paul's was built, in I866, they
worshipped at St. Peter's. A strong tide of German
Catholic immigration after the middle of the nineteenth
century increased the Catholic strength here, and before long a German priest was placed in charge of the
work at St. Peter's and most of the sermons and instructions were given in German. The English-speaking Catholics decided thereupon to build their own
church, the initiative in this work being taken by
Peter Duffy. The first pastor, the Rev. Stephen Barrett, came in February, I867, when the church was
dedicated. A year later the Rev. Daniel Devlin succeeded him, remaining only thirteen months before he
resigned because of illness, dying soon afterward. The
Rev. Joseph Coffee came in October, I868, to St.
Paul's, leaving in the following December. The next
pastor was the Rev. James Nolan, who started his
labors in January, I869, and was transferred in June
of the same year to McKeesport. He was succeeded by
the Rev. Francis J. O'Shea, who had charge of the
parish from June, I869, to March, 1872. The next
pastor, the Rev. Francis McCarthy, remained three
m'onths, until, in July, 1872, the Rev. Colomba McSweeney, took charge. He stayed until November,
I876, resigning because of illness. From November
Io, 1876, to March 27, I891, the pastor was the Rev.
William A. Nolan, who was in charge when the parish
school was established and the new Calvary Cemetery
incorporated. Then came the Rev. Daniel S. Walsh,
who was pastor until he died in December, I903.
When Father Collins came to St. Paul's, he quickly
gave thought to the question of the practicability of
building a new church, which was sorely needed. He
saw that such an edifice would be a credit to the community and the building of it a source of spiritual
strength to the parishioners who would make many
sacrifices toward its completion. The work was completed, and in September, I909, the corner stone was
laid. Two years later the church was dedicated. It
represents a notable triumph of Christian art and
architecture.  It is sixty-five feet wide through the
nave and eighty feet through the transepts and I62
feet in length, and its tower, built entirely of stone,
measures I8o feet in height from  grade to top of
cross. The seating capacity of the church is one
thousand. Every effort was made by the pastor and
by architects and builders to go back to the soundANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
fundamentals of architecture and art in planning this
new structure, which was described by one writer as
representing "the aurora of a new and freshened
artistic growth, and a bright ray of hope on the horizon
of contemporary Catholic art in the United States."
This same writer added:
St. Paul's is a link that binds us to the distant past,
and an augury for that future consummation devoutly
to be wished, when the Catholic Church in the United
States will appear beautiful and faultless before the
eyes of men; in solemn architecture and fretted towers
and delicate pinnacles; in rugged walls and massive
buttresses and lofty branching arches; in pointed
vaults and glimmering ceilings and a wealth of carven
foliage. May the day soon dawn when a Catholic
church building will be synonymous with the unspeakable grandeur of a cool and chaste interior, of lengthy
quiet aisles and a forest of soaring columns, of majestic piers of hoary stone and marshalled groups of
sculptured saints, of the splendid color of storied windows with their blazing glass and faint mellow light
gleaming through veils of fragrant incense and mysterious purple gloom.
Characterized as "one of the most harmonious and
most complete Catholic structures erected in the
United States for the last hundred years," St. Paul's
Church was built at a cost of only $I40,ooo. The windows depict many stories of saints and Savior. Of
them it has been said:
Saints there are in the windows of St. Paul's. The
insipid faces we almost began to admire in the decadent
art of today are not there; the ultra-sentimental and
the crude impressions of the amateur are also absent
and in their place we have a good man's artistic conception of God's elect. The faces are those of men and
women, but the eyes have the light of sanctity, and the
features the stamp of character, the character that
comes from the love of God and conquers the world
and sin.
Highly respected and trusted by the parishioners of
this beautiful church that he has helped to build,
Father Collins has at the same time performed other
work of value to his church and to mankind. In I9I9
he won special recognition for his faithful and efficient
service when Bishop J. F. Canevin made him Vicar
Forane, Dean of Butler County, an office that was
again conferred upon him by Bishop Boyle. In this
capacity he has charge of all the county's Catholic
churches.
P'ather Collins has taken part in many notable civic
and social activities. He served on a number of committees during the World War, aiding particularly in
the sale of War Savings Stamps and Liberty Bonds.
He led his congregation in patriotic activity, organizing the men and women of his parish into welfare
units. Since the war he has likewise encouraged the
people of St. Paul's to participate fully in civic and
community affairs, imbuing the younger members of
his parish with high principles of citizenship. He is
active in the work of the Knights of Columbus and the
Holy Name Society, is a member of the Butler Chamber of Commerce and has served as a member of the
board of directors. He has also served well as a
member of the executive committee of Butler County
Memorial Hospital, and has in countless ways aided in
spiritual and temporal work. On June I4, I924, he was
given by Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, the special
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
In I935 he was chosen by Most Rev. Hugh C. Boyle
as a member of the Diocesan Council.
HAROLD DANIEL MINERD, D. D. S.-During his extensive and distinguished career Dr. Harold
Daniel Minerd has not only enjoyed outstanding success as one of the leading dentists in Fayette County,
but has also gained wide recognition and popularity
for the contributions he has made to the social and
civic life of his surroundings. Prior to assuming his
present post as treasurer of the county he occupied the
office of mayor in Connellsville for six years.
A native of Uniontown, Dr. Minerd was born here
May II, I895, the son of the Rev. David E. and Sarah
Catherine (Williams) Minerd, both natives of Fay.
ette County. His father, who was born July 29, 1855,
and is now living in retirement, was a former minister in the Methodist Church. His mother died on September 23, I916, at the age of sixty. Through his
paternal lineage he is the grandson of Andrew Minerd,
who engaged in the blacksmith's trade and served with
the Union forces during the Civil War.
Dr. Minerd attended the public schools of Dunbar
Boro and after completing his studies here matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh in which he secured his professional training and from which he was
graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree
in the class of I918. The same year he returned to
Connellsville and established himself in a practice
which he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and success. He is highly esteemed by his
colleagues and the general public and holds membership in numerous dental organizations, including the
American Dental Society, the Pennsylvania State Dental Society, the Odontological Society of Western
Pennsylvania, and the Fayette County Dental Society.
In conjunction with his calling Dr. Minerd has been
an active civic leader in his community and as a result of his public-spirited enthusiasm has been named
for important and responsible public office. Thus from
1930 to 1936 he occupied the office of mayor of Con178A NTNT AT C  nl[7  C'\TT9'TTIAT-L-cm,rr'rT-, lT                   T         T I 7 A -TT  A
nellsville, resigning during the latter year to assume
the post of county treasurer of Fayette County, which
he now occupies and will continue to occupy until
I940o.
In a social capacity he has been equally active, particularly in fraternal organizations. Dr. Minerd belongs to the King Solomon Lodge of the Free and
Accepted Masons in which he is a member of the
chapter, consistory, and the Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Pittsburgh.  He also fraternizes with the Connellsville
Lodge No. 301 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Aerie No. 493 of the Fraternal Order
of Eagles; Lodge No. I6 of the Loyal Order of
Moose; and the Junior Order United American Mechanics. He is affiliated with the Kiwanis Club of
Connellsville and through his military experience in
the Dental Department of the Medical Corps of the
United States Army, in which he held a commission of
first lieutenant and from which he was honorably discharged on December I6, I918, is identified with the
Milton L. Bishop Post of the American Legion, as
well as being an honorary member of the Veterans of
Foreign Wars. In religion he worships at the United
Brethren Church.
On October 5, I918, Dr. Minerd married Charlotte
H. Keffer of Connellsville, who died August 9, I936.
She was the daughter of George W. and Elizabeth
(Decker) Keffer. Dr. and Mrs. Minerd were the
parents of three children: I. Richard David, born August 29, I920. 2. Sarah Catharine, born April 12,
1923. 3. John Bain, born March 30, I933.
EVAN DALE FIELD-Ranked among the prominent attorneys and civic leaders of Fayette County is
the name of Evan Dale Field of Uniontown, who has
practiced in this section for nearly a quarter of a century and also taken an active interest in the coal and
coke industries here.
Mr. Field, whose Pennsylvania ancestry dates back
prior to the Revolutionary War, was born at Georges'ownship in Fayette County, August 27, 1874, the son
of Enos West and Priscilla Hopwood (McClelland)
Field, both natives of this county, the former from his
son's birthplace and the latter from Hopwood, South
Union Township. His father, who was born September 24, I83I, and died June I5, I920, was a carpenter
and contractor throughout his active career.  His
mother, born in I836, died on March 30, T89I, at the
age of fifty-five. On his paternal side, Mr. Field is
a great-grandson of James Field, who came to Fayette
County shortly after the Revolutionary War, engaged
in farming and married Mary Sturgis, whose father,
I  UKIUA  vhlN IN b Y LVA NIA                   I79
John Sturgis, had attained fame in the battles of Crown
Point and Ticonderoga in the aforementioned conflict.
Mr. Field received a general education in the public
schools of Georges Township, later attended the old
Georges Creek Academy and after teaching in the local
schools for two years completed his preparatory studies at the Bucknell Academy, then matriculated at
Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and
was graduated from this institution with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in the class of I899. He resumed his
teaching activities, serving as principal of the Clinton
High School in New Jersey for three years, and then
returned to Fayette County where he began to study
law. He was admitted to the Fayette County bar in
1903, and established himself in a practice which he
has since conducted with outstanding distinction and
success. He is licensed to practice before the Appellate and Federal courts of this region and as a lawyer
belongs to the Fayette County Bar Association and
the Pennsylvania State Bar Association.
Throughout his life he has been active in the business affairs of his surroundings, particularly the coke
and coal industries of Fayette County, and he is identified with an operation in the Indian Creek Valley.
Keenly appreciating his social and civic obligations,
Mr. Field has contributed generously and usefully to
community life. For some years he served as a member of the town council of Smithfield Borough, and has
long been a member of the board of education there.
He fraternizes with the local lodge of the Free and
Accepted Masons and through his ancestry is a member
of the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a liberal Republican in politics and in
his religious convictions worships at the Mt. Moriah
Baptist Church, in which he is also a member of the
Monongahela Valley Parish Council.
On December, I918, Mr. Field married May Frace
of Clinton, New Jersey, the daughter of Dr. J. M.
and Mary Jane (Alpaugh) Frace. Mr. and Mrs.
Field are the parents of one daughter, Elizabeth Frace
Field, born July 30, 1923.
SIDNEY RAY SHELBY-As a member of the
old Pennsylvania State Public Service Commission,
district attorney of Fayette County for one term and
prominent figure in the political life of Uniontown,
Sidney R. (S. Ray) Shelby, senior member of the
law firm of Shelby, Ray and Coloren, is listed among
the most influential figures in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Mr. Shelby was born in Dunkard Township, Greene
County, February I7, I875, the son of Sidney and
Abigail (Coombs) Shelby, the former a native of his
1-1 LN N A1-1'11 U J I,!)U  I ti w h  ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
son's birthplace and the latter of Stewartstown, West
Virginia. His father, who died in I879, engaged in
farming throughout his life.  After attending the
country schools of Greene County for two years Mr.
Shelby removed to Uniontown with his parents and
enrolled in the public schools of this community. Later
he completed this part of his education at the Redstone Academy and then matriculated at Washington and Jefferson College from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of
I9oo. The following fall he entered the Harvard Law
School, studied here for three years and then returned
to Fayette County where he was admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar on May 30, I905. The same year he
established himself in a general practice at Uniontown which he has conducted since. Since that time
he has earned the right to argue cases before the Appellate courts of Pennsylvania and the Supreme Court
of the United States. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association.
Practically since the outset of his career he has
been an important and influential figure in civic and political affairs throughout this territory. From I9o5
to 1909 he was a member of the Borough Council of
Uniontown, served as borough solicitor from IgIo to
I9I3, and was elected district attorney of Fayette
County in I9II, occupying this post for four years.
He was first appointed to the Public Service Commission of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by Governor William C. Sproul, on February I2, I919, and
was reappointed by Governor John S. Fisher on July
I, I926, serving continuously until April I, I937, when
the body was abolished by an act of the General Assembly.  This brief resume serves to indicate the
place he holds among his fellow-citizens as a leader.
Socially, Mr. Shelby is a member of the Unicntown
Country Club and fraternizes with Fayette Lodge,
No. 228, of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which
he is a member of the chapter, commandery and consistory, as well as the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs
to Lodge, No. 370, of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, is a Republican in politics and worships
at the Great Bethel Baptist Church. Fond of sports
he finds his principal recreations in the game of golf
and fishing.
On August 8, I918, Mr. Shelby married Frances
Ridgwav of Uniontown, and they are the parents of
one daughter, Lilia Kay, born April II, 1919.
ZADOCK SPRINGER FRANCIS-The Zed
Francis retail grocery store and restaurant of Uniontown is one of the most unique and outstanding establishments of its type in western Pennsylvania.  Its
founder, Zadock Springer Francis, who began his
career as a clerk and has been in business here for
well over a quarter of a century, has developed this
enterprise in accordance with the highest standards
and consequently has enjoyed a patronage that has
brought him both fame and fortune.
Mr. Francis was born at Woodside, Fayette County,
September II, i886, the son of Charles S. and Elizabeth (Springer) Francis, both of this county, the
former from New Salem and the latter from Uniontown. His father, who was born in I855, and died in
1933, was a carpenter by trade and engaged in the
contracting business. Both Mr. Francis's grandfathers, Levi Francis, a carpenter, and Zadock Springer,
a hardware merchant of Uniontown, served in the
Union Army during the Civil War.
Mr. Francis secured a general education in the public schools of Uniontown and after completing his
studies began his career in the retail grocery business
as a clerk for one of the local stores. He continued
here for five years and at the age of twenty started a
meat and grocery business of his own under the name
of "Zed" Francis.  The establishment was located
at the corner o,f Church and Main streets. A year
later he sold it, removed to Morgantown Street. was
there for a like period and then occupied quarters
at Main Street and Gallatin Avenue, where he was
to continue for approximately twenty years during
which time he added a restaurant to his retail business.
He came to his present location in I932 and has since
operated one of the finest food stores in the western
part of the State as well as a fine modern restaurant,
which seats one hundred and eighty-five patrons. In
the operation of this venture he employs a staff of
fifty-fi re people.
In his social and civic activities Mr. Francis is a
member of the Uniontown  Rotary  Club and fraternizes with Fayette Lodge, No. 228, of the Free
and Accepted Masons, in which he belongs to the chapter, commandery, consistory and the Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He is a Republican in politics and worships at the
Third Presbyterian Church.
In 9go6, Mr. Francis married Anna Rowland of
Uniontown, and the daughter oi Erldward and Sarah
(Hager) Rowland. Mr. and Mrs. Francis are the
parents of five children: I. Amedee H., who is associated with his father in business. 2. Elizabeth A.,
now the wife of Weyer Irvin of Uniontown. 3. Sarah
R., wife of Frank Jones. 4. Zed, Jr., who is also associated w'ith his fat;hler.  5. Paul S., manager of the
Paramount Theatre in Connellsville.
i8oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
WILLIAM HAMILTON MARTIN-A practicing attorney for nearly sixty years, most of which
period he has been active in Butler, William Hamilton
Martin is the dean of his profession in Butler County.
He is also one of the leading members of the county
organization of the Democratic party.
Born in Penn Township, Butler County, December
7, I858, William Hamilton Martin, is a son of John
and Rosana (Pryor) Martin. John Martin, who was
born in Clearfield Township, Butler County, in I817,
died in I879. He was, successively, a brick layer, a
stone mason and a general contractor. An active civic
leader, he served Butler County as treasurer for four
years, from  1852 to I855. Rosana (Pryor) IMartin,
his wife, was born in Jefferson Township, Butler
County, in I825 and died in 1897.  They were the
parents of eight children: I. James C. 2. Elizabeth
A. 3. Emma J. 4. Mary R. 5. William Hamilton. 6.
Margaret E. 7. John G. 8. Oliver M.
William Hamilton Martin, after passing through the
common schools of Penn Township, studied at Witherspoon Institute in Butler and then, for several years,
worked in the oil country near Petrolia and Karns
City for W. H. Hoffman and for the Reno Real Estate
Company of Petrolia a little later. By I878, Mr. Martin had determined that he would select the legal profession for his career and so, that year, he returned to
Butler to read law with Frank M. Eastman. In four
years, Mr. Martin completed his studies and, admitted
to the Pennsylvania bar on September 22, 1882, established himself in practice in Butler. Because of his
earlier experience in the oil fields, when the boom in
W'est Virginia opened in I888, he established himself
in Fairmont, West Virginia. However, a year later,
he returned to Butler, reorganized his practice and
has maintained his office in Butler ever since. Always
an active member of the Democratic party, Mr. Martin
has stood for office twice, but unsuccessfully.  In
1914, he was his party's candidate for the Pennsylvania Legislature, and in 1919 he was given the Democratic nomination for district attorney of Butler
County. He has been chairman of the county committee for ten years, and is now serving his fourteenth
year as a member of the State Committee and is a
candidate to succeed himself. In I936, however, Mr.
Martin was appointed Right of Way Supervisor in
the Pennsylvania Highway Department, an office in
which he is at present occupied. A member of St.
Paul's Evangelical Reformed Church of Butler, Mr.
Martin was a member of the church's Consistory Board
for many years.  Mr. Martin has also long been a
member of the Woodmen of the World and the Tribe
of Ben Hur.
William Hamilton Martin, married, September 22,
I88o, Lydia Charlotte Reed, daughter of George Washington and Harriet (Holiday) Reed of Butler. Mr.
and Mrs. Martin are the parents of six children: I.
Arthur Lynn, born September 22, I88I, of Los Angeles. He is a widower with two children. 2. Frank
Eastman, born March 4, I884, died at the age of nine.
2. Blanche Evelyn, married George Bowser of Dayton,
Ohio, and has two children: Jean and Frank. 4.
Winfield Meredith, born in May, I892, married Josephine Titley, and has two children: Phyllis and
Allan. 5. Grace Mildred, married Kenneth J. Lutz of
Butler, 6. Ruth Esther, married Melville Lorgan, and
has three children: Wilma, Donna and Melville, Jr.
BRUCE  FOSTER  STERLING-Extensively
engaged in the practice of law in Uniontown, Bruce
Foster Sterling has been a member of the Fayette
County bar since I896 and long has served his community and district in a variety of ways. He is recognized as a thoroughly public-spirited and civicminded individual, whose achievements have been at
once many-sided and useful.
Mr. Sterling was born September 28, 1870, in Masontown, Pennsylvania, son of Christian C. and Rebecca (Farmer) Sterling and member of an old and
honorable family. The Sterlings date back in Fayette
County to I820, and have at all times been active in
the development of this district and the furtherance of
its business interests. Christian C. Sterling, the father
of Bruce Foster Sterling, was born in I846 in Nicholson Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and
was for years a prominent merchant of Masontown.
He also served as sheriff of Fayette County, holding
that office from January I, I884, to I887. He died
April 27, I9I7. His wife, Bruce Foster Sterling's
mother, was born March 7, i850, in Nicholson Township, Fayette County, and died in October, I929.
The public schools of Masontown furnished Bruce
Foster Sterling's early education; later he attended
the State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania,
and Waynesburg College, taking his degree of Bachelor of Arts at Waynesburg in I894. In I895 he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws at the Law
School of the University of West Virginia. Reading
law with D. M. Hertzog, of Uniontown, he was admitted to the Fayette County bar in I896. Since that
time he has been continuously engaged in his professional practice here, and he is also eligible to practice
in the State Appellate and Federal courts.
In addition to carrying on his active practice, Mr.
Sterling takes an interest in the general affairs of his
profession, being a member of the Fayette County BarANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
on January 7, I936, was appointed to the office of
male probation officer in Fayette County, in which he
served until his resignation on February 15, 1937, at
which time he was appointed assistant district attorney. As an attorney he belongs to the Pennsylvania
State Bar Association and the Fayette County Bar
Association, and in his fraternal affiliations is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Connellsville Lodge
No. 503 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles. Through his military service Mr.
Brown is identified with the Milton L. Bishop Post,
No. 301, of the American Legion, and the Walter E.
Brown Post, No. 21, of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, named after his brother who was killed in action
during the Spanish-American War. He also belongs
to the Forty and Eight Society and through his paternal lineage is a member of the Fort Necessity Chapter
of the Sons of the American Revolution. Socially he
is affiliated with the Connellsville Kiwanis Club and
the Pleasant Valley Country Club. In his religious
convictions he adheres to the Roman Catholic faith
and worships at the Immaculate Conception Church
of that denomination.
On September 3, 1934, Mr. Brown married Virginia
Tulley, of Dunbar Township, and the daughter of
Michael and Lorena (Carney) Tulley. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown are the parents of two children: I. Arthur
Alexander, Jr., born June II, I935.  2. Margaret
Ellen, born September I8, 1937.
JOHN DAVIS-Characterized as the only employee in the service of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company who has been engaged for thirty-six
years continuously in one single district, John Davis
has been manager of the Connellsville district for this
company for more than a quarter of a century.
Mr. Davis was born on December 21, I878, in
Swansea, South Wales, son of William and Sarah
(Daniels) Davies (the original and proper spelling
of the name being "Davies"). His father, a native of
the same community in South Wales, was born in
1845, and died in May, I903. He was widely known
as a metallurgist. The mother was born in 184o at
Carmarthen, South Wales, and died in June, 1921.
The public schools provided the early education of
John Davis, who at the age of nine years became an
apprentice to an apothecary in his native district of
South Wales, so continuing for four years. Coming
then to the United States with his father, he was for
a time in Philadelphia with his parents, working for a
year in the Olney Rolling Mill, a subsidiary of the
Cramps Shipbuilding Company. Then he retnoved to
Baltimore, Maryland, where he was employed for
four years by the Baltimore Tin Plate Company. At
the end of that period he was for a year at Blairsville
as an employee of the Blairsville Tin Plate Company,
leaving that connection at the end of a year to accept
a position with the Humbert Tin Plate Company, a
new organization in South Connellsville. For four
years he remained associated with the Humbert company, but at the conclusion of that period he became
connected with the Amalgamated Association of Iron
Workers, the labor organization that controlled working conditions in the plant, becoming secretary of this
local union.
It was in 1902 that Mr. Davis turned to the insurance industry, being made an agent of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  In 1904 he became
assistant manager of the Connellsville office of this
organization, and ten years later he was made manager
of this district.  He has held the district managership down to the present, performing a work of great
value to his company and community and building up
for himself an enviable record of service.
Quite aside from this work, he has taken part extensively in the general business activities of his district.
He is a director and vice-president of La Premiata
Macaroni Company, of Connellsville; the Connellsville Building and Loan Association; the National
Bank and Trust Company of Connellsville; and the
Connellsville Board of Trade. A Republican in his
political views, he served for eight years as a school
director of South Connellsville. He is an active
worker with the Kiwanis Club and the Young lMen's
Christian Association, and is an associate member of
the American Red Cross. He received a citation from
the American Legion for Work performed for the
Legion, this being the second award of its kind made
in this Commonwealth. In spare time his favorite
recreations are those connected with music and literature, one of his principal interests being the choir of
the First Presbyterian Church of Connellsville. He
is not only director of the choir, but is also a trustee
of the church and one of its most active leaders. In
the Free and Accepted Masons he belongs to King
Solomon Lodge, No. 346, of Connellsville, and Royal
Arch Chapter, No. 283. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Life Underwriters.
In October, I895, John Davis married Gertrude
Jones, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, daughter of Edwin and Sarah (Russell) Jones. To this marriage four
daughters were born: I. Sarah, wife of Charles Carson, of Connellsville; they have a daughter, Ruth Ann
Carson. 2. Christine, wife of Franklin Mullinax, of
Savannah, Georgia; they became the parents of two
children, Franklin and Antoinette Mullinax. 3. Antoinette, wife of Alex Addie, of the city of Quebec,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association
and the American Bar Association. In his political
alignment he is a Democrat and he served in the
Pennsylvania State Legislature in I907. In I9I6 he
was elected to the United States Congress, at VWrashington, District of Columbia, from the Twenty-tiird
District, with the result that he served in the War
Congress. From I920 to I923 Mr. Sterling was chairman of the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee, and he has served as a delegate to seven national
conventions of his party. In I936 he became register
of wills and clerk of the Orphans' Court, serving as
court clerk for a four-year term.
The principles of fraternalism have found true expression in the life of Mr. Sterling, who is a member
of the Free and Accepted Masons and many of its
branches. He is affiliated with Fayette Lodge, No.
228, Union Chapter, No. I65, of Royal Arch Masons,
Uniontown Commandery, No. 49, of Knights Templar (Uniontown), Uniontown Lodge of Perfection,
Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a life
member of Lodge No. 370 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He worships in the faith of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and is one of his
congregation's active members, serving as president
of Ingles Class, the men's Bible class of the Asbury
Church of this denomination.
On December I4, I899, Bruce Foster Sterling married May Conner, of Masontown, Pennsylvania, daughter of Cyrus L. and Elmira (Allebaugh) Conner.
Three children were born to this marriage: I. Randolph F. 2. Robert B., associated with the National
Coal Commission in New Mexico. 3. May Sterling.
REV. JOHN BLAZIC-As pastor of St. Mary's
Roman Catholic Church, of Uniontown, the Rev.
John Blazic has performed a work of value and distinction, not alone for his church, but for the people
of this city and district of Western Pennsylvania.
Father Blazic was born October 9, I88I, at Novomesto, Jugoslavia, son of Frank and Mary (Riffle)
Blazic, both of whom are now deceased. The schools
of Novomesto, in his native land, provided the early
education of the Rev. John Blazic who, after he came
to this country, continued his studies in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was graduated from St. Paul Seminary
in the class of I9o8, and was ordained priest by
Archbishop John Ireland, in that same city. For
nine months after his ordination, he served as rector
of St. Rose's Church, at Bradenville, Pennsylvania,
being transferred at the end of that time to St. Mary's
Church, at Leckrone, Pennsylvania. There he served
for sixteen years as pastor, coming from that place to
his present charge, St. Mary's, of Uniontown. St.
Mary's was established in I903, and the present church
edifice was erected in I912.  The first pastor was
Father Francis Laush, who served for a year. He
was succeeded by the Rev. Francis Pribil, who was
pastor from 1904 to I908, and who was followed by
Father Francis Sebik. Father Sebik was pastor until
his death in I926, and was succeeded, in October of
that year, by Father John Blazic.
St. Mary's Church now has a membership of about
4,000 souls. St. Mary's School, started in 1914, has
an enrollment of one hundred and sixty children.
Father Blazic has done much to build up both church
and school, and has concerned himself with the encouragement of the parish societies and organized
groups. The political and civic life of his community
has likewise interested him, and he is a Democrat in
his political views. His service has been a manysided and useful one, and has brought him the love of
his own flock and the warm respect and affection of
the people of his community.
GEORGE  LANGE  In  his  varied  pursuits
George Lange, postmaster of Belle Vernon, has rendered this community singular service as a produce
dealer, merchant, business man and civic leader. A
native of this place, Mr. Lange has enjoyed a career
of outstanding success and is eminently qualified for
his present post, which he has occupied since I933.
Mr. Lange was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette
County, December 20, I874, the son of Henry and
Frances (Billiter) Lange, both natives of his birthplace where his father, who is now living in retirement, was a successful and prominent retail druggist,
hotel owner and farmer. His mother passed away in
I907. After a general education Mr. Lange began his
career with the Belle Vernon retail meat firm of
Lange and Pierce, which he was associated with between I8go and I892. Having acquired sufficient capital during this period, he established himself in a retail ice business which he operated under his own
name until I9O8. The latter year he entered the hotel
business here and for the next decade was to conduct
a hostelry that attracted wide patronage. It was in
I918 that he first became interested in the work of the
postoffice department. At that time he contracted for
the transportation of mail in this district and during
the ensuing twelve years acquired an experience that
was to fully equip him for his present undertaking.
By I932 he had been appointed acting postmaster and
the following year was named postmaster by President
i82ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Franklin D. Roosevelt. He has since served in this
capacity and conducted an administration which has
been marked for its efficiency and excellence.
The wide scope of his activities and his civic enthusiasm have characterized his interest in community
affairs. He has long been a leader of the local Democratic party, and for twelve years, between I920 and
I932, was a burgess in Belle Vernon. In his religious
convictions he adheres to the Roman Catholic faith
and worships at the St. Sebastian Church of this denomination.
In I896 AMr. Lange married Agnes McMahon of
Westmoreland County, and daughter of Alexander and
Ella (Dailey) McMahon. They are the'parents of
two sons: George, Jr., and Henry J.
CHARLES LOUIS MELENYZER-During a
long and distinguished career in Belle Vernon, Charles
Louis Melenyzer, owner of a funeral home here and
operator of a large furniture business, has become
one of the most widely known and successful business figures of this region, where he is also active in
social and civic affairs.
Mr. Melenyzer was born at Fallowfield Township,
Washington County, December 3, I89I, the son of
Charles L. and Stephanie (Van Gysegem) Melenyzer,
both deceased. His father, who resided in the aforementioned community throughout his life, engaged in
farming. Mr. Melenyzer attended the public schools
of his native community, later was a student at the
Rodgers School here, and completed this part of his
education at the Monessen High School. He then
matriculated at Ohio Northern University in Ada,
Ohio, where he studied for two years. At the expiration of this period he began his career with the Monessen real estate firm of Newcomer and Wolf, which he
was associated with from I9II to 1912. The latter
year he came to Belle Vernon and purchased the undertaking and furniture business owned by John Wilson. He changed the name of the establishment to
Chas. L. Melenyzer and since that time has conducted
these ventures with outstanding success, carrying a
full line of modern equipment. Under his able and
efficient management the enterprises have flourished to
such an extent that he has been able to expand his
operations from time to time. Thus in 1925 we find
him opening a retail furniture store in Charleroi,
Washington County, which is known as the C. L.
Melenyzer Company. This organization, which is
located at No. 3Io-12 Fifth Street in the aforemenLioned community, caters to a large and select clientele,
satisfying the wants of the most meticulous with modern, fine quality home furnishings, which include rugs,
ranges and a well stocked furniture department
Mr. Melenyzer, through the nature of his achievements and the active interest he has manifested in
social, civic and business affairs, is ranked as one of
the outstanding leaders of his surroundings. In addition to managing his own interests he is a member of
the board of directors of the First National Bank of
Charleroi, is a member and former president of the
Belle Vernon Chamber of Commerce, has been president of the Rostraver Township Board of Education
for eight years, formerly served on the council of
Belle Vernon and is a member of the Belle Vernon
Rotary Club. He is fond of outdoor sports and finds
his principal recreation in hunting.
Mr. Melenyzer is married and the father of one
daughter.
LESTER A. EVANS-For twenty years Lester
A. Evans has taught in the school system of Fayette
County, Pennsylvania, the past eight years of which he
has served as supervising principal and high school
principal in the community of Masontown, where he
is also active in social and civic affairs. Throughout
his career he has won recognition and distinction as a
successful and prominent educator, whose progressive
methods have advanced the standards of the institutions he has been associated with.
Mr. Evans was born in Muir, Schuylkill County,
May 5, I899, the son of Isaac Albert and Alice (Strawhecker) Evans, the former a native of Newtown and
the latter of her son's birthplace. His father, who
was born in 1864, and died on January 9, I934, was a
successful merchant in Muir throughout his life. His
mother, born in i868, died on February I, 1918. Mr.
Evans received the early part of his general education
in the public schools of Porter Township, later completed this part of his studies at the Reinerton High
School and then matriculated at the Kutztown State
Normal School, from which he was graduated in
1918. Later he attended the University of Pittsburgh
where he was awarded a degree of Bachelor of Arts
in I929, and a degree of Master of Education in 1932.
He began his career as a teacher and principal of
the elementary school in Redstone Township, Fayette
County, and a year later left to act in a similar capacity for the school at North Union Township, where
he was to continue for ten years. At the expiration
of this period he became supervising principal for the
schools of the Borough of Dunbar and in I930 came
to Masontown to assume his present post in which he
has served with distinction and success.
Aside from  his professional activities, Mr. Evans
has been very interested in the social and civic affairs
of his sutrroundings. He is a member of the Masoni83ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
town Rotary Club, is a Republican in politics and
worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which
he is assistant teacher of the Men's Sunday School
Class and has s6rved as a member of the church board.
Through his early American ancestry he belongs to
the Patriotic Order, Sons of America.
On May 12, 1925, Mr. Evans married Violet Wolfe,
of Grindstone, Fayette County, and the daughter of
Emory L. and Anna (Carter) Wolfe.
MICHAEL J. BRACKEN-One of the largest
and most prominent coal operators in Pennsylvania,
Michael J. Bracken, the third of his name in this
country, followed his forebears in playing a dominant
part in the civic, business and social life of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Michael J. Bracken was born in Gallitzin, February 26, 1879, son of Michael and Louisa (Christy)
Bracken. Michael Bracken, who was born in Johnstown, March 26, I83I, was the son of Michael Bracken who, born in Kings County, Ireland, in 1790, emigrated to America in 1825 at the age of thirty-five
settling first in Pittsburgh, and later moving to Johnstown, where he became one of the leading citizens of
the city. Michael Bracken, his son, first established
himself at the Viaduct, near Mineral Point, where he
resided until I864 when, after another residence in
Allegheny Township, Cambria County, he settled in
Gallitzin in 1872. He was regarded as one of the most
stuccessful business men in his section of Pennsylvania
and also as the leading citizen of his town. He started
his active career in I852, when he took a contract for
the laying of rails on the Portage Railroad. Three
years later, he established himself in the lumber business, a field in which he was to be both active and successful for fifty years, constructing, among other ventures, fully half of the houses in Gallitzin as well as
the school and opera house. Side by side with this
t;usiness, he operated a general store for a period
of ten years and, throughout his career he devoted
a great amount of time and energy to various details
of civic improvement, being a councilman for twelve
years and school director of Gallitzin Borough for
thirteen years.  Among other activities was his organizing of the Gallitzin Water Company in I899, of
which he was one of the largest stockholders, and his
promotion of the coal mining industry in which he was
prominent for his opening of the Black Diamond Mine
at Mineral Point.
Michael J. Bracken, after attending the parochial
schools in Gallitzin, entered the Indiana State Teachers' College, where he became one of the most active
and popular students, starring in both baseball and
tootball. After his graduation, he opened his career
by entering the engineering department of the Webster
Coal Company in Gallitzin, leaving that company to
become general superintendent of the Keystone Coal
and Coke Company, a large organization operating in
both Cambria and Indiana counties. After many years
of faithful service to the Keystone Company, he organized the Mineral Point Coal Company in I916 and
about five years later, the Argyle Coal Company, heading both enterprises as president. By 1922, when he
moved his residence to Johnstown, Mr. Bracken was
one of the most important figures in the Pennsylvania
c(oal industry, superintending properties located at Gallitzin, South Fork, Nettleton, Starford, Saxman, Dunlo
and Mineral Point. He also enjoyed the utmost confidence of his associates and competitors and, so great
was their esteem of his ability, integrity and loyalty
that they made him a director of the Central Pennsylvania Coal Producers' Association and the Eastern
Bituminous Coal Association, a younger organization
than the first and one which has been responsible for
the operators' participation in the Federal coal code
activities.  Although  Mr. Bracken's business life
was thus primarily concerned with coal properties, he
also headed o;ther enterprises, acting, among other responsible posts, as president of the Station Supply
Company of Gallitzin and being vice-president of the
B.  B. Motor Company of Johnstown, an enterprise in
which he was associated with his brother, Hayden
Bracken. Side by side with all this business activity,
Mr. Bracken never failed to respond to the need of any
worthy civic enterprise and, to many, he gave his time
freely. Two of his most outstanding civic concerns
were the American Red Cross and the better roads
movement in Cambria County. In the former organization, he was active as chairman of the Gallitzin
Chapter in I913 and I914, and when he moved to Johnstown he was the leader of many local drives for funds.
In recognition of this work, he was made a member of
the board of directors of the Johnstown Chapter.
Among other civic interests, Mr. Bracken was an incorporator of the Mercy Hospital, a member of the
board of managers of the Memorial Hospital, three
times president of the Sunnehanna Country Club, past
president of the Johnstown Rotary Club, director andvice-president of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, charter member and director of the Johnstown
Motor Club, organizer of the Good Roads Association,
member and director of the Cambria County Fair Association and the Ebensburg Fair organization. A
member of the Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania, Mr. Bracken belonged also to the Summit
Country Club of Cresson, the Bachelors' Club, the
I84ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Society of New York, the Pennsylvania
Athletic Club of Philadelphia and held life memberships in Altoona Lodge, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Johnstown Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose. A Catholic, Mr. Bracken worshipped
at St. Patrick's Church in Gailitzin and later, at the
Church of the Visitation in Johnstown. In recognition of his many services to his community, county and
State, in I926, Mr. Bracken received the honorary degree of Bachelor of Laws from St. Francis' College in
Loretto. Always a keen sportsman, Mr. Bracken in
his mature years became an ardent golfer, playing the
game regularly and often enjoying a match with
Charles M. Schwab on the steel executive's private
course on his estate near Loretto.
Michael J. Bracken married, April 2, I9O7, in St.
Patrick's Church in Gallitzin, Maria C. Conrad, daughter of William and Amanda (McIntosh) Conrad. Mr.
and Mrs. Bracken adopted a son: Paul J.
Michael J. Bracken died December 3, I933, in Altoona, his sudden passing coming as a severe shock to
his hosts of friends, admirers and associates throughout Pennsylvania. Few men were so greatly missed as
he: his enthusiasm and public spirit inspired everyone
who became associated with him; his high standards and
uncompromising honesty won him the respect and confidence of everyone; his career, so punctuated with accomplishments, was meaningful in its effects not only
upon the welfare and development of his community
but also upon the lives and happiness of every person
in any way related to him through family ties, business
association or civic enterprise. "He was happy in
what he did and, consequently, made others so."
RICHARD KEATING WRIGHT-To the
name of Richard Keating Wright of Masontown is
attached the unique distinction of being one of the
earliest automotive pioneers in Fayette County.
Nearly thirty years ago he established a motor car
agency in the aforementioned community, which he
has conducted uninterruptedly to the present under the
name of R. K. Wright. In conjunction with this
achievement he also has been an active leader in community affairs, serving in numerous official capacities
and being identified with several leading social organizations in this section.
Mr. Wright was born at Plymouth, October 8, I879,
the son of Benjamin and Annie (Keating) Wright, the
former a native of Nanticoke and the latter, of her
son's birthplace. His father, who was born in 185o,
died in September, I9Io, while his mother, born in
I849, passed away in I889. After a general education
in the public schools of Plymouth, Mr. Wright became
an apprentice in the carpenter and machinist trades,
later entering the employ of the H. C. Frick Coal and
Coke Company at Edinboro, which he was to be associated with for five years. He then went to Ronco,
and purchased a retail grocery store which he was to
own and operate under the name of R. K. Wright for
ten years.
At the expiration of this period, in I9IO, he came
to Masontown. He was among the early optimists of
the automobile era. In this vehicle he recognized unlimited possibilities and potentialities and he exhibited
his confidence by taking an agency for Ford cars in
Masontown. Until I936 he represented the Ford and
Lincoln automobiles in this city under the name of
R. K. Wright. During that year he took over the
Chrysler and Plymouth agency, which has since been
operated largely by his son, Thomas H. Wright, Mr.
Wright acting solely in an advisory capacity.
As to his prominence in the civic life of this community one has but to glance at Mr. Wright's record
to appreciate the contributions he has made to the
general welfare. For three four-year terms he served
on the Masontown Council, heading the body as president throughout. Prior to that time he had been road
supervisor of German Township between I9II and
I9I5, and in 1935 was elected a school director for a
period of six years, a board he now heads as president. Mr. Wright is a Republican in politics, fraternizes with the Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In I904 Mr. Wright married Deborah Lloyd, of
Wyoming, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Ebenezer
and AMary A. (Williams) Lloyd.  Mr. and Mrs.
Wright are the parents of four children: I. Lloyd A.,
who was graduated from Waynesburg College with a
Bachelor of Arts degree and is now a teacher at the
McClellandtown High School where he has been a
member of the faculty since 1928. 2. Thomas H., now
manager and operator of Wright's Plymouth and
Chrysler Garage in Masontown. 3. Marianna, a graduate of the California State Teachers College in
Washington County, who is now teaching in the
Masontown public schools. 4. Benjamin, who is a
student in the Masontown High School.
H. GILMORE PROVINS-Through his multifarious activities, H. Gilmore Provins, postmaster of
Masontown since 1935, has achieved distinction as one
of the leading social, business and civic figures of this
community and surrounding territory. Up to a comparatively recent date he had engaged in extensive coal
mining operations in Southwestern Pennsylvania, as
his father and grandfather had done before him. In
i85ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
fact the name of Provins is listed among the pioneer
operators of the State. Though Mr. Prolvins is no
longer active in the industry he still maintains interest in several properties. For the past decade he has
confined his efforts largely to the development of a
real estate business in Fayette and Greene counties
where he has large property holdings.
Mr. Provins was born in Fayette County, March 23,
I883, the son of Silas Writz and Elizabeth Ann
(Hague) Provins, also the parents of the following
children: Lola, Leanna, Sophia, Nancy, Millicent,
Ethel, Cecile, Frank, Playford, William, and Robert.
His father, a native of Dunkard Township in Greene
County and now deceased, owned extensive farming
interests, cultivating over one thousand acres of land.
Later he became interested in the development of coal
fields in Greene and Fayette counties and is listed as
one of the first men to engage in this activity. Mr.
Provins' mother, also deceased, was born in South
Union Township and was the daughter of John
Hague. Both families were early settlers in Pennsylvania.
After a general education in the public schools Mr.
Provins attended the University of West Virginia for
three years and then transferred to Ohio Northern
University at Ada, Ohio, where he studied for two
years. Finishing his schooling he joined his father
in the mining business and during the ensuing years
was to become part owner and executive in a number
of highly profitable coal mines. In this connection he
was general manager and part owner of the Greensboro Gas Coal Company and part owner of several
other properties in Masontown and vicinity. He continued in this work until 1928 when he virtually retired, disposing of most of his holdings. Since that
time he has engaged in the real estate business. In all
of his undertakings he has won the admiration of his
business colleagues for his ability, his integrity and
his success.
Throughout his career he has recognized his civic
obligations and taken a deep interest in the well-being
of his community. The nature of his contributions led
directly to his appointment as postmaster of Masontown by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February
15, I935, an office he has since occupied with distinction. He is a Democrat in politics and worships at
the Presbyterian Church.
In I9O8 Mr. Provins married (first) Cora Jane
Short, of Uniontown, who died May 4, I928. She was
the daughter of Nelson and Mary (Holland) Short.
By this marriage there were five children: Clement
G., Francis Allen, Philip Edison, and Silas Writz
and Hollis Dale, who are twins. Mr. Provins married (second), July 3I, I935, Lena May Griffith, of
Uniontown, the daughter of Frank and May (Fike)
Griffith.
HERBERT A. JOHNSTON-For thirty-five
years Herbert A. Johnston has been an undertaker and
funeral director at Masontown. He adopted this profession after some earlier experience in general business life and has served the Masontown district without interruption since that time.
Mr. Johnston was born in Shirley Township, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, on June 9, I877, a son
of Alexander and Margaret (Crouse) Johnston. His
father, who was a farmer, was born in Huntingdon
County in I85o and died in I88o. His mother, who
was also born in Huntingdon County in I857, is still
living.
Herbert A. Johnston was educated in the public
schools of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and at Waynesburg College, which he attended for three years. He
began his career as cost clerk for the firm of Booth
and Flynn at Pittsburgh, continuing in this connection
for one and a half years, after which he became bookkeeper for the Sharon Coke Company of Sharon. He
was employed at the Ronco Mines until I903, when
he became associated with his father-in-law, Thomas
N. Schroyer, of Masontown, and learned the undertaking business under his direction. Upon Mr. Schroyer's death in I907 Mr. Johnston took over his business and has since continued it under his own name.
He maintains a full line of modern equipment and has
served. his community both with efficiency and tactful
sympathy on all occasions when his aid has beetr
sought.
During his residence in Masontown, Mr. Johnston
has also been active in civic affairs and public life. He
was a member of the Masontown Borough Council
for four years, has been prominent in the Rotary Club
and has given prompt and effective support to all
worthy movements in the public interest. Fraternally
he is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, in
which he is a member and Past Master of Valley
Lodge, No. 453, and a member of the Scottish Rite
bodies of the Lodge of Perfection in Uniontown. He
is a trustee of Waynesburg College, which he attended
in his youth and has been interested in education and
the schools generally. Mr. Johnston is a member of
the Masontown Presbyterian Church, which he serves
as elder, and is a Republican in politics.
He married, on June 20, I903, Bessie T. Schroyer,
daughter of Thomas N. and Tobitha (Ramsay) Schroyer, of Masontown. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston have
three children: I. Kathryn, who was graduated from
i86ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Waynesburg College with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts, took her Master's degree at Pennsylvania State
College' and is now a teacher in the Masontown
schools. 2. Alberta, who married Fred M. Kimball,
of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. Thomas A.,
who is associated with the Accounting Division of the
United States Government at Washington, District of
Columbia.
JOHN FRANK KIKTA-Through his achievements and enterprise during the past fifteen years,
John Frank Kikta has become one of the most successful and popular business men and merchants in
the community of Masontown, where he operates a
large furniture store, is a founder and director of a
bank, and a leader in civic affairs.
Mr. Kikta was born in Czechoslovakia, December
2, I897, the son of Martin J. and Mary (Hanzalla)
Kikta, both natives of his birthplace. His father, who
was born in I869, came to the United States in I882,
settled in Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, and engaged in
mining, distilling and farming until he removed to
Winter Haven, Florida, where he now conducts a
prosperous mercantile business. At the age of three
Mr. Kikta was brought to this country by his parents,
who settled in Masontown. He spent his boyhood in
this community and received a general education in
the public schools. After finishing his studies he secured a position as sales representative for the Singer
Sewing Machine Company, which he was to be associated with for ten years. At the end of this time he
determined to enter business for himself and purchased the Hempstead property on Main Street, which
included a retail music business.  He operated this
venture under his own name until I930, when he converted the establishment into a furniture store, now
one of the finest and most modern of its type in this
vicinity. His progress may not only be measured in
the financial success he has come to enjoy but also by
the physical growth of his store, which when he took
it over was a room fifteen by eighteen feet. Today he
has enlarged his facilities, operating on two floors
which gives him a floor space of forty by one hundred
and sixty feet.  Mr. Kikta, a progressive business
man, has maintained a modern outlook in all of his undertakings, a characteristic which is revealed in the
complete line of modern furnishings he carries. Having
grown up in and with the town, so to spealc, Mr.
Kikta has been alive to its needs and promoted ideas,
movements and institutions that have proved of distinct benefit, among them the Second National Bank
of Masontown, in which he is listed as one of the organizers and for which he served as a member of the
board of directors for several years. Despite the burden of business affairs he has found time to devote to
the social and civic life here. He is a burgess of the
community, belongs to Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
worships at the All Saints Roman Catholic Church in
Masontown. In his social affiliations he is a member
of the Nemacolin Country Club of Belleville, where he
indulges in the game of golf, one of his favorite sports.
He is also fond of hunting and fishing.
On January 28, I918, Mr. Kikta married HIelen
Bandish of Republic, and the daughter of John and
Mary (Legat) Bandish. Mr. and Mrs. Kikta are the
parents of four children: Robert Martin, Eleanor
Jane, Dolores Helen, and Ruth Ann.
RALPH CLIFFORD OPPERMAN, M. D.Dr. Ralph Clifford Opperman is numbered among the
popular physicians of this locality, with an established
reputation of high professional standard. Dr. Oppernlan was born at Connellsville, September I6, I900,
tihe son of Charles and Margaret Ellen (Clifford)
Opperman. Charles Opperman is a native of Saarbrficken, Germany, and came to the United States in
I88r. He is a retired coal operator.
I)r. Opperman is a product of the Redtown Townshi;l) public schools and the Uniontown High School.
Hi! attended the University of Pittsburgh, and later
recv.ived his degree of Doctor of Medicine from the
Jeli'erson Medical College in I923. The following year
wa; devoted to the serving of his interneship at the
Pittsburgh Hospital. In I924 he embarked upon his
active career, establishing an office in Republic for
the general practice of medicine. He has remained in
the community ever since, a testimonial of the satisfactory manner in which he has administered to the needs
of the populace.
He is a Roma:n Catholic, and a follower of the
Democratic party. He is a member of Brownsville
Lodge, No. I344, of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Rotary Club. He also holds
membership in the Theta Nu Epsilon, and Omega
Epsilon Phi fraternities.
In 1924 he married Dorothy Barnett, of Pittsburgh,
who died June 20, I929. She was the daughter of
Luke and Margaret (Hughes) Barnett. Dr. Opperman has since remarried, his present wife being the
former Mrs. Elizabeth (Dean) Molton, daughter of
Henry and Margaret (Hunter) Dean.
CHESTER  LYNN   EVANS-Following  the
earlier years of his career, which he devoted to various business pursuits, Chester Lynn Evans established
the Republic Garage, at Republic. in I926. He has
i87ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
since successfully operated this enterprise and serves,
in addition, as agent for Plymouth and Dodge cars in
the Republic district.
Mr. Evans was born on October 25, I890o, in Spring
Hill Township, Fayette County, son of Lewis Edward
and Emma Mae (Crow) Evans. He is a grandson of
Jesse Evans and is descended on both sides of his
family from early pioneer settlers of Fayette County.
The Crows, his mother's people, originally came from
Holland, locating at Crows Mill, bordering Spring
Hill and Nicholson townships, Fayette County. William Crow, one of this family, served in the Pennsylvania State Senate, and its members have always been
active and influential in the life of Fayette County.
By virtue of his descent from early patriots, Chester
Lynn Evans is eligible to membership in the Sons of
the American Revolution, and his sister has become a
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Lewis Edward Evans, their father, who is still living,
was born in Spring Hill Township, Fayette County, in
I859. He has been a farmer during his active career.
Emma Mae (Crow) Evans, the mother, was also born
in Spring Hill Township in 1859 and died in March,
I937.
Chester Lynn Evans was educated in the public
schools of Spring Hill Township, in Point Marion
High School and Douglas Business College, Uniontown. He obtained his first employment with the
Pittsburgh Life and Trust Company, in whose service
he spent one year, and afterward was associated for
two years with the Frick Coal Company, acting as
supply clerk at Fairchance. At the end of this time
he entered the employ of the Richmond Radiator Company of Uniontown and for three years was production and order department manager. Next he became
connected with The W. J. Rainey Coal Company as
chief clerk at their Allison Mine. After nine years he
resigned to enter business for himself and at that time
established the Republic Garage, which he has operated since 1926. He maintains a complete garage service and has developed a profitable business in the
decade or more since he first established this enterprise. Mr. Evans is sole owner. Until I933 he held
the Ford agency for this district, but since the latter
year he has been local dealer for Plymouth and Dodge
cars. In the various departments of his business he
emDlo_vs fourteen people.
Mr. Evans has also been active in the general life
of his community. He has been a member and secretary of Redstone Township School Board since T933
and is otherwise influential in township affairs. He is
prominent fraternally in Brownsville Lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Junior
Order of United American Mechanics and the Free
and Accepted Masons, in which latter order he is a
member of Lodge No. 6o; Brownsville Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons; and the Lodge of Perfection, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, at Uniontown. Mr. Evans
is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He married, on September 30, I9i6, Nellie Sidwell,
of Point Marion, daughter of Henry Sidwell and
Alice (Warman) Sidwell. Mr. and Mrs. Evans
have three children: I. Margaret Alice, who married
Edward Fowler, of Republic, and has one child, Janet
Lynne. 2. Lewis Sidwell, now a student in high
school. 3. Charles Edward, also a high school student.
DR. ALEXANDER M. DUFF-With an honorable career of more than thirty-five years in the
practice of medicine, Dr. Duff, of Republic, continues
a broad professional activity, and is held in high
esteem by the people of this locality.
Dr. Alexander M. Duff was born in Pittsburgh,
December I, I876, the son of Thomas L. and Elizabeth (McGill) Duff, both natives of Pittsburgh.
Thomas L. Duff, an horticulturist, died in I877, but
his wife is still living, although she has already passed
her eighty-second birthday.
Dr. Duff attended the Pittsburgh public schools,
and then Western University for three years. Afterward he enrolled in the Western Pennsylvania Medical College (now the University of Pittsburgh) and
was graduated in I9go with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine. He began the general practice of medicine
in Pittsburgh, the same year, and continued here until
I9o6, when he transferred the scene of his activities to
his present site, where he has enjoyed long years of
outstanding success.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is
prominent in Republican affairs. He has always interested himself in civic and fraternal activities, and
was a member of the Redstone Township School
Board for four years. He is a member of the County,
State and American Medical associations, the local
Rotary Club, the Free and Accepted Masons, and both
the Sigma Epsilon and Phi Rho Sigma fraternities.
In I900 he married Edna Carr, of Uniontown,
daughter of John D. and Amanda (Cook) Carr. Dr.
and Mrs. Duff are the parents of three sons: I. John,
a graduate of Kenyon College in Ohio where he received both degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master
of Arts, and later of New York University, where he
earned his degree of Doctor of Philosophy, and where
he is now a member of the faculty. 2. Dr. Alexander,
Jr., also a graduate of Kenyon College, with the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Srience.
I88ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, wit
the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and at present
practicing physician in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Donald T. Duff, a student at New York University
DR. ROBERT ARGYLE SPHAR-Havin
been engaged in the general practice of medicine an
surgery in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, throughout h
lengthy career, Dr. Robert Argyle Sphar has gaine
a notable reputation in this area, and is regarded 2
(I leading and respected member of his profession. B
was born at Roscoe, Washington County, March I
I88I, the son of Henry C. and Hannah (McElhiney
Sphar. Henry C. Sphar, born in Washington Count:
February 4, I844, was active in the farming industr;
and was a member of the Republican party. His wii
was born in Armstrong County, in October, I844.
Dr. Sphar attended the public schools of Roscoe an
the California State Normal School at Californi;
Pennsylvania. He later enrolled at the Medico Chirur
gical College, Department of Pharmacy, and received
Graduate in Pharmacy degree in I903. He obtained h
Doctor of Medicine degree in I9IO, and immediate]
afterwards, established his present practice in Brown,
ville. For the past fifteen years he has been exter
sively engaged in industrial surgery, and is divisio
surgeon for the H. C. Frick Coke Company, W.
Rainey Coal Company and J. H. Hillman Coal an
Coke Company.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a
active Republican, and is connected with the Washing
ton County, and Pennsylvania State Medicial societie
and the American Medical Association. He is affiliate
with the Free and Accepted Masons, and the Ancier
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and has at
tained the Thirty-second Degree of Ancient Accepte
Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Chambe
of Commerce and the Nemacolin Country Club.
He was married at Mount Pleasant, in I919, 1
Sadie A. Eaton, born February I8, 1892, the daughtc
of James, a native of Scotland, and Sadie (Ramsay
Eaton, a native of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. D
and Mrs. Sphar are the parents of four children:
Robert, born October 2, I922. 2. Elizabeth Ann, bor
December 23, I927. 3. Helen, born May 14, I929.
William, born June 6, I932.
GEORGE HENRY BORTZ--Since his arriva
in Uniontown in I903 George Henry Bortz has bee
identified in various capacities with the coal and cok
industry in this locality. He was born near Greens
burg, Westmoreland County, February Io, I879, th
th  son of Henry George and Emma (Fortney) Bortz.
a   Henry  George Bortz, a native of Westmoreland
3.  County engaged in farming and later became interested in carpentry work. He died July 5, 1925, at the
age of seventy-five years. His wife who was born in
Pleasant Unity, Pennsylvania in I852, is still living
id  and resides in Greensburg.
George Henry Bortz attended the Westmoreland
5s  County public schools and a local business school, but
temporarily discontinued his studies to assist his father
as  in the operation of his farm. In I895 he entered the
[e  employ of the Sewickley Supply Company, as a clerk,
0~  but after one year, moved to Mount Pleasant, and ber)  came associated with the Union Supply Company and
Y,  the Mount Pleasant Supply Company, dealers in retail
Y,  merchandise. He remained here for two years, and
fe  then returned to Greensburg, where he took a two
years' business course at the Leech Business School.
id  He then entered the employ of the Reese-Hammond
a,  Fire Brick Company at Bolivar, Pennsylvania, as clerk
r-  and stenographer, and remained there until I901, when
a  he secured a position as shipping clerk for the Nais  tional Steel Company at Marguerite, Pennsylvania.
ly  The following year he was transferred to the division
s-  superintendent's office as clerk and stenographer at
n-  Pleasant Unity, and in 1903 came to Uniontown as
)n  bookkeeper and clerk in the coal and coke brokerage
J.  offices of F. C. Van Dusen. Upon the death of Mr.
[d  Van Dusen in 1904 Mr. Bortz purchased the business,
and with W. A. Stone formed a partnership, known
m   as the W. A. Stone and Company, dealers in coal and
g coke, and this company operated until I925, when the
s,  partnership was dissolved, and since then Mr. Bortz
d  has operated coal mines in Westmoreland County and
It  numerous coke plants under his own name, and that
t-  of the Bortz Coal Company, which he owns.!d    He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a
ar  loyal Republican, a member of the Uniontown Country Club, and a well-known figure in Masonic circles,
to  being affiliated with Fayette Lodge, No. 228, Free and
er  Accepted Masons, the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection,
the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
I the Mystic Shrine, and the Chapter and Commandery,
*n  Knights Templar of Uniontown. As a surcease from
his business activities, he occasionally indulges in his
favorite sporting activities, hunting and fishing.
He was married September 3, I9o6, to Pamilla Russell De Forest, of Fairchance, Pennsylvania, daughter
1l  of Benjamin and Jane (Saul) De Forest, and they are
n   the parents of three children: I. Dorothy, a graduate:e  of Sweet Briar College with the degree of Bachelor
3-  of Arts in I929; married to J. Graham Davis, of East
ie  End, Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of one son.
i8qANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
J. Graham Davis, Jr. 2. Eleanor, a graduate of
Weylister School for Girls at Milford, Connecticut,
married to William R. Thompson, of Washington,
Pennsylvania. 3. George Henry Bortz, Jr., born January 29, I920.
ROSS STANLEY MATTHEWS-Having been
admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in May, I905, Ross
Stanley Matthews has been a practicing attorney in
Connellsville throughout his legal career, and his
offices are still located in the same building where he
began his practice, thirty-two years ago.
Mr. Matthews was born in Wharton Township,
Fayette County, June 21, I878, the son of Tohn and
Josephine (Meyers) Matthews. John Matthews who
was born in Selbysport, Garrett County, Maryland, in
I85I, and was a farmer and school teacher during his
lifetime. He died January 4, 1928. His wife a native
of Markleysburg, Pennsylvania, is still living and resides in her natal town.
Ross Stanley Matthews received his early education
in the public schools of Henry Clay Township and
Markleysburg, and was later graduated from Central
State Teachers' College at Lock Haven. After one
year at Dickinson Law School at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he was admitted to the bar, and became associated with E. C. Higbee, in the firm of Sterling, Higbee and Matthews. In I929 the firm became known
as Higbee, Matthews and Lewellyn, with an extensive
law practice in this section of the State. On November
2, I937, Mr. Matthews was elected judge of the Orphans Court, for a ten-year term beginning January I,
I938.
Mr. Matthews is a well-known Democrat, and
served for six years on the Connellsville School Board.
He is also active in civic affairs and is a member of
the Rotary Club and the local Board of Trade, and
also the County and State Bar associations. He has
also gained high distinction in the Masonic Order,
being Past Master of King Solomon Lodge, No. 346,
Free and Accepted Masons, Past Thrice Potent Master of the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Past High
Priest of Connellsville Chapter, No. 283, Royal Arch
Masons, Past Commander of the Uniontown Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar, and in addition,
he has passed through the Scottish Rite and attained
the thirty-second degree in the Consistory.
He was married October 8, I9o8, to Margaret Allen
of Uniontown, daughter of William and Mary (Claybaugh) Allen, and they are the parents of one daughter, Helen, a graduate with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts from the University of West Virginia.
J. HARRY JOHNSTON AND SONS-The
Johnston family has long figured prominently in the
affairs of Uniontown, where John H. (J. Harry)
Johnston settled in I879. He became an outstanding
member of the business community, and for years was
recognized as such in the wide circle of his acquaintance. His sons, Daniel Guy and Charles Harold Johnston, have faithfully carried forward his work and have
done everything in their power to maintain the family
tradition of service and achievement. John Harry
Johnston represented the third, and his sons represent
the fourth, generation of the family in America, the
line of descent being as follows:
(I) John Johnston, the immigrant ancestor of the
line in America, was born in Scotland, and there
learned the trade of cabinetmaker. After coming to
the United States, he also took up undertaking, settling
in Somerset County, Pennsylvania,, in the town of
Berlin. He successfully carried on his business there,
becoming one of the town's substantial citizens.
(II) William H. Johnston, his son, was born in
Somerset County, and died at the age of fifty-eight
years. He learned the blacksmith's trade, which he
followed until the outbreak of the Civil War. In that
conflict he served as a private in Company G, 54th
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He suffered a severe wound, which left him in such a disabled
condition that he was never again able to carry on the
work of his trade. He was a Democrat in his political
views and a member of the German Reformed Church.
He married Louisa Schrock, a native of Somerset
County. Their children were the following. I. Ella,
wife of Conrad Baker, of Berlin, Pennsylvania. 2.
John H. (J. Harry), of further mention  3. Charles,
now deceased. 4. Elizabeth, wife of Asa J, Rogers, of
Uniontown. 5. Frank, United States recruiting officer.
6. Joseph, now deceased. 7. Anna, deceased. 8. Emma,
twin of Anna, also deceased. 9. Charles, deceased.
IO. William, deceased.
(III) John H. (J. Harry) Johnston, second of the
children listed above and the man whose name heads
this review, was born in Berlin, Somerset County,
Pennsylvania, on May I8, i86o. He studied in the
public school of Berlin, there continuing his residence
until he reached his twentieth year. He became a
cabinetmaker and also an undertaker under the instruction and guidance of his grandfather. In I879 he
came to Uniontown, here entering the employ of William A. Mouck, an undertaker, and continuing for six
years. A few years later, about I885, he bought Mr.
Mouck's interest in the enterprise, continuing the business for three years at Broadway and Peter Street,
where the Second National Bank Building now stands.
IgoA NTNT AT q  (Y?  QCT TTLrl7iTr' cT T'1TP  hXT  3UTTT           T T A-XTT A
Later he took up his quarters in Main Street, soon
afterward buying the property at No. 23 Main Street.
Skillful as a cabinetmaker, he always made the burial
caskets used in the undertaking department of his firm
in the early days of the business. He was a graduate
of the United States School of Embalming, of New
York City, and was thoroughly cognizant of all the
aspects of funeral direction. He also conducted his
own private livery stable in connection with his undertaking business, furnishing the necessary equipages for
funerals and other occasions.
Along with his other work, Mr. Johnston acquired
extensive real estate interests.  He was one of the
substantial citizens of Uniontown.  He particularly
enjoyed the raising of poultry, and his pens of singlecomb minorcas took the ribbon at the Pittsburgh poultry show, the State Fair and wherever they were
exhibited. A man of many interests and activities, Mlr.
Johnston was a Republican in his political views,
though he never took a very active part in public
affairs. He was one of the organizers and for twentyseven years a member of the St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, of which his wife and family were also communicants. He held active memberships in the Funeral Directors' Association of Pennsylvania and other
business and social groups, and was a leader in the
work of the Free and Accepted Masons.
John Harry Johnston married, on September I8,
I884, Arabella Fisher, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Heffley) Fisher, of Berlin, Pennsylvania. Their
children were: I. Daniel Guy, of further mention. 2.
Charles Harold, also of further mention.
The death of J. Harry Johnston occurred on June
25, I934, and was an occasion of deep sorrow in every
circle in which he was known, for his accomplishments
had been manifold and worth while. He will be long
and affectionately remembered by all whose privilege
it was to know him, and his influence will be a continuing force for good, even as it was during his lifetime.
(ITV-A) Daniel Guy Johnston, the elder of the two
sons of J. Harry and Arabella (Fisher) Johnston, was
born March 28, I886. He received his early education
in the public schools, and later was a student at Uniontown High School and the Renouard Training School
for Embalmers, in New York, from both of which
institutions he was graduated. Becoming associated in
business with his father, he became a prominent figure
in the undertaking firm of the family, which, with his
entry into it, came to be known as J. Harry Johnston
and Son. He was active in bringing about the removal of the firm to its present quarters about 1927,
when the present mortuary was built.
In addition to his other activities, Daniel Guy Johnston is a member of the National Selected Morticians
3xI pnfl  rtlNlND` YLVANINA                       9II
and the Allegheny County Funeral Directors, Pennsylvania Funeral Directors and National Funeral Directors associations. In the Free and Accepted Masons, he is connected with Laurel Lodge, No. 65I,
Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, the Knights Templar
Commandery, and Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
Mr. Johnston married Flora Hagan, daughter of
Isaac N. and Arabella (Bunting) Hagan, of Uniontown.
(IV-B) Charles Harold Johnston, brother of Daniel
Guy Johnston, was born December 27, I892, and became a student in the public schools of Uniontown, his
birthplace. Here he was graduated from high school;
graduated from Eckels School of Embalming, Philadelphia, in I913, whereupon he started work with his
father in the undertaking business in I913, continuing
it until I917. During the World War period he was
in the service of his country, serving with the American Expeditionary Forces as a member of the Air
Service. He enlisted on June 27, I917, at Columbus,
Ohio, and served overseas for thirteen months with the
rank of first-class sergeant until he was honorably discharged at Camp Upton, New York, on December 3I,
I918. Returning then to his business in Uniontown,
he resumed his activities here, and here he has remained down to the present, a member of the firm of
J. Harry Johnston and Sons.
Along with his purely business activities, he has
concerned himself to an important degree with the
work of civic, social and fraternal groups. In the
Free and Accepted Masons he is connected with
Laurel Lodge, No. 65I, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In the American
Legion he belongs to Lafayette Post, No. 5I. Long a
member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, he was a
member of the church council in I937.
Charles Harold Johnston married, on June 9, 1920,
Leona McMaster, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Nellie (Patterson) McMaster. Four
children were born to them: I. Dorothy Arabelle, on
March 7, 1921. 2. J. Harry, 2d, on April 3, 1922. 3.
Elinor Jean, on March 6, 1923. 4. Marian Leona, on
November 27, 1926.
DR. JAMES EMMETT Van GILDER-As a
practicing physician in Uniontown for more than
twenty years, Dr. James Emmett Van Gilder is a wellknown and highly respected member of his profession.
He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, September 9, I889, the son of Joseph H. and Belle (Kerr)ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Van Gilder, both deceased. Joseph H. Van Gilder,
also born in Morgantown, November ii, I863, was
engaged as a drayman, at the time of his death in
I934. His wife, a native of Buchanan, West Virginia,
died in I933.
Dr. Van Gilder attended the Uniontown schools,
graduating from the high school in I9o8. He then
entered Jefferson Medical College, where he received
his degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9I2. After serving an interneship of two years at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City, he entered into the general
practice of medicine in Uniontown in July, I914, and
has ever since faithfully and efficiently ministered to
the people of this locality.
He is an active member of the Third Presbyterian
Church and is a supporter of the Democratic party.
He is associated with the County, State and American
Medical associations, and has been on the staff of
Uniontown Hospital since I9I7. He is also connected
with the local Rotary Club and the Uniontown Country Club, and is an ardent devotee of golf and fishing.
He was married in I917 to Angela Cole of Pelham
Manor, New York,! daughter of John and Margaret
Cole, and they became the parents of two children: I.
James Emmett, Jr., born February I, I9I8, now a
student at the Wharton School of the University- of
Pennsylvania. 2. John F. Van Gilder, born August
25, 1921, now a junior in the Uniontown High School.
Mrs. Van Gilder died October 3I, 1925, and Dr. V\an
Gilder was remarried June I, I927, to Margaret Stafford, of Brownsville, daughter of Dewitt and Alice
(Powell) Stafford.
WADE TURNEY KLINE-Son of a distinguished father and directly descended from sturdy pioneers who were among the first settlers of VArestern
Pennsylvania, Wade Turney Kline of Greensburg has
continued the family traditions, serving his Nation as
an officer on the Mexican border and in the World
War, and serving his State and city as an attorney
and public-spirited citizen.
Wade Turney Kline was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland County, on April I, 1877, a son of Silas A.
and Elizabeth (Baer) Kline. Silas A. Kline, the eldest son of Lewis and Catherine (Cort) Kline, established himself in his chosen profession of the law with
difficulty. He won his way to the bar by obtaining an
adequate legal education despite many adverse circumstances. However, as is often true, the discipline
acquired by mastering difficulties endowed Silas A.
Kline with such outstanding qualities of character and
sympathy that he rapidly won both a very high position in his profession and the esteem of both his fellow-attorneys and the citizens of his city and county.
No contemporary member of the Westmoreland bar
was more highly regarded than Silas Kline. And few
lawyers of the county have practiced for so longSilas Kline began practice in May, 187I, and continued active until a few days before his death on February I2, I930, fifty-nine years. Although he was a
very active member of the Democratic party and enjoyed a large following, he did not, to any marked
degree, seek public office. In his early life he was
attached to the sheriff's office and he did serve two
terms as district attorney-but that was all. He was
content with being one of the leaders of his party.
During his young manhood, he was a member of the
German Reformed Church at Manor, Westmoreland
County, but, on taking up residence in Greensburg in
I878, he joined and became a strong supporter of the
First Reformed Church of that city. On January I,
I875, Silas A. Kline married Elizabeth Baer, daughter
of Adam and Mary (Rumbaugh) Baer, of Greensburg. They were the parents of three children: I.
Wade Turney, born April I, I877. 2. George Plumer,
born June 29, 1878. 3. Bessie M., born December 8,
I880.
The first recorded member of the Kline family in
America was Peter Kline, of Swiss origin. Settled
on a farm near Millersburg, Pennsylvania, he had
three sons. Only one, however, grew to manhood. He
was John Kline, the eldest. Although the neighborhood is described as having been a stronghold of
Tories, John Kline enlisted on April 8, 1776, as a
private in the company of Captain Peter Grubb, Jr.
John Kline served throughout the war, being with
Washington on Long Island and at Valley Forge.
During the closing period of the war he was in charge
of a detachment of troops charged with the task of
gathering food for the Continental Army. After the/
war closed, John Kline returned to his father's farm
and settled down to exchange his sword for a plough
but his Tory neighbors soon made it clear that he was
not wanted in the neighborhood. No open assault was
made-but the Kline fences were torn down, their
cattle stolen and crops burned in the field. Unwilling
to continue in this manner, the Kline family packed up
and determined to migrate into the then magical region of Kentucky. The choicest possessions of the
family were laden upon a string of pack-horses and
the trail over the mountains was undertaken. However, Peter Kline and John lost their way. Instead of
reaching Fort Pitt they came, after many adventures
in the almost pathless wilderness to the settlement of
Manor, in what is now Westmoreland County. There,
the Klines were told that the Indians were again ravaging the frontier and the Klines decided to settle near
Manor.  A  choice homestead was selected in the
I92Nf I E      J a_L VV V_
"Painter Improvement" and the laborious task of
making a new home begun. Peter sold his horses and
set himself up at his old trade, that of a weaver. In
addition, he soon established himself as a conveyancer
of titles. This work involved many trips to what was
then the very distant city of Philadelphia. The trail
was both difficult and dangerous, and from one of these
trips, Peter Kline never returned.
John Kline, the soldier, cleared himself a farm and
built the first log cabin in what is now Adamsburg.
He married Nancy Baughman, of Hagerstown, Maryland.  They were the parents of eleven children:
Henry, Joseph, Jacob, George, John, Lewis, Isaac,
Elizabeth, Catherine, Sarah, and Susanah.
Lewis Kline was the ancestor of Wade Turney
Kline. I.ewis, who was both a carpenter and a farmer,
settled in Boquet, Penn Township, and married Catherine Cort. They were the parents of: Silas A., father
of Wade Turney; Edward C.; Franklin J.; Daniel
L.; Ab T.; Sidney; Margaret; Cynthia; Ida; Amanda,
and Jennie.
Wade Turney Kline, after passing through the
Greensburg public schools, studied at Mercersburg
Academy and Dickinson College. After reading law
in his father's office, he was admitted to the bar in
1905 and associated himself with his father and brother,
George. When twenty-five, Wade Turney Kline enlisted in Company I, Ioth Infantry, Pennsylvania
Militia, December 28, I9OI. On January I2, I903, he
was commissioned a second lieutenant and on March
28, I904, he was made a first lieutenant. His captaincy
came on July 3, I905, and he was re-commissioned in
I9IO and I9I5. On July 2, Captain Kline was called
to service with his regiment on the Mexican border
and then, two years later, on July 25, I917, he was
called into the Federal Service, his captain's commission in the United States Army being reissued on
August 5, I9I7. Captain Kline was assigned to command of Company I, I Ioth Infantry, and sent to
France. After considerable active service, on July
28, I919, he was wounded at Ourcq River. Then followed a year and eight days in army hospitals in
France and, later, in the United States. Finally, on
August 5, I919, he was discharged from the service.
Captain Kline has continued his interest in military
matters, however, especially through veterans' organizations. He is a member of the Society of the 28th
Division, of the Disabled Emergency Officers of the
World War, of the Military Order of Foreign Wars
of the United States, and a charter member of Post
No. 318, American Legion, of which unit he has been
commander since I929. Other organizations to which
Mr. Kline belongs include: Greensburg Lodge of
Elks, Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club, Metropolitan
Jo I ll lN 1I  iN N  ~  X v laU 1n              193
Club of Pittsburgh, William Penn Club of Greensburg,
and the Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, of which latter society he is presidert.
In August, I907, Wade Turney Kline married
(first) Jennie A. Sweeny, of Apollo. She died November I, I9I9. On October Io, I929, Mr. Kline married (second) Katharine Permar, of Jeannette. By
his first marriage, Mr. Kline has had two children: I.
Esther Elizabeth, born June, i908, died March I2,
I9I4. 2. Isabelle Sweeny, born May 4, I9I3.
DR. CHARLES CALVIN RYAN-In Republic, Pennsylvania, Dr. Charles Calvin Ryan has devoted his entire career in the medical profession to the
service of the people of this vicinity. He was born in
Waynesburg, July 6, I889, the son of the Rev. William
M. and Elizabeth (Rush) Ryan. The Rev. Mr. Ryan,
a native of Washington County was a clergyman of
the Baptist Church at the time of his death.
Dr. Ryan received his early education in the public
schools, and graduated from the Uniontown High
School in I9O8. He attended the University of West
Virginia Medical School for two years, and then the
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, receiving
his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912. He spent
his period of interneship at the Pittsburgh Hospital,
and afterwards established his practice in Republic, remaining here ever since, where he is held in high regard by all who have come in contact with him. During
the World War he served for one year overseas with
the British forces, and was wounded at Bapaume,
France, August 29, I918. He received his honorable
discharge February 28, I9I9, and won the citation of
"The Purple Heart."
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
supporter of the Republican party. He is actively
identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the
Uniontown Consistory and Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Pittsburgh. He is also a member of the Thomas T. Pendergast Post, No. 590, of the American Legion, and has
been Post Commander for several terms.
In I9I4 he married Marie Weaver, of Smithfield,
daughter of John W. and May (Hutchinson) Weaver.
Mrs. Ryan is a member of the Uniontown Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution.
C. ROY HETZEL-For more than twenty years,
the pharmacy operated by C. Roy Hetzel at No. 124
West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, has maintained
the confidence and good will of a public which recognizes this establishment as the headquarters for an
unlimited variety of pure drugs, moderately priced.
ANNALT  li Fr  lnTTTT-TWV'PCTimNT DT7'TXTXTTQ NTTAXTTAANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Hetzel was born in this town, September 13,
1882, the son of John S. and Martha Ella (DeHaven)
Hetzel. John S. Hetzel, a native of West Newton,
Westmoreland County, was a retail merchant in Connellsville until his death in 90o8. His wife, born in
Rockwood, Pennsylvania, in I862, is still living.
C. Roy Hetzel attended the local schools, and graduated from the Connellsville High School in 1902. He
then entered the University of Pittsburgh ('known at
that time as Western University), and was graduated
in I905 with a degree of Graduate in Pharmacy. He
became identified with the drug store operated by
Frank Huston, and after one year, was made store
manager. When Mr. Huston retired from business in
I916 the property housing his store was sold, and
Mr. Hetzel then opened his own retail drug store at
the present location, and he has built up an extensive
patronage founded on a policy of honesty and fairness
in all transactions with those who must at times entrust their physical welfare to the integrity of their
druggist.
Mr. Hetzel is a member of the Methodist Protestant
Church, a well-known Republican, and is affiliated
with many civic and fraternal organizations. He was
a member of the local School Board for twelve years,
and was president at the time the present modlern high
school was dedicated. He is prominent in Masonic
circles, holding a life membership in King Solomon
Lodge, No. 346, Free and Accepted Masons, and is
also affiliated with the Connellsville Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons, Uniontown Commandery, No. 49,
Knights Templar at Uniontown and the Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of
Pittsburgh. He also holds membership in the Kiwanis
Club, the Board of Trade and the Connellsville Merchants Association, and is a director of the People's
Building and Loan Association. When his numerous
duties permit, he indulges in his favorite sport, golf,
and this game affords him practically his sole recreation.
He was married, May 30, 1922, to Ruth Hetter, of
MTonroe, daughter of W. S. and Ida (Correll) Hetter.
LOUIS HETZEL--As partner of the West Side
Motor Company of Connellsville, and the HetzelYoung Motor Company of Scottdale, Louis HIetzel
came to be ranked among the most able and prominent
business men of his generation in this section of Southwestern Pennsylvania, where he had also engaged in
the coal business.
Mr. Hetzel was born in Connellsville, September 26,
I887, the son of Wilhelm and Margaret (Kraft) Hetzel, and received a general education in the schools of
this communitv. He comnleted this part of his studies
at the Gettysburg Academy and then matriculated at
Gettysburg College, from which he was graduated
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of I9II.
Upon leaving college he secured a position with the
Aluminum Company of America in Colorado, which he
was to be associated with for five years. Later he
became a bond salesman there and continued in that
capacity until I92I, when he returned to Connellsville, where he became interested in the coal business,
serving as president of the Walnut Hill Coal Company for several years.
He became a partner in the Westside Motor Company of Connellsville, and the Hetzel-Young Motor
Company of Scottdale, in I928. These concerns were
sales agents for the Ford automobile in this region and
much of the success they came to enjoy can be attributed to the executive efforts of Mr. Hetzel, who enjoyed a position of high esteem among his business
colleagues.
As a native of Connellsville Mr. Hetzel took a deep
interest in social and civic affairs. He was a member
of the local Kiwanis Club, and fraternized with the
Masonic Order, in which he was a member of the
Pittsburgh Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, and
the Commandery, Knights Templar. He worshipped
at the Lutheran Church in which he was very active
and served on the official board.
On April 27, 1929, Mr. Hetzel married Jean Bowman Armstrong, daughter of John Adam Armstrong
(see accompanying biography), and Sarah Long (Herbert) Armstrong, of Connellsville.  Mr. and Mrs.
Hetzel were the parents of one son: Frederick Armstrong Hetzel, born September 6, 1930, and now a
student in the local public schools.
Mr. Hetzel's untimely death occurred in Connellsville, May 2, 1932. News of his demise saddened the
entire community where he had come to be recognized
as one of the most able and successful younger business men. To all he was a personality that was destined to achieve an outstanding place in the life of
this community.
JOHN ADAM  ARMSTRONG-Few citizens of
Connellsville, during the latter half of the nineteenth
century and the first part of the twentieth, contributed
more to the material and cultural advancement of the
community than did John Adam Armstrong, financier,
industrialist and business leader, who at the time of his
passing was vice-president and cashier of the Connellsville Second National Bank and an officer in numerous other business and social institutions.
Mr. Armstrong, a native of Connellsville, was born
here Sentember 2I, I854, the son of Adam and Isabella
I94ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I95
(Dodds) Armstrong, natives of Scotland, who came to
this country during their young married life and settled in Western Pennsylvania. His father, who had
been a farmer and sheep raiser in Scotland, engaged
in these occupations here for a time but later established a teaming business and afterward did foundry
work and manufactured plows and farming implements.
After a general education in the public schools of
Connellsville, Mr. Armstrong became an apprentice
in the carpenter trade and later secured a position with
the Baltimore and Ohio, Railroad, eventually being
promoted to the post of ticket agent in Connellsville.
In time he retired from this work to enter the insurance business, which he conducted until he became associated with the Youghiogheny Bank as bookkeeper.
Here he received his first experience in financial work
and made rapid progress. By the time he resigned he
was assistant cashier and in his new post became
cashier of the Scottdale Bank, which he was associated
with for three years. At the expiration of this period
he purchased an interest in the Calhoun and Company
Planing Mill, and after conducting this venture for
one year was appointed cashier of the Connellsville
Second National Bank, which he was to be associated
with until his passing in the aforementioned capacity
and as vice-president. He was a charter officer of this
institution, which was organized October 28, I890, and
opened for business on March I6, I89I, with a capital of $50,o00o.  The year of his death the capital,
surplus and profits amounted to $231,538.92, and the
deposits were over a million and a half dollars.
While he was primarily known for his achievements
as a financier, Mr. Armstrong was also widely recognized as a business leader in this section of the State
and neighboring territory. He is listed as one of the
organizers of the Indian Ridge Coal Company in the
Pocahontas coal region of West Virginia, now the
United Pocahontas Coal Company, of West Virginia,
which was organized during his life and for which
he served in various capacities, including that of director, secretary and treasurer. He was also, secretary
and treasurer of the Zenith Coal and Coke Company,
in which he was also a director for a number of years
prior to its sale to the Pocahontas interests.
The nature of Mr. Armstrong's contributions to the
general welfare of his community is graphically revealed in the varied interests he maintained and the
important offices he was called upon to occupy in a
number of civic organizations. In this connection he
was a member of the board of trustees of the Connellsville State Hospital, for which he also served
as treasurer: he was a member of the local board of
education for a number of years, and for a time was
president of the School Director's Association of Fayette County.
Socially, he belonged to the Pleasant Valley Country Club and fraternized with King Solomon's Lodge,
No. 346, Free and Accepted Masons, in whichl/hewas
Past Master. He was also a member and Past High
Priest of the Connellsville Chapter, No. 253, Royal
Arch Masons; Past Commander of the Uniontown
Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar; belonged to
the Valley of Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; the Greensburg Council, No.
13, Royal and Select Masters; and the Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
In addition he was Past Grand Sword Bearer of the
Grand Commandery; and for a number of years was
District Deputy Grand High Priest of the Grand
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Pennsylvania.
From the time of its organization Mr. Armstrong was
a member of the board of directors of the Connellsville Masonic Association, owner of the Connellsville
Masonic Temple. In his religious convictions he worshipped at the Presbyterian Church in Connellsville;
for which he served as trustee for a number of years.
On November I5, I883, Mr. Armstrong married
Sarah Long Herbert,'who passed away April 8, I937.
They were the parents of three daughters: i. Helen
Isabella. 2. Mary Knox. 3. Jean Bowman, who married Louis Hetzel, now deceased, and whose biography
accompanies this.
John Adam Armstrong died at his home in Connellsville, July 5, I926, in his seventy-second year.
His passing brought to a close a life that was full
and rich and deprived the community of one of its most
eminent leaders.  In all of his undertakings, as a
financier, as a business man, as a citizen, he rendered
singular service to the progress and welfare of his
birthplace. He goes down in Connellsville history as
one of the greatest benefactors of the town, which
he knew and loved so well.
ELLSWORTH  REAM-A most active member
of the business and political life of Belle Vernon
since coming to this district in I915, Ellsworth Ream
at present is capably fulfilling his duties as secretary,
treasurer, and director of the Belle Vernon Water
Company.
Mr. Ream was born February 24, I883, in Conemaugh, Cambria County, the son of Andrew and Rebecca (Gaston) Ream. Andrew Ream, who was born
in Somerset County, was employed as a mill worker
in the Johnstown Mill of the Cambria Steel Company,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
until his death in 1889. His wife, a native of Cambria
County, died in I883.
After acquiring his education in the public schools at
Lock No. 4, Washington County, Ellsworth Ream secured a position with the Hamilton Bottle Company at
Charleroi, and remained here for two years. He then
entered the employ of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company at their Charleroi Mine, and worked in various
capacities until I909, when he became connected with
the Pennsylvania Railroad. He worked in their Monongahela Division as brakeman, flagman and then conductor, until 1915, when he came to Belle Vernon to
assume the managership of the Belle Vernon Garage.
He retained this position until I927, when he assumed
his present duties with the Belle Vernon Water Company. In 1924 he was appointed Justice of the Peace
by Governor Pinchot, and afterwards through election, served two terms.
He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, is an
ardent Republican and an interested participant in civic
affairs. He has been affiliated with the Junior Order
United American Mechanics since I9o7, and is a past
Councillor. He is also the secretary of the Gibsonton Cemetery Company and served as president of the
Belle Vernon Rotary Club, I937-38 term.
He was married in I899 to Eva Lammy of Tarentum, daughter of Sadie Lammy. Mr. and Mrs. Ream
are the parents of three children: I. Henry Andrew,
married Fay Bedsworth of Belle Vernon. 2. Harold
Dunn, married Mildred Parkins of Roscoe, and they
are the parents of two children, Harold and Robert
Ream. 3. Mable Dequilla, who is the wife of Milton
Beatty, Jr., and they are the parents of two children:
Carroll and Jane Beatty.
REV. HENRY GEIBEL-As pastor of the
Church of the Immaculate Conception, of Connellsville,
the Rev. Henry Geibel has made a distinctive contribution to his community and to the advancement of the
Roman Catholic faith in this vicinity. The church is
one of the leading parishes in this district, and Father
Geibel's long familiarity with conditions prevailing in
this region has given his service as priest and organizer
a special value.
Father Geibel was born June 14, T868, in Butler,
Pennsylvania, son of Charles and Barbara (Graham)
Geibel, both of whom were born near Puettlingen,
Germany, the father in 1822 and the mother in I83I.
Charles Geibel came to the United States in 1837, at
the age of fifteen years, and made the journey to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by stagecoach. He became a
farmer near Butler, and there died in April, I893. The
mother arrived on these shores in I840. She died
October 24, I924.
The Rev. Henry Geibel, after completing his preliminary education, studied at St. Fide!is Seminary, in
Herman, Pennsylvania, and was for three years a
student at St. Mary's Seminary, in Baltimore, Maryland. He spent two years at Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria,
returning thence to Baltimore and being there ordained
to the priesthood by Cardinal Gibbons in June, I902.
For a year he served as chaplain at Mount Gallitzin
Academy, in Baden, Pennsylvania. For two months
he was assistant at St. Agnes' Church, in Pittsburgh,
and then, for three and one-half years, he was pastor
of Sacred Heart Church, at Dawson, Pennsylvania.
Continuously from 1907 to 1922 he was pastor at St.
Charles' Church, in Donora, Pennsylvania. Then, in
1922, he came to Connellsville to assume the pastorate
of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
The first Catholic Church in Connellsville was established here in 1870, and was headed by the Rev. Robert Waters. The present church edifice was erected in
1896, its pastor being the Rev. John T. Burns. Father
Burns was the church's pastor when the church, school
and parish house were built. Father Waters was in
charge of the parish from 1870 to I88I. Until I885
Father E. J. Dignam was the pastor. He was succeeded by Father C. A. McDermott, who served until
1891. Father Daniel O'Connell served until 1895, being succeeded by Father F. McCourt. In 1896 Father
Burns came to the church, remaining continuously in
charge of its work until May, 1922, when he died. It
was in September of the same year that Father Geibel
took up his duties here, and his influence has been a
force of a most constructive nature.  The present
church has 2,200 souls, with three hundred and fiftyfive pupils enrolled in the parochial schools and one
hundred and fifty in parochial high school. One hundred pupils are in public schools, one-fourth of whom
are attending the public high school.
Father Geibel has introduced many new ideas into
the management of the church property and activities.
He has particularly concerned himself with the problem of education, doing much to build up the high
school, whose course he expanded from a two to a
four-year curriculum, including both commercial and
academic branches. He has established many improvements in the church, such as the special "art glass"
and the new marble altars. His interest in community
affairs has been an active one. He is a staunch Democrat in his political views, and is a member of the
Knights of St. George. He was also responsible for
the building of the new convent in 1924. Father Geibel's good works are many, and he is loved by his own
flock and by his fellow-townsmen alike.
i96ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I97
DR. HUGH EVANS RALSTON-Maintaining
his offices in Uniontown since I92I, for the past nine
years Dr. Hugh Evans Ralston has been specializing
in the field of surgery. He was born in North Union
Township, Fayette County, June 6, I895, the son of
Patrick Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Evans) Ralston.
Patrick Henry Ralston who was born in Canada, June
5, i868, became interested in coal development in the
fields of Masontown and for several years was an
operator for the Masontown Brewing Company. He
died May 4, 1926. His wife, a native of England, is
still living.
Dr. Ralston was educated in the public schools of
Masontown, and later at St. Vincent's College, Latrobe.  He then entered the University of Pennsylvania for his pre-medical course, and from there, went
to Jefferson Medical College, receiving his Doctor of
Medicine degree in 1920. He entered St. Vincent's
Hospital at Erie, Pennsylvania to serve his interneship, and in the latter part of I92I he opened his present offices in Uniontown. He has enjoyed a successful
career in medicine and surgery and since I928 he has
been specializing in the latter field. In I933 he received a degree in surgery for postgraduate work done
in the polyclinics, at the University of Vienna, in
Austria. During the World War, he was a member
of the Medical Reserve Corps.
He is a member of St. John's Roman Catholi6
Church, and an affiliate of Lodge No. 370, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, belongs to Uniontown
Rotary Club and the Phi Alpha Sigma Fraternity.
He is connected with the County and State Medical
societies and with the American Medical Association; has held a fellowship in the American College
of Surgeons since I934, and is on the staff of the
Uniontown Hospital. He also holds membership in
the Uniontown Country Club. He was married January 24, I933, to Mrs. Jean (Hyatt) Arnett, daughter
of Floyd F. and Louise (Pearson) Hyatt.
DR. HOLBERT JAMES NIXON-A descendant of one of the older families of this section of
Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Holbert James Nixon, has
been a practicing physician since I915, and he has
conducted his offices in Uniontown since I926. He
was born in Fairchance, Fayette County, August 25,
189o, the son of Samuel John and Harriet (Humphrey) Nixon. Samuel John Nixon, who was born
in Smithfield, in I868, is now retired from business.
He is the son of William Nixon, a native of Fayette
County, who is deceased.
Dr. Nixon attended the public schools at Fairchance, and later was graduated from Uniontown
High School in 191o. He received his Doctor of
Medicine degree from Jefferson Medical College of
Philadelphia, in 1914, and then served a one year interneship at the Uniontown Hospital. He began his
general practice of medicine at Revere, Fayette County,
and after ten years of faithful service to the community, he came to Uniontown in I926, and quickly attained a notable reputation for his friendly and efficient treatment of those requiring his services.
He is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church,
a supporter of the Democratic party, and a member
of the Woodmen of the World. He is widely known
in Masonic circles, holding membership in Fayette
Lodge No. 228, Free and Accepted Masons, the Pittsburgh Consistory and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh.
He is on the staff of the Uniontown Hospital, and is a
member of the county, State and American Medical associations.
He was married June 15, I9I6, to Beatrice Berner
of Hazleton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John C.
Berner. Dr. and Mrs. Nixon are the parents of three
children: I. Eileen Berner, born July I4, 1917, a
student at Hood College, Frederick, Maryland. 2.
Millys Humphrey, born March I6, I92I, also a student at Hood College. 3. Doris Hickle, born August 21, I923, now a student at the Uniontown Junior
High School.
JOHN FLOYD BROWNFIELD-John Floyd
Brownfield of Uniontown has been identified with the
same business in this area throughout his long career.
He was born in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, July 2I,
I883, the son of John Henry and Malissa Ann (Williams) Brownfield, both deceased. John Henry Brownfield who was born in Smithfield in I842, engaged in
farming during his lifetime, passing away in I895.
Hie was the son of John Brownfield who was an associate judge on the bench with Judge Gilmore of Fayette County for a number of years.
John F. (J. Floyd) Brownfield graduated from the
Smithfield public schools and the Uniontown High
School, and then entered the employ of Hustead Seamans Company as a clerk. He was associated with
this store, until the business was sold to Hankins and
Hogsett. He remained in the same capacity under the
new management, and when the Wright-Metzler Company, the present owners, purchased the business
in I9o8, he was appointed department manager and
buyer, and with his thorough knowledge of the business gained through his years of service, he has fulfilled his duties in a most capable manner to the present day. At one time he was also identified with theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
coal and lumber business. but at the present time his
entire interests are devoted to his duties with the
Wright-Metzler Company.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and
active in the affairs of the Democratic party. He is
also widely known in Masonic circles, being Past Worshipful Master of Laurel Lodge No. 65I, Free and
Accepted Masons, and the Uniontown Consistory,
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and is a member
of Fort Necessity Chapter Sons of the American
Revolution.
He was married January 28, I924, to Gazell M.
Harrison of Monongahela, Pennsylvania, and they
are the parents of two children: I. Mary Elizabeth,
born October 28, I924. 2. Ruth Ann, born December
28, I937.
DR. CHARLES CROW HUBBARD-As a
popular member of the Uniontown medical profession,
Dr. Charles Crow Hubbard, is distinguishing himself
in the field of medicine and surgery and his successful efforts in behalf of his fellowmen are developing
for him an ever increasing practice. He was born in
Greensburg, October 28, I9O4, the son of Charles
Aschel and Elizabeth  (Crow) Hubbard.  Charles
Aschel Hubbard, a native of Whiting, Vermont, died
January 6, 19o6.
Dr. Hubbard is a product of the Uniontown schools,
graduating from the high school in 1922. He enrolled at Amherst College, receiving a Bachelor of
Arts degree in 1926, after which he entered the Jefferson Medical College, being graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree in I930. He became resident
physician at Jefferson Hospital, Philadelphia, for
two and one half years, and then began his general
practice in Uniontown.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church
and a supporter of the Republican party. He is a
member of the surgical staff of Uniontown Hospital,
and a member of the county, State and American
Medical associations. He is affiliated with the Phi
Kappa Psi and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities, and is also
a member of the Uniontown Country Club. He was
married January 27, I937, to Mary Harriett White,
daughter of Willard Olney and Mary (Neff) White.
JAMES ROBISON GRAY BOUGHNERAfter a short career in the coal industry of Southwestern Pennsylvania, James Robison Gray Boughner
became associated with his father in the employ of the
Pennstate Amusement Company, owners and operators of theatres in this section of the State.
Mr. Boughner was born July 15, I895, at Grays
Landing, Greene County, the son of Otho Minor and
Alice (Gray) Boughner. The elder Mr. Boughner,
who was born in Greensboro, December 8, I856, was
engaged in the real estate business and the development
of coal lands, and was president of the Pennstate
Amusement Company at the time of his death, January
3, I938. His wife, born in Greene County, August 25,
I856, died July 26, 1920. Two sisters of James Robison Gray Boughner, Louisa Minor Boughner and
Alice Gray Boughner, are members of the Daughters
of the American Revolution, and trace their ancestry
to Sir Thomas Minor, who was knighted in the Wars
of the Roses.
James Robison Gray Boughner attended the Greene
County and Uniontown public schools, and later Culver Military Academy, from which he graduated in
I9I6. He then entered the employ of the Union Supply Company, a subsidiary of the United States Steel
Corporation where he remained for fourteen months,
terminating his employ to enter the service of his
country during the World War. He enlisted in the
Infantry Officers Training School, at Camp Custer,
Battle Creek, Michigan. Later transferred to Machine
Gun Officers Training School at Camp Hancock,
Georgia, where he was commissioned a second lieutenant; after serving in replacement companies in
Georgia he was transferred to Camp Funston, Kansas,
and assigned to Company C, 29th Machine Gun Battalion, Ioth Division, and served one year, being honorably discharged with the same rank, January IO, I919.
Upon his return he came to Uniontown, and was associated with the H. C. Frick Company as assistant supply clerk, and later as supply clerk. In 1928 he secured
a position as clerk with the Pennstate Amusement
Company, and in I932 he was advanced to secretary
and treasurer of the firm, and is still fulfilling the
numerous duties of these offices in a satisfactory manner.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a
Democrat, and a leader in civic life. He is affiliated
with Fayette Lodge, No. 228, Free and Accepted
Masons, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Union Chapter, No. I65, Royal Arch Masons, and the Uniontown
Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar. He is also a
member of the Triangle Club, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and Lafayette Post No. 5I, American Legion. Mr. Boughner is unmarried.
A. D. FERGUSON-As proprietor of one of
the most modernly equipped funeral homes in Uniontown, and with an experience of twenty years in the
undertaking business, A. D. Ferguson has established
a reputation which has brought to him the appreciation
and respect of all who have at some time required his
kind and sympathetic services.
I98ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Ferguson was born in Blairsville, Indiana.County, Pennsylvania, January 8, I898, the son of
Samuel E. and May (Davis) Ferguson. Samuel E.
Ferguson, also a native of Blairsville, is now retired
from business. A. D. Ferguson attended the local
public schools, and then Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. His first employment was with
the Blairsville National Bank, but after three years he
became associated with his uncle in the operation of
the George W. Davis and Son, Undertaking Parlors,
and remained here for several years, coming to Uniontown, December 3I, I919, to enter the employ of the
Nixon Funeral Home. After eight and one-half years
with this establishment, he opened his own funeral
home, March 15, 1928, and remained at the original
site until September I, 1937, when his more spacious
and modern quarters were opened at No. 8o Morgantown Street.
He is a member of the official board of the Asbury
Methodist Episcopal Church and is a well-known
Mason, being associated with Acacia Lodge, No. 355,
Free and Accepted Masons at Blairsville, the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, and the Pittsburgh Con'
sistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also
a member of Lafayette Post, No. 51, of the American
Legion, the Triangle Club, the local Rotary Club, and
the Uniontown Country Club.
He was married in 1924 to Lillian Nixon of Fairchance, daughter of Samuel J. and Harriett (Humphries) Nixon, and they are the parents of three children: I. Joanne, born in 1927. 2. Virginia Doris, born
in 1929. 3. Sara Louise, born in 1935.
JOHN H. COOPER-Elected Recorder of
Deeds of Washington County in I933, John H. Cooper
earned reelection to this office in November, I937, and
his second term of four years began January I, I938.
He was born at Monongahela, September 22, 1895, the
son of Frederick F. and Lulu (Ream) Cooper. Frederick F. Cooper, born at Monongahela in I870, was an
auditor at the time of his death, June 5, 1928. His
wife, a native of Stoystown, died June 3, I933.
John H. Cooper attended the local public schools,
and later the high school at Duquesne, Pennsylvania.
He received a degree of Bachelor of Science from the
Carnegie Institute of Technology in 1925, and then
entered the employ of the Pittsburgh Press at Pittsburgh, as a branch nlanager with the circulation department, and remained there until he assumed his present
duties. During the World War he was a member of
the 28th Division, IIoth Regiment, Company A, and
served one and one-half years overseas, being wounded
in action on the Chateau Thierry front.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
and is a member and director of the choir. He has
always been prominent in the affairs of the Republican
party, and is connected with thre Veterans of Foreign
Wars, American Legion Post, No. 302, at Monongahela, and also Washington County Post of the Disabled American Veterans. In addition, he is affiliated
with Lodge No. 455, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and the Arms Club of Washington.
He was married March 26, 1921, to Marjorie Marsh
of Catlett, Virginia, daughter of Rev. W. H., a Methodist minister, and Ruby (Stewart) Marsh. Mr. and
Mrs. Cooper are the parents of a son, John William,
born December 15, I928.
ALEXANDER LOUGH EDDY, M. D.-For
nearly forty years a leading general practitioner and
surgeon in Greensboro, Dr. Alexander Lough Eddy
has ministered to the citizens of Greene and Fayette
counties.
Dr. Eddy was born at Cross Roads, West Virginia,
February I7, 1872, son of Elihu and Juretta (Lough)
Eddy. Elihu Eddy, who was born in Bula, West Virginia, June I8, I837, died February IO, I899; his wife
was a native of Cassville, West Virginia.
After passing through the public schools of Cross
Roads, West Virginia, Alexander Lough Eddy, prepared for college at Sutton School of the University
of West Virginia and then attended the University itself, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in i899.
Selecting the medical profession for his life-work,
Alexander Lough Eddy entered the Medical School of
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore,
Maryland, and graduated in I9O2 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. On September I, 1902, Dr. Eddy
began the practice of his profession with Dr. Guiher
in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, and then on May I, I903,
established his own independent practice in Greensboro,
both in general medical and in surgical work. As the
years followed, Doctor Eddy developed his practice
and added to it the duties of physician for the Harwick Coal Company. An independent Democrat, Doctor
Eddy is a member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, the Fayette County Medical Society, and belongs to the First
Baptist Church of Greensboro.
Alexander Lough Eddy, married in Greensboro,
September I8, I9o6, Emma Makinson, daughter of William and Mary (Mercer) Makinson. Mrs. Eddy was
born in Topeka, Kansas, January 7, I880; her father
also being a native of Kansas, while her mother was
born in Greensboro. Doctor and Mrs. Eddy are the
I99ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
parents of six children: I. William Herschell, born
October 31, I90o8. 2. Arthur Raymond, born August
23, 19IO. 3. Mary Juretta. 4. Johanna Althea. 5.
Bertha Eleanor. 6. Alexander Sherwood.
JULIUS LEVY-Born in Brownsville, Fayette
County, August ii, 1897, Julius Levy is the son of
William and Nellie (Miller) Levy. William Levy,
born in Pittsburgh in I866, was a merchant in that
city for a few years and then came to Brownsville,
establishing the first men's clothing store in that
locality, more than fifty years ago. He is now retired
from business. His wife, born in New York City in
1875, died October 17, 1926.
Julius Levy received his early education in the
Brownsville schools and then entered Pittsburgh HIigh
School, graduating in 19I4. He then entered the
wholesale men's furnishings business, becoming associated with the Levy Stein Company in Pittsburgh,
where he remained for four years in the capacity of
sales representative. He then enlisted in the French
Army for service in the World War, and was attached
to the Princeton University Ambulance Unit overseas,
for two and one-half years. He saw active service on
all the Western Fronts, and received the Croix de
Guerre. He received his honorable discharge in February, I919, and returned to the United States, and in
I924 came to Uniontown and purchased the clothing
store of C. A. Bergman. He has conducted this business ever since, and carrying a complete assortment
of men's clothing and furnishings, this establishment
is recognized as the leading store of its kind in Fayette County.
He is a membe(`f Temple Israel, a supporter of the
Republican party, and is affiliated with Oakland Lodge,
No. 535, Free and Accepted Masons, at Pittsburgh,
and Lodge No. II, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, at Uniontown. He is also a member of the
American Legion and is an executive officer of the
State organization, being chairman of the Bugle Corps
Committee.
He was married, in September, I922, to Edna Goldberg, of Pittsburgh, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ilarry
Goldberg. Mr. and Mrs. Levy are the parents of a
son, Martin, born September I4, I925.
JOHN DAVIS KERFOOT--Elected City Treasurer of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in I932, John Davis
Kerfoot has, through a subsequent reelection in I936,
steadily and faithfully served the people of this community for the past six years, and he is regarded as a
public official of unquestioned ability and integrity. He
was born at Dawson, Fayette County, November 27,
I89I, the son of Jefferson D. and Jennie (Grindle)
Kerfoot, both deceased. The elder Mr. Kerfoot, a native of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, was engaged
in the hotel business in Uniontown, at the time of his
death, September 15, I936. His wife, born in Moundsville, West Virginia, in 1867, died in I933.
John Davis Kerfoot was educated in the Uniontown
schools, and after completing a course at the Douglas
Business School, entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he remained for approximately
five years. He then worked for the Pittsburgh Steel
Company at Monessen until his enlistment for service
in the World War during which he was attached to
Company A, 6oth Infantry, 5th Division, and was overseas for one year. He saw service in many of the
major engagements, and was wounded in action in the
Argonne Forest. He received his honorable discharge
in I9I9, and then came to Uniontown where he became engaged in the transfer business in the firm of
Kerfoot Brothers, continuing until I932, when he was
elected to his first term at his present post.
He is a member of the Central Christian Church, a
well-known Republican, and a member of Post No.
5I, American Legion. He is also affiliated with Lodge
No. 370, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
Laurel Lodge, No. 228, Free and Accepted Masons,
at Uniontown, and the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite.
He was married, August 4, I9I9, to Pearl M. McKnight, of Uniontown, daughter of Charles and Frances (Wood) McKnight. Mr. and Mrs. Kerfoot are
the parents of a daughter, Frances, born April 26,
I934.
ROBERT WELCH KNOX-For more than
forty years, Robert Welch Knox has been a distinguished member of the legal profession in Washington, Pennsylvania, and in his many years of association
with the people of this locality he has established himself as an honest and able attorney and a recognized
leader in civic life. He was born in Buffalo Township, Washington County, January 31, I869, the son
of William and Wilhelmina (Meloy) Knox, both deceased. William Knox, born in 1827, engaged in farming and for many years acted as director of the School
Board in Buffalo. He was the son of John Knox,
who came from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled in
Washington County in I8Ii. William Knox died in
I9I9, and his wife, born in Eastern Pennsylvania in
I840, died in 1876.
Robert Welch Knox completed his early education
in the county schools, and next enrolled at Washington
and Jefferson College, where he was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1893. He then
studied at the University of Buffalo and received his
200ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
degree of Bachelor of Laws in I895. He then became
associated with the well-known law firm of McCracken
and McGiffin, as a registered law student, and in October, I896, was admitted to the bar, after which he began his long legal career in Washington, Pennsylvania.
He is eligible to practice in the Pennsylvania Superior
and Supreme courts, and in the United States District
Court in Pittsburgh. During the World War he was a
member of the local registration board.
He is an active member of the Second United Presbyterian Church, and for years served on the church
board. A prominent Democrat, he was county chairman from I903 to I905, and was a delegate to two
Democratic National Conventions; at Denver, Colorado in I9O8, and St. Louis, Missouri, in I916. He is
also a member of the Bassett Club.
He was married, June 30, I904, to Sarah A. Chaney,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Chaney. Mrs.
Knox received her education in the public schools and
the Washington Seminary of Washington, Pennsylvania. Her father for many years was one of the
prominent business men of this city. Mr. and Mrs.
Knox are the parents of two children: I. Elizabeth,
married H. D. Weir, of Detroit, Michigan, and they
are the parents of a daughter, Cynthia. 2. Charlotte,
a student at Sweet Briar College, Sweet Briar, Virginia.
JAMES ROBERT IRWIN KNOX-Since his
admission to the bar in I917, James Robert Trwin
Knox has been a prominent member of the Washington, Pennsylvania, legal profession, practicing, in addition to the local courts, before the Supreme, Superior
and Federal courts, and ever maintaining the reputation for fairness and honesty in his many dealings with
the people of this locality.
He was born October I2, I891, in Blain Township,
Washington County, the son of John and Sarah
(Smiley) Knox. John Knox, grandson of John Knox,
who came to America from County Antrim, Ireland,
in I8I, settling in Washington County, served as
justice of- the peace of Blain Township from I891 to
the time of his death, November 20, I930. His wife,
born in Cross Creek Township, December I9, I853,
died October Io, I932.
James Robert Irwin Knox received his early education in the public schools of Taylorstown and Blain
Township, and later attended Washington and Jefferson College, and upon receiving his degree of Bachelor
of Arts in I9I4, matriculated at the University of
Pittsburgh Law School, where he was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Laws in I9I7. He was admitted to the bar November 26, of the same year, and
established his present offices for the general practice
of law. During the World War he served as a corporal in the 2Ioth Engineers, Ioth Division, and his
period of enlistment was from July 3I, I918, to February 3, I9I9.
He is a member of the Second United Presbyterian
Church, an active Democrat, and a member of the
Scott Linton Post, No. I75, American Legion. He
also holds membership in the Washington County and
Pennsylvania State Bar associations.
He was married, May 23, I9I8, to Ruth Mitchell,
of Washington, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Frank H. Mitchell. Mr. and Mrs. Knox became
the parents of two children: I. Sara Ruth, born November II, I923, died November i8, I937. 2. Martha
Jane, born November 3, I926.
DAVID BRADFORD CAMPBELL-Emulating the career of his father who was engaged in the
practice of law in Washington and Canonsburg for
more than forty years, David Bradford Campbell, of
Canonsburg, was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in
193I and has been actively engaged in the practice of
his profession here to the present day.
Mr. Campbell is a native of Canonsburg, born November I7, I904, the son of Charles W. and Eva
(Harper) Campbell. The elder Mr. Campbell attended Columbia University and was admitted to the
bar in I891, and after a long and honorable career in
his profession passed away April I9, I938.
David Bradford Campbell completed his early education in the local schools, and then attended Bellefonte Academy, after which he entered Colgate University, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I928. He then enrolled at the University of
Pittsburgh Law School, and received his degree of
Bachelor of Laws in I93I. He was admitted to the
bar the same year, and subsequently was admitted to
practice in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the
United States District Court of Western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Campbell's chief recreational divertisement is
golf, and he has long been a member, and at present is
a director of the Washington County Golf and Country
Club.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, is a
supporter of the Republican party, is affiliated with
the Canonsburg Lodge, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Alpha Tau Omega and Phi
Alpha Delta fraternities. He also holds membership
in the Washington County and State Bar associations.
He was married, July 22, I929, to Naomi Napier
Smith, of Canonsburg, daughter of Samuel Co and
Ruth (Borden) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are
the parents of three children: I. Nancy Ruth, born
August 3, I930. 2. Linda Ann, born October 25, I932.
3. David Smith, born March 20, I936.
20IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I7
Canada; they have two children, both sons, George and
John Addie. 4. Ruth, wife of Enza Ludovico, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; they have a daughter, Gertrude Ludovico.
CHARLES CONAWAY MITCHELL-As former mayor of Connellsville and an active leader in
civic affairs, Charles Conaway Mitchell has exercised
an important influence in its life for many years. His
entire career has been spent in this community, where
his business interests center in the firm of Charles C.
Mitchell, undertakers and funeral directors, which he
has operated since I9IO.
Mr. Mitchell was born at Connellsville, on February
I6, I878, a son of Chauncey Brooks and Harriett
(Turner) Mitchell. His father, who was born at
Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in I852, and died on June
II, I934, was a blacksmith. His mother was born in
New Haven (now Connellsville) in I854, and died in
I889.
Charles Conaway Mitchell was educated in the public schools of Connellsville, which he attended until
his fourteenth year. At the age of eighteen he began
his career with Morris and Company, undertakers and
furniture dealers, a firm organized in I89I. He learned
all details of the business, and in I9IO, with capital
accumulated from his savings, was able to buy out his
employers' interest, taking over the firm. At that time
he changed the name to Charles C. Mitchell and has
since carried on operations under that name. In I9II
he moved the business to its present address, No. II9
South Pittsburgh Street. In furnishings and equipment, he has kept abreast of all modern developments,
and his firm is recognized as one of the leaders in its
field.
In addition to his business connections, however,
Mr. Mitchell has found time to be very active in general community affairs. His public spirit has been
evidenced by his strong support of all movements for
public betterment and despite the pressure of his other
duties he has always been willing to assume the responsibilities of civic leadership when convinced that
he coul  render a genuine service to the community.
The value placed upon his efforts and the confidence
reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen were reflected
in his election as mayor of Connellsville, an office
which he filled with zeal and devotion from I922 to
1926. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican in politics and is
influential in local councils of his party. He is active
fraternally in the Free and Accepted Masons, in which
he is affiliated with King Solomon Lodge, No. 346,
and the Royal Arch Chapter; and is a member, in addition, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Malta. He is
a charter member of the Connellsville Kiwanis Club
and a member of the Lutheran Church. Since the
days when he played as one of the first members of the
Connellsville High School football team, he has always
been fond of outdoor sports and other athletic pursuits.
In younger years he was an amateur baseball player
of note, an amateur boxer and a competitor in many
amateur bicycle races. Sports have been his principal
hobby.
In I9IO Charles Conaway Mitchell married Grace
Artman of Connellsville, daughter of Daniel K. and
Minnie (Herbert) Artman. Her father, who was
born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, was a pioneer five-and-ten-cent-store man in Connellsville. Her
mother was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Both are living. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are
the parents of three daughters: I. Helen A., who was
married, on October 27, 1937, to Robert Brammer, of
Muncie, Indiana. She is a medical technologist. After
receiving her preliminary education in the Connellsville public schools, she entered Hood College, from
which she was graduated with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts, and afterward spent eighteen months at Ford
Hospital in Detroit, meanwhile studying at Wayne
University, in the same city. From this institution
she was graduated with the degree of Medical Technologist and is one of only three girls in the United
States to receive this distinction. 2. Ruth May, also
a graduate of Hood College, where she took the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She was married, in Los
Angeles, California, to James M. Koch, in May, I938.
3. Edith, graduate of the Connellsville High School.
HON. EDMUND HOMER REPPERT-Former president judge of the F'ourteenth Judicial District
of the State of Pennsylvania and prominent member
of the bar in this section of the Commonwealth for
over half a century, the Hon. Edmund Homer Reppert,
now living in retirement, has established a record of
achievements in public affairs worthy of his distinguished forebears, who are listed among the early
settlers of Pennsylvania.
Judge Reppert was born October 28, I855, the son
of Benjamin F. and Rhoda (Kendall) Reppert, both
natives of this State, the former from Greene County
and the latter from Fayette County. On his paternal
side the judge traces his American ancestry to Christian Reppert, his grandfather, who came to this country from Alsace Lorraine in I79I and settled in
Greensboro, where he engaged in the tanning and glass
industries until his passing in I851. His son, Benjamin F. Reppert, father of Judge Reppert, came to
Fayette County in I854, and farmed in Nicholson
Township until his death in I890. His wife, who surANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLTVANIA
ADOLPH LEBEAU ZEMAN-A resident of
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Adolph Lebeau Zeman has
been engaged in the general practice of law in this section since I9I5. He was born in Evans City, Butler
County, October 8, 1894, the son of David and Tda
(Rubin) Zeman. David Zeman, born in Lithuania in
I868, came to America about twenty years later, and
was long engaged as a merchant. He is now retired
from all business activities. His wife, born in Lithuania in I87I, died October I5, I894.
Adolph L.ebeau Zeman attended the local public
schools, and graduated from Canonsburg High School
in I912. He then enrolled at the Law School of the
University of Pittsburgh where he received his degree
of Bachelor of Laws in I9I5. He was admitted to the
bar later in the same year, and was engaged in the
practice of his profession in Pittsburgh, Canonsburg,
and Washington for several years. He now confines
his practice to Canonsburg and Washington, and is
eligible to appear before the District Court, United
States Circuit Court of Appeals and the Pennsylvania
Supreme and Superior courts. He is a director of the
Canonsburg General Hospital; and the Washington
and Greene Counties Council of Boy Scouts of
America.
He is an active Republican, and has served as
borough solicitor of Canonsburg for the past fifteen
years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and
the Pittsburgh Bankers Club, and is also affiliated with
the Washington County and Pennsylvania State Bar
associations. He was married, February I9, I917, to
Natalie L. Jenkins, of Canonsburg, daughter of William L. and Mary (Lewis) Jenkins. Mr. and Mrs.
Zeman are the parents of three children: I. Robert
Lewis, born March I5, I9I8, now a student at Dartmouth College. 2. Mary Ida, born August 8, 1922.
3. Sarah Helen, born December II, 1928.
DAVID CAMPSEY MORROW-For the past
thirty years David Campsey Morrow has been closely
associated with the civil engineering field in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was born in Donegal Townshlip, Washington County, August 27, I882, the son
of Cyrus and Elizabeth (Condit) Morrow. Cyrus
Morrow, of Scotch-Irish descent, was born in Donegal
Township in February, 1842, and was engaged in
farming in Washington County. From I906 to I912
he served as register of wills of Washington County,
and was always active in Republican affairs. He was
the great-grandson of William Morrow who came to
America from Londonderry, Ireland, and was the
pioneer of the family in Washington County. Cyrus
Morrow died in I930. His wife, born in Amwell
Township in I853, died January I, I933.
David Campsey Morrow received his early education
in the township schools, and later attended the Preparatory Department of Ohio University at Athens,
Ohio. He then attended Bethany College at Bethany,
West Virginia, afterwards transferring to Washington
and Jefferson College, where he was a member of the
class of I9o8. He then launched his career as a civil
engineer in Washington, Pennsylvania, and in 1911
became city engineer, which post he held for twelve
years.  Meanwhile, he had opened offices for the
private practice of his profession, and continued with
these until I927, when he entered the employ of the
Citizens Water Company as manager, in which capacity he is still engaged. He was appointed a director
of this company in I924, and, in addition, is director
of all the affiliate companies of the Community Water
Service Company in Pennsylvania, comprising approximately twenty subsidiaries. He also serves as a
director of the South Pittsburgh Water Company,
and of the Citizens National Bank, and is president
and a director of the George Washington Hotel Corporation. He is an enthusiastic follower of football,
having played himself while at college and having
served as head coach of this sport at Washington and
Jefferson College from I908 to I9I1, also during 1919
and 192o, and finally during 1924 and I925.
He is an active member of the First' Presbyterian
Church, and is associated politically with the Republican party. Prominent in civic and fraternal life, he
is a director of the Washington Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Kiwanis Club, and is
affiliated with Sunset Lodge, No. 623, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Washington Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons.
He was married, February 7, 1912, to Alice WV.
Woodard, of Washington, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Andrew and Jessie (McClelland) Woodard. Mr. and
Mrs. Morrow are the parents of a daughter, Elizabeth
Ann, born October i8, I918, now a student at the
Pennsylvania College for Women in Pittsburgh.
DR. ELMER ELLSWORTH McADOO-For
more than forty years, Dr. Elmer Ellsworth McAdoo
of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, has been identified with the
local medical profession, and his tireless efforts in behalf of humanity have earned for him the respect of
this entire locality. He was born, March 7, I862, at
West Lebanon, Indiana County, the son of Archibald
Blair and Sarah Ann (Clowes) McAdoo. Archibald
Blair McAdoo, born near Saltsburg, was a farmer,
and during the Civil War saw active service, being a
sergeant in the infantry. He died in December, 1911.
Dr. McAdoo received his early education in the
West Lebanon public schools, and later attended Elders
202ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Ridge Academy, graduating in I88o. In 1884 he
received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lafayette College, and then enrolled at Jefferson Medical College,
being graduated in I891 with a Doctor of Medicine
degree. The following year was devoted to his interneship at the Philadelphia Lying-in Charity Hospital,
and then Dr. McAdoo began his general practice at
Cochrane's Mills, Pennsylvania, remaining here for
four years, and then in March, I895, he established his
office in Ligonier, and has been practicing here to this
day. From 1923 to I93I he also practiced at Sommerfield, and is also known in Maryland and West Virginia. He was an examiner for the United States
Examining Board of Surgeons during the McKinley administration, and from I917 to I918 he acted as an
examiner for the United States Army. For several
years he was president of the Ligonier Fire Company, and he was president of the Westmoreland
County School Directors Association for three years.
He is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church
of Uniontown, and is well known in the political
field, being a life long member of the Republican party,
a member of the State Legislature from I9O6 to I9o8,
a former school director of Somerset County, and for
three terms, a member of the Ligonier School Board.
He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons,
and has attained the Thirty-second Degree of Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, and also belongs to Jaffa
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Altoona. He also holds membership in the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, American Medical Association, and Fort Necessity Chapter, Sons of
the American Revolution.
Dr. McAdoo is the father of two children: I. Virginia Dare Daniels. 2. Zulah Floyd Stanton.
GUY WOODWARD-For the past twenty-five
years Guy Woodward has been identified with the
automobile industry, and since 1925 he has been the
sole distributing agent for Dodge Brothers in Washington, Pennsylvania, handling Dodge and Plymouth
cars, and in addition to this work is also associated
with other business activities in this city.
He was born in Redstone Township, now Briar
Hill, Fayette County, March 28, I889, the son of
Davis Dempsey (2) and Eliza (Leighty) Woodward,
both deceased. Davis Dempsey (2) Woodward, son of
Davis Dempsey Woodward, and grandson of Caleb
Woodward, a New Salem blacksmith, was born in
Dunbar Township, December 20, 1849, and was engaged in farming at the time of his death, November
6, 1932, at Wooster, Ohio, where he is buried. His
wife, also a native of Dunbar Township, died June
21, I93I.
Guy Woodward completed his early education in
the public schools of Redstone Township, Pennsylvania, and Chester Township, Wayne County, Ohio,
and then pursued a business course at Yoccums Business College at Wooster, Ohio. He then moved to
Charleroi, Pennsylvania, where he became associated
with his brother, S. L. Woodward, in the operation of
a music and furniture store. After two and one-half
years at this work, he entered the automobile business
in Charleroi in January, I913, as a Ford dealer, being
the first salesman of these cars in Charleroi. He continued this agency until December I, I925, when he
transferred to Washington, Pennsylvania, to operate
his present establishment. He is now the owner of
the building and showrooms on Maiden Street, having
purchased them on March I7, I930, and his establishment affords employment for seventy-five people. He
is also owner of the Chartier Motors Company, dealers
in De Soto and Plymouth cars, and is a director of the
Pittsburgh Wheeling Warehouse Company with offices
in Washington, Pennsylvania. In addition, he is vicepresident of the Chartiers Finance Company. During
the World War he enlisted for service July 26, I918,
and was assigned to Base Hospital No. 6I, and was
overseas for eight months. He received his honorable
discharge May I9, I919.
He professes the Protestant faith and is an active
Republican, having served from I930 to I934 as county
comptroller of Washington County. He is prominent
in the affairs of the American Legion, being a charter
member of Charleroi Post, No. 22, which he served as
vice-commander in I922, and commander in I923.
From 1925 to I928 he served as district commander of
the Twenty-fifth District and he is now a member of
Edwin Scott Linton Post in Washington, Pennsylvania, and also the "40 and 8" Society. In the Masonic
Order, he is affiliated with Lodge No. I64, Free and
Accepted Masons, No. I, Council, Royal Arch Masons,
Chapter and Commandery, Knights Templar, New
Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, in Pittsburgh.  He also holds life
membership in Lodge No. 494, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Charleroi, and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles at Charleroi and is a member and
past president of the Charleroi Kiwanis Club, and now
a member of the Washington Kiwanis Club. He is
also a member and vice-president of the Nemacolin
Country Club.
He was married, January 17, I9I8, to Orville Titlow,
of Uniontown, daughter of George F. and Anna
203ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Burns) Titlow. Mr. and Mrs. Woodward are the
parents of two children: I. Guy, Jr., born December
9, I918, now a student at Washington and Jefferson
College. 2. Robert Coyle, born January 9, 1927.
HERBERT MILTON BOOHER-After a
career of more than thirty years in the general contracting business, Herbert Milton Booher, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania, severed his connections with this
field in I933 upon his election as deputy sheriff of
Armstrong County, and three years later was elected
sheriff for a four-year term which will not expire until
I94I.
He was born in Washington Township, Armstrong
County, June 9, I883, the son of David and Charlotte
(Frick) Booher. David Booher, born in 1859, was
engaged as a carpenter and contractor in Armstrong
County at the time of his death in I936. He was the
son of Bortle Booher, for many years a farmer in
Washington Township. Charlotte (Frick) Booher, a
descendant of one of the older families in Armstrong
County, was born in Washington Township in I864.
Herbert Milton Booher graduated from the Township schools, and then learned the carpenter and building trade in association with his father. When he
reached his twenty-first birthday he entered the general
contracting business and continued for twenty-nine
years, during which period he erected the first steel
house in Armstrong County and was identified with
the construction of many of the larger homes and
public buildings in this section, and employed at various times from ten to fifty workers. In 1933 he was
elected deputy sheriff under Sheriff Doverspike, and
served in this capacity until he assumed his present
duties January 3, I937.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, a staunch
and active Republican, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of
Malta. He was married, June I2, I9oI, to Estelle
Christman, daughter of Abe and Christina (Johns)
Christman. Mr. and Mrs. Booher are the parents of
two children: I. Cecil Raymond, married Olive K.
Rau, of Kittanning, and they are the parents of two
children: Jean and Virginia. 2. Alberta May, a graduate nurse from Allegheny General Hospital; married
Harry McGaughy.
JOHN A. MECHLING-As a climax to an
honorable career of approximately thirty-five years,
devoted to various phases of the pedagogical field,
John A. Mechling was elected superintendent of the
Armstrong County schools in I934, and he has fulfilled
the duties of this office in the same capable manner
which has ever marked his activities in school work.
He was reelected for a second term of four years in
1938.
He was born in Bolivar, Westmoreland County, the
son of James Harvey and Mary A. (Huston) Mechling. James Harvey Mechling, a native of Butler
County, was for a time a gold prospector in California.
He was later engaged as a merchant in Bolivar, and
then moved to Washington Township, Butler County,
where he farmed until the time of his death, May I8,
I882. He was the son of John Mechling who settled
in Washington Township in I825 and engaged in farming. He also served at one time as tax collector of
Washington Township. Mary A. (Huston) Mechling, born in Westmoreland County, June II, I839, died
December 5, I923.
John A. Mechling attended the rural schools of
Washington Township, and then studied at North
Washington Institute. He then enrolled at Slippery
Rock Teachers' College at Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, and upon graduating in I898 became a school
teacher in Butler County. After four years he matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, and upon completion of his courses returned to the Butler County
schools. He was later appointed principal of the
schools of Harmony, Pennsylvania, and three years
later assumed a similar post in Middlesex Township.
He remained here for four years, when he came to
Armstrong County, to become principal of the Yatesboro schools. Two years later he was appointed supervising principal of the schools of Chartiers Township,
Allegheny County, but returned to Armstrong County
the following year, having been appointed principal of
the Worthington schools. In I9I8 he was elected assistant county superintendent of the Armstrong County
schools, and served in this capacity for sixteen years,
when in April, 1934, he was elected to his present
post. During I93I and I932 he served as vice-chairman of the rural school section of the Pennsylvania
Teachers Association, and the following two years was
chairman of this body. He was also chairman of the
administration division of the midwestern section of
the Pennsylvania Teachers Association, and has been
a delegate to the National Education Association conventions at Indianapolis, Indiana, in I927, Chicago,
Illinois, in I933, and Washington, District of Columbia,
in I934.
He is an active member of the First Presbyterian
Church, and is a member of the church session. He
is married to Maude McGinnis, of Butler County,
daughter of Willis and Ellen (Beatty) McGinnis. Mr.
and Mrs. Mechling are the parents of four children:
i. Lillian V. 2. Genevieve P. 3. Claire E. A. 4.
J. Randall Mechling.
204ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
HUGH  ISEMAN  STITT, M. D.-During the
seventeen years Dr. Hugh Iseman Stitt has practiced
in his native community of Kittanning he has enjoyed
an enviable reputation as one of the most able and
popular physicians in Armstrong County, where he is
identified with the leading medical institutions, among
them the Armstrong County Medical Society which
he has headed as president since I938.
Dr. Stitt was born in Kittanning, December 9, I893,
the son of Marlin F. and Mary (Iseman) Stitt, both
residents of his birthplace where his father was a
prominent farmer and civic leader, now deceased. He
received a general education in the schools of this place
and after completing this part of his studies matriculated at Gettysburg Academy, where he graduated in
I912 and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts from
Gettysburg College in I9I6. He was graduated from
the University of Pennsylvania with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in the class of 1920. The following year he served as an interne at the St. Francis'
Hospital in Pittsburgh. He returned to Kittanning in
192I and initiated a general medical practice that has
been marked for its distinction and success. The status
he has assumed in the medical profession of this section
is not only evidenced in his presidency of the Armstrong County Medical Society but also in the other
medical organizations he is associated with here. He
is a member of the staff of the Armstrong County
Hospital and belongs to the American Medical Association and the Pennsylvania State Medical Society.
Throughout his career he has enthusiastically participated in community affairs and thus contributed
substantially to the social and civic welfare. He is a
member of the Kittanning Chamber of Commerce and
the Kittanning Country Club. Dr. Stitt is widely
known in fraternal circles, belonging to the Blue
Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Coudersport Consistory and Syria Mosque at Pittsburgh,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
and the local lodges of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and the Foresters. He is a Republican in politics and in his religious convictions worships at the Lutheran Church.
On August I3, 1917, at Kittanning, Dr. Stitt married Irene Burford, and they are the parents of three
children: I. Ruth Elizabeth, born September 22, I919.
2. Hugh Parks, born September 8, I921. 3. Helen
Irene, born October 23, I925.
VIRGIL CHIRICO-Virgil Chirico was born in
the city of Frosinone, Province of Rome, Italy,
October 20, I889, the son of Frank and Anna Chirico.
Frank Chirico, a merchant, and a former soldier in
the Italian Army, died November 22, 1907, at the age
of sixty-three years. His wife, born in Italy in I85I,
died January I5, I926.
Virgil Chirico received his education in the public
and technical schools in Rome, Italy, and migrated to
America in I9o6, settling in Jeannette, Pennsylvania.
He secured employment with the Victor Brewing
Company as sales manager at Cumberland, Maryland,
and remained with this firm until I915. He then became cashier for the Maddis Bank and Trust Company
at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and three years later was
with the Central Bank of Jeannette, in the same capacity. After two years he returned to the Maddis
Bank and Trust Company, and remained here until
I924, when he entered the real estate field in Jeannette. From I927 to I933 he acted as traveling agent
for the Cunard Steamship Company, and since then
has served as director of the Jeannette Bank and Trust
Company. He is also president of the Victory Glass
Company, Inc., of Jeannette; and is secretary to the
Liquidating Trustees of the First Bank and Trust
Company. He was enlisted in the United States Army
from July 22, 1918, to March 22, I919, and was attached to the I55th Depot Brigade at Camp Lee,
Virginia.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church
of the Ascension in Jeannette, and a member of the
Republican party, serving on the Borough Council in
I927. He is affiliated with Lodge No. 344, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, Jeannette Rotary Club,
and the local post of the American Legion.
He was married, February 26, I919, to Lena Del
Vitto, a native of Jeannette, born December I8, I893,
the daughter of Alexander and Mary Del Vitto. Mr.
and Mrs. Chirico are the parents of a daughter, Anna
Marie, born at Greensburg, May 6, 1924, now a student in the Jeannette public schools.
HARRY ALEXANDER MONTGOMERYBecoming associated with his father in the undertaking
business in I922, Harry Alexander Montgomery has
been steadily identified with this work to the present
day, and since his father's death, January I8, I929, he
has conducted the business with his brother, George
Warren Montgomery (see accompanying biography),
under the name of Harry E. Montgomery Sons. He
was born in Kittanning, April 14, I9OI, the son of
Harry E. and Clara M. (Adams) Montgomery.
Harry Alexander Montgomery was educated in the
local public schools, and later attended Bellefonte
Academy. He next enrolled at Lawrenceville School,
Lawrenceville, New Jersey, after which he studied at
the Tome School at Port Deposit, Maryland, and then
finished his training for his career, at the Eckles
School of Embalming in Philadelphia, graduating in
205ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
1922. He then joined his father's business, and since
the latter's death has, together with his brother, conducted the business in a most efficient and satisfactory
manner. He is also a director of the Kittanning Telephone Company, Kittanning Thrift Corporation and
Kittanning Builders Supply Company.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, an
active Republican, and a member of the local Kiwanis
Club. He is also affiliated with Lodge No. 203, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Lodge
No. 32I, Knights of Pythias.
He was married, in 1928, to Ethel Zellefrow, of
Kittanning, and they are the parents of two daughters:
Laura Edith and Charlotte Louise Montgomery.
GEORGE WARREN MONTGOMERYThroughout his professional career, George Warren
Montgomery has been associated with the undertaking
business established by his father in Kittanning, more
than thirty years ago. He was born in this town, May
i6, 90o6, the son of Harry E. and Clara M. (Adams)
Montgomery. Harry E. Montgomery, born in Plum
Creek Township in I865, was for a time engaged in
his father's business of buying and selling horses, and
later started a wholesale liquor business in Kittanning,
in which he was engaged until 1903 when he entered
the undertaking and livery business, which occupation
he continued until his death, January I8, I929. Of
sturdy North of Ireland stock, he was a descendant
of Anthony Wayne Montgomery, a native of County
Tyrone, Ireland, who came to America before the
Revolutionary days, and settled on a farm in Armstrong County where the present town of Montgomeryville, named after the family, is now located. Harry
E. Montgomery also numbered among his ancestors,
General Montgomery of Revolutionary fame, and also
Absalom Woodward Montgomery, Captain Sharp and
others who were so closely associated with the beginning and development of Armstrong County. In addition to his extensive business activity, Mr. Montgomery was also noted as a sportsman, having owned some
of the best light harness race horses in the country,
campaigning a few each year with a marked degree of
success. In I889 he married Clara M. Adams, and
they became the parents of three children: I. Laura
M., wife of Frank J. Atkins, of the Safety Deposit
Bank, and a noted Armstrong County attorney. Mr.
and Mrs. Atkins are the parents of two children: i.
Elizabeth Ann Atkins, married Samuel H. McCain,
Jr. ii. Harry Montgomery Atkins. 2. Harry A.,
whose biography accompanies this. 3. George Warren
Montgomery, of whom further.
George Warren Montgomery completed his grammar and high school education in the local schools, and
then entered Culver Military Academy, after which he
studied at the Tome School at Port Deposit, Maryland. He next enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, and after-finishing his studies there, he entered
the Cincinnati College of Embalming to prepare himself for entry into the undertaking business then being
conducted by his father and brother. Upon his father's
death in 1929 the business name of the firm was
changed to Harry E. Montgomery Sons, and George
Warren Montgomery together with his brother, Harry
A. Montgomery, still conduct this business in accordance with the best traditions of their father for courteous, sympathetic and considerate service. In conjunction with their modernly equipped funeral parlors they
also operate a complete ambulance service.
George Warren Montgomery is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and is a follower of the Republican party. He is a member of the local Rotary Club
and the Phi Delta Theta and Pi Sigma Eta fraternities, and is also affiliated with Lodge No. 203, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Lodge No.
896, Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He was married, September 8, I925, to M. Adele
Hosick, of Kittanning, daughter of George C. and
Marian (Greene) Hosick. Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery
are the parents of a son, George Warren, Jr., born
September 20, I93I.
KARL  BENJAMIN   SCHOTTE-Associated
with the drug and pharmacy business in Kittanning,
Pennsylvania, for more than half a century, Karl Benjamin Schotte has, since I918, been president of the
George S. Rohrer Company, an establishment that has
maintained a high reputation for quality and service,
and has operated from the present location on the corner of Market and Jefferson streets for the past
eighty-two years.
Mr. Schotte was born in Kittanning, November I4,
1868, the son of Gustavus Adolphus and Margaret
(Crary) Schotte, both deceased. Gustavus Adolphus
Schotte, a native of Mahoning, Armstrong County, was
a well-known musician in this section for many years
prior to his death. His wife was born in Venango
County.
After completing his education in the local public
schools, Karl Benjamin Schotte decided to enter the
field of pharmacy and in I883 became associated with
H. B. Hilton. Eight years later he became a partner
of George S. Rohrer, operating under the name of
George S. Rohrer and Company, and this partnership
was continued with great success until Mr. Rohrer's
death, December 28, I916. Mr. Schotte operated alone
for the next two years and then in I918 he incorporated
the business under the name of George S. Rohrer
2o6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Company, and assumed the presidency, which office he
still holds. Mr. Schotte was also instrumental in the
organizing of the Kittanning Telephone Company in
I896, and as general manager and director of this
company, he has greatly assisted in the growth and
development of this enterprise in Armstrong County.
He is also a director of the Kittanning Thrift Company, and is president of the board of trustees of the
Kittanning Library.
He is a vestryman of the Episcopal Church, and
has long been active in the affairs of the Democratic
party. He is a member of the local Rotary Club, and
is affiliated with Lodge No. 203, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He also holds membership in
the Kittanning Country Club.
He was married (first), in I893, to Carrie Kron,
daughter of George P. and Mary (Daugherty) Kron.
Mr. and Mrs. Schotte became the parents of two children: I. Karl B., Jr., married Virginia Zehring, and
they are the parents of a daughter, Shirley Ann. 2.
Margaret, married H. A. Both, and they'are the parents of two children: Annie Emily and Johan Karl,
all now living in Rotterdam, Holland. Carrie (Kron)
Schotte died December 23, I923, and Mr. Schotte
married (second), in June, I929, Lucille Cook, of
Hildebran, North Carolina, daughter of F. P. and
Mary Anna Victoria (Side) Cook.
JAMES ANDERSON SPROULL-Combining
his numerous duties as postmaster of Leechburg with
his extensive work in the insurance field and the business life of this locality, James Anderson Sproull is
recognized as a most energetic citizen and one who has
always been a leading figure in the civic and fraternal
life of the town where he has lived most of his life.
He was born in Jeannette, Westmoreland County, April
7, 1892, the son of Johnston C. and Nancy J. (Anderson) Sproull. Johnston C. Sproull, born in Allegheny
Township in I846, engaged in farming early in life,
and later followed the carpentry trade. At the time
of his death in October, 1922, he was an extensive
dealer in coal options in this section. His wife, born
in Gilpin Township in I852, is still living, having already passed her eighty-fifth birthday.
After graduating from the Leechburg schools, James
Anderson Sproull followed the machinist trade, and
engaged in this work until his enlistment in the United
States Army. He was attached to Company B, 2oth
Engineers, and was overseas for seventeen months. He
was honorably discharged July I, I919, and returned
to his trade, but the following year entered the general
insurance field in Leechburg, which business he conducted in conjunction with the Service Book Store.
dealers in books and all varieties of stationery. He purchased this business in I920 and has operated it to the
present day. In I927 he was appointed chief deputy
sheriff of Armstrong County, and served in this capacity
for eighteen months under Sheriff W. A. McCollum,
resigning upon his election as county commissioner for
a four-year term. He was reilected to this office in
1932, but upon his appointment to the postmastership
of Leechburg June 6, I934, regretfully severed his
connections with the County Commission.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
and for a decade served as treasurer and as a member
of the board of trustees. He is a staunch supporter
of the Democratic party, and is prominent fraternally,
being affiliated with Leechburg Lodge, No. 577, Free
and Accepted Masons, Kittanning Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons, Council No. 52, Royal and Select Masters,
Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, also Lodge No. 377, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and Leechburg Post, No. 266, American
Legion.
He was married November 17, I935, to Esther J.
Murphy, of Leechburg, daughter of William J. and
Blanche (Jeffer) Murphy.
DR. CHARLES M. HUGHEY-Now a practicing physician in McDonald, Pennsylvania, Dr.
Charles M. Hughey was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, December I I, I9II, the son of Blanchard L.
and Julia Etta  (Palmer) Hughey.  Blanchard L.
Hughey, born in Carnegie, February 26, I878, is employed as a railroad conductor. His wife, a native
of Pittsburgh, was born April 3, I88o.
Dr. Hughey attended the public schools of Burgettstown, and after graduating from the high school in
I929 he entered the University of Pittsburgh for a
two-year pre-medical course. He then continued his
studies at this institution, and received a degree of
Bachelor of Science in I933, and two years later his
degree of Doctor of Medicine. Following an interneship at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, he launched
his private practice in McDonald in September, I936,
and has to date been actively engaged in his profession. Dr. Hughey is also a great lover of outdoor
life, and when the pressure of duties permit, he is
most fond of engaging in his favorite sports, hunting
and fishing.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Republican in politics, and a member of Garfield L,odge,
No. 604, Free and Accepted Masons.  He is also
affiliated with the County, State and American Medi207ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
vived him, was the granddaughter of Jeremiah Kendall, a Virginian who fought with the Continental
forces during the Revolutionary War and in I787 was
issued a patent for a tract of land comprising two hundred and sixty-four and one-fourth acres. This property, located on Brown's Run, was known as "The
Twins" and remained in the family for a number of
years. Mrs. Reppert's father, also named Jeremiah,
fought with the American forces during the War of
I812.
After completing a general education at Georges
Creek Academy in Smithfield, Judge Reppert matriculated at Bucknell College from which he was graduated in I877. The two years that followed he devoted
to farming and in I879 came to Uniontown to take up
the study of law under the Hon. Nathaniel Ewing.
To defray expenses, during this period, he taught in
the South Union Township School for one year and
three years at the Uniontown School, during two of
which he served as principal. His labors were rewarded in 1883 when he was admitted to the Fayette
County bar. The following year he established himself in practice at Uniontown, forming a partnership
with A. H. Wycoff, which was dissolved in I887. The
latter year he joined George D. Howell in a general
practice and maintained this affiliation until he assumed
his judgeship on January I, I898.
In I892 he announced his candidacy for the office of
district attorney, but during the ensuing election was
defeated by George B. Jeffries. He then sought the
judgeship of this judicial district, which at the time
embraced Fayette and Greene counties, and though he
received endorsement in the former he was unsuccessful in the latter and withdrew his candidacy. Nevertheless he continued to take an active part in the
affairs of the local Republican party and in 1897 was
named its candidate for the district judgeship, then
composed of Fayette County. He was elected and
assumed office January I, I898. Judge Reppert served
for twenty years, establishing a record of accomplishment on the bench that won him richly merited praise
as one of the outstanding jurists of Southwestern
Pennsylvania. While he has lived in virtual retirement since that time, for the past twelve years he has
maintained an office in the Court House.
On June 12, I889, Judge Edmund Homer Reppert
married Ellen Howell, daughter of the late Alfred
Howell, for many years one of the most prominent
members of the Fayette County bar. Judge and Mrs.
Reppert were the parents of one daughter: Elizabeth.
Mrs. Reppert died December 2, I929.
HON. JAMES WESLEY KING-For many
years the Hon. James Wesley King has been a practitioner of law in Kittanning, and his deep interest in
public affairs has been manifest in a number of different ways, not the least of these being his election some
years ago to the president judgeship of the Armstrong
County Court.
Judge King was born on Thursday, September 29,
I859, in Burrell Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, son of George King, a farmer, and -Mlary
Ann (Fiscus) King. The Kings are of German origin,
the name in old records being Koenig. Mathias King,
Judge King's great-great-grandfather, was born in
Germany and came to America in I75I in the ship
"Janet," accompanied by two brothers, Abraham and
Jacob King. He settled in Northampton County,
Pennsylvania, near Nazareth, in what was known as
"Drylands," obtaining a grant of lands from the Penns
and there living for many years.  He served the
Colonies in the Revolution, and at Hecktown, Northampton County, was a member of the Reformed
Church. About 1794 he emigrated to Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, settling in Mount Pleasant
Township and there dying in i8Io. He married a Miss
Hartzell.
George Adam King, one of their children, born February II, I765, in Nazareth Township, Northampton
County, died April 2, 1843, in Kittanning Township,
Armstrong County. He went with his father about
I794 to Westmoreland County, and about I796 settled
in Armstrong County. He bought much land by I812,
and was a farmer by occupation. He was the first
constable of Kittanning Township in I807, I8o8 and
I809. He was one of twelve men who, with their
wives, organized St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran
Church in I8o6. He married (first) Maria Catharine
George, born October 25, 1768, daughter of Conrad
and Susan George, of Nazareth, Northampton County,
and she died about I830.
Their son, John King, born March 27, 1790, in
Nazareth  Township, Northampton  County, came
about 1794 to Westmoreland County with his father
and grandfather and later to Armstrong County with
his father. He was a farmer, tailor and cooper, owned
real estate in Kittanning Township, and was a man of
prominence in St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran
Church and in his community. He married Susannah
Heilman, born August 8, 1788, daughter of Peter
Heilman. She died July I8, I85I, and her husband
in I848, and they were buried in St. Michael's Church
Cemetery, Burrell Township, Armstrong County.
They had eleven children.
One of these, George King, was born December 23,
I812, in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County.
He attended the subscription schools, and for some
years taught in Kittanning Township. He was exceptionally strong in mathematics, was a prolific
reader, and was quite at home with German andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
cal associations. He was married, in October, I937,
to Rachel Carolyn Douglas, of McDonald, daughter
of the late Dr. J. A. and Mary (Robb) Douglas.
HARRY POLLOCK-Since I92I Harry Pollock has been connected with the wholesale grocery
business in Kittanning, and at present is one of the
partners in the management of the Harry M. Pollock
Company. He was born in McGrann, Armstrong
County, June 23, 1896, the son of Louis and Minnie
(Huttner) Pollock. Louis Pollock who was born in
Russia in 1870, came to the United States in i886, and
first settled in Pittsburgh. He later came to McGrann
where he was engaged as a merchant, and then, in
1903, moved to Kittanning, where he was associated
with his son until his death in I929.
Harry Pollock received his public school education
in the Kittanning schools, and after graduating from
Kittanning High School in 1915, he matriculated at
the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a member
of the class of I919. He began his career in Pittsburgh, as salesman for the Edward A. Woods Company, but after three years in this field, he moved to
Kittanning, and entered the coal brokerage business,
under the name of the Valley Coal Company. After
two years as owner and manager of this concern, he
entered the wholesale grocery business under his own
name, and in I923 the business was incorporated under
the name of the Harry M. Pollock Company, with
himself as vice-president, and his father, Louis Pollock, assuming the presidency. When Louis Pollock
died in I929, Harry Pollock became president of the
company, and continued in this capacity until the dissolution of- the corporation, January I, 1937, upon
which date a partnership was formed, although the
firm still operates under the corporate name. The
present offices and warehouse located on South Jefferson Street furnish employment for twenty-two people.
Harry Pollock is a member of the B'nai B'rith, a Republican, and an affiliate of Lodge No. 203, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks and the Pi Lambda Phi
Fraternity. His main hobbies are golf and bridge,
and he is a popular member of the Kittanning Country
Club.
He was married February I2, 1928, to Gazella
Keller, of Ellwood City, daughter of Morris and Rose
(Klein) Keller. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock are the parents of a son, Louis, born March 9, I930.
DR. TURNEY LESTER KIRKWOOD-Now
a practicing physician in Kittanning. Dr. Turney Lester Kirkwood was born in Wattersonville, Armstrong
County, July 7, I907, the son of Harry and Margaret
(Yates) Kirkwood. Harry Kirkwood, born in Redbank, Clarion County, in I866, is now retired. His
wife is also a native of Redbank, having been born
there in I868.
Dr. Kirkwood received his elementary education in
the Wattersonville public school, and then enrolled at
Kittanning High School, where he was graduated in
I926. He next entered Geneva College, and after receiving his degree of Bachelor of Science in 1930
matriculated at the Medical School of the Pittsburgh
University, graduating with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I934. After an interneship spent at St.
Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, he came to Kittanning
and established offices here for the general practice of
medicine. He is a member of the staff of the Armstrong County Hospital, and is a popular member of
his profession in this area.
He is a member of the First Baptist Church and a
Republican, and is affiliated with the County, State
and American Medical associations, and the Nu Sigma
Nu medical fraternity. He is also an active member
of the local Kiwanis Club. His chief divertisement from
professional duty is found in outdoor sports of all
kinds, especially fishing, which latter sport he readily
admits is his chief hobby.
FRANK LESTER BOWERS-As secretary,
treasurer and general manager of the McClain Sand
Company, Frank Lester Bowers is active in the management of one of the principal business enterprises
of the Point Marion district. He has devoted his
entire career to the service of this company, but has
supplemented his business interests by many civic connections through which he has exercised constructive
leadership in general community affairs.
Mr. Bowers was born at Point Marion on July 2,
T886, a son of David M. and Etta (McClain) Bowers.
He is a grandson of George Bowers, who erected one
of the original buildings on the Gallatin estate at
Friendship Hill, and comes of one of the very old
families of Fayette County. His father, who was born
at Point Marion in I862, is a carpenter. His mother
was also born in this community in I864.
Frank Lester Bowers was educated in the public
schools of Point Marion and at the age of fifteen began
his association with the McClain Sand Company, working in minor capacities for a number of years. Gradually, however, he assumed more important responsibilities in the organization, and in 191o was made a
partner. In I922, after the incorporation of the company, he became secretary, treasurer and general manager. This enterprise handles sand, gravel and builders' supplies. It has plants at Point Marion, Morgantown, West Virginia and New Martinsville, West
Virginia and employs approximately one hundred peo2o8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ple. Mr. Bowers is in full charge of company operations, which he has directed successfully for a number
of years. He is one of the leading business men of
Point Marion and has used the influence which this
position brings him to advance the interests of his
community in many ways. From I920 to I924 he was
a member of the Point Marion Borough Council,
bringing to its deliberations his sound business experience and unfailing interest in promoting the public
welfare. In 1925 he became a member of the School
Board, on which he has since served without interruption, and since I928 has functioned as president of this
body. Here again he has rendered very valuable service to his community. In I926 he was called to the
wider sphere of State affairs, taking his seat as a
member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
from the Second District of Fayette County. He continued as a member of the Legislature until 1932,
winning the respect of his colleagues through his diligence and ability.
Mr. Bowers is a Republican in politics and is an
active leader in local councils of his party. He serves
as president of the Point Marion Rotary Club and the
Community Club and is prominent fraternally in the
Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. In the Masonic Order he is affi!iated
with Valley Lodge, No. 459; Masontown, Royal Arch
Chapter; the Commandery of the Knights Templar
at Uniontown; the various Scottish Rite bodies, including the Lodge of Perfection at Uniontown and
the Consistory at Pittsburgh; and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at
Pittsburgh. His community work and fraternal activities have been his principal hobby and the benefits
thereof have accrued to many institutions of this district. Mr. Bowers is a member of the Point Marion
Christian Church, in which he has been chairman of
the church board for the past eight years and superintendent of the Sunday school since I924.
He married. on November I4, I904, Asia Lee Sadler,
of Point Marion, daughter of Garret and Rebecca Ann
(Rumble) Sadler and member of one of Point Marion's
oldest families. Mr. and Mrs. Bowers have three
sons: Theodore M., a graduate of the University of
Pittsburgh; Edwin S., a graduate of Gettysburg College; and Frank Lester, Jr., now a high school student.
RUFUS SCHANK FRICK-A descendant of
one of the older Armstrong County families, and the
proprietor of a well-known general store on the corner
of Orr and Highland avenues, Kittanning, Pennsylvania, Rufus Schank Frick was born in East Franklin
Township April 13, 1894, the son of Chambers and
Nancy (Flenner) Frick. The elder Mr. Frick, born
in Washington Township, in I853, was engaged in the
mercantile business for many years, both in Washington and East Franklin townships, but is now retired
from business. He has always been active in political
affairs and served as sheriff of Armstrong County
from 19o07 to I9IO. His wife, born in Washington
Township in I853, died in I930.
Rufus Schank Frick received his early education in
the public schools of East Franklin Township, and
later attended Kittanning High School, and after
graduating from here enrolled at Slippery Rock Normal School. His first period of employment was with
the Martin and Stewart Company, general contractors,
where he remained for three years. He then entered
the general mercantile field in Kittanning, but two
years later entered the employ of the Shawmut Railroad. He next entered the retail automobile field in
Kittanning, and under the firm name of Morrison and
Frick, operated the Maxwell agency for three years.
He then reentered the retail mercantile field, and has
been actively engaged in this work to the present day.
In 1935 Mr. Frick was elected to a six-year term as
a member of the Kittanning School Board, and in
1937 he was chosen president of.this body.
He is a member of the First Baptist Church, and
has been a member of the board of trustees for eight
years, and a Sunday school teacher for two years. lie
is a supporter of the Republican party, and is affiliated
with the Knights of Pythias and the local Kiwanis
Club.
He was married in July, 1915, to Erma Tennent, of
Selena, Ohio, daughter of John and Lydia Tennent.
Mr. and Mrs. Frick are the parents of two children:
I. Betty Jane, born February 17, 1918. 2. Rufus Tennent, born June 13, 1924.
HENRY ARTHUR HUDSON-Entering the
sand and gravel business soon after his college days,
Henry Arthur Hudson has been connected with this
field to the present day and is now president and sole
owner of the Henry A. Hudson Sand Company. He
was born in Clinton, Armstrong County, March 24,
1891, the son of James McCullough and Nancy Katherine (Bowser) Hudson, both deceased. James McCullough Hudson, born on a farm in Buffalo Township
in 1852, was educated in the local public schools, and
followed the river and oil fields in this section. He
served as a river captain for almost half a century,
and from I89o to I9o00 was in complete charge of river
operations for the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company.
In 900oo he entered the sand and gravel business, and
was president of the J. M. Hudson and Son Company,
until his death, February 20, I931. He was the son
of Thomas Hudson who was engaged during his life209ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
time in cabinet-making and farming in Westmoreland
and Armstrong counties. Nancy Katherine (Bowser)
Hudson, born in South Buffalo Township in I856, died
January I9, I9oI.
Henry Arthur Hudson received his early education
in the public schools of Clinton and Kittanning, and
after graduating from Kittanning High School in
I907, matriculated at Allegheny College, where he remained for two years. He then became associated
with his father's business, and upon the latter's death,
he purchased complete interest in the firm, changing
the name to its present title, and being one of the more
prominent concerns of this type in this section, it supplies sand and gravel by rail, river and truck shipments
to all parts of Armstrong, Indiana, Butler, Westmoreland counties. During the World War, Mr. Hudson
was a member of the 8oth Division, 305th Engineers,
and served overseas for fourteen months. He enlisted
September I8, 1917, and was honorably discharged
with the rank of sergeant, June I2, I919.
He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church, and a loyal supporter of the Democratic party.
He was elected to the local School Board for a sixyear term in 1936, and is now president of this body,
the only Democrat to ever hold this distinguished
post. He is prominent in the affairs of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars, being a Past Commander of the
fames Arthur Ashe Post, No. 863, and he has served
as Commander of District No. 27, embracing Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson and Clarion counties. At
present he is Commander of Armstrong Post, No. T22,
American Legion, and is also affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and the local Kiwanis Club.
He was married June 20, I916, to Edythe I. McLaughlin, of Rural Valley, daughter of James and.gnes (Gibson) McLaughlin. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson
are the parents of two sons: I. Henry Arthur, Jr.,
born October 20, I918. 2. Jack McCullough, born
November 4, I920.
GERALD  W. FOSTER-Connected with the
brick and clay business throughout his business career,
Gerald W. Foster has served in the capacity of superintendent of the Willard Kittanning Brick Manufacturing Company at Kittanning for the past twentyfour years. He was born in Lewis Run, McKean
County, December 4, 1882, the son of George W. and
Sarah A. (Ingoldsby) Foster. George W. Foster,
born in Lewis Run in I855, was engaged in farming
and brick manufacturing in Western Pennsylvania
throughout most of his active career, and was also
interested in the oil business in Bradford. He is now
retired, and resides in Bradford, Pennsylvania. His
wife, born in Lafayette Township, in I858, died August 20, I89o.
Gerald W. Foster attended the public schools of
Bradford Township, and after completing his high
school education in I907, attended Leander Clark
College in Iowa, for two years. He then spent two
years as a school teacher in McKean County. He
then entered the employ of the Tuna Valley Pressed
Brick Company in Bradford, as a brick sorter, and
the following year was made foreman for the Olean
Press Brick Company in Olean, New York. Two
years later he was appointed superintendent of the
Pearl Clay Products Company of Kushequa, Pennsylvania. He remained here for five years, and was
then employed in the same capacity for the Darlington Brick and Mining Company of Darlington, Pennsylvania, where he remained until I914 when he came
to Kittanning to become superintendent of the Kittanning Clay Products Company, now known as the
Willard Kittanning Brick Manufacturing Company.
His many years of association in this work have given
him a complete knowledge of this industry, and his
long experience has been most beneficial to his employers and his advice is highly respected by all who
come under his charge. He is also a director of the
Monticello Gas and Oil Company, and is an active
figure in civic affairs.
He is an elder of the Presbyterian Church, and a
member of the Republican party. He was married, in
I9o8, at Kane, Pennsylvania, to Minerva P. Wegley, and they are the parents of two children: G.
Wayne and Myrtle Gene Foster.
HON. HORATIO SNYDER DUMBAULDA member of the bench of the Court of Common
Pleas of Fayette County, the Hon. Horatio Snyder
Dumbauld, of Uniontown, took office in January,
1936, for a ten-year term. His contribution to the
life of his community, county and State has been an
important one, rich in beneficial results and valuable from many points of view.
Judge Dumbauld was born May I5, I869, in Saltlick Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son
of George A. and Elizabeth (Snyder) Dumbauld and
grandson of Abraham C. Dumbauld. His grandfather
was born in Fayette County, son of Peter Dumbauld,
one of the early pioneer settlers here, and became a
prominent farmer. George A. Dumbauld, father of
Horatio S. Dumbauld, was born in Saltlick Township,
Fayette County, and was for years a farmer, school
teacher and justice of the peace until his death on
August II, I907. Elizabeth (Snyder) Dumbauld, the
mother, was born also in Saltlick Township. and died
2ioANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
February I2, I9I3. One of Horatio Snyder Dumbauld's uncles was D. W. C. Dumbauld, at one time an
associate judge.
Attending the schools of Fayette County, Horatio
Snyder Dumbauld was only fifteen years of age when
he began teaching. He had two ambitions-to be
graduated from college and to be a lawyer. On May
I5, i888, he entered Mount Union College, at Alliance,
Ohio, as a student, working his way through the course
of study there by employment on a sawmill and by
helping farmers for wages, and teaching in Saltlick
and Dunbar townships. He was graduated from
Mount Union College in I895. Resuming his teaching
activities, he became principal of the Vanderbilt
schools. In I897 he passed the preliminary examination for admission to the bar, and he then read law
with the Hon. S. Leslie Mestrezat. In June, i898, he
was nominated for the State Assembly to fill the
ticket along with Messrs. Deyarmon and Keegan. He
carried the county in the election by nearly I,ooo votes,
and was a useful member of the I899 session. He was
chosen unanimously as Democratic county chairman in
I899, when Judge Umbel was a candidate for his first
term of office, and at that time he conducted a vigorous and successful campaign.
On December 2I, I899, he was admitted to the practice of law in Fayette County's courts, and at once
began the practice of his profession. This by no means
meant any diminution of his political activity, however, for Mr. Dumbauld was reelected county chairman
in I9oo and again in 19oI. In that year he was instrumental in securing the election of S. E. Frock for
sheriff. Mr. Frock was the last Democratic candidate
to be elected to county office in Fayette County thereafter for years and years. In 19o2 Mr. Dumbauld
spent a great deal of his time in Gilmer County, West
Virginia, examining coal titles and making deeds for
thousands of acres of West Virginia coal lands for
Fayette County buyers.  He paid out, in this connection, more than $750,000.
In February, I904, he was elected a member of the
Town Council of Uniontown in the strongly Republican Third Ward. In I905, I906, I907 and 19o8 he
served as Democratic central committeeman in his
ward. He has liberally contributed at all times to the
Democratic party, proving himself generous of both his
time and his material resources. He was a member of
the Democratic National Convention of I916, which
nominated Woodrow Wilson for his second term as
President of the United States, and was again a delegate in 1932, when Franklin D. Roosevelt was first
nominated. From September I, I933, to January, 1936,
he served as United States Attorney for the Western
District of Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh, resigning
from that post to take his present office as judge of the
Court of Common Pleas of Fayette County, to which
he was elected on November 5, I935. He began serving a ten-year term in January, I936. In his private
practice and as a member of the court he has distinguished himself by his fairness and his devotion to the
highest principles of service.  He has been known
consistently as "the poor man's lawyer" and has taken
pride in this fact.
He is a member of the Fayette County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association. His
deep knowledge of the law and his talent for applying
it, for discovering legal precedents and making prompt
and logical judgments, are qualities that have stood
him in good stead in his profession and caused him
to be honored by his professional colleagues. He is
a keen student of human nature, and his characteristics are such as to fit him admirably for the judgeship
that he holds. In this work, as in his professional and
other connections, he has shown himself ready for any
duty, no matter how small or apparently insignificant.
At one time he was president of the Uniontown
Kiwanis Club. In the Free and Accepted Masons he
is a Past Master of Laurel Lodge, No. 65I, a Past
High Priest of Union Chapter, No. I65, Royal Arch
Masons, and is affiliated with Uniontown Lodge of
Perfection, Pennsylvania Consistory of the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite (Pittsburgh), and Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is a Past Officer of these Masonic bodies.
Mr. Dumbauld also belongs to Lodge No. 370 of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which
he is a Past Exalted Ruler, and to the Sigma Nu Fraternity, which he joined at Mount Union College.
On June 9, 1903, Horatio Snyder Dumbauld married Lissa Grace MacBurney, of Dickerson Run, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Susan
(Wadsworth) MacBurney. One son, Edward Dumbauld, was born to this marriage on October 26, 1905.
He was graduated from Princeton University in 1926
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and from the
Harvard University Law School with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws in I929. After a year of postgraduate work he was awarded the Master of Laws degree in
I930. In I932 Leyden University, Leyden, Holland,
conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence. He is now special assistant to the Attorney General of the United States in the Anti-Trust Division of the Department of Justice at Washington,
District of Columbia.
2IIANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
SIMEON NIXON, Jr.-For over six decades
the Nixon Hotel has been one of the finest and most
popular hostelries in the city of Butler. During the
past forty years Simeon Nixon, Jr., has managed the
establishment, succeeding his distinguished father, who
founded it in I875. In this capacity Mr. Nixon has
done much to improve the physical and service features of the hostelry which has been consistently operated in accordance with the most modern methods.
The Nixon family emigrated from the British Isles
in the early seventeenth century. A William Nixon
was born in New Jersey in the year I745, and settled at
Fairchance in Fayette County. The following nine
children were his descendants: Allen Nixon, born
August I2, I772; John Nixon, born February 20,
I776; Dercas Nixon, born September 30, I780; Jacob Nixon, born September 20, I785; Elizabeth Nixon,
born November I9, I795; Moses Nixon, born January
19, I774; William Nixon, born November I5, 1778;
George Nixon, born December I5, I782, and Samuel
Nixon, born May 9, I789.
For generations the Nixon family has been prominent in the farming life of this section of the State,
counting among its representatives William Nixon,
grandfather of Mr. Nixon.
William Nixon, father of Simeon Nixon, Sr., was
born March II, 1797, died March 20o, I88I; was married by Rev. Andrew Clark November 30, I8i8, to
Eunice Likens, born January 25, I794, in Butler
County; died September 2, I866.
William Nixon and his wife are buried at the Baptist Cemetery on the Cooper Farm, Penn Township,
Butler County. William Nixon was the son of Jehu
and Mary Nixon, and his wife, Eunice (L,ikens)
Nixon, was the daughter of William and Ann Likens.
Jehu and Mary Nixon were buried in Jackson Township, Butler County, as were four brothers and sisters. The graves were all marked at that time, but
since then the markers have been destroyed by a man
named Croft who purchased the land and was acquitted by Judge Agnew, on a technical mistake in the
indictment.
To William and Eunice (Likens) Nixon were born
the following eight children: I. Rebecca Nixon, born
December 9, I819; died July 7, I82I. 2. Nancy and 3.
Mary (twins), born February 13, 1822. Mary was
married February 3, 1853, by Rev. Dismore, to John
Critchlow; died April 9, I855. 4. Sara Ann Nixon,
born October 29, I824; married February Io, 1853, to
Forrester Brown. 5. William Nixon, Jr., born August 2, I827; died October io, I839. 6. John Nixon,
born January Io, 1831; died November 30, 1832. 7.
Eunice Nixon, born July 7, I833; died April 2, I844.
8. Simeon Nixon, Sr., born December ii, I836; died
November 9, I902.
To Simeon Nixon, Sr., and Jennie (Temple) Nixon
were born the following four children: I. Simeon,Nixon, Jr., of further mention. 2. J. Brown Nixon,
born June 3, I878. 3. I. Payne Nixon, born August
I2, I880. 4. Helen Nixon, born January 13, I883.
Simeon Nixon, Jr., was born on the present site of
the Butler-Pittsburgh airport, situated south of the
community of Butler proper, on August 5, I876, son
of Simeon Nixon, Sr., and Jennie (Temple) Nixon.
His father engaged in farming for a period, then'founded the present Nixon Hotel, which he operated
until his passing. He served as a non-commissioned
officer in the 6th United States Cavalry during the
Civil War and saw action in some of the major engagements of that conflict, including the famous battle of Gettysburg. His wife, who survives him, was
born in Jefferson County in I855, and is now residing in Butler County.
Mr. Nixon received a general education in the Butler public schools and after completing this part of his
studies matriculated at the Slippery Rock Normal
School, which he attended until he enrolled in the
University of Pittsburgh from whch he was graduated in the class of 1897. The same year he returned
to Butler to engage in the management of the Nixon
Hotel, which had just been moved to its present site
on East Diamond Street. The small inn, which had
originally been opened with twenty rooms, now was
housed in a modern building of I50 rooms. The continued success and popularity of the establishment, under Mr. Nixon's management, compelled him to erect
a two-story addition with fifty additional rooms in
1902. In the operation of the hotel Mr. Nixon has
maintained standards of service and comfort that have
attracted a large and lucrative patronage. To conduct it on an efficient scale he has maintained a staff
of over 75 employees. The nature of his success
in this venture has established him among the leading
business figures in this community, where in addition
to managing the hotel he is also a member of the
board of directors of Memorial Hospital of Butler.
Mr. Nixon is a Republican in politics, fraternizes
with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
and the Order of Free and Accepted Masons in which
he is also a member of the New Castle Consistory, and
the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the
Butler Board of Commerce, the Butler Country Club
and the Sons of Veterans.
In I897, at Butler, Mr. Nixon married Cora Clarke
212ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
NEWTON HUNTER SLONAKER-Active in
the organization of the Hyde Park Foundry and Machine Company in 1895, Newton Hunter Slonaker has
been identified with the growth and development of this
industrial organization, and at present is serving in the
capacity of secretary and treasurer. He was born in
Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, November 6, I870, the son of John and Elizabeth (Bole)
Slonaker, both deceased. John Slonaker, also a native
of Westmoreland County was employed for many
years as a wagon maker. He was the son of Daniel
Slonaker who was engaged in farming in Westmoreland County.
Newton Hunter Slonaker was educated in the township public schools, and after graduating from I,eech-burg High School, learned the machinist trade, in
which he engaged for about five years. In 1895 he
assisted in the organization of the Hyde Park Foundry
and Machine Company, manufacturers of castings and
machine parts, later and still specializing in the manufacture of rolling mill machinery. This establishment,
beginning in a small plant with only a limited number
of employees, now comprises seven buildings with an
employment personnel of one hundred and fifty, and
is one of the larger industrial establishments in this
section. Mr. Slonaker first acted as chief of the machine department, but later became secretary and treasurer. He is also a vice-president and director of the
First National Bank of Leechburg.
He has served on the board of the Lutheran Church
for many years, and is an active member of the Republican party, having served as a member of the
Leechburg Council for many years, and at present
completing his third term as a member of the School
Board. He is also a prominent figure in fraternal
circles, being affiliated with the Leechburg Lodge,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 577,
Free and Accepted Masons, Kittanning Chapter, Royal
Arch Masons, Tankard Commandery, Knights Templar, Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also holds membership in the Kittanning Encampment.
He was married in 1893 to Cora I. Trout, of Allegheny Township, and they are the parents of five
children: I. Charles T.. 2. Paul N. 3. Mrs. Margaret E. Bischoff.  4. Mrs. Mary S. Mohney.  5.
Walter D.
DR. RONALD ROBERT BUSHYAGER-Dr.
Ronald Robert Bushyager of Irwin, Pennsylvania, was
born in Harrison City, Westmoreland County, May Io,
I908, the son of Howard 0. and Mary Etta (Zimmerman) Bushyager. Howard O. Bushyager, born in
Penn Township in I88o is now a merchant in Harrison City. His wife, a native of Greensburg was born
in 1884.
Dr. Bushyager received his elementary education in
the local public schools, and later attended Edgewood
High School, graduating in I926. In I930 he received
a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and
Jefferson College, and then enrolled at Western Reserve University, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree in I934. He spent the following year serving an
interneship at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, and then became resident physician at Bradford Hospital for one year, afterwards coming to Irwin
to establish his private practice. He is a member of
the staff of Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, and
is also connected with the Westmoreland County
Medical Society.
He is a member of the Reformed Church, a Democrat in his political faith, and an active member of
local civic life. He holds membership in the Kiwanis
Club, and is affiliated with Theta Kappa Nu, Phi
Sigma, Pi Delta Epsilon and Alpha Kappa Kappa
fraternities.
On June I4, I938, Dr. Bushyager was married to
Wilma M. McGraw, of Cleveland, Ohio.
ARTHUR SHUPE MECHLING-As general
manager of the Union Supply Company store in
Ronco for the past twenty-eight years, Arthur Shupe
Mechling can be classified as one of the oldest and
most respected merchants in this community, where he
has also attained distinction as a civic and social
leader.
Mr. Mechling was born at Mt. Pleasant, January 3,
I877, the son of William and Mary (Cary) Mechling,
both natives of West Moreland County. His father,
who was born in I852, and died in I89o, engaged in
farming throughout his life. His mother, born in I856,
passed away in I9IO. Mr. Mechling attended the public
schools of Mt. Pleasant, the Oak Grove School and
the Mt. Pleasant Institute, where he completed his
education. In I894, at the age of seventeen he embarked on a long and distinguished career with the
Union Supply Company of Scottdale. At that time
he became associated with their Standard Store in
Mt. Pleasant as a clerk and continued in that capacity
until I9o8, when he was promoted and sent to Colebrook as manager of their store at that point. His
aptitude, ability and rapid progress in this work led
to further advancement in I9I0. During that year he
was named general manager of the Union Supply
Company store in Ronco where he has since continued,
213ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA'9
Pennsylvania Dutch as with English. He went into
business for a time, then turned to farming, about
which his attention centered for the rest of his life.
He owned a two hundred and seven-acre farm about
a mile southwest of Brick Church (St. Michael's), in
Burrell Township, and there lived the remaining years
of his life, dying July II, I898. He was a Democrat,
filled many township offices, was a devoted churchman, and had a splendid library.  He married, on
April I3, I837, Mary Ann Fiscus, born March I6,
I820, died January I9, I897, daughter of William
Fiscus. To this marriage the following children were
born: Caroline Amelia, Lucetta Amanda, Susannah
Nancy, David Luther, John Bunyan, George Adam,
Aaron Calvin, Mary Ann, James Wesley and two
children who died in infancy.
James Wesley King, one of these children, began his education in the log schoolhouse in Burrell
Township, and attended a preparatory school known
as Leechburg Normal Institute, in Leechburg. Next
he studied at Thiel College, in Greenville, Mercer
County. After two years at Thiel, he started, in
I883, to study law with E. S. Golden, of Kittanning,
and in I886 was admitted to the bar. Since May of
that year he has been continuously engaged in the
practice of his profession in Kittanning, and he has
performed a work of increasing importance and value.
At the same time he has continued his interest in
the schools and educational affairs, probably because
of his own early experience as a teacher. For several
terms he was a member of the Kittanning School
Board. Active also in political projects, he has been
a consistent Democrat, and for more than a decade
he served as chairman of the central committee of his
party. Many times he was sent as a delegate to county
and State conventions. He was at one time on his
party's ticket as a candidate for the State Legislature, and in I909 first became its choice for the office
of president judge of Armstrong County, running
against Judge W. D. Patton. His popularity was revealed in the fact that he was defeated by only sixteen
votes in a county that usually returns a Republican
majority of 2,000 or 2,500 votes. On September i6,
I913, he was again nominated, and in November he
was elected by an overwhelming majority. The nonpartisan ballot law, enacted in 1913, provides that the
candidate receiving the majority of votes cast at the
primaries in the judicial district is entitled to have his
name alone printed on the official ballot; and Mr.
King, with a majority of I,223, being the only candidate to get a majority of all the votes cast-was alone
on the ticket. He won the election by 6,ooo votes, and
as a judge created an enviable record for himself as
being conscientious, honorable, without pretense and
sincere in his desire to serve the people. In addition
to all his other activities, Mr. King has been a director
of the Armstrong County Trust Company, of Kittanning, since I924. He and his family are members of
St. John's Lutheran Church in Kittanning.
On May 25, I887, at Oakdale, Pennsylvania, James
Wesley King married Ida Lillian Cooper, a native of
New Bethlehem, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Sarah (Roll') Cooper and granddaughter of Naboth Cooper, of Chester County, Pennsylvania, a cousin of James Fenimore Cooper, the
celebrated author. The Cooper family is of English
origin, and the first ancestor in this country came from
Stratford-on-Avon, Shakespeare's home community,
settling in Philadelphia in the seventeenth century.
John Cooper, Mrs. King's father, was born April 24,
I82I, in Chester County, and died March Io, 1914. He
removed to Clarion County, and was for years a miller
at New Bethlehem, later he came to Armstrong
County and purchased the gristmill at Cochrans Mills
in Burrell Township. His mill burned in I886, and he
then went to Leechburg for a brief time and afterward to Allegheny County where he bought a farm
and ran a mill at Oakdale until his retirement. He
died at Oakdale. His wife, Sarah (Roll) Cooper, was
a native of Clarion and a member of an old family of
that district. Mrs. King died December I 5, I935.
Mr. and Mrs. King were the parents of two children:
I. James Perry King, born March 8, I889; married
Sara Crossett, June 2I, I916; they have two children:
John Wesley and Barbara. 2. Fenimore Cooper King,
born April 24, 189I; is unmarried and resides at home
with his father.
BENJAMIN RAMSEY McKENNAN-A native
of Washington County, Benjamin Ramsey McKennan
has always been closely associated with the farming
industry of this region, and in addition, has served
as Tipstaff of the Washington courts for the past
twenty years.
He was born at Franklin Township, Washington
County, January I3, I865, the son of VVilliam Bownman
and Adeline Doddrige (Ramsey) McKennan, both
deceased. William Bowman McKennan, a native of
Old Brownsville, Fayette County, was also a farmer,
and active in public affairs, having been director of the
poor of Washington County for several terms. He
died October I8, 1917. His wife, born at Charlestown.
now Wellsburg, West Virginia, June 30, T837, died
February I3, I9II. Mr. and Mrs. William Bowman
McKennan were the parents of five children: i. John
Thompson, now engaged in farming in North Franklin,
on the old homestead, and is a member of the Delaware State Society of Cincinnati, and a member of theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
establishing an enviable reputation for his efficiency,
his ability and his business policies.
His civic contributions parallel his business accomplishments. As a resident of Masontown he has actively supported all worthy causes and through his
public-spirited enthusiasm has won the approbation
of his fellow-citizens. He is a member and president
of the Masontown Rotary Club, fraternizes with Lodge
No. 562, of the Free and Accepted Masons in Scottdale in which he is also a member of the Lodge of
Perfection at Uniontown and the Pittsburgh Consistory, is a Democrat in politics and worships at the
Presbyterian Church.
On September 20, I9oo, Mr. Mechling married Elta
Frick of Mt. Pleasant and they are the parents of one
daughter, Josephine Marie, wife of John Kennison of
Masontown and the mother of four children: Jack,
Mardell, Virginia and Jane Kennison.
CHARLES HODGE EALY-Widely known in
Somerset and the surrounding district of Pennsylvania,
as well as at the State capital, where he has represented his district in the State Senate for many years,
Charles Hodge Ealy is respected and honored in an
ever-widening circle of acquaintance. He has for years
been a leading figure in professional and civic affairs.
His family is an old and honorable one, dating back to
an early period along different lines of descent. On
the paternal side the record of his family includes the
following:
(I) Dr. John Ealy, who died July I5, I83I, aged
forty years, married, March 26, ISI I, Elizabeth Huver,
who was born in December, I794, and died September
17, 1872. Dr. Ealy was a physician at Shippensburg,
Pennsylvania. Since that time many members of the
family have been medical men. The children of Dr.
John and Elizabeth (Huver) Ealy were: I. Dr. Elijah
Ealy, who married, November 8, 1839, Sarah Kinsley,
of Dayton, Ohio. 2. John C. Ealy, of further mention. 3. Hadassah Ealy, wife of John Rosebury. 4.
William C. Ealy, who married Margaret Williamson,
of Iowa City. 5. Frederick Ealy, who married Julian
McCush.  6. J. H. Ealy, who married Maria M.
Buchanan, of Meadville, Pennsylvania.
(II) John C. Ealy, also a physician, took his degree
from the University of Pennsylvania as a Doctor of
Medicine, and carried on his work at Schellsburg. He
married Anna Maria Clark, daughter of John and
Mary (Smith) Clark, of Pennsylvania and Virginia,
respectively; granddaughter of James and Rachel
(McDonald) Smith, the former of whom came from
Ireland; and great-granddaughter of Archibald McDonald, who came from Scotland, and Mary (Thomas)
McDonald, who came from Wales. John C. Ealy himself lived from October II, I813, to July 6, I887, and
he and Anna Maria (Clark) Ealy were the parents of
several children: Mary, John, Albert, Dr. Taylor
Filmore, of further mention; Anna, Cornelia, and Ida
Ealy.
(III) Dr. Taylor Filmore Ealy, father of Charles
Hodge Ealy, was born September I2, I848, and he
also became a physician. He was deeply interested in
church work, having been a member of the Presbyterian communion, and later on was an ordained minister of this faith. He lived at Schellsburg, Bedford
County, Pennsylvania, and he and his wife both went
as missionaries to the Indians at Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory. He married Mary E. Ramsey, who
assisted him in this missionary work and who also
went to New Mexico in her missionary capacity. (See
"The Ramsey Line" below for further details about
her family.) Dr. Taylor Filmore Ealy was a medical
worker among the Indians and his wife was a teacher.
He worked at Fort Arbuckle and later at Lincoln and
Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Afterward he was for the
greater part of his life a practicing physician at
Schellsburg, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of
Elders Ridge Academy, Washington and Jefferson
University and Western Theological Seminary, and
held the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Taylor Filmore and
Mary E. (Ramsey) Ealy were the parents of several
children: I. Charles Hodge Ealy, of further mention.
2. Vance L. Ealy, of Steubenville, Ohio, now deceased.
3. Dr. David B. Ealy, of Moundsville, West Virginia.
4. Anna Ealy, wife of Charles Appleman, now deceased.
5. Ruth R. Ealy, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6. Cornelia Ealy, wife of C. G. Bigelow, Chicago, Illinois.
(IV) Charles Hodge Ealy was born January 25,
I884, at Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, and attended the
schools of that place. Later he became a student at
Bucknell University, where' he took the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I904 and the degree of Master of
Arts in I905. He received his degree of Bachelor of
Laws at the University of Pittsburgh. In I9o8 he was
admitted to the practice of his profession in Somerset
County, also being admitted to practice in the Pennsylvania Superior and Supreme courts. He is a member of the firm of Uhl, Ealy and Uhl at the time of
writing, this firm having previously been known as
Uhl and Ealy.
Mr. Ealy began his public work at an early stage
of his career. In I916 he became solicitor of Somerset County, so continuing until I919. In I926 he was
elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, in which he
has since continued as a member. At Harrisburg he
has performed an important work, and he has come to
214ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
be widely recognized in political circles as a result of
his worthwlhile achievements. He is a member of
the Somerset County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American Bar
Association. He belongs to the Rotary Club, the
Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Republican party, and
worships in the Presbyterian faith.
Charles Hodge Ealy married, June I6, I914, Edna
Pritts, daughter of M. J. Pritts, formerly president of
the County Trust Compaqy, of Somerset, Pennsylvania, and Ellen (Kantner) Pritts. The children of
this marriage have been Mary Ellen, Ruth R., and
Edna M. Ealy.
(The Ramsey Line).
The family of Ramsey, from whom Charles Hodge
Ealy was descended on the maternal side, proceeds as
follows:
(I) Manasses Ramsey, born in Tyrone, Ireland, was
one of seven brothers. He was well educated in his
native land, and in young manhood came to America,
engaging in business at Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania,
where he lived during the "whiskey rebellion." Later
he removed to Mifflintown, Juniata County, where for
some years he kept a general store. He then went to
Roxbury, Pennsylvania, and still later settled at East
Waterford, in the Tuscarora Valley, where he opened
the first store. He was financially successful, and
invested his profits in land, at one time owning more
than five hundred acres. Without neglecting his store,
he found time to make many improvements on his
land, building a comfortable stone house and barn and
planting an orchard. He had a genial disposition and
was accommodating in his relationships with others,
and won many friends. He married, at East Waterford, Nancy (Piper) McLaughlin, a native of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, widow of T. McLaughlin,
M. D., of East Waterford. The three children of Dr.
and Mrs. McLaughlin are as follows: Matthew,
William and Mary McLaughlin (Mary McLaughlin
was the wife of James Ray). Mr. and Mrs. Manasses
Ramsey were the parents of six children: I. Charles,
who died unmarried. 2. Susan, wife of William
Waters, of Illinois. 3. Elizabeth, wife of Thomas
Ray. 4. James. 5. Lemuel, of further mention. 6.
John. The Ramseys were Presbyterians. Mr. Ramsey died in 1827 on his farm in Lack Township, and
his wife died there in I863.
(II) Lemuel Ramsey was born July 29, I818, in
Lack Township, Juniata County, Pennsylvania, and
attended a subscription school in the log schoolhouse,
a primitive building with rough slab benches, his
mother paying the tuition by boa ding the teacher.
His father died when he was nine years old. The
mother remained at the homestead, however, and the
boy grew up on the home farm. Needing a better
education, he studied through the winter months, for
a short time attending a select school in Bedfordtown,
Pennsylvania, under the direction of the Rev. Brainard
Hall. He taught in Bedfordtown and for a term in
Jackson, Mississippi, then returned to his home and
taught at East Waterford and in Lack Township. In
the summers he worked on the farm for his mother,
and at her death he bought the homestead, a farm of
one hundred and twenty-four acres. He greatly improved the property, repairing the house and building
a new barn. In I889 he retired from farming, retaining the homestead and removing to East Waterford,
where he built a beautiful and comfortable home, for
which he sawed his own lumber. For years he was
surveyor of the Tuscarora Valley. He cast his first
vote on the Whig ticket, voting for General Harrison
in I840, and afterward was a Republican in his political views. He married, in I85o, near Bedford, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Margaret Rea, daughter
of James and Mary (Anderson) Rea. Her father was
of Scotch-Irish descent and her mother of English
descent. James Rea was twice married, and Mrs.
Ramsey was the eldest of his ten children. Her mother,
Mary (Anderson) Rea, was a native of Bedford
County. Margaret Rea was born near Bedford. She
and Mr. Ramsey had four children, all of whom received the advantages of a good education, which their
father had missed, and all of whom became teachers
in the county schools: I. Mary E., of further mention.
2. Sarah J., now deceased. 3. James R., surveyor of
Tuscarora Valley, died at Washington College in I876.
4. Charles W., deceased.
(III) Mary E. Ramsey was born in Juniata County,
Pennsylvania, and was graduated from Tuscarora
Academy. She became a teacher in the county schools,
as did the other children of her family, and after her
marriage went with her husband as a missionary
teacher to the Indians at Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory. She was also a missionary teacher in New
Mexico, where she endured many hardships in the
course of disturbances that arose. She was married,
as already noted, to Dr. Taylor Filmore Ealy, and
they were the parents of six children (see the names
of these children under heading "Taylor Filmore
Ealy" above).
(IV) Charles Hodge Ealy, one of their children, is
a resident of Somerset and a State Senator. His record has been previously reviewed.
DANIEL MILLER BENNETT-An outstanding and influential citizen of Bridgeville, Daniel Aliller
Bennett is a descendant on both sides of his house from
English families of that substantial type which both in
215ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Mother Country and in the United States have
given to the Anglo-Saxon a dominant position in world
affairs.
The Bennett family have been prominent in Allegheny County, especially Bridgeville, since the middle
of the nineteenth century, a number of its members
being identified with the early pottery business. The
first Bennett of record is one William, who was born
and died at Burton-on-Trent, England, in the seventeenth century.  The great-grandfather of Daniel
Miller Bennett was Daniel Bennett, a colliery clerk
and local preacher in the Methodist Church, at NTewhall, England, where he preached for over fifty years.
At his death in 1863, by public subscription, a large
tablet was erected in the church commemorating his
deeds of valor, and to show the high esteem and respect in which he was held. His son, also named
Daniel and the first of his line in America, was grandfather of the Daniel Miller Bennett of this review.
This American progenitor was born April I2, I8I5, at
Stapenhill, Derbyshire, England, where he married
Catherine Bates, and where he learned the pottery
trade with three of his brothers. In 184I he decided
to come with his brothers, Edwin and William, to the
United States where an older brother, James, was
already established in business. Daniel, and his wife
and two sons (Mark James Bennett and Eli Bennett)
arrived in New York in September, 1841; moved
West and settled in East Liverpool, Ohio, where the
Bennett Brothers Pottery Company was formed by the
four mentioned. Their first pottery had been erected
by the elder brother, James, in I839. A rapid growth
in business forced the seeking of more properties and
increased facilities, with the result that the firm moved
to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and added the making of
glass to the making of pottery. Eventually glass became the main product, and the concern was incorporated as the Crystal Glass Company, with Daniel
Bennett as president. Edwin Bennett left the Pottery
Company in I846, going to Baltimore, Maryland,
where he had great success in the same business. On
account of ill health James retired in 1856. William
and Daniel continued the business.
Daniel and Catherine (Bates) Bennett, were the
parents of eleven children, including the first-born,
Mark James Bennett, born July, I838, at Woulds,
Parish of Ashby de-la-Zouch, England, who was three
years old at the time his parents moved to America.
Educated in East Liverpool, Ohio, and Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, he early became associated with his
father in the pottery business, rising to the position of
treasurer of the Crystal Glass Company. In 1867 he
located at Braddock, Pennsylvania, although he continued his connection with the company. In I888, when
the corporation was sold, he moved to McKeesport,
this State, where he died in 1897. He was an exemplary citizen, active in political, civic, and educational
life. Mark James Bennett married Elizabeth Emma
Fawcett, a daughter of William and Margaret (Robinson) Fawcett; she was born in Pittsburgh November
8, 1842.
The Fawcett family were natives of Westmorelandshire, England, where at Ravendale, William Fawcett,
the grandfather of Elizabjeth Emma (Fawcett) Bennett, was born January 8, I807, and came to America
in 1832 and settled at Buffalo, New York. His wife,
Margaret (Robinson) Fawcett, was a native of Middletown, England, where she was born April 2, I815;
she came to the United States, and settled in Buffalo,
where she met William Fawcett, whom she married on
February I, I834. Immediately after their marriage
they moved to Pittsburgh, where Mr. Fawcett, in
partnership with his two brothers, entered the coal and
river towing business. About 1853 William Fawcett
received an injury to his knee, which compelled him
to retire from the river business. At this time he
purchased a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres on
the outskirts of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, in Versailles Township. On this farm, which Mr. and Mrs.
Fawcett cultivated, they passed the remainder of their
lives, living long enough to celebrate their golden
wedding anniversary. Mr. Fawcett died in 1884, and
Mrs. Fawcett passed away in 1892. On this farm is
located the spring adjoining which General Braddock's
Army camped the night before his defeat, July 9, I755.
Mr. and Mrs. William Fawcett were the parents of
ten children. The two eldest, Christopher C. and
Thomas R. Fawcett, served with honors in the War
of the Rebellion.
Mark James and Elizabeth Emma (Fawcett) Bennett were the parents of four children: I. Daniel Miller, of further mention. 2. William Fawcett. 3. Margaret Ann (Birdie), now Mrs. Richard E. Hurrell.
4. Jennie E., now Mrs. William Flenniken, of Braddock, where her sister also resides.
Daniel Miller Bennett, of this record, was born on
Harmony Street, South Side Pittsburgh, January 29,
I864, the eldest son of Mark James and Elizabeth
Emma (Fawcett) Bennett. In 1867 he was taken by
his parents to Braddock, then a small hamlet in the
area where the British General Braddock met defeat.
After acquiring an academic education in local schools,
in I882, at the age of eighteen, Daniel Miller Bennett,
went to McKeesport, Pennsylvania. Here, for the
following three years, he was employed in the store of
his uncle, Dr. John W. Fawcett, where he acquired a
thorough knowledge of pharmacy. In I885 he became
a hammerman in the Russian Iron Department of the
2i6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
W. D. Wood Iron Company, McKeesport, but he soon
learned that he preferred pharmacy, and associated
himself with the drug house of D. Z. Muzzelman and
Company of Braddock. To gain further experience
he became engaged with the firm of E. Holden and
Company, taking a minor position. In his second year
here he was made head clerk. This store was located
at the corner of Lacock and Federal streets, Allegheny,
and is one of the oldest in the city. Mr. Bennett remained here five years, and by this time he had so
equipped himself that he was able to enter business
for himself. On March I8, I897, he purchased a store
in Bridgeville, Allegheny County, ten miles south of
Pittsburgh, where he has been in business continually
for over forty years. Through ability and confidence
he enjoys the reputation of having one of the best
equipped drug stores in the Chartiers Valley.
Mr. Bennett has, however, many other interests than
those centering in his business. He has played an
active part in politics. In I9oI he was appointed postmaster, in which position he served for over sixteen
years. For twelve years he served as a school director, five years of this time he served as the secretary.
He has held official positions in several other civic
organizations, and at the present time is the president
of the Bridgeville Business Men's League. His religious affiliations are with the Bethany Presbyterian
Church of Bridgeville.
A hobby with Mr. Bennett has been history, and he
has made some valuable historical research along this
line. When he came to Bridgeville he became interested in the spot where the only battle in the "Whiskey
Insurrection" was fought; on the Neville farm, which
was the farm of General John Neville, of Revolutionary times. Mr. Bennett led the movement to place a
suitable marker on the ground, to commemorate the
battle and its location. The Chartiers Historical Society was organized a number of years ago, with Mr.
Bennett as its secretary. Through this society, in
October, I935, a beautiful monument and tablet was
dedicated. Mr. Bennett's collection of old papers and
histories is interesting and valuable. He has records
of almost all historic places in the vicinity, and takes a
keen pleasure in showing them to any one interested.
He has made two valuable contributions to local history: First, "The Family History of Christian Lesnett"; and second, "The Life and Work of Reverend
John McMillan, D. D." Dr. McMillan started the
school in I780 that became, in I787, the foundation of
Washington and Jefferson College. Mrs. Bennett was
a fifth generation descendant of Dr. McMillan.
In the compilation of the history of Dr. McMillan,
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett located and visited nearly all
the haunts of Dr. McMillan. The records so collected
make the book very accurate. He is a member of the
Western Pennsylvania Historical Society. Mr. Bennett has been a collector of old money, and has a valuable collection. His United States coins are, in value,
from half pennies to silver dollars, and his foreign
monies date back to the sixteenth century. Young at
seventy-five, he is active and enjoys good health. He
drives his own automobile and has done so continuously since I907. As proof of his years of driving he
has all his annual license plates tacked up in his
garage; there are some thirty-two plates. At this
time Mr. Bennett is actively engaged in collecting and
compiling a history of the Bennett families, who were
the pioneer potters of East Liverpool, Ohio. He is
finding many interesting records of the family.
Daniel Miller Bennett, married (first) in I885,
Maggie Peterson, of McKeesport, to whom were born
two children: I. Earl R. Bennett, who married Margaret Davis. 2. Margaret, who is now Mrs. George
D. Winstein. Mrs. Bennett died in I889, and Mr.
Bennett married (second), in I894, Tillie B. Carson,
of McKeesport, who died February 28, I896. In I897
Mr. Bennett moved to Bridgeville, where he married
(third) Rebecca Caldwell of that village, a descendant
of Rev. John McMillan, D. D. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett
became the parents of three children: I. Lloyd W., who
died quite young. 2. William F., who married Sarah
Taylor. 3. John W. Both sons are associated in
business with their father. Mrs. Rebecca (Caldwell)
Bennett, died February I7, I935.
WALTER S. HOFFMAN-Following the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Walter S. Hoffman, of Somerset, is engaged in the undertaking business, and is continuing the tradition of the family for
friendly and sympathetic service, the trade mark of a
business that has been known in this section for more
than ninety years.
He was born April I6, I89I, in Somerset County,
the son of George Parker and Clara Louise (Kellar)
Hoffman. George Parker Hoffman was born October
3I, I86I, and died August I8, I926. He was a cabinetmaker in addition to his work in the undertaking business, and he was the son of Henry Hoffman who was
born in Darmstadt, Germany, and came to the United
States in 1836, at the age of nineteen years, the ocean
trip being nine weeks duration. Henry Hoffman was
a cabinetmaker and secured employment in cabinetmaking shops in New York City, then in Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, for some time. He settled at Jenners
Crossroad and five years later bought a property and
established the business with which his family has
ever since been associated. He married Lena Fray,
of Hollsopple, and they were the parents of two chil217ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
dren: Levina and Elmira. Mrs. Lena (Fray) Hoffman died; he married (second) Rachel Reichmyre,
of Jennerstown; they were the parents of seven children: I. Joshua. 2. Charles. 3. Joseph. 4. George
Parker, of further mention. 5. Jennie. 6. William.
7. L. Graham.
George Parker Hoffman married, October 30, I887,
Clara Louise Kellar, daughter of Edward and Susan
(Walker) Kellar, of Somerset. They were the parents of nine children: I. Henry Edward. 2. Walter
Swank, of further mention. 3. John Parker. 4. Elsie
Margaret. 5. Ada Louise. 6. Charles Lowry. 7.
Wilbert Eugene. 8. Ernest William. 9. Robert Kenneth. Mrs. Clara Louise Hoffman is still living.
Walter S. Hoffman graduated from the local public
and high schools, and immediately joined his father's
business, receiving his license in I923. Upon the death
of his father he assumed complete management of the
business, and has been most successful, having recently
moved to new and modern quarters on East Main
Street. During the World War he saw service overseas and as a first-class private in the 3I3th Field
Artillery, 8oth Division.
Mr. Hoffman is a member of the Trinity Lutheran
Church, and is independent in his political beliefs. He
is affiliated with the Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and is associated with the Lions Club, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was
married, January I, 1921, to Minnie May Ridinger, of
Somerset, daughter of John Adam Ridinger, a prominent Somerset architect.
JOHN HENRY ROSS HEMMINGER, M. D.
-Having engaged in the practice of medicine in Somerset County since the beginning of the present century,
Dr. John Henry Ross Hemminger is one of the best
known and popular physicians in Southwestern Pennsylvania. His professional activities, both in general
practice and as a specialist, have been of outstanding
merit and his services to the communities with which
he has been identified as a civic-minded citizen have
been of great importance.
Dr. Hemminger was born in Somerset County,
October 7, 1875, son of Cyrus and Missouri (Barron)
Hemminger, both natives of this same county, where
their forefathers had long been established. The first
available historic mention of the Hemminger name in
Pennsylvania is that of John (I), who left Germany
in the middle of the eighteenth century and located in
Lancaster County when a young man. He married
Barbara Rhem in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
They had three sons: John, Jacob, and Samuel. We
are concerned with John (2), whose sons were: John
(3), Andrew, Henry, George, and Joseph. Our line
of descent is through John (3), who married Polly
Schneider, granddaughter of Jacob Schneider, one of
the founders of Somerset. Their son, Jonas (4), was
born in I8i6 in Somerset County, where his grandfather, John (I), had come shortly after the Revolution. John (I) served in the  Ith Pennsylvania Regiment under Colonel Hubby, in Captain Kane's Company during the Revolutionary War. He was a member of the first jury in Somerset County. Jonas (4),
who was a farmer, and died December 8, I9oo, was the
father of Cyrus (5), who was the father of John
Henry Ross Hemminger, M. D., of the sixth generation and the subject of this biography.
The preparation of Dr. Hemminger for his medical
career was unusually comprehensive.  His formal
education was completed in the public schools and
Gettysburg College, from which he matriculated at the
University of Pittsburgh, receiving the degree of
Doctor of Dental Surgery in I900oo. He then became a
Doctor of Medicine, graduating from the University
College of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia. He interned
at Bellevue Hospital of New York City. Upon returning to his home county, Dr. Hemminger initiated a
general practice of medicine in Confluence, where he
remained for about two years. In I904 he established
offices in Meyersdale, and in I9o09 located in Somerset,
which has since been his home and headquarters.
Gradually Dr. Hemminger became more and more
interested in the treatment of eye, ear, nose and throat
diseases, and since 1922, when he took a year's special
work at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat
Hospital of New York City, he has limited his work
along these lines, enjoying a clientele and a reputation
which extends far beyond the limits of Somerset.
Dr. Hemminger is a member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Association and the Somerset County Medical Society, of
which he is a past president. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Meyersdale Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Royal Arch Masons and Knights Templar, at
Johnstown; Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, at New Castle; Jaffa Temple, Altoona; Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and he is
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He is associated with the Aeronautic Service Reserve
of the United States Army. Dr. Hemminger is a Republican in his political allegiance and is active in
movements and organizations which make for the benefit of his home city and of the State. He is of the
Lutheran faith.
On December I7, I9OI, John Henry Ross Hemminger, M. D., married Victoria Walker, daughter of Silas
A. and Annie (Gerhart) Walker, and they are the
parents of the following children: I. Earle, received
2I8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
his preliminary education in the local schools; graduated from Harvard University in Engineering and the
Medical School of the University of Maryland, with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He interned at St.
Margaret's Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and at
Harlem Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, New
York City, and is now established as a specialist in
diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat at Uniontown,
Pennsylvania. He married Evelyn Chenoweth. 2.
Ralph, received his preliminary education in the local
schools; graduated from Harvard University in engineering and business administration and received his
Master's degree from New York University. He is
now employed in the Investment Departmnt of the
Bankers Trust Company, New York City. He married
Jessamine Peckham and they have a son, Girard Leslie
Hemminger. 3. Violet, received her preliminary education in the local schools and matriculated at Columbia
University, New York City, from which she received
the degree of Bachelor of Arts; entered the Women's
Medical College, of Philadelphia, from which she received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. She interned
at West Pennsylvania Hospital, at Pittsburgh, and was
resident physician at the Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is now a resident physician
and surgeon at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Jersey City Medical Center, Jersey City, New
Jersey.
ALBERT L. HUNT-Since he came to this
country, over twenty-five years ago, Albert L. Hunt
has been associated with the Pennsylvania Coal and
Coke Corporation, for which he is now general manager at Cresson.  Throughout that period he has
worked his way through the various departments of
this organization and today is recognized as one of the
outstanding mining authorities of this region where he
is also respected as a social and civic leader.
Mr. Hunt was born in England, August io, I88I, the
son of John Thomas and Esther (Lakin) Hunt, both
natives of that country and deceased, the former in
1935, and the latter in I930. He received a general
education in the public schools of his birthplace and in
1912 came to the United States and settled in Beaverdale, where he became associated with the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke Corporation, one of the largest
concerns of its type in the country. The history of the
company dates back to November 15, I911, when a
group of prominent financiers effected the consolidation
of a number of coke and coal properties in this section
of the State and established main offices in New York
City and Philadelphia. At present there are twentythree subsidiary companies which go to form the corporation whose annual output is over two and a half
million tons of coal. This organization, which operates
in Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, and Indiana counties,
employing some twenty-four hundred persons, owns
villages in which they have established schools, stores,
churches and other agencies that go to make up a wellequipped and modern community.  In the Cresson
office, which is one of the largest in the field, the
executive staff is made up of the following men: H. H.
Hasler, Alexander Jack, J. T. MacWilliams, and Mr.
Hunt.
In the community Mr. Hunt is highly esteemed for
the active interest he has manifested in local affairs.
He is a member of the board of directors of the First
National Bank of Cresson, serves on the Borough
Council, is a member and former president of the
Cresson Rotary Club, fraternizes with the local lodge
of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is a
Past Master, holds the thirty-second degree and is
identified with the Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. In religion he worships
at the Presbyterian Church.
In I909 Mr. Hunt married Mary A. Priestnall, of
England.
DANIEL  YOUNKINS-Oil operator, banker,
business man, manufacturer and landowner, Daniel
Younkins is one of the leading citizens of Butler and
Butler County. He has been active in various enterprises of Western Pennsylvania for many years.
He was born June 27, 1854, near Slate Lick, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, a son of William and
Sarah (Hawk) Younkins. William Younkins was
born June 22, 1822, and Sarah, his wife, born August
30, I820, died December 20, I915, in her ninety-sixth
year. William Younkins was the son of Michael and
Mary (Locke) Younkins.  The father, a native of
Westmoreland County, was born in 1788 and died in
1869. His wife, Mary (Locke) Younkins, was born
in Mercer County in 1799 and died in I879; her
mother lived to be I03 years old. Some of the Younkins family records date back to the year 814.
Having received his education in the public schools
of Slate Lick and at Worthington Academy, Daniel
Younkins worked on the home farm until he was
twenty-two. In I876, recognizing the opportunities in
the oil industry, he went to Petrolia and engaged in
drilling and contracting there and in Fairview. The
famous boom at Bradford in I878 attracted Mr. Younkins and he shortly extended his interests into McKean, Forest, Warren, Butler, and Allegheny counties,
respectively. Finally, in 1884, Mr. Younkins located
permanently in Butler. He continued his wide interests
through the years and has operated in the oil fields of
Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Oklahoma.
219ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Younkins has not limited himself to his oil interests, but he has dealt in real estate, and at present has
properties in Butler and Armstrong counties.
Since the death of his brother, John Younkins, he
has taken over the business properties formerly held
by the firm of Younkins Brothers and continues as
the Younkins Realty Company. Mr. Younkins was one
of the founders and for many years president, and now
vice-president of the Peoples Telephone Corporation;
chairman of the Evans Manufacturing Company: president of the Craigsville Woolen Manufacturing Company; director of the Automatic Gas Steam Radiator
Company; vice-president and director of the Union
Trust Company; and he has taken an active part in
the civic and commercial development of Butler. Three
times, Mr. Younkins was elected as a Democrat to the
Town Council, and twice served as chairman of that
body.
In September, I884, he was married to Eva E.
Minteer, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Kalb) Minteer, of Craigsville, Pennsylvania. Joseph Minteer
served during the Civil War as a member of Company L, I4th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Mrs. Younkins,
who was born September 12, I857, died February 2I,
I924. Mr. and Mrs. Younkins are the parents of
seven children: I. Sarah Josephine, at home. 2. Mabel
V., wife of W. G. D. Douthett, of Butler. 3. William,
married Beulah Scott and lives in Craigsville with
their two small children: i. Betsy. ii. Nancy. 4. Victor D., married Florence Woodmansee, and has two
children: i. Patricia. ii. Daniel. He and his brother
William served eighteen months overseas during the
World War, and were discharged with three service
stripes from the Base Hospital Unit No. 27, at Angiers, France. 5. Florence E., wife of Clyde A. Fowler,
lives at Dormont and has two children: i. William.
ii. Evelyn. 6. Dellma E., and her husband, Allan R.
Peters, reside in Butler. 7. James Kenneth, married
Martha Wallace, resides in Pittsburgh. They have
three daughters: i. Susan. ii. Sallie. iii. Martha.
Mr. Younkins was active in organizing the Second
United Presbyterian Church of Butler and has served
as a ruling elder ever since the church was established.
ROY WILSON CRAMER-Owner of the largest dairy establishment in Butler County, Roy Wilson
Cramer, of Freeport, Butler County, has also been an
active merchant and banker.
Roy Wilson Cramer was born in Buffalo Township,
Butler County, September 7, 1873, a son of George
Washington and Lida (Sedwick) Cramer. George
Washington Cramer was, tor many years, a merchant
and a justice of the peace in Buffalo Township. During the Civil War he suffered two wounds while serving in the 78th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was the
youngest of four brothers, all of whom served during
the war. Born in 1846, at Black Lick, near Johnstown,
he died at the age of seventy, a son of Wilson and
Roxanna (Steelman) Cramer, of Black Lick. Wilson
Cramer and his wife, who were married at Mays
Landing, New Jersey, came to Black Lick among the
first permanent settlers of the region.
After passing through the district schools of Buffalo
Township, Roy Wilson Cramer was associated as a
merchant with his father in Buffalo Township until
I905. Then, for three years, while still maintaining
his connection with his father, he ventured into the
dairy business. By I9o8, this venture had proved so
successful that Mr. Cramer abandoned his mercantile
career altogether and gave his entire attention to developing his dairy. A very considerable success has
rewarded his efforts, for his establishment in Buffalo
Township, about two miles out of Freeport, is now
the largest dairy of its kind for many miles around.
Virtually, it is a small town in itself, for, in addition
to his own production, Mr. Cramer regularly purchases
milk from more than thirty farmers and not only conducts a retail and wholesale milk business in Freepo-rt,
Tarentum, Brackenridge and Natrona, but also operates a pasteurization and refrigerating plant, manufactures butter, cheese and ice cream, and conducts several other related enterprises.  His two sons, Glen
Duerr and Harold Roy Cramer, are now associated
with him in the operation of the establishment. Besides building up this large business, Mr. Cramer has
also been a banker. For years, he was a director and
vice-president of the Farmers' Bank of Freeport.
When the institution, like many others, fell into difficulties at the time of the Bank Holiday in 1932, Mr.
Cramer felt that it was his duty to help undertake the
reorganization of the institution. Accordingly, when
the bank was reopened as the First National Bank of
Freeport in I933 he remained its vice-president and
shortly became president. Although he was already
burdened with his own business interests, he determined to remain at the helm of the bank until it was
surely well out of danger. By the end of 1936 Mr.
Cramer felt satisfied that he had met his obligations to
stockholders and depositors and resigned on January
I, I937. A Republican in political life and a member
of the Lutheran Church, Mr. Cramer also belongs to
Freeport Lodge, No. 379, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.  Recently, this organization honored Mr.
Cramer by bestowing upon him their "thirty-year" pin.
Roy Wilson Cramer married, at Steubenville, Ohio,
August I6, 1897, Clara Katherine Duerr, a daughter
of William Christian and Anna Mary (Heim) Duerr
of Buffalo Township. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are the
220A MNTT A T C nlQ' crT TpTT TAT mr'-P7T- N.T TYUThTTIC-T A T A NTT A
J-IiNiNtLl-Z Vr ZJU1 wVVrflC
parents of two children: I. Glen Duerr, born August
6, I898, and married to Mary Olive Isemanhas. They
have two children: William and Virginia May. 2.
Harold Roy, born May 3I, I902, and married to
Eleanor Van Dyke. They have a son: James Lee.
HARRY  MINOR HAYS-Harry Minor Hays,
a well-known and highly respected business man of
Butler, Pennsylvania, assistant to the manager of the
Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company, was
born December lo, I892, in Washington, Pennsylvania,
the son of Abia Minor and Nannie Williamine (Houston) Hays.
Abia Minor Hays was born on the banks of the
Little Kanawha River, near Parkersburg, West NVirginia, April I2, 1852. He served an apprenticeship in
the mercantile business with his father at Graysville,
Greene County, Pennsylvania, and in I878 embarked in
business for himself at Enon. The following year he
purchased property at Simpson's Store, where he conducted a general mercantile business until September,
1892, when he sold to W. E. Jenkins and moved temporarily to Washington, Pennsylvania. From I893 to
1897 he conducted a similar business at New Brighton,
Pennsylvania, and from that time until April, 1900, at
Moundsville, West Virginia, when he moved to Sharon,
Pennsylvania. In July, 19oI, he returned to Washington, Pennsylvania, and in I917 removed to Butler,
where he was connected with the Standard Steel Car
Company until his retirement in I923. Mr. Hays died
May 2, I926, and is buried at Washington, Pennsylvania. He was a Democrat and served as postmaster
at Harvey's, Pennsylvania, for three years and as postmaster at Simpson's Store, Pennsylvania, for twelve
years.
On April 24, I879, Abia Minor Hays married Nannie Williamine Houston, born in Richhill Township,
November 25, I852, and who died in Butler on May
I7, 1937, and was buried at Washington. Mrs. Hays
was the daughter of Simon Ashbrook and Maria
(Cummins) Houston. Simon Ashbrook Houston was
born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, November
25, 1822, and married Maria Cummins October I, I846.
She was the daughter of John and Nancy (Teagarden) Cummins, her birth date being August 3, 1824.
Simon Ashbrook Houston and his wife are buried in
Washington.
To Mr. and Mrs. Abia Minor Hays were born:
i. Nancy Maria, born October 20, I88o, married Harry
M. Carpenter and lives at Moundsville, West Virginia,
and they have three children: i. Harry Hays, married
Irma Watson; lives in Fairmount, West Virginia. ii.
Jean Marie, married Harold J. Calhoun; lives in
Moundsville, West Virginia. They have three chil31rA \IN lA  N  YAI)NYLVAESUAIA                 22I
dren: Sue Ann, Nancy Jean, and John Douglas  iii.
William Houston married Alice C. Evans; lives in
Wheeling, West Virginia. 2. Sophie Elizabeth, born
February 9, I883, married Clifford A. Prigg, and lives
in Butler, Pennsylvania. They have four children:
i. Kenneth Clifford, married Florence McDowell; lives
in Detroit, Michigan. They have two children: Dolores Jean and Nancy Lee. ii. Wilma, married Morris
Archer and lives in Butler, Pennsylvania.  They
have two children: Jack Morris and Dorothy Marie.
iii. Thoma, married Ardell G. Campbell; lives in Butler. iv. Minor Hays, a student at Kirksville College
of Osteopathy and Surgery. 3. Wilson Houston, born
February 14, 1887, died February 23, 1920. He married Lulu Burton Murray, daughter of Dr. U. B. Murray, of Washington, Pennsylvania. She died March
6, I920. They are buried at Washington with their
month-old son. 4. Harry Minor, subject of this sketch.
Abia Minor Hays was the son of the Hon. James
Wilson Hays, who was born at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, December 21I, 18I7, and who engaged in the
mercantile business at Waynesburg and Graysville,
Pennsylvania, for a number of years, and about 1842
became proprietor and editor of the "Waynesburg
Messenger," as successor to Hon. C. A. Black. Hon.
James Wilson Hays served as major in the militia,
which he assisted in organizing. In 1853 he received
an appointment in the Post Office Department at
Washington, District of Columbia, which he resigned
three years later because of ill health. In I849-5o he
was on the Pennsylvania Canal Board at Pittsburgh.
In 1842 he married Hannah Minor, the daughter of
Abia and Hannah (Harper) Minor, and granddaughter of General John Minor and Samuel Harper, both
pioneers in the county. It was General John Minor
who proposed the bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature
to organize the county of Greene, cutting it off from
the county of Washington. He was one of the original
associate judges of Greene County. Crumrine's "History of Washington County" states that he received his
judge's commission  November 30, i789.  Samuel
Harper donated the ground on which the New Providence Church, a few miles from Carmichaels is located.
To Hon. and Mrs. James Wilson Hays were born
eight children: i. William Thompson Hays, Jr., born
April 5, 1844, died December, 1925. He was treasurer of
Waynesburg College for thirty years. ii. Sarah Sophia,
born February 23, I846; died May 4, I888; married
Ira Nickeson. iii. Eliza Caroline, born April 14, I848;
died January 3, I849. iv. Rev. James Wilson Hays,
Jr., born November 23, 1849. v. Abia Minor Htays,
previously mentioned. vi. Frances Henrietta Hays,
born May 30, 1854; married James M. Ferrell. vii.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sons of the American Revolution. 2. Martha Ramsey
(McKennan) Moore, of Pittsburgh.  3. Benjamin
Ramsey, of whom further. 4. Thomas Ramsey, now a
resident of Atlantic City, New Jersey. 5. Mary Sterling McKennan, who died December I2, I924.
Benjamin Ramsey McKennan was graduated from
Gabby School at North Franklin, and then engaged in
farming until 1898, when he enlisted in the United
States Army and saw service in the Philippines for
fourteen months, as a member of the Ioth Regiment,
Company H.  He later saw  service with the Ioth
Regiment on the Mexican Border, as color sergeant,
for four and one-half months, and during the World
War he was also a member of the Ioth Regiment. but
was discharged from active service due to disability,
having been wounded in the Spanish-American War.
He then devoted his entire efforts to his farming interests in Franklin Township, with his brother, and on
September 27, I9I7, received his present appointment
to the Washington courts.
He is widely known in fraternal circles, being affiliated with Lodge No. 776, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, Sunset Lodge, No. 623, Free and
Accepted Masons, Chapter and Commandery, Knights
Templar, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He
is also a member of the Washington County Historical
Society, and is connected with Edwin Scott Linton
Post, No. 175, American Legion. In addition he holds
membership in the Sons of the American Revolution,
through an ancestor, Colonel William McKennan.
Mr. McKennan is unmarried.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER HAMILTON McILVAINE-Since 1898, William Alexander Hamilton Mcllvaine has been engaged in the general practice of law in Washington, Pennsylvania, and he has
been closely associated with the official life of this
section. He was born in Somerset Township, Washington County, March I, I87I, the son of William
Robert and Sarah Elizabeth (Hamilton)'McIlvaine.
The elder Mr. Mcllvaine, also a native of Somerset
Township, born March 20, I845, was engaged in the
banking business. He died November 23, I933. His
wife, born in Nottingham Township, in I849, died in
1929. The McIlvaine family has been known in Washington County since about I780, having come here from
Lewes, Delaware, where they first settled upon their
arrival in America in I7I9.
William  Alexander Hamilton McIlvaine received
his early education in the Somerset Township schools,
and later matriculated at Washington and Jefferson
College, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I894. He attended, for a time, the Pittsburgh
Law School, and then entered the law office of his
uncle, Judge McIlvaine, to read law Upon his admission to the bar in October, I898, he opened his own
offices in Washington, and has been a well-known
figure in the local legal fraternity to the present day.
He is also a trustee and one of the vice-presidents of
Washington and Jefferson College.
He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church,
and is a member of the Church Session. He is active
in the affairs of the Republican party, was on the
Borough Council of East Washington for eight years,
and has been school director of East Washington for
eight years. He is a member of the Bassett Club of
Washington, and is associated with the County and
State Bar associations, and is vice-president of the
Washington Union Trust Company.
He was married in 1902 to Annie Gertrude Wilson,
of Washington, daughter of John and Elizabeth
(Denny) Wilson, and they were the parents of three
children: I. Alexander, born May 29, I904, a graduate
in I927 of Washington and Jefferson College with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. 2. John W., born June
22, I907, also a graduate of Washington and Jefferson
College, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Arts in
1928. 3. Elizabeth, married to William M. Cooper.
Mrs. McIlvaine died January I9, I9I9, and Mr. McIlvaine remarried April 3, 1923, Florence Sturgis, of
Washington, daughter of John and Jane (Hook)
Sturgis.
ADAM LEMOYNE SANDERS-For over six
years, Adam Lemoyne Sanders has been a practicing
attorney in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was born
at Van Buren, South Franklin Township, Washington
County, November 20, I9o6, the son of Frank Lemoyne and Nora (Horn) Sanders. Frank Lemoyne
Sanders, born in South Franklin Township in 1872, is
retired from active business. His father was a native
of England.  Nora  (Horn) Sanders, a native of
North Bethlehem Township, is the daughter of Joel
Horn, who came to this country from Holland.
Adam Lemoyne Sanders attended the township public schools, and was graduated from Washington High
School in I925. He then enrolled at WVashington and
Jefferson College, and upon receiving his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I929 entered the University of
Pittsburgh Law School and obtained the degree of
Bachelor of Laws in 1932. The same year he was
admitted to the bar, and began his private practice in
Washington, Pennsylvania. In addition to his legal
duties, he has served as basketball coach at Washington and Jefferson College since I933. He is a member
20ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Jesse Lazear Hays, born October 3, I857; married
Sarah Goodwin. viii. Hannah Maria Hays, born February 23, I86o; married James L. Smith.
Honorable James Wilson Hays was the son of
William Thompson Hays, who was born in Adams
County, Pennsylvania, April 8, I775, and died June 29,
1846, at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.  He married
(first) Mary McKibben in I804 in Newville, Cumberland County and went to Waynesburg, Pennsylvania,
where he engaged in the mercantile business. His wife
died there and March 27, 1817, he married (second)
Sarah Wilson, who was a daughter of James Wilson,
who was born in Ireland, coming to Washington
County with a band of Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. He
taught a subscription school for a number of years, at
Washington, Pennsylvania, and was the first postmaster of Waynesburg. William Thompson Hays was
a representative in the Pennsylvania State Legislature,
and also served as prothonotary of Greene County for
twenty years. In 1813 he was instrumental in founding the "Waynesburg Messenger."
Both the father and mother of Harry Minor Hays
were descended from pioneer families of prominence
who served their country creditably for many years.
Maternally he traces his ancestry to John Houston.
John's son, William, was the first white settler in
Washington, Pennsylvania, then known as Catfish
Camp. Others bought property there, but only as an
investment. William Houston was in the French and
Indian War, was taken prisoner and sent to France,
but exchanged after two years. He and his son James
were in Crawford's historic expedition to Sandusky,
Ohio. Paternally, the Minor family is traced to Sir
Henry Minor, who was born in England in I339 and
furnished an army of one hundred souls to aid King
Edward III in the war against France.
Harry Minor Hays received his education at Moundsville, West Virginia, and in Sharon and Washington,
Pennsylvania. At Washington he was office secretary
of the Young Men's Christian Association; an officer
of the United Boys Brigades of America and associate editor of "The Reveille," a Pittsburgh organ of
the Pennsylvania Brigade. Coming to Butler immediately following his graduation from Washington High
School, January, I912, he entered the employ of the
Standard Steel Car Company, to which company the
Pullman-Standard Car Manufacturing Company is
successor, where he has been promoted from time to
time to his present position. Mr. Hays is a Republican but takes no active part in politics, although in
the forefront of all civic undertakings. He is a Bible
school teacher, and elder, and for twenty years has
been treasurer, of the North Street Church of Christ;
a member of the Butler Public Library Association;
has served the Boy Scoult organization as scoutmaster,
troop committeeman and vice-president of the Butler
County Council, and is a member of the Religious
Work Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association.  He was secretary of the Butler County
Memorial Hospital for some years following its incorporation, before which time he was secretary of the
campaign, executive, and building committees for the
institution. He is treasurer and trustee of the Standard
Rod and Gun Club and a charter member and secretary
of the Country Club at Slippery Rock Park, where he
maintains a summer home. Mr. Hays served as secretary and president of the Butler Kiwanis Club, having been one of the founders of that organization in
1922, and a charter member of the Butler County AntiTuberculosis Association.  He also belongs to the
Chamber of Commerce and the Sons of the American
Revolution, and is a Knight Templar, a thirty-second
degree Mason, and a Shriner, and in 1922 served as
Worshipful Master of Butler Lodge, No. 272, Free
and Accepted Masons. Mr. Hays has never married.
HARRY C. McCREA-The eminently wise
choice of Harry C. McCrea as borough manager of
Blairsville worked out to the best advantage of this
municipality mainly because his background and experience is that of a civil engineer and executive. It is
a feature of his regime that it has been marked by the
greatest improvements in the paving of streets, extensive improvements in water and sewage provisions, the
enlargement of services rendered business and industrial establishments and home, all accomplished with a
betterment of the financial status of the community.
The McCrea family were pioneers in this section,
having settled at what is now known as Smith's Station, about two miles from Blairsville, before the
Revolutionary War.
Harry C. McCrea is of the third generation of civil
engineers. His grandfather was identified with the
profession when it was just coming to be recognized
as a profession by our educational institutions and the
public at large. His father also followed this vocation
for many years. Harry C. McCrea was born at Brush
Valley, Pennsylvania, November I, I886, son of Gilbert
T. and Martha J. (Stewart) McCrea, both natives of
this State.  His mother died in 1926.  His father,
Gilbert T. McCrea, born March 28, I856, died March
IO, 1938, was former county surveyor and civil engineer.  Prepared for his technical education by the
public schools and one year at Penn State, Harry C.
McCrea entered Ohio Northern University, from
which he was graduated with the class of 1912 and
received a degree in Civil Engineering. He engaged
in the practice of his profession in the State of Mon222ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
223
tana prior to the entrance of the United States into
the World War, when he enlisted in the 23d Regiment
of Engineers, and went overseas with the American
Expeditionary Forces.  He participated in several
major offensives of our armies in France.
Upon his return to civilian activities, Mr. McCrea
again turned his attention to engineering, and was
engaged in general construction work in Montana
when he was called back to Pennsylvania to serve as
county engineer for Indiana County. This work he
continued for four years, after which he was connected
with the Pennsylvania Department of Highways, resigning to accept the post of borough manager of
Blairsville. As already indicated, he has been remarkably successful in his highly responsible office, and
gives promise of further important service to the
municipality. Mr. McCrea is prominently associated
with many phases of local life; is a member of the
Kiwanis Club, of the American Legion post and the
Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a member of the
Professional Association of Engineers (State of Pennsylvania); his college fraternity is Sigma Pi, and he
is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons.
In  1920, Harry  C.  McCrea  married  Mabel
Wright, of Terry, Montana, and they are the parents of four children: I. Elizabeth M., born May
6, 1921. 2. Donald W., born July 9, 1922. 3. Harry
Thomas, born March 26, I927. 4. Jean, born August
12, 1929.
THOMAS S. BARBOR-In the comparatively
brief period of five years, Thomas S. Barbor has
become one of the most successful attorneys and widely
recognized civic leaders of Indiana, his native community, for which he now serves as city solicitor and
borough secretary.
Mr. Barbor was born in Dixonville, Indiana County,
November 8, I9o8, the son of Ezekiel Ambrose and
Selina (Neal) Barbor, the former born in Green
Township, and the latter in West Mahoning Township, Indiana County. They were the parents of four
children: Raymond N. Barbor, Louise O. (Barbor)
Anderson, Dorothy S. (Barbor) Weaver, and Thomas
S. Barbor, of this record. Mr. Barbor's father, who
passed away in I927, was a carpenter here for a number of years.
Finishing his public school education in Indiana,
Thomas S. Barbor matriculated at Thiel College,
where he completed his academic studies in 193I, receiving a degree of Bachelor of Arts. The following
fall he enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh and
was graduated from this institution with a degree of
Bachelor of Laws in the class of I934. The same
year he was admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar
and began practice with the Indiana law firm of Fee
and Tomb, where he continued for one year. Since
that time he has conducted an independent practice and
attained recognition and distinction for his accomplishments. Professionally, Mr. Barbor is a member of the
Indiana Bar Association.
Paralleling his legal accomplishments is the importance he has assumed in the civic scheme of life here.
Throughout his career he has taken a very definite and
active part in municipal affairs and demonstrated an
ability and aptitude for public service that has led to
his election as secretary of the borough and city solicitor. His other community activities include a membership in the local branch of the Lions International, in
which organization he is past president. As a student
he was elected a member of the Delta Sigma Phi and
Phi Alpha Delta fraternities.
On June 23, 1937, Thomas S. Barbor married Irene
Park, of Indiana, a daughter of Howard and Irene
(Moot) Park, who reside on a farm in White Township, Indiana County. Mrs. Barbor is a graduate of
Indiana Training School, in I927, and Indiana High
School, in I930, and graduated from Indiana State
Teachers College in I934, receiving a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught school in
White Township for one year, and then became secretary of the Junior Red Cross in and for Indiana
County, in which position she continued until her
marriage. Mrs. Barbor has one sister, Mary M. Park.
LOUIS GALLIKER-Since its -organization in
I92I by the late Louis Galliker, the Galliker Ice Cream
Company, operated in conjunction with a large milk
distributing plant, has grown steadily until it is now
recognized as the most modernly equipped establishment of its kind in Johnstown, serving the daily needs
of the local populace and those of the neighboring
counties.
Mr. Galliker was born in Lucerne, Switzerland, the
son of Melchoir and Elizabeth (Amrein) Galliker.
The elder Mr. Galliker was the owner of one of the
largest milk dispensaries in Lucerne, Switzerland, and
after his death, the management of this plant was entrusted to his son, Franz Galliker.
Louis Galliker was educated in the Switzerland
schools and later enrolled at the University of Stuttgart in Germany, where he was graduated with the
degree of Mechanical Engineer. He migrated to the
United States in I903, and two years later became associated with the Cambria Iron Company of Johnstown, as a mechanical engineer. He remained in this
company for about ten years, and in 1914 decided to
enter in business for himself, establishing a smallANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
dairy at the corner of Franklin and Haynes streets.
In I92I he founded the Galliker Ice Cream Company,
with himself as president, his wife, Pauline (Hoffman)
Galliker, as vice-president and Gustav A. Hoffman as
secretary. In I925 a milk distributing plant was erected
on Sherman and Haynes streets. The increased production and distribution of products by motor transportation now requires the employment of more than
a hundred workers. Mr. Galliker always was a progressive business man, he was the first to introduce
modern iceless ice cream cabinets in Western Pennsylvania. A modern icing system, and everything connected with both ice cream plant and the dairy is of
the most modern type, capable of fulfilling all the requirements of a particular clientele.
Mr. Galliker was a past president of PennsylvaniaNew Jersey Ice Cream Manufacturers Association, a
member of the German Technical Club, the Swiss Club
of Philadelphia, the Sunnehanna Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of the Pittsburgh Consistory of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of the Tndependent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Germania
Club of Johnstown Turnverein, held a membership in
the Chamber of Commerce and was a leader in any
movement pertaining to the improvement of the local
community.
In I907 he married Pauline Hoffman, daughter of
Gottlieb and Barbara (Leitz) Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman
was a Main Street merchant. Mr. and Mrs. Galliker
had two sons: I. Louis, Jr., born August 7, 19o8,
graduated at Mercersburg Academy and Penn State
College; he married Rose A. Sherrer, of Greensburg,
Pennsylvania, and they had two children: i. Louis, 3d.
ii. John Paul. 2. William M., born August 7, I9Io, a
student of Mercersburg Academy and a graduate of
Penn State College; he married Mary Louise Hannan,
of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
The untimely death of Louis Galliker on January
3, I937, was a distinct shock to his many friends and
business associates, and brought to a close the career
of one of Johnstown's most outstanding business leaders, and a man who never permitted his own activities
to so monopolize his time that he could not participate
in the affairs of his adopted city which he loved so
well, and with whose welfare he was so closely interested.
Since his death, his wife, has become president of
the Galliker Ice Cream Company, his two sons, vicepresidents, and G. A. Hoffman, secretary and treasurer, and the affairs of the company are being carried
on with the same efficiency, and in accordance with
the same principles which marked the career of the late
founder of the business
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN COE, M. D.-The
fact that through his prowess as a surgeon he has
gained national recognition, that he has practiced continuously for the past forty-one years, that he is a
member and officer in several leading professional
organizations, graphically indicates the success Dr.
Benjamin (Ben) Franklin Coe, of Indiana, enjoys
among his colleagues and the public at large.
Dr. Coe was born at Gillett, Pennsylvania, in I872,
the son of Caleb E. and Ethelinda M. (Boughton) Coe,
both deceased, the former in I927, and the latter in
I903. His father, resident of his native State, engaged
in farming throughout his life. After receiving a general education in the public schools of Bradford
County, Dr. Coe matriculated at the medical school of
the University of Maryland from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the
class of I895. He then became an interne at the Mercy
Hospital in Baltimore, serving in this capacity for one
year and in I896 established himself in a general practice which he abandoned a short time later in favor
of surgery. Since I918 he has practiced in Indiana
and throughout this time has enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the leading surgeons of Pennsylvania.
Professionally he is a member of the board of directors
of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the
American College of Surgeons, and belongs to the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the Indiana
County Medical Society. Socially he is a member of
the Indiana Country Club and in his religious convictions worships at the Presbyterian Church.
In I896, at Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Coe married
Elizabeth Cornwell, and they are the parents of two
daughters: Nancy M. and Barbara H., both graduates
of Bucknell University.
JOHN  W. McCAULEY-Since the establishment of the J. W. McCauley Funeral Home of West
Newton, Pennsylvania, John W. McCauley has devoted more than twenty years of his life to the service
of his bereaved fellowmen.
Mr. McCauley was born on October 5, I894, at
Scottdale, Pennsylvania, the son of William and Verlinda (Jarrett) McCauley. The elder Mr. McCauley
was born at Hillside, Pennsylvania, on June I6, I870.
He entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad
early in life, and is the possessor of a remarkable
career of fifty-three years' service with this organization. His wife, Verlinda (Jarrett) McCauley, was
born June 9, I872, at Everson, Pennsylvania.
While attending public school at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. McCauley devoted his spare time to the
learning of the undertaking business and after gradu224
~.,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ating he enrolled at Eckels School of Embalming in
Philadelphia. Meanwhile, he was in the employ of
several funeral directors, and in December, I9I5, he
took and successfully passed the State Board Examinations. He immediately established his own business,
forming the J. W. McCauley Funeral Home, located
at the corner of Third and Main streets, West Newton. The building which houses this business was
erected by a Dr. Hesson more than a century ago.
Mr. McCauley also maintains a branch office of his
business at Smithton, Pennsylvania, and is noted for
the kind, considerate and sympathetic manner in which
he administers to the needs of the community. In
addition to his numerous duties as funeral director, he
is also in charge of the Chevrolet agency, which he has
managed since February, I937.
Mr. McCauley is a prominent churchman, being a
director of the United Presbyterian Church, and he is
greatly interested in municipal affairs. He was a
member of the Republican Town Council, 1921-22, a
member of the Board of Health, I934-35, and president
of the West Newton Fire Company for the past twelve
years. He is active fraternally, being a past president
of the Kiwanis Club, and he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and Blyth Lodge, No. 593, of
the Free and Accepted Masons. In the Masonic Order
he is also connected with Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and
Coudersport Consistory and co6rdinate bodies. He
also holds membership in the National Funeral Directors Association, the West Newton Board of Trade,
the Penn Society for Crippled Children, Inc., and the
National Selected Morticians. He is also active in the
affairs of the Pleasant Valley Country Club.
He was married on February II, I918, to Christina
E. Danielson, the daughter of Charles and Josephine
(Johnson) Danielson, both of whom were born in
Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. McCauley are the parents of
five children: I. Jeanne Elizabeth, born at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. 2. J. Will, born at West Newton,
Pennsylvania. 3. Norma Josephine. 4. Nancy Jarrett. 5. Clarence Richard. The last three children
were born at McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM MILLER MARKLE-Recognized
as a most efficient member of his profession, Dr. William Miller Markle enjoys an extensive practice as a
veterinarian throughout his section of Westmoreland
County as well as neighboring portions of Allegheny,
Washington, and Fayette counties.
Dr. Markle was born July I, I909, in West Newton,
the son of Cyrus Painter and Anna Byers (Miller)
Markle. Cyrus Painter Markle is a dairyman farmer,
and owns a farm of more than one hundred acres,
located near West Newton.
Dr. Markle attended the public schools and West
Newton High School, and then attended Pennsylvania
State College for two years. He enrolled at the UJniversity of Pennsylvania, and in I933 received his degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He began his
practice in July of the same year, and since then has
done considerable work for the State and Federal
Government in Tuberculosis and Bang's Disease Eradication. He is also chief veterinarian for the Pittsburgh and the Westmoreland Coal companies, in addition to the numerous duties of his general practice.
Dr. Markle is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and an active Republican; and is affiliated with the
Junior Order United American Mechanics, and the
American Veterinary Medical Association.
On September 5, 1936, he married Jeane Allridge, of
Belle Vernon, daughter of Enoch and Minnie (Paden)
Allridge. Mr. Allridge is a florist and owns a greenhouse, located near Belle Vernon.
S. WESLEY HEWLINGS-For the past twelve
years, S. Wesley Hewlings has been associated with
the New Florence National Bank. He was born here
December 30, I899, the son of Samuel W. and Mary
Elizabeth (Spires) Hewlings. Samuel W. Hewlings,
a native of New Jersey, was a member of the Republican party.
S. Wesley Hewlings acquired his early education in
the local public schools and graduated from Johnstown
High School in 1918. The same year he enlisted in
the United States Navy and served aboard the U. S. S.
"Vermont." He was released from active duty in
July, I919, and received his discharge in I923. In I9I9
he entered the employ of the Bethlehem Steel Company, and worked in the traffic department, resigning
in February, 1925, to accept a position as clerk in the
New Florence National Bank. He has faithfully served
this institution in various capacities, and at present is
assistant cashier.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and a
Republican in his political allegiance. He is affiliated
with Lodge No. 331, Free and Accepted Masons, at
Ligonier, and is a member of the American I,egion.
He was married October 2, I923, to Virginia Louise
Bell, a native of New Florence, born May 28, 190I,
daughter of John G. and Jane Covode (Pershing)
Bell.
DR. EARL  FRANCIS  HARRIS-Dr. Earl
Francis Harris, of Connellsville, was born December
8, I906, at Belle Vernon, the son of Alvin E. and
Katherine (Sweeney) Harris, natives of Southwestern
225ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania. Alvin E. Harris is engaged as a builder
and general contractor. Dr. Harris acquired his early
education in the Monessen schools, and after graduating from the high school, he enrolled at the University
of Pittsburgh, receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Science in I929, and the degree of Doctor of Medicine
from the same institution in I93I. After a period of
interneship at Mercy Hospital at Pittsburgh, he came
to Connellsville, and has been engaged here in the
general practice of medicine and surgery. He is a
member of the surgical staff of the Connellsville State
Hospital.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
a member of the Republican party, and active in civic
and fraternal affairs. He is affiliated with the American, State and County Medical associations, the Phi
Beta Pi and Alpha Omega Alpha fraternities, and is a
member of the local Kiwanis Club.
He was married at Pittsburgh, April 29, I930, to
Marguerite Rice, a native of Fayette City, born October I8, 1907, daughter of William and Elizabeth
(Duffy) Rice, both natives of Ohio.
HAROLD ROBERT TONER-Since 1924,
Harold Robert Toner has been connected with the
undertaking business in Belle Vernon, and the new
Toner Funeral Home, which he established in I937, is
one of the most modern of its kind in this locality. He
was -born at Verona, March I4, I899, the son of
James Joseph and Katie Eva (Bethune) Toner. James
Joseph Toner, born at Verona in 1864. was an active
Republican, and was employed by the Westinghouse
Electric Company at the time of his death in June,
I927.
Harold Robert Toner was educated in the local
schools, and was graduated from Worsham College of
Embalming at Chicago, Illinois, in I922. He had already begun to serve an apprenticeship with Lawrence
B. Frye, at his undertaking establishment in Charleroi,
and after three years came to Belle Vernon to enter
into his own private business. He was most successful in this undertaking, and needing larger quarters, he
purchased a nine-room house at 626 Broad Avenue,
which has been remodeled and refurnished, and now
serves as the Toner Funeral Home. He employs two
men besides:himslf, and conducts twenty-four-hour
ambulance service. During the World War he enlisted in Cavalry Troop H, I9th Cavalry, at Fort
Ethan Allen, Vermont, and was later transferred to
Battery D, 77th Field Artillery, 4th Division. He was
wounded in action on the Argonne Front, and also
saw service at Chateau Thierry, St. Mihiel and Verdun. He was honorably discharged in April, I919,
and is a second lieutenant in the Officers' Reserve.
He is an active Republican and is well known in
civic and fraternal organizations. He is a member of
the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Past
Master of Lodge No. 643, Free and Accepted Masons
at Belle Vernon, a member of Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh, and in addition he has passed through the Consistory and holds the thirty-second degree of Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a member of Posts
No. 659 and No. 22, American Legion, and Veterans
of Foreign Wars of Fayette City, and is also past
president of the Belle Vernon Rotary Club.
He was married at Charleroi, September 5, I923, to
Blanche Allison, born September I3, I90I, daughter of
Ephraim and Clara (Uptegraph) Allison, the former
a native of England, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Toner are the parents of a
daughter, Betty Arlayne, born at Belle Vernon, July
24, I930.
DR. FRED LEE NORTON-Now a citizen of
North Belle Vernon, Dr. Fred Lee Norton was born
February I8, I9IO, at Pittsburgh, the son of Fred
Lee and Irene (King) Norton. The elder Mr. Norton,
born at Jamestown, New York, June 29, I866, was a
bank vault engineer, and a well-known Democrat; he
passed away February II, 1938. His Wvife was born
at Apollo, Pennsylvania, January IO, I880.
Dr. Norton acquired his early education in the
Pittsburgh public schools, and later attended Perry
High School, graduating in I928. He then enrolled
at Susquehanna University, where he remained for
three years, transferring to the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, and obtaining his degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I935. From July, I934, to June,
1935, he also studied obstetrics at Magee Hospital,
and the year following his graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, he spent at Mercy Hospital in
Pittsburgh. From June, I936, to January I, 1937, he
studied surgery at Lakeside Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio,,
and then he came to North Belle Vernon and has been
engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery here, ever since. He is now affiliated with the
medical staff of the Pittsburgh Coal Company, specializing in industrial surgery. He is a first lieutenant
in the 324th Medical Regiment and is attached to the
307th Company Field Hospital.
He is a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of
Pittsburgh, and is a Democrat in his political allegiance. He is connected with the American Medical
Association, the State and County Medical societies,
the local Rotary Club, the Free and Accepted Masons,
and Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. He also holds membership in the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Dr.
Norton is unmarried.
226ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
DR. CHARLES IRVIN SHAFFER-As general superintendent of the Somerset County Home and
Hospital, Dr. Charles Irvin Shaffer combines his
duties as medical director of this institution with the
management of the extensive farming system operated
in conjunction with the hospital. Dr. Shaffer was
born in Somerset County, December 2, I878, the son
of Adam B. and Elizabeth Jane (Mauer) Shaffer,
both deceased. Adam B. Shaffer, a farmer, was the
son of Jacob Shaffer, a descendant of a family which
has been identified with Somerset County since the
Revolutionary period.
Dr. Shaffer graduated from the Somerset schools
and the County Normal School and later the Iron
City Business College at Pittsburgh. He then entered
the employ of the Merchant's Coal Company as bookkeeper and paymaster, and was one of a group responsible for the building and development of the Borough
of Boswell, in Somerset County. He severed his connections with this company in I903 to enter Baltimore
Medical College (now the University of Maryland)
receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine from this
institution in 1907. He then returned to Boswell, and
became associated with Dr. Charles F. Livengood. He
was also the first doctor for the Consolidated Coal
Company, until 1913, when he became physician and
surgeon for the Quemahoning Coal Company, retaining
this position until 1935 when he assumed his present
duties. He is also active in the business life of Somerset, being president of the Somerset Drug Company,
and vice-president of the Quemahoning Real Estate
Company. During the Spanish-American War he was
attached to Company I, 5th Pennsylvania Regiment.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a
staunch Republican, having served four terms in the
State Legislature, under Governors Tohn S. Fischer
and Gifford Pinchot, and he was justice of the peace in
Jenner Township for fourteen years. He is well known
in fraternal and civic life, being affiliated with the
Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the
Royal Arch Chapter at Johnstown, the Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar at Johnstown, the Jaffa
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Altoona and the Consistory at Harrisburg.
He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks at Johnstown, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, is associated with the Rotary Club and
the Spanish-American War Veterans, and is a major
in the Reserve Officers Corps of the United States
Army. While in Boswell. he was vice-president of the
First National Bank.
He was married, in I908, to Emily Beatrice JohnRt-ne. of Leechburg, and later of Pittsburgh.
WILLIAM MORDECAI KAHANOWITZA well-known attorney in Greensburg, William Mordecai Kahanowitz is prominent throughout Pennsylvania. During the period of the World War, he was
inspector of all draft boards throughout the State and
made his headquarters in Philadelphia.
Mr. Kahanowitz was born on July 6, I888, in Antopol, Russia, the son of Louis M. and Libbie (Wolinsky) Kahanowitz. His parents moved to America
when he was very young and Mr. Kahanowitz grew
up in Greensburg, where his father established himself
as a merchant. Louis M. Kahanowitz, a member of
the Jewish Orthodox Church, and a Democrat, died in
Greensburg on November 3, I903. Mrs. Kahanowitz
died on November 25, I926.
William Mordecai Kahanowitz graduated from the
Greensburg High School in I907 and from the UTniversity of Pennsylvania, in I9IO with the degree of
Bachelor of Science. Then, following graduation from
the University of Pittsburgh in I913 with the degree
of Bachelor of Laws, Mr. Kahanowitz was admitted
to the Pennsylvania bar in I9I3. Locating in Greensburg he has practiced in his own office since that time.
A Democrat, he has served as a member of the Greensburg City Council. Mr. Kahanowitz is a member of
the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Westmoreland
County Bar Association, Greensburg Lodge, No. 51I,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Order
of B'nai B'rith of Greensburg and of B'nai Israel
Congregation of Greensburg. He is very devoted to
reading and travel as diversions from his profession.
On January 8, I93I, William Mordecai Kahanowitz
married Silver Goldenson, a daughter of Morris and
Ethel (Cahan) Goldenson, of Latrobe. Mr. Goldenson is a merchant in that city. Mrs. Kahanowitz is a
graduate of Latrobe High School and attended Carnegie School of Technology as well as Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts. She is a member of
Jewish Women's Clubs, the Latrobe Civic Club and
the Players Club. Mr. and Mrs. Kahanowitz have
two daughters: I. Lanora Francis, born February 27,
I933. 2. Marilee Lois, born July 27, I937.
WALTER M. BORTZ, M. D.-The son of
Adam Franklin and Margaret (Wineman) Bortz, Dr.
Walter MIichael Bortz was born one mile north of
Youngwood, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on
April 27, I885. Adam Franklin Bortz, born in Unity
Township, September I5, I862, in his early years
taught school in Hempfield, Unity and Salem townships for a period of seven consecutive terms. Abandoning the teaching profession, he established himself
in the merchandise business in Greensburg, later limit227ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ing his business to the sale and exchange of meat and
meat products. His present place of business, in the
valley on West Pittsburgh Street, has been his location for the past forty-six years. He is a member of
the First Reformed Church in Greensburg, having been
an officer of the church for the past thirty-seven years.
His parents were Michael and Mary M. (Wible)
Bortz. Michael Bortz, born February II, I830, died
March 15, I900, was the son of George and Martha
(Fisher) Bortz, natives of Westmoreland County. In
his younger years, he was a stone mason, engaging in
farming at the same time. During the Civil War he
was a corporal in the Union Army. Margaret (Wineman) Bortz, mother of Dr. Walter Michael Bortz,
was a daughter of Andrew and Caroline (Rugh)
Wineman. Caroline (Rugh) Wineman was a daughter
of Peter Rugh, on whose farm just south of Greensburg was built one of the first forts in this territory
used for protection from marauding Indians. Andrew
Wineman, a cabinetmaker and farmer, was born in
Stuttgart, Wiirttemberg, Germany, on November II,
I83I, and came to America with his family when nine
years old. His entire life was spent on a farm in
Hempfield Township, just north of Youngwood.
Being educated in the public schools of Greensburg,
Dr. Walter Michael Bortz matriculated in Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, in the fall of 1904, from
which institution he received the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in June, I9o8. While a student in college,
Dr. Bortz was a member of the Phi Alpha Sigma
Fraternity, in his junior year serving as its secretary
and in his senior year, as its president. After an interneship in the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, during I9O8 and 1909, Dr. Bortz located in
Greensburg where he has practiced his profession ever
since. In I910 he was made a member of the medical
staff of the Westmoreland Hospital, which position he
has held ever since with the exception of a few years,
and he has been president of the hospital staff.
During the World War, Dr. Bortz interrupted his
career to serve in the United States Army Medical
Corps, was commissioned a first lieutenant, mustered
into service April, I918, and was stationed at Fort
McPherson, Georgia. One month later, he was assigned to duty on the medical service at Embarkation
Hospital, Newport News, Virginia. With the emergency ended, he was honorably discharged January
29, I919, and returned to practice in his home town.
Taking advantage of his experience in the army, Dr.
Bortz elected to confine his work to the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases of internal medicine. His work
in this field was recognized by the American College
of Physicians and 6n February 26, I926, he was elected
as one of its Fellows. Later, when the various specialties of the profession were standardized, the American Board of Internal Medicine in I938 qualified him
as such a specialist.
Dr. Bortz is a member of the American Medical
Association, the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the
Westmoreland County Medical Society. In this latter
organization, he always took a keen and active interest
in everything pertaining to its advancement and welfare
and was its president in 1924 to I925- In I923 Dr.
Bortz was instrumental in initiating a program of advanced study and clinics for his county society, bringing in as teachers and clinicians men of national and
international reputation, until today these occasions
are recognized for their high worth and value among
the entire profession in the East. Upon numerous occasions, Dr. Bortz presented scientific papers before
the various medical societies, many of which were
published in magazines and books, particularly in the
"Cyclopedia of Medicine."
A member of Greensburg Rotary Club, he served as
its president in I937 to I938. Dr. Bortz is a thirtysecond degree member of the Free and Accepted Masons, being affiliated with Westmoreland Lodge, No.
518, Free and Accepted Masons; Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar; Olivet Council, No.
13, Royal and Select Masters; Uranian Chapter, No.
I92, Royal Arch Masons; Syria Temple, Pittsburgh,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine;
and the Tall Cedars, of Derry, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Walter Michael Bortz has been a member of the
First Reformed Church of Greensburg for the past
thirty years. He is also a member of the American
Legion. As recreation, he enjoys horticulture and
agriculture, operating a small farm in Hempfield
Township north of Greensburg.
Dr. Bortz has two brothers and one sister: James
Andrew Bortz, of Pittsburgh; Dr. Edward LeRoy
Bortz, Philadelphia, and Flora Olive Bortz, of Greensburg.
On January 23, I909, Walter Michael Bortz, M. D.,
married Jennie Katherine Robinson, daughter of Jacob
and Josephine (Worcester) Robinson, of Greensburg,
who, on her mother's side, is the descendant of a long
line of eminent and distinguished ancestors whose
earliest history dates from William Worcester, born in
Bristol, England, in I4I5. The Worcester family was
instrumental in founding the city of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Dr. and Mrs. Bortz have three children: I. Adam
Franklin Bortz, born August 26, I9Io, was graduated
from Mercersburg Academy, June, I929, and from
Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, June,
I933, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. On May
22, I937, he was married to Jane Lyon Bartholomew,
228ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Greensburg, who was born March II, I918, and is
a daughter of Paul Amos and Dorothy (Lyon) Bartholomew. 2. Donald Worcester Bortz, born April
I9, I914, was graduated from Greensburg High School
in I93I and from Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania, in June, I935, with the degree of Bachelor of
Science. The following year he was matriculated as a
student at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia,
the same institution from which his father graduated.
3. Helen Frances Bortz, born February 27, I916, was
graduated from St. Joseph's Academy Seton Hill,
Greensburg, in June, I933, and from Hood College,
Frederick, Maryland, in I937. In the fall of the same
year she enrolled as a postgraduate student at the
Carnegie Institute of Technology, Pittsburgh, doing
work in the secretarial course.
PAUL SUYDAM BAIR-A banker and a prominent Mason, Paul Suydam Bair, of Greensburg, is also
interested in the commercial and civic life of his city.
Mr. Bair was born in Greensburg on May 20, I887,
a son of Edward H. and Esther (Suydam) Bair. Edward H. Bair, who was born in Congruity, Westmoreland County, on March 6, I859, died in Greensburg on
July 28, I925. After being a school teacher in his
early manhood, in I882, Edward H. Bair was one of
the founders of the insurance firm of Gay and Bair.
This firm, in I900, became Bair and Lane and, in 1925,
when it was taken over by another son of Mr. Bair, it
became Kenneth H. Bair and Company. Edward H.
Bair, a thirty-second degree Mason, was treasurer
and trustee of the Second Reformed Church. HIis
wife, Esther Suydam, was born in Coatesville on August I3, I864, and died in Greensburg on February 13,
I932.
Paul Suydam Bair, after attending the Greensburg
public schools, graduated from Mercersburg Academy
in I9O6. Attending Princeton University, he graduated
in I9IO. Entering the service of the Merchants Trust
Company of Greensburg as a clerk, he was made
treasurer and vice-president. In 1931, when the bank
consolidated with the First National Bank of Greensburg, Mr. Bair was made cashier of the latter bank,
a position which he now occupies. Mr. Bair, a Democrat, is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
A thirty-second degree member of the Masonic Fraternity, Mr. Bair is Past Master of Westmoreland
Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons; Uranian
Chapter, No. 192, Royal Arch Masons; the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite;
Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar; and
Syria Temple of Pittsburgh. He is also a member of
Greensburg Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, the Pittsburgh Bankers' Club, the Princeton
Key and Seal Club and the Westmoreland. Bankers'
Association, of which he is president. During the
World War, Mr. Bair was very active in promoting
the Liberty Loan campaigns.
On November I, I917, Paul Suydam Bair married
Margaretta Skene, of Chicago, a daughter of Edward
P. and Anna (Davis) Skene. Mr. Skene, who was a
native of Salem, Massachusetts, died in Chicago. EIis
wife was a native of Blairsville. Mr. Skene, long associated with the New York Central and Rock Island
and Pacific railroads, was in his later life associated
with the Interstate Commerce Commission. Mrs. Bair
was educated at Blairsville College and Starrett
School for Girls in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Bair have
three sons: I. Paul Skene, born May 2, 1920. 2. Donald Skene, born April 3, I923. 3. Joseph Lawrence,
born June I4, I927.
ROBERT EDWARD BEST-A Greensburg
attorney for nearly thirty years and active not only
professionally but also in fraternal and civic interests,
Robert Edward Best finds recreation not merely in
hunting and fishing but also in raising trees.
Mr. Best was born in Ligonier on September 2I,
I888, a son of James D. and Tina Mae (Keltz) Best.
James D. Best, who was a native of Westmoreland
County, died in Chicago, Illinois. For many years he
was a railroad engineer employed by the Pennsylvania
Railroad. An active member of the Democratic party,
at one time he was clerk of courts for Westmoreland
County. His wife was born in Ligonier and died in
that city in I890.
Robert Edward Best passed through the public schools
of Jeannette, graduating from the high school of that
city in 1904. After two years at Mercersburg Academy,
Mr. Best entered Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, and graduated from that institution in I9IO
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Selecting the law
for his life work, Mr. Best studied at Dickenson School
of Law, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws in
I9I2. A year later he was admitted to the Pennsylvania
bar and, establishing himself in Greensburg, he became
a member of the firm of Marker and Hollingsworth.
Later, Mr. Best formed the firm of Smith, Best and
Horn, the organization of which he is a partner at the
present time. A member of the Republican party, Mr.
Best's interest in politics led him to seek to serve his
community. In I913 he was burgess of Jeannette and,
for five years beginning in 1915, he was assistant district attorney with Nevin A. Cort. Mr. Best is a member of the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the
Westmoreland County Bar Association. His fraternal
associations include membership in Jeannette Lodge,
No. 750, Free and Accepted Masons; and Jeannette
229ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Lodge, No. 486, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. Mr. Best also belongs to two fraternities: Phi
Delta Theta and Delta Chi. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Jeannette.
On October 26, I913, Robert Edward Best married
Jenevieve Ely, a daughter of John F. and Catherine
(Kelly) Ely, of Jeannette. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ely are
deceased. He was a merchant in Jeannette. Mr. and
Mrs. Best have two children: I. John Keltz, born in
January of I915 and now a student at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts. 2. Robert Edward, Jr.,
born in October of I924. He is now a student at the
Junior High School in Hempfield.
TOM  HILL  BROWN-One of the leading
insurance men of Greensburg, Tom Hill Brown is a
member of a family which has been prominent in
Greensburg for a century and a half.
Tom Hill Brown was born on June 7, I9OI, a son of
Samuel Potter and Margaret (Hill) Brown. Samuel
Potter Brown, born in Greensburg on December 9,
I862, and died in the same city on September 6, I923,
inherited the family drug store in I890 and conducted
it until his death. (The drug store is now being conducted by another son, Samuel Potter Brown, Jr.)
The elder Brown was an active Democrat and served
as a member of the School Board for seven years. He
was a Mason and a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg. He was a son of Will and
Millicent (Eyster) Brown. Will Brown, who was a
native of Greensburg, being born there in 1840 and
passing away in I890, established the family drug business in 1859 in the building still known as "Brown's
Drug Store." He was a son of Dr. Samuel Potter
and Mary Jane (Nichols) Brown. Dr. Brown, who
was born in Greensburg in I8oI, graduated from the
University of Pennsylvania in I823 and practiced medicine in Middletown, Blairsville and Greensburg. Margaret (Hill) Brown, the mother of Tom Hill Brown,
who died in Greensburg in 1926, was a daughter of
John and Lavinia (Taylor) Hill. Millicent (Eyster)
Brown, Mr. Brown's grandmother, was a native of
York and a daughter of Rev. Dr. Michael and Julia
(Eichelberger) Eyster. Rev. Dr. Eyster, who was a
Lutheran minister, held various pastorates in Westmoreland County and completed his service to his
church at Zion L utheran Church in Greensburg.
Tom Hill Brown passed through the public schools
of Greensburg, graduating from the high school in
I919. In 1923 he graduated from Pennsylvania State
College with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He obtained employment with the South Union Coal Company at Uniontown as paymaster and shipping clerk
but on September 26, I926, he left the coal business
and became associated with the Bair and McCloskey
Insurance Company of Greensburg. Then, in July of
I934, Mr. Brown established his own insurance office,
a business which he has successfully developed. He is
a member of the First Presbyterian Church and a
Democrat in politics.  His business interests have
made him secretary of the Greensburg Association of
Insurance Agents and a member of the National Association of Insurance Agents and the Pennsylvania
Association of Insurance Agents. Interested in hunting and fishing and golfing, Mr. Brown is a member of
the Hannastown Golf Association. He is also a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
On September 6, I930, Tom Hill Brown married
Jane Schaefer, daughter of Harry S. and Anna Schaefer. Mr. Schaefer was a real estate and insurance man
in Jeannette. Mrs. Schaefer resides in Jeannette. Mrs.
Schaefer resides in Jeannette. Mrs. Brown graduated
from the public school and the high school in Jeannette
and completed her education at Stuart Hall in Virginia. She is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg and active in various women's
organizations. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children: I. Tom Hill, Jr., born May 4, 1932. 2. Will S.,
born on December I5, 1936.
CAPTAIN WALTER CURRY MONTGOMERY-In his professional, civic and military
achievements Captain Walter Curry Montgomery, who
has conducted a highly successful legal practice in his
native city of Waynesburg for more than thirty years,
is perpetuating the illustrious traditions of his forebears, long prominent in the history of this section of
the State.
Captain Montgomery was born in Waynesburg, Septem'ber 5, I879, the son of Thomas Hoge Montgomery
grandson of Hugh Montgomery, and great-grandson
of Michael Montgomery, who was the founder of the
family in Greene County, where he settled in I805
and built the Morgan Township homestead. After
a general education in the public schools, Captain
Montgomery entered Waynesburg College, from which
he was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Art,
in 1903. Determined to pursue a legal career he matriculated in the law department of the University
of Pennsylvania and was awarded the degree of
Bachelor of Laws from this institution in I9o06. The
same year he was admitted to the bar and began to
practice in the office of the Hon. Thomas S. Crago
in Waynesburg, becoming his partner in I908 and
continuing in this capacity until Mr. Crago passed
away on September I2, I925. Since that time Mr.
Montgomery has practiced independently under his
230ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
own name. He is admitted to practice before all the
State and United States courts, including the United
States Supreme Court. - His career has been marked
for its efficiency and thoroughness, factors that have
served to gain him a large and lucrative clientele.
In conjunction with his professional accomplishments he has also won distinction and popularity as
a public-spirited citizen, contributing generously and
usefully to the advancement and general welfare of
his community. In a business capacity he is a member of the board of directors of the First National
Bank of Carmichaels, and belongs to the Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce which he headed as president in I932. He is acting president of the board of
trustees of WVaynesburg College, and former member of the local board of education. He belongs to
the Greene County Country Club and is a member
of Pittsburgh Consistory of the Masonic Order in
which he holds a Thirty-second Degree, is Past Master of Waynesburg Lodge, No. 153, Free and Accepted Masons, and is affiliated with Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
of Pittsburgh. He is also a member and Past Exalted
Ruler of Waynesburg Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Past Chancellor Commander
of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the local
post of the American Legion.
His record in military affairs dates back to 1901,
when he enlisted in Company K, Ioth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania. During the next fifteen
years he rose through the ranks and in I9I6, when
he served on the Mexican border for three months,
held the commission of captain. Directly after the
United States entered the World War he was mustered into the Federal APrmy, retaining his commission. At this time his company became part of the
Iioth Infantry Regiment, and was sent to France with
that unit. Once overseas, Captain Montgomery was
transferred to the general staff of the 2d Army Corps
of the American Expeditionary Forces, continuing in
this capacity as assistant G-3 until February, I919,
when he returned to the United States and was honorably discharged.
On June 25, I9o8, Mr. Montgomery married Grace
F. Sayers, daughter of Thomas W. and Jane (Fordyce) Sayers, of Wayneslburg, and graduate of
Waynesburg College, class of 1903.  Mr. and Mrs.
Montgomery are the parents of four children: I.
NVirginia Gordon, who is a graduate of Goucher College. 2. Thomas Fordyce, who is a graduate of
Waynesburg College and Lehigh University. 3. Walter Curry, Jr. 4. Hugh Garard.
DR. VICTOR WHERRY BAIR-Born at
Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, October 14, I9o8, Dr.
Victor Wherry Bair is the son of Charles L. and Nell
(Wherry) Bair. Charles L. Bair, born in Washington, Pennsylvania, November I2, I879, is a United
States Storekeeper, and an active Republican. His
wife is also a native of Washington, Pennsylvania, born
March 2I, I88o.
Dr. Bair attended the public schools of Charleroi
and Pittsburgh, and graduated from Schenley High
School in I926. He then matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, and received his degree of Doctor
of Medicine in I934. He inaugurated his general practice at Houston, Pennsylvania, in I935, and the following year transferred his offices to North Belle Vernon,
where he is now engaged in the general practice of
medicine and surgery. He is a member of the Junior
Surgical Staff of St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh,
and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.
He is also a first lieutenant in the United Army Medical Reserve Corps.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is
active in civic affairs, serving as physician for the
North Belle Vernon \Velfare Society. He is connected with the County, State and American Medical
associations and is also affiliated with the Masonic
Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and'the
Phi Rho Sigma Fraternity. In addition, he is a member of the Pleasant Valley Country Club. Dr. Bair
is unmarried.
DR. HARLEY ELMER HENRY-A practicing physician and surgeon in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, Dr. Harley Elmer Henry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February I8, I900, the son of Fred William and Sophia (Waukenhorst) Henry. Fred William
Henry, born in Highland County, Ohio, February 27,
I874, is employed as a maker of paper boxes. He is
affiliated with the Junior Order United American
Mechanics. His wife, was born in Cincinnati, in November, 1872.
Dr. Henry was educated in the public schools of
Cincinnati, and later attended the University of Cincinnati, studying for his degree of Bachelor of Arts.
After three years here, he transferred to Ohio State
University where he completed his arts course, and
then studied medicine for four years, receiving his
degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1928. He then served
his interneship at Uniontown, Pennsylvania Hospital,
and then came to Brownsville to engage in the general
practice of medicine, in association with Dr. Waggoner.
In I932 he established his own offices in the Old Mo231ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
nongahela Bank Building, where he is still located, and
he is regarded as a capable physician and surgeon. He
is on the surgical staff of the Brownsville Hospital,
and is at present in charge of the Pennsylvania State
Venereal Clinic at this same hospital.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is
affiliated with the County and State Medical societies
and the American Medical Association. He is active
in civic affairs, holding membership in the local Rotary
Club, and is also a member of the Free and Accepted
Masons and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.
He married, October 27, I933, at Washington, Pennsylvania, Ruth Conwell. a native of Brownsville,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Conwell. Dr. and
Mrs. Henry are the parents of a son, William Harley,
born at Brownsville, July 22, I937.
JOSEPH MICHAEL LOUGHRAN-One of
the leading attorneys of Greensburg, Joseph Michael
Loughran is very active in the civic life of the city
and an outstanding figure in fraternal organizations.
Mr. Loughran was born in Pittsburgh on June 20,
1905, a son of George J. and Bertha (Salm) Loughran. George J. Loughran was born in Pittsburgh in
I885. He is now living at Rector, where he is field
representative of the Rolling Rock Country Club. For
twenty-eight years prior to his removal from Greensburg, he was assistant to H. F. Bevard, president of the
Keystone Coal Company of Greensburg. George J.
Loughran was a son of Joseph and Anna (Roland)
Loughran. Joseph Loughran was born in Pittsburgh
and spent his life there. He was chief roller in the
Oliver Iron and Steel Company of Pittsburgh. His
wife was born in Pittsburgh and is now living at
Rector. Bertha (Salm) Loughran was born in Pittsburgh in May of I885 and died on July 3, I93I, in
Greensburg. She and Mr. Loughran were members
of the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament in Greensburg. Her parents were both natives of Germany.
Philip Salm, her father, was a glass blower in Pittsburgh, to which city he came when he immigrated to
America as a young man. During the Spanish American War, Mr. Salm served in the United States
Army. Mr. and Mrs. Salm spent most of their lives
in Pittsburgh and died in that city.
Joseph Michael Loughran attended St. Benedict's
Parochial School in Greensburg and, after study at St.
Vincent's Preparatory School, attended Mercersburg
Academy. He then spent two years at Notre Dame
University, following which, he transferred to the
University of Pittsburgh. From the latter university,
he graduated in I928 with his Bachelor of Arts degree. Selecting the law as his profession, Mr. Loughran continued at the Law School of the University of
Pittsburgh and graduated in I931 with his degree in
law. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar the same year,
Mr. Loughran located his office in Greensburg and
has practiced independently, although in association
with A. N. Pershing, Jr., Edward G. Bauer and the
firm of Pollins and Pollins. Mr. Loughran is a member of the Westmoreland Bar Association and is a
Democrat in politics. He belongs to the Most Holy
Sacrament Roman Catholic Church. A third degree
member of the Knights of Columbus, Mr. Loughran is
a member of Greensburg Council, No. 1480, of that
organization. He is a member and, for the past five
years, has been treasurer of Greensburg Lodge, No.
5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is
also one of the leaders of the Greensburg Lions Club.
He is now the vice-president of the organization and
for two years previously, he was its secretary. His
recreation is in golf and in fishing.
On July 2, I932, Joseph Michael Loughran married
Kathleen Hill of Irwin, Pennsylvania.  She is a
daughter of Charles E. and Elsie (Sullivan) Hill of
Irwin. Mr. Hill, who was born in Jeannette on October 8, I876, is associated with the Hillman Coal and
Coke Company as a pay clerk. A Republican, Mr.
Hill for ten years was a member and president of the
Irwin School Board. He is a member of the Irwin
Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife was born in
Anderson, Indiana, on May 2I, I885. Mrs. Loughran,
who is a graduate of Irwin High School, studied at
Highland Hall School, Hollidaysburg. She is a member of the Women's Literary Club of Irwin, the Auxiliary of the Westmoreland County Hospital of Greensburg, and the First Methodist Church of Greensburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Loughran have had two children: I.
Patricia Lee, born May 24, I933. 2. Charles Hill,
born on November 3, I934.
FRED WILLIAM HUDSON-President and
general manager of the Crown Fuel Company of
Greensburg, Fred William Hudson is also treasurer of
the Westmoreland Grocery Company of Uniontown
as well as being active in the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg.
Mr. Hudson was born in Greensburg on July 26,
I905, a son of David P. and Eva (Ammann) Hudson. David P. Hudson, who was born in Salem, Westmoreland County, was one of the leading business men
of Greensburg. After several years in the real estate
business, he was associated with the Westmoreland
Savings and Trust Company. Then he became a director of the Westmoreland Grocery Company and a director of the Greensburg Finance Company. Later he
232ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was one of the organizers and a director of the Pleasant Unity National Bank and a director of the Westmoreland Savings and Trust Company. He was also
treasurer of the Borough of Greensburg and a member of the First Presbyterian Church and Greensburg Lodge, No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks. He was a son of William, Jr., and Mary
(Kepple) Hudson. William, Jr., a farmer and stockman, was a son of William, Sr., and Sallie (Fish)
Hudson. William, Sr., who came from Bedford
County as a small boy with his parents into Westmoreland County, was a farmer. Eva (Ammann)
Hudson, was a daughter of Fred and Laura (McDowell) Ammann, of Orrville, Ohio. She was a native
of that town and died in Greensburg in December of
1927. A graduate of Mt. Union College, Alliance,
Ohio, she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.
Fred William Hudson, after passing through the
grade schools and two years of high school in Greensburg, graduated from Cascadilla School, Ithaca, New
York, with the class of I923. Then, attending Princeton University, he took his Bachelor of Science de-,gree from that institution in I927. Immediately after
graduation, Mr. Hudson went to Pittsburgh where
he was associated with the brokerage house of Moore,
Leonard and Lynch until June of I93I. That year
he came to Greensburg and organized the Crown Fuel
Company, of which he is now president and general
manager. Mr. Hudson is also treasurer of the Westmoreland Grocery Company of Uniontown. Active in
the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, he is
one of the deacons of the church. He is a member
of the Republican party and belongs to the Charter
Club of Princeton University. He finds recreation in
hunting.
In Greensburg on October 22, I927, Fred William
Hudson married Mary Elizabeth Chichester, a daughter of Frederick William and Laura (Wagoner) Chichester. Mr. Chichester, who was born in Danbury,
Connecticut, and died in Los Angeles, California,
lived most of his life in Greensburg. He was the
founder of the Westmoreland Grocery Company but,
prior to that time, I9o2, he was associated with David
P. Hudson of Greensburg in the insurance business.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife
was a native of Madison and is now Mrs. C. F. de
Klyn of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Hudson attended public schools in Cleveland, Ohio, the Hathaway Brown
School in Cleveland, and the Low-Heywood School
in Greenwich, Connecticut, graduating from the last
school in I926. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, treasurer of the'Women's Association of that church, and belongs to
the Greensburg Garden Club. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson
have a daughter: Ann.
JESSE RINEHART SCOTT-Since October
Io, I9IO, Jesse Rinehart Scott has been engaged in
the general practice of law in Waynesburg, where he
is regarded as an able attorney and a progressive and
upright citizen. He was born in Franklin Township,
April 6, 1878, the son of James Madison and Margaret Ann (Rinehart) Scott, both deceased. James
Madison Scott, a native of Jefferson Township, was
born December io, I844, and was engaged in general
farming. He was a'ctively engaged in political life,
and was affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and the Free and Accepted Masons.
He died at Waynesburg, November 25, I93o. His
wife, born in Franklin County, September 6, I838,
died May 30, 1920.
Jesse Rinehart Scott was educated in the township schools and after completing his higher education in Waynesburg College, was elected deputy prothonotary of Greene County, and served in this capacity for six years. Meanwhile, he was studying law in
the offices of Judge James Ingraham, and after being
admitted to the bar entered into the general practice
of law.  In I92I he became associated with John
Inghram Hook, (q. z.) in the firm of Scott and Hook,
and this partnership has enjoyed great success in the
legal field. Mr. Scott has been admitted to practice
before the Federal courts and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. During the Spanish American War, he
was a member of Company K, Ioth Regiment, having
enlisted May 9, I898. He saw service at the Battles
of Malate, July 31, I898, Battle of Manila, August 3,
I898; the Philippine Insurrection, February to June
30, I899; and the Battles of La Loma Church, San
Francisco, de la Montana, and Malolos. He was honorably discharged, August 22, 1899.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an
active Democrat, and has served as attorney for the
School Board for a number of years. He has been
director of the Citizens Building and Loan Association
for twenty-five years, and is attached to Thomas S.
Crago Camp, Spanish American War Veterans. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Lodge No. 757, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the Masonic
Order he is a life member of the Pennsylvania Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Pittsburgh.
233ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was married, January 20, 1904, to Edna Montgomery, born June 29, i88i, daughter of Samuel and
Katherine (Lantz) Montgomery. Samuel Montgomery, a Greene County attorney, died in 1914 at the age
of seventy-nine years. His wife, born in Greene
County, December 3I, 1849, died in I920. Mr. and Mrs.
Scott are the parents of three children: I. Katherine, born December 8, I9IO, married Harold W. Soles,
August I, I933. 2. Ruth Eleanor, born April 2, I918.
3. Samuel Montgomery, born September I4, I92I.
DR. WILLIAM BRITTON CRAWFORDEntering upon his practice as a physician and surgeon
in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in 1919, Dr. William
Britton Crawford has been actively engaged in his
profession in this locality to the present day. He was
born in this city, April I6, I891, the son of Robert F.
and Ruth (Britton) Crawford. Robert F. Crawford,
a native of Luzerne Township, and a descendant of an
old Fayette County family, engaged in farming for a
number of years, and was a hotel proprietor and a
dealer in wheat; he is now living retired at Brownsville.
Dr. Crawford graduated from the Brownsville
schools and then attended Bucknell University for two
years. He then transferred to Jefferson Medical College, and was graduated in 1916 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. He then took a course in surgery
at Polyclinic Hospital in New York City, and after an
interneship at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, was employed as chief surgeon for the J. Rainey
Coal Company at Uniontown until I9I9, when he
established his private practice in Brownsville. He is
at present a member of the surgical staff of Brownsville Hospital, and is head of the X-ray department.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of
the County and State Medical societies and the American Medical Association, and Kappa Sigma and Alpha
Kappa Kappa fraternities, and in Masonic circles he
is a member of Lodge No. 60, Free and Accepted
Masons, St. Omar's Commandery, No. 7, Knights
Templar, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He is
also a past member of the Rotary Club, and an active
participant in local civic affairs.
He was married, June 4, I917, at Brownsville, to
Fan Elizabeth Ross, a native of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, born February 9, I89I, the daughter of Jesse
T. and Martha (Pogue) Ross, both deceased. Dr.
and Mrs. Crawford are the parents of two children:
I. Betty, born in July, I919. 2. Robert, born in
March, 1925.
LLOYD B. KING-After an extensive experience as an executive in the coal and coke business of
this region of the State, Lloyd B. King came to
Greensburg and established himself in an insurance
business which he has since conducted in addition to
serving as real estate officer for the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company. Throughout his residence
here he has also been active in a social and civic capacity and is identified with several of the leading clubs
and societies of this vicinity.
Mr. King was born in Bethany, Pennsylvania, November 24, 1889, the son of Mathias P. and Mary
Ann (Breegle) King, both of this county. His father,
who died in Bethany in I9IO, was postmaster at
Tarrs Station at the time and prior to that, had been
associated with the H. C. Frick Coke Company for
many years. Though only sixteen years of age at the
outbreak of the Civil War, the elder King enlisted with
the Union forces and became a member of Company
B, of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, which he served
with throughout the conflict, being honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant. During his military
career he was captured by the Confederate forces and
imprisoned at Libby prison from whch he escaped.
His brother, Eli, was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. Mathias P. King's wife survived him for twenty-six years, passing away in Bethany on February io,
I936.
Lloyd B. King completed his general education at
the East Huntington Township High School in I907,
and for a year thereafter worked in the mines of
Westmoreland County. During the latter part of I908
he embarked upon a teaching career, which he was to
pursue for four years and, in I912, he became associated with the Keystone Coal and Coke Company at
Greensburg, working in the Treasury Department of
that organization for twenty years. At the expiration
of this period he joined the Edward A. Woods Company, general insurance agents for the Equitable Life
Assurance Society of the United States and has since
engaged in this business. His associations with the
Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company date back to
I933, when he was appointed field representative for
the bank. A year later he became real estate officer
for the institution and has so continued to the present.
Mr. King is a member of the Pittsburgh Underwriters Association, and Lodge No. 511II of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a Republican in politics, worships at the Methodist Episcopal
Church and finds his principal diversion in fishing.
On September I9, 1912, Mr. King married Iva
Loomis, a native of Westmoreland County, and daughter of A. C. and Emma (Cunningham) Loomis of
234ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Scottdale, and formerly of Fayette County.  Her
father, who is a Democrat and worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church, has been associated with the H.
C. Frick Coke Company for many years. Mr. and Mrs.
King are the parents of five children: I. Mary Florence, born May 8, 1913, now one of the bookkeepers
for the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company.  2.
Marjorie Pearl, born May 23, I914, now a teacher in
the Southwest Greensburg public school.  3. Lloyd
Clifton, born February 29, I9I6, now associated with
the Fleet Wing Gasoline Service Station in Greensburg
and married to Anna Anderson of New Alexandria,
Pennsylvania. 4. Norma, born January 22, 1922, a
student at the Southwest Greensburg school. 5. Eleanor, born March 22, 1924, also a student.
ADDISON FRANK STEINER-Engaged successfully in the practice of law in Greensburg, Addison F. (A. Frank) Steiner has earned the warm esteem
and respect of his fellow-citizens in this district of
Pennsylvania. His accomplishments have been numerous and worth-while, and his community and this
Commonwealth alike are the gainers from his endeavors.
Mr. Steiner was born July 20, I907, in Greensburg,
son of Addison Frank and Marie E. (Steiner) Steiner.
The father was a native of Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and died in Florida.
He lived in Greensburg for many years, and while here
was a merchant, first in the lumber industry and later
in the retail meat trade. He was a Republican in his
political views, and at one time served as tax collector.  He was a member of the United Brethren in
Christ Church. His father was Ira Steiner, a farmer
and a native of Westmoreland County, who died in
that same county. The elder Addison Frank Steiner's
wife, Marie E. (Steiner) Steiner, was a native of
Middletown, Hempfield Township, Westmoreland
County, and at the time of writing is making her home
in Greensburg. Her father was John Steiner, a farmer
and a veteran of the Civil War. He was a native of
Westmoreland County, and there died.
The younger Addison Frank Steiner attended the
schools of Greensburg, his birthplace, and was graduated in I925 from  Greensburg High School. Four
years later he took the Bachelor of Arts degree from
the University of Pittsburgh, and in I932 was made
a Bachelor of Laws by the Law School of the University of Pittsburgh. In I933 he was formally admitted to the bar of this Commonwealth, at once settling in Greensburg, where he has carried on his independent practice of his profession down to the present, with offices in the Shoemaker Building. He was
also admitted to practice before the State and Federal
courts.
In addition to his many other activities, he is a member of the Westmoreland County Bar Association and
a leader in the general affairs of the law. Politically
he supports the Republican party and its policies and
principles. He belongs to a number of organizations,
including the Delta Tau Delta and Phi Alpha Delta
Greek-letter fraternities. He is a member of Westmoreland County Pitt Alumni Association, and a charter member of the Greensburg Library Association, for
which he obtained the charter in the local courts. He
worships in the faith of the United Brethren in Christ
Church.
On October 7, I936, Addison Frank Steiner married
Helen Melverna Saul, a native of Greensburg and
daughter of W. G. and Myrtle (Black) Saul, both
natives of Salem Township. Mrs. Saul, the mother of
Mrs. Steiner, resides in Greensburg, where her husband was active in the insurance business, operating
his own agency until his death, which occurred in this
city. W. G. Saul was a Republican, who at one
time served as deputy recorder of deeds. Mrs. Steiner
herself is a graduate of Greensburg High School, like
her husband, and is also a member of the United
Brethren in Christ Church.
RUSSELL FRANK McCLAIN-Carrying on
an extensive business in farm machinery, Russell Frank
McClain is a highly esteemed member of the Greensburg community. He has well earned the position of
leadership and standing that is his in this city and
Commonwealth, for he has sought at all times to advance the best interests of his contemporaries and
their institutions.
Mr. McClain was born July 26, I887, in Laughlintown, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, son of
Nathaniel Johnson and Elizabeth Grace (Tittle) McClain and grandson of Joseph and Eliza (McKleeven)
McClain, residents of Stahlstown, Pennsylvania. Joseph
McClain was a farmer. Both grandparents died near
Mount Pleasant, this State. Elizabeth Grace (Tittle)
McClain was born August 2, I853, in Laughlintown,
and died June 19, 1919, in Greensburg. She was a
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Curry) Tittle, who
lived at Laughlintown.  Her father, the maternal
grandfather of Russell Frank McClain, was a blacksmith by trade.  He was a son of Jeremiah Tittle,
who lived near Latrobe and was a farmer. He was
a son of Peter Tittle, who bought 500 or 6oo acres of
land at $I.25 per acre from the United States Govern235ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ment. This land remained in the possession of the
Tittle family until i909, though a part of it, consisting
of 221 acres, was given to Unity Presbyterian Church.
Later this property was sold to the Latrobe Presbyteran Church for $I, the entire 221 acres passing over
in this transaction. A part of the original house, built
on the land before I790, is still standing.
Russell Frank McClain attended the public schools
of Ligonier and Mount Pleasant, completing his high
school work in Greensburg. Then he was employed
for a time by his father until he became associated with
the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, in Pittsburgh.  With that enterprise he remained for two years, at the conclusion of which he
went with the Bell Telephone Company, in Greensburg, as assistant wire chief. There followed clerkships in several grocery stores, after which he was connected with the Frank G. Reamer Company, of Greensburg. Until 1936 he remained with the Reamer organization, leaving it in April of that year in order
to go into business for himself. It was then that he
became a dealer in farm machinery, with headquarters
at No. 4IO Mount Pleasant Street, Greensburg, here
remaining down to the present.
In addition to his other activities, Mr. McClain has
been a leader in politics and civic and social life. He
is a Republican in his partisan views and an ardent supporter of his party's principles. He worships in the
faith of the United Presbyterian Church.
Russell Frank McClain married (first), on April I4,
I909, Nellie D. Riddell, born in March, I888, died in
January, 1918, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, daughter
of the late Archibald Riddell, of that city, who was associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in
the capacity of freight conductor.  Three children,
two sons and a daughter, were born to this marriage:
I. Grace Elizabeth McClain, in I91o, now a teacher in
the junior high school at New Stanton, Pennsylvania.
2. James A. McClain, born July 3, 1912, associated in
business with his father. 3. Russell Neil McClain, born
August 25, I9I4, a foreman in a factory at Meadville,
this State. Russell Frank McClain married (second),
May I4, 1929, Rowena Bortz, a native of Greensburg,
daughter of Oliver and Tillie (Markle) Bortz. Her
father, who is now deceased, was for years a traveling
salesman in the machinery trade. Mrs. McClain herself was graduated from Greensburg High School and
from the Teachers' Normal School, and was a teacher
for a number of years before her marriage. Two
daughters and a son were born to Russell Frank and
Rowena (Bortz) McClain: I. Catherine Roy McClain. 2. Oliver Louis McClain. 3. Mary Josephine
McClain.
ALBERT CARL EHRLER-One of the leading merchants of Westmoreland County, Albert Carl
Ehrler operates a large hennery at his place near
Greensburg as a diversion and cherishes the ambition of
some day owning and operating a farm stocked with
Brown Swiss dairy cattle.
Albert Carl Ehrler was born in West Newton on
November Io,, I886, a son of Herman and Anna
(Bittner) Ehrler. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ehrler were
born in Germany. Mr. Ehrler was born in Saxony on
February i6, 1852. He came to America when he was
twenty-one years old and settled in West Newton. He
is now living on his farm at Scott Haven. Affiliated
with the Republican party, he votes independently. He
is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mrs. Ehrler died
at West Newton on December 4, I896, at the age of
thirty-eight.
Albert Carl Ehrler attended the public schools at
Industry and Dravo until he was twelve years old.
Then, for a time, he spent his summers working on his
father's farm and his winters working in a coal mine.
When thirteen, Mr. Ehrler started out for himself, beginning a life-time of industrious activity.  Until
I907, he worked for neighboring farmers. That year,
he became a shipping clerk for the National Tube
Company of McKeesport. From that position, he went
into the service of the Union Railroad as a brakeman.
Becoming interested in merchandising, he found a place
as a clerk and deliveryman with Thompson Brothers
in Buena Vista. Finally, in 191o, he and his brother,
Richard F. Ehrler, bought out a store in Collinsburg.
This establishment endured for twelve years under the
name of Ehrler Brothers. Then, in 1922, Albert
Carl Ehrler bought out his brother's interest and conducted the business under his own name until November of I926. That year, Mr. Ehrler himself sold out
the store. In the meantime, he had become an authorized dealer for the Maytag Washers. Accordingly, on
February I, 1927, he opened a Maytag agency in West
Newton, devoting his entire attention to the line. A
month later, Mr. Ehrler took over the Maytag franchise for Greensburg, also.  Shortly, he opened a
branch agency in Scottdale. Eventually, however, he
closed the West Newton and the Scottdale branches
and he is now devoting his entire attention to the'
Greensburg agency, a store with a complete line of
washers, ironers, radios and refrigerators. In I929,
marking the transfer of his business to Greensburg, he
built the present family home on the West Newton
Ruad. There Mr. Ehrler keeps a large flock of Leghorns, having from a thousand to twelve hundred hens
laying at a time. While this hennery is Mr. Ehrler's
diversion, it is his ambition to have a large dairy
236ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
farm, stocking it with Brown Swiss cattle. Like his
father, Mr. Ehrler is a Republican. He is an active
member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to: West
NTewton Lodge, No. 593, Free and Accepted Masons;
New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, thirty-second degree; and Syria Temple Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh.
On May 28, I9g9, Albert Carl Ehrler married Edna
May Duncan, a daughter of Robert P. and Anna
(Heisterman) Duncan of Buena Vista. Mr. Duncan,
who was born in Allegheny County, was a stationary
engineer. He died in Buena Vista. A Republican, he
belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs.
Duncan, a native of Kittanning, is living at Buena
Vista. Mrs. Ehrler, who was born on February 4,
I887, at Buena Vista, was educated in the public
schools of that town and graduated from Slippery
Rock State Normal College. Prior to her marriage,
she taught school for two years in Buena Vista. Mr.
and Mrs. Ehrler have two daughters: I. Florence
Anna born September 24, I9I5. After attending the
public schools in Collinsburg and West Newton and
Harrold Junior High School, she graduated from
Greensburg High School. Then, taking her degree of
Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh in
1936, she is now teaching in the Wendell High School.
2. Hazel Edna, born February 4, I916. Attending the
public schools in Collinsburg and West Newton and
the Harrold Junior High School, she graduated from
Greensburg High School and is now a student in the
University of Pittsburgh, class of I938.
JOHN F. FREELAND-The youngest man ever
to be elected treasurer of Greene County, and the firsf
candidate to be elected in a first campaign for the office, John F. Freeland is not only one of the leading
members of the younger generation of the Democratic
party in Pennsylvania but is also interested in several
business enterprises, including oil and gas interests
in the county.
John F. Freeland was born in Waynesburg March
29, I902, son of Benjamin Newton and Lora M. (Johnston) Freeland. Benjamin Newton Freeland, born in
Mt. Morris, March I8, I858, is an attorney, although
now living in retirement, and a prominent Democrat,
serving as clerk of courts for Greene County for four
years beginning in I9oo and then going to the Pennsylvania legislature as a senator from Fayette and
Greene counties for a term. Mr. Freeland also has
wide interests in gas and oil enterprises in Greene
County. His wife, Lora M. (Johnston) Freeland, was
born in Gurnsey, Ohio, December 8, I865, and died.March 28, I934.
IVUlN  r_ltANINYLVAIiN1UA                      237
After passing through the public schools of Waynesburg, John F. Freeland attended Muskingum Academy, graduating in I920, and also Waynesburg College, from which institution he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I925. Then, determining to
follow a business career, Mr. Freeland became associated with the Waynesburg Ice Company in I925,
being made the firm's office manager in I926. This
position he held until I929, when he purchased the
Greene County Baking Company, an enterprise which
he is conducting up to the present time. In I936 Mr.
Freeland, having been elected to the four years term
as treasurer of Greene County, took office. This position is the culmination of several years of activity in
the Democratic party, an activity which has included
the post of committeeman for the Ward Three Democratic Committee of Waynesburg, the office of treasurer of the Greene County Democratic Committee and
the second term of chairmanship of the Greene County
Democratic Committee. In addition to his political
activities and his baking business, Mr. Freeland has
also found time to devote himself to interests in oil
and gas enterprises within Greene County. During
the World War, he was a member of the Students'
Army Training Corps and at present he is a member
of the Hundred Club of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Waynesburg Lodge of Moose, the Greene County
Democratic Club, the Pennsylvania State Young
Democratic Club and the Waynesburg Methodist
Episcopal Church.
DR. ARTHUR KEYS ODBERT-Establishing
offices in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, in I915 for the
general practice of medicine and industrial surgery and
the specializing in X-ray work, Dr. Arthur Keys
Odbert has attained a high reputation in his chosen
profession in his twenty-two years of faithful service
to the people of this locality.
He was born December II, I887, at Beallsville,
Washington County, the son of John Alfred and Louise
(Keys) Odbert. John Alfred Odbert, a tinner by trade,
was an active Republican and a member of the Charleroi City Council in I905. He was also affiliated with
the Order United American Mechanics and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died in December,
I9Io.
Dr. Odbert is a product of the Charleroi public
school system, graduating from the high school in I907.
He next entered California State Normal College, but
after two years transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to prepare for a medical career, receiving the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9II. The following
year was devoted to an interneship at Saint Joseph's
IrI'D   T'T'I -)T'IT'T-C'r3   TTT I7 A  "TT AANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Hospital in Pittsburgh, and this was followed by a
year at Uniontown Hospital. He then began the general practice of medicine at Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania,
and after a year, went to Fairchance, Pennsylvania.
Then in I915 he opened his present offices in Brownsville, and has been identified with the local medical
profession here to the present day.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Charleroi, and is a supporter of the Democratic
party. He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted
Masons and the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, and
holds membership in the Nemacolin Country Club. He
is also a member of the County and State Medical
societies and the American Medical Association.
Dr. Odbert is the father of a daughter, Marylou
Huff, born in Brownsville, August 6, I916.
RICHARD STUART JEFFERY-Accountant
and office manager of the Peerless Oil Company of
Greensburg, Richard Stuart Jeffery is well known not
only as a business man but as an enthusiastic supporter
of all sports, particularly golf, swimming and basketball.
Richard Stuart Jeffery was born in Greensburg on
April 4, I9Io, a son of Wallace W. and Bella R.
(Hayes) Jeffery. Wallace W. Jeffery, who was born
in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, on December 22,
I863, is now living in retirement in Greensburg. For
many years he was an active contractor and builder in
Westmoreland County, particularly in Franklin and
Greensburg. He erected the Rappe Hotel in Greensburg and many other buildings in that city. He also
superintended the erection of most of the buildings
of the Kelley and Jones Company, now the Walworth
Company of Greensburg. He is a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Greensburg and a son of
George F. and Jean (Stuart) Jeffery. They were both
natives of Devonshire, England. After living for a
time in Ontario, they moved to the United States in
x867 and settled in Erie. George F. Jeffery was born
on April Io, I827, and died in I904. His wife was
born on September I5, I837, and died on September
Io, I924. Bella R. (Hayes) Jeffery, mother of Richard Stuart Jeffery, was born in Greensburg on October Io, I873, and is now living in Greensburg. She
is a daughter of William G. and Sarah (Reamer)
Hayes. William G. Hayes was born in Fosterville in
July of 1847 and died in Greensburg on March z4
I88I. For many years he was a justice of the peace
and a butcher in Scottdale. During the Civil War, he
served in the Union Army. His wife, who was born
on a farm  in Westmoreland County on October 23,
1854, died in Greensburg on March 6, I927. She was
a daughter of Solomon and Marjorie (Jamison)'
Reamer. Solomon Reamer, a farmer, was born in
Greensburg and died in that city in I894. His wife,
who was born in Pleasant Unity on July I3, I823, died
in Greensburg on March 8, I912.
Richard Stuart Jeffery passed through the Greensburg public schools, graduating from the high school
ir I927. Then attending Washington and Jefferson
College, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in
193I. During his four years in college, he was a
member of the track and swimming teams. After returning home from  college, Mr. Jeffery, with C. I.
Hug, organized the Peerless Gasoline Company of
Greensburg. His father, Wallace W. Jeffery was president of the company; Mr. Jeffery was vice-president;
Paul L. Shrum was secretary, and W. A. Maring was
treasurer. Later, W. A. Maring took over the entire
business and is now the owner of the organization.
Mr. Jeffery remained with the company as accountant
and office manager. A member of the Republican party,
Mr. Jeffery is also a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg. He belongs to Greensburg
Lodge, No. 51, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, the Greensburg Kiwanis Club, the Latrobe
Country Club and Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
On April 20, I934, Richard Stuart Jeffery married
Elizabeth Calhoun, a native of Blairsville. She is a
daughter of Oscar J. and Mary (Kier) Calhoun of
Blairsville. Mr. Calhoun is a retired railroad man,
for many years employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad. He is a member of the United Presbyterian
Church and belongs to the Republican party. Mrs. Jeffery is a graduate of Blairsville High School and Indiana State Teachers College. For three years prior
to her marriage, she taught school. She is a member
of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. Mr.
and Mrs. Jeffery have a son, Richard Calhoun, who
was born on October 23, I936.
THOMAS FREDERICK SNEDDEN--Senior
partner of the Greensburg Tool and Mrachine Company, Thomas Frederick Snedden of South Greensburg, is widely known throughout the State and in adjacent mining areas as well, for his company has built
tip a large business in supplying mining equipment.
Mr. Snedden was born in Hecla on August I, I884,
a son of William and Lillian (Cratsley) Snedden. William Snedden, who was born in Young America, Indiana, is now living in retirement in Greensburg. For
many years he was a mine superintendent. He is a
member of the Reformed Church and is a Republican.
His parents were Thomas and Mary (Walkinshaw)
Snedden.  Natives of Scotland, they were married
238ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
at Bell Keith before leaving their country to come to
America. Settling on the Ohio River, Thomas Snedden became a coal miner. He died in I88I and his wife
passed away in I916. Lillian (Cratsley) Snedden,
mother of Thomas Frederick Snedden, was born on
June ii, I86I, in Brookfield, Trumbull County, Ohio.
She is now living in Greensburg. Mrs. Snedden is a
daughter of Frederick and Sophronia (Hutchins)
Cratsley. Frederick Cratsley, who was a blacksmith,
was born in New Jersey and died at Imperial, Pennsylvania. His wife, a native of Vienna, Ohio, also
passed away in Imperial.
Thomas Frederick Snedden attended the public
schools and also studied at the Young Men's Christian
Association night school in Greensburg, where he specialized in mechanical drawing. For four years, Mr.
Snedden was an apprentice tool maker at the Kelley and Jones plant. After becoming a journeyman
tool maker, he remained with Kelley and Jones for
another three years. Then he went as a tool maker
with the Westinghouse Air Brake Company at Wilmerding, where he remained for two years. The following year, Mr. Snedden was in charge of the tool
department of the Robertshaw Thermostat Company
in Youngwood. The next four years, Mr. Snedden
spent as general foreman of the tool department and
machine shop of the Railway and Industrial Engineering Company. And then, on March I, I92I, Mr.
Snedden and his brother, Fred C. Snedden, organized
the Greensburg Tool and Machine Company. For
five years their plant was located in South Greensburg but, in I926, it was moved to its present site at
Seaboard Shaft. The business, a partnership owned
by the two Snedden brothers, manufactures parts for
mining equipment. Although starting as a modest enterprise, the establishment has grown steadily and is
now widely known. An active member of the Republican party, Mr. Snedden has served on the City
Council of South Greensburg for four years. For half
of this period, he was president of the council. Like
his father before him, a member of the Reformed
Church, Mr. Snedden has been a deacon of the Third
Reformed Church of South Greensburg for a number
of years. He is also president of the Men's Brotherhood of the church. Another civic enterprise in
which Mr. Snedden is interested is the Boy Scouts of
America. At present, he is president of the South
Greensburg Boy Scouts Council. A Mason, Mr. Snedden is a member of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518,
Free and Accepted Masons. Fond of both foot-ball
and base-ball, Mr.'Snedden also enjoys outdoor recreation, particularly the sport of fishing.
On June 3, I9o7, Thomas Frederick Snedden married Elizabeth Wise, a native of Pittsburgh. She is
a daughter of Emil and Anna (Guppert) Wise. They
were both born in Germany. A moulder by trade, Mr.
Wise spent many years in Pittsburgh. He died in
South Greensburg. Mrs. Wise is now living in South
Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Snedden have three daughters: I. Helen M., born on March 30, I908, she graduated from Greensburg High School and from Berkley College in Harrisburg. For five years, she taught
in the South Greensburg Junior High School before
being married to William A. Reffner, who is associated with the Greensburg Tool and Machinery Company. 2. Pearl Elizabeth, born on August I, 1913,
she is a graduate of Greensburg High School and
Greensburg Business College.  She is the wife of
Dured A. Thompson, who is associated with the Commonwealth Bank and Trust Company of Pittsburgh.
3. Dorothy B., born on February 23, I916. A graduate of the Greensburg High School, she is now a student at the Edinboro State Teachers' College.
RUSSELL KEENER SMITH-As superintendent of the schools of Dunbar Township, Fayette
County, Russell Keener Smith has performed a work
of importance and value, exerting an influence for
good upon others engaged in educational work in this
district. The schools of this township have earned,
under his guidance and direction, the reputation of being among the "best in the county," and their superintendent has distinguished himself by a many-sided participation in community affairs.
Mr. Smith was born September I7, I873, near
Stoystown, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. second
child and eldest son of George H. and Susan (Ankeny) Smith. He represents the fifth generation in
direct line of descent from Jacob Smith, who is believed to have been the first member of the family in
Somerset County. His residence in Quemahoning
Township, that county, is revealed in the tax lists of
1783 and 1784. The Smiths were of German lineage.
Jacob Smith's son, Ludwig Smith, was probably born in
Quemahoning Township about I785, and was a Somerset County farmer all his life. His son, John L.
Smith, was born in that county, and farmed all his life
in the same township, owning a large farm near Stoystown; he married Margaret Crissey, daughter of David
Crissey, of German origin.
Their son, George H. Smith, the father of Russell
Keener Smith, was born May I8, I843, in Hooversville, Somerset County, and attended the public school
in Somerset until he was eighteen. He apprenticed
239ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
himself to the carpenter's trade, continuing as a journeyman until he enlisted in Company G, 93d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, at the time of
the Civil War. Serving more than a year, he fought
with the Army of the Potomac at Cedar Creek on
October I9, I864; was at the fall of Petersburg on
April 2, I865; and participated in engagements at
Sailors' Creek on April 6, I865, and elsewhere. After
the war, he returned to Somerset County, resuming
his work as a carpenter until about I88o, when he
bought a farm of 200 acres near Listie, there living
for twenty-six years until his death on May I5, I9o6.
He was a Republican, and served his township and
county as school and poor director. He belonged to
R. P. Cummings Post of the Grand Army of the
Republic, at Somerset, and he and his wife were members of the Reformed Church.
George H. Smith married, July 9, I87I, Susan Ankeny, born November 30, I849, daughter of Peter
and Mary (Zimmerman) Ankeny and granddaughter of
Peter Ankeny, of an early Somerset County family.
Peter Ankeny was a farmer there, and served the Union
during the Civil War. The Ankenys were of French
and Scottish blood, and the Zimmermans were German. The children of George H. and Susan (Ankeny)
Smith were: I. Huldah W., born February I4, I872.
2. Russell Keener, of further mention. 3. Mary M.,
born February 3, I876, died in infancy. 4. Michael Z.,
born April 28, I877, a wholesale confectioner at Johnstown, now engaged in the insurance business, married,
October 22, I902, Elizabeth S. Heiple, the latter deceased. 5. Edmund B., born March 28, I879, unmarried, of Johnstown. 6. Emma O., twin of Edmund B.,
married February II, I9o3, Oscar D. Weigle, of Johnstown. 7. Gertrude R., born June 4, I88o, married,
May 22, I905, Arthur G. Hoffman, of Johnstown. 8.
Jennie E., born April 6, I882, married, June 28, I905,
Bruce U. P. Cobaugh, was principal of the high school
at Connellsville, later assistant principal, Langley
High School at Pittsburgh. 9. Kate Naomi, born in
I884, married Edward Whipperman. lives at Johnstown. Io. Alta D., born July 25, I889, living also at
Johnstown.
The second-named of these ten children, Russell
Keener Smith, attended the public school, later taking a course at the College Preparatory School, in
Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, presided over by Professor Meese. He taught for several years, then entered
the State Normal School at Lockhaven, where he
was graduated in I897. Taking up teaching as his life's
work, he has attained high rank in his profession. His
assignments have been numerous and varied, including
both teaching and school administration. He spent a
year as assistant principal at Confluence, two years as
principal of the same school, a year each as principal of the schools at Ohiopyle and New Haven, and
three years as principal at Vanderbilt. After having
served in these different communities, Mr. Smith took
over his duties in Dunbar Township, spending two
years, from I9o5 to I9o7, as principal of the high school
here. In I9o7 he was appointed superintendent of the
schools of Dunbar Township, the position that he now
holds. He has done much to elevate the standards of
these schools and to lift them to a higher stage of efficiency and cultural value, performing a particularly
effective work in linking the elementary with the secondary schools.
His power has been widely felt as a force for good,
particularly in the different professional groups of
which he is a member. Other educators have benefited
from Mr. Smith's experiences in reorganizing the
courses of study here, and he maintains close relationships with them through memberships in such groups
as the Pennsylvania Education Association and the
National Education Association. He also belongs to
the American Association of School Administrators.
His business interests have also taken considerable of
Mr. Smith's time and attention. He is a Republican
in his political views, is a member of the Connellsville
Rotary Club, of which he served as president in I937
and I938, and was a delegate to the International Convention held in Nice in I937. He belongs to the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society. Active in the
Free and Accepted Masons, Mr. Smith is affiliated with
James Cochran Lodge No. 614 of this order, Connellsville Chapter No. 283 Royal Arch Masons, Uniontown
Lodge of Perfection Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
Pittsburgh   Consistory,  Uniontown   Commandery
Knights Templar, and Syria Temple (Pittsburgh) Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He
is a member of the Reformed Church. He also is active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the
Knights of the Maccabees, and the Junior Order of
United American Mechanics.
On June 26, I90I, Russell Keener Smith married
Mabel S. Brown, who was born October I3, I879, in
Berlin, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Alpheus Calvin and Barbara (Simmons) Brown. Her
father was born in Fayette County and her mother in
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and the father was long
chief clerk of the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad,
stationed at Dickerson Run, this State. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith became the parents of one daughter, Nina
Grace Smith, who was born April 29, I902, and is now
a teacher in the high school at Oak Park, Illinois, a
suburb of Chicago. She is a graduate of Bucknell
240ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
of Phi Tau Gamma (scholastic) and Phi Delta Pi
(legal) fraternities.
He is a member of the official board of the Jefferson
Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, and is active in
the affairs of the Republican party. He is affiliated
with Washington Lodge, No. 623, Free and Accepted
Masons, and the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He is
also a member of the Washington County and Penn
State Bar associations.
He was married, September 5, 1930, to Caroline
Whitehouse, of Washington, daughter of Alfred and
Louise (Schaffer) Whitehouse.
G. LESLIE ZIMMERMAN-A descendant of a
family which has been known in Washington County
since I780, G. Leslie Zimmerman, of Washington,
Pennsylvania, has been engaged in the general practice
of law here, since 1920. He was born at Amwell
Township, July II, I893, the son of J. Wesley and
Bertha (Powell) Zimmerman. The elder Mr. Zimmerman, born February I2, I87I, was formerly paymaster for the Tyler Tube and Pipe Company, but is
now retired. He was active in Democratic circles, and
is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fe!lows. His wife, also a native of Amwell Township,
was born May 26, I873.
G. Leslie Zimmerman attended the Washington
schools and was graduated from the high school in
I9I3. After receiving his degree of Bachelor of Arts
from Washington and Jefferson College in I917, he
entered the University of Pittsburgh Law School, and
was graduated in 1920 with the degree of Bachelor of
Laws. He then opened his own office for the general
practice of law, and in I924 became associated with
David H. Weiner. He was admitted to practice before
the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 1920, and the
United States District Court, January I5, I926.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is well
known in Republican affairs and civic activities. He
is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and
is affiliated with the Washington County and Pennsylvania Bar associations. He was married, April 2, I924,
to Ethel Ellwood Prigg, a native of Canton Township, born December I5, I894, daughter of Joseph M.
and Fannie (Ellwood) Prigg.  Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman are the parents of a son, Leslie Ellwood, born
August 3I, I925, now a student in the local public
schools.
RUFUS S. MARRINER-For the last twentyseven years, Rufus S. Marriner has been engaged in
the general practice of law in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was born at Gwynn Island, in Mathews
County, Virginia, September 14, I875, the son of Sher)        I  L I-lN i  Y L VAN INA                2I
man and Anna Rebecca (Forrest) Marriner, both natives of Mathews County and both deceased.
Rufus S. Marriner received his early education in
the public schools of Mathews County and Belmont,
Allegheny County, New York, and then matriculated
at Washington and Jefferson College, receiving the
degree of Bachelor of Science in I903. He then entered
the University of Pittsburgh for two years, after which
he read law in the 6ffices of Albert Sprowls in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was admitted to the bar in
I9O8 and has been actively engaged in the private practice of law here since I9IO. At present he is senior
member of the firm of Marriner and Wiley.
He is a member of the Baptist Church and a supporter of the Republican party. He is affiliated with
the Free and Accepted Masons, and is a member of the
County, State and American Bar associations, and the
Washington County Historical Society. He married
Jean Drummond, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and
they are the parents of three children: Rebecca, Martha, and Stephen Marriner.
JAMES ALOYSIUS WALLACE REEVES,
A. M., S. T. D., LL. D., Litt. D.-President James
Aloysius Wallace Reeves took office as president of
Seton Hill College in July, 193I. In taking office he
succeeded a distinguished educator with whom he had
worked for some years, first as an instructor, later as
a professor, and finally as assistant to the president
and with the title of vice-president. Doctor Reeves
has felt that both the mechanism and the drive to
which he came in 193I represented the finest thought
and criticism in the field of education. So few colleges
of liberal arts have withstood the attack of specialization, the insistence of the professional associations, and
the idea that an education is necessarily equipment for
making money. Coming to the presidency of a distinctively liberal arts college, he sensed his opportunities
as well as his responsibilities. What stands really as
a manifesto for education at Seton Hill College and
continues to energize all work at Seton Hill:
If there is a royal road to knowledge it does not
skirt Seton Hill. The management knows no way
save the one that is made by the student. The system
of instruction is based on the practice of the best
American schools; it is effective and it is time-honored; still there is nothing in it that is sacred. Human
wit devised it. It may quite conceivably improve it.
Should the management find a better way they would
adopt it without scruple, for they are bound by no
traditional methods and fear nothing but God's disfavor and the closed mind.
President Reeves was born February 8, 1892, at
Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the eldest of five children of
~IrU-DNT T- T-,-XT-kTC'-TT AT A -NTT /iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
University, holding the Bachelor of Arts degree, and
has the Master of Arts degree from the University
of Wisconsin. Since I9oI the Smiths have lived in
Dawson.
LOUIS A. WESNER, M. D.-The professional
achievements of Dr. Louis A. Wesner are evidenced in
the important position of superintendent of the State
Tuberculosis Sanatorium at Cresson, which he has occupied since I934. This is one of the largest institutions of its type in the State and demands the talents
of a physician who not only is a foremost medical man
but also an administrator of outstanding ability. Happily Dr. Louis A. Wesner qualifies in each department
and during his tenure of office has established an enviable record.
Dr. Wesner was born in Houtzdale, April 28, I885,
the son of Dr. Michael A. and Annie E (Walters)
Wesner. His father, who died in 191T, was a physician and is survived by his wife, also a native of
Johnstown, who has reached the advanced age of
ninety-two years. After a general education in the
public schools of his native community, Dr. Wesner
attended St. Francis College and then matriculated at
the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, in
which he received his professional training and from
which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in the class of I9IO. He then served a period
of interneship at the McKinley Memorial Hospital,
Trenton, New Jersey, and later was a member of the
staffs of the Mercy, Lee and Municipal hospitals in
Johnstown.
In I9II he began a general practice of medicine and
surgery which he conducted with great success until
1934, when he was appointed superintendent of the
State Sanatorium at Cresson. This hospital, which is
devoted to the care of tubercular patients, is situated
on the Carnegie State land in the Allegheny Mountains, two thousand five hundred and thirty feet above
sea level. It is near the Cresson station in Cambria
County and on the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The hospital has eight hundred and forty beds
for the care of moderately advanced and incipient cases
of tuberculosis and includes a children's department
which has accommodations for about two hundred and
fifty patients. It is equipped with the latest medical
facilities'and the staff, under the direction of Dr.
Wesner, are trained to follow the latest methods in
curing this disease. Notable progress has been made
by this institution under Dr. Wesner's supervision and
today he is ranked as one of the foremost specialists
in this field of medicine.
Aside from his professional duties Dr. Wesner is
actively interested in the community affairs at Cresson,
where he is president of the local Rotary Club and
fraternizes with the local council of the Knights of
Columbus. As a physician he is a member of the Cambria County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. In, his religious convictions he adheres to the
Roman Catholic faith. As a student in college he was
editor of the school paper and gained wide popularity
for his contributions as a cartoonist.
On February I9, I912, Dr. Wesner married Ella J.
Stevons, and they are the parents of two daughters:
Georgiana and Josephine.
H. RUSSELL STAHLMAN-Since his admission to the bar in I926, H. Russell Stahlman has been
an active member of his profession in Charleroi. He
was born in West Bethlehem Township, Washington
County, May 25, 1902, the son of Dr. Frederick C. and
Mary Martha (Church) Stahlman. Dr. Stahlman, a
native of Clarion County, Pennsylvania, graduated
from the University of Pittsburgh with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I896, and since I905 has been
engaged in the general practice of medicine in Charleroi. He is a member of the County, State and
American Medical associations, and is an active Republican, having served for twenty years as president
of the Charleroi School Board.
H. Russell Stahlman attended the Charleroi schools,
and after graduating from the high school in I919
enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he
received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in I923. He
next entered the Law School of Harvard University,
receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws in I926, and
in September of the same year was admitted to the
bar, whereupon he launched his private practice in
Charleroi. In addition to the local courts, he is eligible to practice in the Supreme and Superior courts of
Pennsylvania, and the United' States District Court.
He is an active member of the Washington Avenue
Presbyterian Church, and has been on the board of
trustees for the past six years. A well-known Republican, he served as assistant district attorney of Washington County from I929 to 1932, and he has always
been recognized as a leader in the civic and fraternal
life of this locality. He is a member of the Kiwanis
Club, and is affiliated with Lodge No. 494, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose,
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the National Grange, where he holds the
seventh degree, and the Turners. He also holds membership in the County, State' and American Bar associations, and is a member of the executive committee
of the State Bar Association. In addition he is affili24IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ated with Phi Delta Theta, Delta Sigma Rho, and the
Druids fraternities.
He was married, September lo, I923, to Margaret
Scott Roberts, of Pittsburgh, daughter of E. G. and
Margaret Scott (Thomas) Roberts. Mr. and Mrs.
Stahlman are the parents of a son, H. Russell, Jr.,
born August 28, I927.
WILLIAM  EMMETT McCRACKEN--As
mayor of Monongahela, Pennsylvania, for the past
three years, and an active business man in Courtney,
Pennsylvania, since I9IO, William Emmett McCracken
is numbered among the leading citizens in this section
of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He was born in West
Finley Township, Washington County, April IO, I868,
the son of Dr. Silas Clark and Henrietta (Grimm)
McCracken, both deceased. Dr. McCracken, a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons at
Cleveland, practiced his profession for many years in
Jacktown, Pennsylvania, and later in Wheeling, West
Virginia, and at the time of his death was one of the
leading physicians and surgeons in Washington, Pennsylvania.
William Emmett McCracken acquired his early education in the public schools at Claysville, Pennsylvania, and then entered Claysville Normal School,
graduating in I886. He then became associated with
Dr. Minton in Claysville, where he learned the drug
business. After several years, he moved to Washington, Pennsylvania, and was associated in the drug
business with Charles Cotton for four years. He then
came to Courtney, Pennsylvania, and entered the drug
business of Dr. H. B. Billick. After twenty years
association with Dr. Billick, Mr. McCracken purchased
all interest in this drug business, and conducted all
operations under his own name until 1917, when he
sold the entire business and entered the retail coal
field under the name of Courtney Coal Company of
which he has been president for the past twenty years.
In addition to this business, Mr. McCracken, in I9II,
founded the Courtney Fire Brick Company, manufacturers of sleeves, nozzles, clay stopper heads, and runner brick and this business, of which he is vice-president and director, employs at the present time approximately fifty men. In I935 he was elected mayor of
Monongahela, and his term of office will extend to
January I, I940.
Mr. McCracken is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and a lifelong Democrat, and the founder and
a member of the Optimist Club of Monongahela. His
chief recreational diversion is golf, and he is a charter
member of the Monongahela Valley Country Club.
He was married, in 1893, to Maude L. Phillis, of
Beaver, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Phillis. Mr.
and Mrs. McCracken are the parents of two daughters: I. Maxine Phillis, a graduate of Sargent's Physical Training School at Cambridge, Massachusetts. 2.
Virginia Angelot, who married Reed Clark, of Wellsburg, West Virginia.
BUELL B. WHITEHILL-After a notable
career of more than twenty years as a court reporter
in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, Buell B. W\hitehill, a member of the Pennsylvania bar since I9I2,
began the general practice of law in Uniontown in
I923, and he is recognized as a leader in his profession, at present being the senior member of the wellknown firm of Whitehill and Lane.
Mr. Whitehill was born in Brookville, Jefferson
County, January 27, i88i, the son of Stewart H. and
Mary A. (Shepherd) Whitehill. The elder Mr. Whitehill, for many years a practicing attorney, maintained
offices at Brookville up to the time of his death in
I916.
Buell B. Whitehill attended the public schools of
Brookville and Allegheny College at Meadville. Beginning in I9OI he served as official reporter of the
Jefferson County courts, in I903 began the same added
duties in Indiana County, and in 1905 in Clarion
County, also. He entered the general shorthand reporting field in Boston, Massachusetts, in I916, and
in I918 and I9I9 he was in charge of the safety work
for the Bay State Street Railway Company during the
receivership of Wallace B. Donham. During I920 he
practiced law at Paulding, Ohio. In the autumn of
that year he came to Uniontown to work as court reporter under Judge E. H. Reppert, continuing in that
capacity until I923, when he entered the general practice of law at Uniontown with S. J. Morrow, under
the firm name of Morrow and Whitehill, and this
partnership continued until Judge Morrow went on the
bench.
He is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, a
member of the Republican party, and an active figure
in civic and fraternal organizations. He is affiliated
with the County, State and American Bar associations,
has been secretary of the Fayette County Bar Association for many years, is vice-president of the Westmoreland Historical Society and a member of Phi
Gamma Delta Fraternity. He is prominent in the
Masonic Order, being a Past Master of Hobah Lodge,
No. 276, Free and Accepted Masons, Past Secretary
and representative in the Grand Lodge, a member of
Jefferson Chapter, No. 225, Royal Arch Masons, Past
High Priest, Past Secretary and Representative in
the Grand Chapter, also a member of Uniontown
Commandery, Knights Templar, Uniontown L,odge of
Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted
242ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Altoona. He is also
a member of the Shakespeare Club and other local
organizations.
He was married, June 26, I907, to Lee M. Snook,
daughter of Judge Wilson H. and Nancy (Graves)
Snook, of Paulding, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehill are
the parents of a son, Buell B., Jr., born June 25, I9I0,
a graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Arts of
Dartmouth College in I93i, and the degree of Master
of Fine Arts from Yale University in I934, and is at
present on the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh.
W. F. "FRANK" LANE-Since his admission
to the Pennsylvania bar in I919, W. F. "Frank" Lane
has distinguished himself in legal circles in Uniontown,
and at present is associated with Buell B. Whitehill
(see accompanying biography) in the firm of Whitehill
and Lane.
Mr. Lane, a native of Clarion County, received his
early education in the public schools of Butler and
Somerset counties, and later attended St. Vincent and
Grove City colleges. After leaving the latter institution, he worked for a time as a haulage engineer in
the coal mines, and then became a member of the
teaching profession in North Union Township, where
he was engaged for two years. He then served as a
clerk for the Sunshine Coal and Coke Company, until
he was appointed deputy county prothonotary under
William McClelland, which office he held for three
years. Meanwhile he had matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, receiving his degree
of Bachelor of Laws in I919. During the World War
he entered the Officers Training Camp at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the 327th Infantry, 82d Division. He was
later transferred to Fort Lee as an instructor, and was
promoted to a first lieutenancy. He was admitted to
the bar in I919, and has been well known in the legal
profession of this section to the present day. He was
assistant district attorney under the late W. A. Miller,
and is city solicitor of Uniontown.
He is a Roman Catholic, and is affiliated with the
Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars, and the Pennsylvania and Fayette
County Bar associations. Mr. Lane married Edith
Steel, of Philadelphia.
CALVIN E. DUNMIRE-For the past twentyeight years Calvin E. Dunmire has been an active
figure in the business life of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He was born in Kittanning Township,
Armstrong County, September 22, 188T, and received
his early education in the public schools there. A carpenter by trade, he carried on a general contracting
business for a number of years.
In I9O6 he came to West Kittanning. In I9Io lie
established the West Kittanning Lumber Company,
dealing in a general line of lumber and building supplies. This company, operated by Mr. Dunmire since
its beginning, is also active in building and financing
of homes. Mr. Dunmire is also an independent producer of natural gas in Armstrong County, operating
under the name of the C. E. Dunmire Gas Company.
He is a director of the Merchants National Bank of
Kittanning. His newest enterprise is the Kittanning
Hardware Company, established in I938. This is a
modern retail store, dealing in hardware and builders'
supplies. It is located at io6 South Jefferson Street,
Kittanning, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Dunmire is an active member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Kittanning. He was a member of the board of deacons for many years and at
present is vice-president of the board of trustees. He
served for four years as a member of the Borough
Council of West Kittanning and later was elected
Democratic committeeman for East Franklin Township.
Calvin E. Dunmire was married, on April 24. I9O6,
to Mina L. Boarts, daughter of Joseph Edward and
Sarah (Wright) Boarts, of Kittanning Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunmire are the parents of three
children: I. Paul Lloyd, born February 3, 1907, who
graduated from Kittanning High School in T925, the
University of Pennsylvania with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics in 1929 and Master of
Business Administration in I932. He is a member of
the Presbyterian Church, Lodge No. 244, Free and
Accepted Masons, Coudersport Consistory, and Tau
Kappa Epsilon Fraternity; is a director of the Merchants National Bank and is associated with his father
in the management of the West Kittanning Lumber
Company. He married Sarah Esther McKelvey, of
Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1932.
They have two children: Paul Eugene, born March
29, 1934, and Calvin Edward, born July I4, I937. 2.
Eleanor Jean, born April 30, I909, attended the Kittanning schools, graduated from Highland Hall, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, in June, I929. She attended
Hood College at Frederick, Maryland, and Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. She
married Marshall Neil Judson, of Rural Valley, Pennsylvania, on August 29, I935. She is a member of the
Kittanning Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. 3. Thelma Naomi, born September I5, I9II,
attended the Kittanning schools and graduated from
Highland Hall in June, I930. She graduated from
Westminster College in I1935 with the degree of Bach243ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
elor of Science. She married Leonard Fredrick Smith,
of Lakewood, Ohio, on October 9, I934. She is a
member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.
ELI HYATT HATFIELD-Since the organization of the Colbert Supply Company more than fifteen years ago, Eli Hyatt Hatfield has served in the
capacity of sales manager, and his many years experience in the business field have proved a great asset to
his employers, and an invaluable aid to himself in the
handling of the numerous duties entailed in his daily
routine. He was born December 17, I887, in Brownsville, Fayette County, the son of James and Laura
(Hyatt) Hatfield, both deceased. James Hatfield, born
in Brownsville in I854, was engaged in the painting
and contracting business at the time of his death, December 15, I925. His wife, born in I854, died February 22, I924.
Eli Hyatt Hatfield received his education in the
local schools, and after graduating from Brownsville
High School in I904 learned the glass cutters' trade,
while an employee of the American Window Glass
Company in Belle Vernon. After six years of this
work he entered the employ of the Pittsburgh Coal
Company, in charge of all payrolls, and two years later
came to Brownsville to become paymaster for the W.
Harry Brown Mines. In 1920 he was placed in charge
of the river equipment department of the C. F. Colbert, Pioneer Coal and Coke Company at their Pittsburgh office, and two years later, when Mr. Colbert
organized the Colbert Supply Company, in West
Brownsville, Mr. Hatfield assumed the duties which
to this day he has performed in an efficient and satisfactory manner. At present he is secretary of the
Fayette County Lumber Dealers' and Builders' Supplies Association.
He is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is prominent in Republican politics, having served for ten years as a member
of the local council, from  1924 to I934, the last two
years of which period he held the presidency of this
body. He was also a member of the School Board
for two years, and at present is a member of the board
of Trustees of the Free Public Library. In addition
he has served as president of the Rotary Club, and is
now a director of the Brownsville Board of Trade. He
is widely known in fraternal circles, being Past Master
of Brownsville Lodge, No. 60, Free and Accepted
Masons, Past High Priest of Chapter No. I64, Royal
Arch Masons, Past Commander of St. Omer's Commandery No. 7, Knights Templar, a member of the
Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
and also Past Noble Grand of Brownsville L,odge No.
5I, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married August 4, I919, to Alice Steele, of
Brownsville, daughter of Samuel and Olive (Blair)
Steele. Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield are the parents of four
children: I. Eleanor. Steele, born December I8, I920,
now a student at Brownsville High School. 2. Edwin
Sankey, born April IO, I923. 3. James Helson, born
April Io, I927. 4. Martha Alice, born May 8, I933.
DONALD  RAY JACOBS, M. D.-After seven
years in the teaching field, Dr. Donald Ray Jacobs prepared for the medical profession, and has been engaged in the general practice of medicine in Waynesburg since I925. He was born in Greene County, December 4, i891, the son of William Rufus and Flora
(Scott) Jacobs. William Rufus Jacobs, born in Jackson Township, Greene County, January 6, I862, is
engaged in the operation of his two hundred and sixteen acre farm in Franklin Township.
Dr. Jacobs attended the Coalick School at Waynesburg, and then enrolled at California State Normal
School, after graduating from  which institution, he
worked as an assistant in the Chemistry Department at
W\aynesburg College for two years. He then became
a member of the public school system in Waynesburg,
at the same time studying at WVaynesburg College, and
securing his degree of Bachelor of Arts in I918. He
also saw service during the World War, being attached to the Medical Corps of the United States
Navy. From  I919 to I92o he was principal of the
High School at Bristol, West Virginia, and then, in
the latter year he entered Jefferson Medical College
in Philadelphia, earning his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1924. The following year was devoted to his
interneship at St. Francis Hospital, and then he began his general practice in Waynesburg, where he is
regarded as a physician and surgeon of high merit.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He also holds membership in the County,
State and American Medical associations, and is
connected with the American Legion and the "Forty
and Eight."
He was married at Waynesburg, September 29,
I927, to Nellie Fay Church, a native of Rogersville,
Greene County, daughter of Charles and Hattie
(Lightner) Church. Dr. and Mrs. Jacobs are the
parents of three children: I. Charles Church, born
September 27, I929. 2. Donald Warren, born A,pril
6, J932. 3. Marjorie Ann, born May 22, I937.
244ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
RALPH HOGE SCOTT-Covering the western half of Greene County with a complete funeral
and ambulance service, Ralph Hoge Scott, of Rogersville, is also an outstanding member of several fraternal organizations.
Ralph Hoge Scott was born in Rogersville, November 22, I899, son of William L. and Flora (Hoge)
Scott. William L. Scott, also a native of Rogersville,
was a driller in the Greene County oil fields and, as
a member of the Republican party, served as tax collector of Center Township. His wife, Flora (Hoge)
Scott, was a native of Oak Forest, Greene County.
After passing through the public grade schools of
Rogersville, he graduated from the high school of
the city in I9I8, only to have his educational career
broken into by the World War. Enlisting in the
United States Army at Pittsburgh, Mr. Scott served
until discharged and then attended Waynesburg College and the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Scott determined to devote himself to a career as a funeral
director and accordingly entered the Eckels College of
Embalming, graduating with the class of I925. Returning home to Rogersville, Mr. Scott shortly went
into business for himself as a funeral director and,
operating under the name of Ralph H. Scott, has developed through the years a large business which serves
not only Rogersville but practically all of Western
Greene County. Supporting his professional interests
by membership in the National Funeral Directors'
Association, the Pennsylvania State Funeral Directors'
Association and the Allegheny County Funeral Directors' Association, Mr. Scott also belongs to several
fraternities. A thirty-second degree member of the
Masonic brotherhood, he belongs to Waynesburg
Lodge, No. I53, Free and Accepted Masons, as well as
being a member of Waynesburg Lodge, No. 757,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the local
organization of the Knights of Pythias. He also preserves his war-time associations by membership in
James Ferrell Post, American Legion. He is a member of the Republican party.
Ralph Hoge Scott, married, at Wellsburg, West
Virginia, Romaine Andrews, daughter of J. Ellis and
Minnie Bell Andrews, both natives of Washington
County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Scott are the
parents of three children: I. Norma Jean. 2. Martha
Lou. 3. Elaine.
CEPHAS GUTHRIE CHURCH-Proprietor of
the Clover Farm Grocery Store, since I9I9, Cephas
Guthrie Church of Rogersville, before becoming a
merchant was a harness-maker and a shoemaker for
more than a quarter of a century.
Cephas Guthrie Church was born in Center Township, Greene County, September I2, I858, son of Rinehart B. and Charlotte (Guthrie) Church, of Rogersville. Rinehart B. Church, a member of the Republican party, was born in Rogersville, March 29, 1822,
and died December II, I882, being for many years a
hotel proprietor at Rogersville and during the Civil
War, serving as a private in the I8th Pennsylvania
Cavalry. His wife, Charlotte (Guthrie) Church, was
born in Newtown, Pennsylvania, January 30, I825,
and died at Rogersville, March I6, I911, being the
mother of thirteen children, including three sets of
twins.
After passing through the public schools at Rogersville, Cephas Guthrie Church as a young man established himself in business in I88o in Rogersville, as a
harness-maker and shoemaker.  This establishment
Mr. Church maintained until I905, at which time he
and his brother, Hart Church, established a general
store in Rogersville, an establishment dealing in general merchandise which continued prosperous until
I9I4, when Cephas Guthrie Church withdrew to return
to harness-making. However, after five years in this
trade, Mr. Church again entered the merchandising
field, opening another store in I919 in the Seckman
Building, an establishment known as the Clover Farm
Grocery Store which has been operated through the
present time. Always an active member of the Republican party, Mr. Church has served as a tax collector
of Center Township, his term of office being in I883.
Mr. Church is a member of the Christian Church of
Rogersville.
Cephas Guthrie Church has been married three times.
In I88I he married (first) Sarah Willett, a native of
Ancona, Illinois, who died in I883. On June 27, I90I,
he married (second) Blanche Morris, a daughter of
Jasper C. and Jane (Bailey) Morris, who was born
in Newtown, I870, and died February 14, I904. On
April 28, 1912, he married (third) Lou Whyte, born in
Rogersville, December I6, I863. Mr. Church is the
parent of two children; by the first marriage: I. Grace,
born June 5, I883; by the second marriage: 2. Ivey
Morris, born July 27, I902, who is associated in the
management of the business with Mr. Church.
CLINTON EUGENE BANE, M. D.-In general medical practice in Mather, Dr. Clinton Eugene
Bane is also the physician for Pickands, Mather and
Company, a coal company of Mather.
Clinton Eugene Bane was born in Fredericktown,
Washington County, December 6, 1894, son of Mahlon
and Nannie (Hormell) Bane. Mahlon Bane, who was
born in Fredericktown, August 21, I859, is a retired
245ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
store-keeper and a gauger for the United States Government; his wife, Nannie (Hormell) Bane, who was
born in Greene County, died in July, I899.
After passing through the public schools of Fredericktown, Clinton Eugene Bane, graduating from the
high school at East Bethlehem in 1912, attended the
University of Pittsburgh, receiving his degree of
Bachelor of Science in I916. Then, selecting the medical profession for his career, he entered the University
of Pittsburgh Medical School and received his degree
of Doctor of Medicine in I918. Entering the Western
Pennsylvania Hospital at Pittsburgh, Dr. Bane remained at the institution for a year as resident physician. Then, in July, I919, Dr. Bane came to Finleyville where, for a short period, he was associated in
general practice with Dr. S. P. Boyer. In January,
1920, Dr. Bane removed to Jefferson and began a general practice only to move to Mather in the autumn of
I920, receiving the appointment of physician for the
Pickands, Mather and Company establishment. This
office, Dr. Bane has occupied through the present, combining his duties at the mine with a large general practice. Supporting his professional associations by membership in the American Medical Association, the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the Greene
County Medical Society, Dr. Bane is also a member of
Phi Rho Sigma Fraternity of the University of Pittsburgh, and General Greene Lodge, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows at Jefferson. Dr. Bane, who like his
father before him, is a member of the Democratic
party, attends the Mather Christian Church. During
the World War he enlisted in the United States Army
Medical Reserve Corps.
Clinton Eugene Bane married, November 5, I924,
at Clarksville, Mary Riggle, born in Crucible, May 3,
1904, a daughter of William and Gertrude (Dowlin)
Riggle. William Riggle is a native of Jefferson; his
wife was born in Carmichaels. Dr. and Mrs. Bane are
the parents of a son: Clinton Eugene, Jr., born July
27, I925.
CHARLES SAMUEL MAHAN, M. D.-In
general practice, both in medicine and surgery, Charles
Samuel Mahan, M. D., maintains his office at Mt.
Morris, Greene County.
Charles Samuel Mahan was born at Follansbee,
West Virginia, April 4, I9o8, son of John Samuel and
Mary (Richey) Mahan. John Samuel Mahan, now
living in retirement, was born in Washington County,
January 7, I869, and his wife, Mary (Richey) Mahan,
was born in Greene County, August 2I, I879.
After passing through the public schools of Washington County, and graduating from Washington High
School with the class of 1926, Charles Samuel Mahan
attended Washington and Jefferson College, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science in I93I.
Then, selecting the medical profession for his career,
he entered the Medical School of the University of
Pennsylvania and received his degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I935. After serving as resident physician
at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh for a year, Dr. Mahan
came to Mt. Morris and established himself in practice. A member of the Republican party, like his
father before him, Dr. Mahan also belongs to Nu
Sigma Nu Fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity,
the Greene County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, a member and Fellow of
the American Medical Association.
Charles Samuel Mahan married, October 3, 1936, in
the Third Presbyterian Church at Washington, Pennsylvania, Mary Ann Campbell, daughter of Joseph
Newton Carson and Helen (Gabby) Campbell. Her
father, who is a thirty-second degree member of the
Masonic Fraternity, was born in Washington County,
December 4, I867, and her mother was born in the
same county, January 30, I877.
REV. FRANK FISH, D. D.-A minister of the
Gospel for over fifty years, Rev. Frank Fish, D. D.,
pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Millsboro, has
enjoyed a long career of usefulness in several communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, winning not
only the respect and devotion of the members of his
congregations but also becoming one of the most popular and influential figures in all civic projects concerned with the betterment of mankind.
Rev. Dr. Frank Fish was born April 8, I862, in
Allegheny City, now the North Side of Pittsburgh,
son of Captain William and Margaret (Mathews)
Fish. Captain William Fish, a native of New York
State, where he was born in I821, spent most of his
life as a pilot on river steamers running between Pittsburgh and Louisville. A member of the Republican
party, he died in I865 at the close of a career in the
service of the United States Army during the Civil
War, serving as drillmaster for a militia company in
Allegheny City as well as the pilot of the flagship of
Colonel Ellet's flotilla, which operated down the river
from Pittsburgh in the first years of the war. Captain
Fish was a son of Elias Fish, who lived at Sistersville,
West Virginia, where he was a boat builder and, in his
latter years, a farmer. An elder of the Christian
Church, Elias Fish was an ardent Whig. His wife
before her marriage, was a school teacher in Connecticut. Margaret (Mathews) Fish, born at Carlisle,
January 29, I828, and who died at Claysville, August
31, 19I2, was a daughter of George and Ann (Cairns)
Mathews. George Mathews, a locksmith, followed his
246ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the late Patrick J. Reeves and Mary Noonan Reeves,
the others being John P. Reeves, of Salt Lake City,
Utah; Mrs. Pauline Reeves Weigel, of Dodge City,
Kansas; Dr. Leonard D. Reeves, of Latrobe; and Dr.
Thomas Kevin Reeves, of Pittsburgh. His parents
were of Irish birth. His mother, an only child, was
educated in this country; her father had been educated
at Trinity College, Dublin. Dr. Reeves' father, the
only member who came to America, had been preceded
by his great-uncle and uncle, Thomas and William
Reeves, respectively, who earlier in that century settled in Kentucky and Tenessee. William Reeves died
for the Confederacy.
James Aloysius Wallace Reeves was educated in
the parochial and public schools of his home town and
at St. Vincent's College. He received his degree of
Bachelor of Arts from St. Vincent's College in I914,
and his Master's degree in 1916, and earned the degree
of Doctor Sacrae Theologiae (S. T. D.) from  St.
Vincent Pontifical Seminary in 1922. His thesis, "An
Historical Account of the Palestinian and Alexandrian
Conceptions of Original Sin--A Theory and Critique,"
a research study in history, was published in 1922. Dr.
Reeves pursued graduate work in the field of psychology at Columbia University and at the University of
Pittsburgh. He holds the honorary degree of Doctor
of Laws (LL. D.) from Duquesne University, awarded
in 1933, and that of Doctor of Literature (Litt. D.)
from  St. Vincent College, awarded in 1936. Because
of his interest in the history and culture of the Italian
people he has been decorated by the King of Italy,
having received The Cross of the Order of the Crown,
a decoration of the House of Savoy. With it goes the
title of Chevalier of the Crown of Italy.
Dr. Reeves was ordained priest for the diocese of
Pittsburgh in I9I8, appointed instructor in philosophy
at Seton Hill College 1921-23, associate professor of
philosophy and psychology  I923-26; full professor
1926-. He served as summer instructor at the Catholic University of America in Washington in I925, as
visiting lecturer in psychology at Duquesne University,
Pittsburgh, I930, visiting lecturer in psychology at St.
Vincent College, I929-3I, and lecturer in psychology
at Westmoreland Hospital Training School for Nurses
in Greensburg.
Dr. Reeves is an associate member of the American
Psychological Association, an honorary member of the
American Association of University Professors, and
holds membership in the American Association for the
Advancement of Science, the Mediaeval Academy of
America, the American Council on Education, the
National Education Association, the Association of
American School Administrators, the National Catholic Education Association, the Association of College
Presidents of Pennsylvania, the Rotary Club of Greensburg, and the University Club of Pittsburgh.
In I929-31 Dr. Reeves was president of the college
section of the National Catholic Education Association
and served as a member of the executive board until
1934. From I928-34 he was a member of the accrediting commission of that association. From 1933-36
he was a member of the Committee of Fifteen on
Standards of the American Council on Education.
Presently he is vice-president of the executive committee of the Westmoreland County Council Boy
Scouts of America, and secretary of the School Board
of the diocese of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Reeves has contributed numerous articles to
educational and religious magazines and journals.
Among his publications are: "The Development of the
Survey Course in Colleges of Liberal Arts"; "The
Future of Nursing Education"; "Your College Opportunity"; "Goethe-Philosopher? " "How  Shall We
Live"; "Siger of Brabant and Averroes, and Thomas
Aquinas-The Theory of Two-fold Truth"; "The
American Red Cross, A Social Asset"; "Christian
Education"; "America's Tomorrow." He is well
known as a speaker before civic and educational
groups. In I936 he was Navy Day speaker of the
Fifth Naval District, and in the same year addressed
the regional conference of the American Association
of University Professors, and gave the commencement
address at St. Thomas College in Scranton. As speaker
on the Catholic Hour program, he gave a series of
radio addresses over NBC nation-wide hookup, from
Radio City in September, I935.
He has traveled in Europe on five different occasions, visiting England, Ireland, Wales, Italy, Belgium,
France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and CzechoSlovakia. He has traveled in Canada and most of the
American states.
Dr. Reeves has many friends in the county, in Western Pennsylvania, and in college and university circles
in the United States. He has seen the college emerge
to a position of national, if not international, influence,
with students from thirty-seven American states and
eleven foreign countries.  Presently there are three
hundred and seventy-five young women enrolled in the
college. This number, together with the summer session enrollment of two hundred and thirty-six, means
that Seton Hill College has within one year reached
out to six hundred and eleven students.
As a citizen Dr. Reeves has disclosed a refined selfconfidence and an intelligent social dependence. HIis
labors have extended to most civic, cultural, and religious movements in the county; no worthy cause has
22ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
trade in Pittsburgh, where he died. Ann (Cairns)
Mathews, a native of Carlisle, also died in Pittsburgh.
Rev. Dr. Frank Fish, after passing through the
public schools of the Fifth Ward, Allegheny City,
entered Western University, Pittsburgh, graduating
with the class of I883 with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. Selecting the Presbyterian ministry for his profession, he entered the Western Theological Seminary
at Allegheny, while completing his work for his
master's degree from Western University. Then, in
April, I886, he was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church by the presbytery of Washington, and
was at once called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian
Church at Claysville, where he labored with great
success for twenty-four years, until I9Io. The following seven years, Rev. Dr. Fish spent in supplying the
pulpits of various churches, finally accepting a regular
assignment when he was called to two churches, that
of the Clarksville Presbyterian Church, which he
served for three years, and the Millsboro Presbyterian
Church, which position the doctor with great satisfaction to everyone still occupies. In addition to his formal
pastorates, Dr. Fish has also, during the past twenty
years, organized still another church, the Vestaburg
Community Church, an organization of which he is also
the pastor. Dr. Fish's ability as an earnest speaker,
gifted preacher and capable executive has enabled him
to not only successfully discharge the duties of these
churches but also to add to his responsibilities still
another task, that of teaching Latin and mathematics
in the East Bethlehem High School, a position which
he occupied for ten years (I92I-31).  Formerly a
member of the Prohibition party, Dr. Fish is now a
Republican and as such is active in civic concerns. Fraternally, the doctor is a member of Beallsville Lodge,
No. 237, Free and Accepted Masons; Millsboro Lodge,
No. 741, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and the
Patriotic Order, Sons of America, at Fredericktown,
and the Junior Order United American Mechanics.
Rev. Dr. Frank Fish married (first), September 5,
I895, at Claysville, Elizabeth Nichol Calder, born
August 3, I868, daughter of Dr. George and Mary
(Scott) Calder. Dr. Calder, born in Scotland in 1836,
who first practiced medicine at Adams Mills, Ohio,
later located in Claysville, where he died in I918. At
first, as a naturalized citizen, he was a member of the
Republican party, but latterly, he supported the Prohibition movement. He was a member and a trustee of
the Presbyterian Church. Mary (Scott) Calder, his
wife, was born in Canada in I840 and died at Claysville in March, I9I4. Mrs. Fish, after attending the
public schools in Claysville, graduated from Washington Seminary at Washington in June, I893. She
was president of the Mothers' Assistance Fund Board
of Washington County, a member of the Daughters of
Rebekah at Millsboro and president of the Women's
Presbyterian Missionary Society of the Washington
Presbytery, Mrs. Fish was very active in the work of
the Presbyterian Church up to the time of her death
on June 25, I932. Dr. and Mrs. Frank Fish were the
parents of three children: I. William Frank, born
April I4, I898. 2. George Calder, born February I8,
I900. After passing through the Claysville schools,
graduating from the high school in I9I6, George
Calder Fish took his degree of Bachelor of Arts from
Washington and Jefferson College in 192o and then
continued to study at Leland Stanford University in
California. Having been in charge of baggage and
express for the Union Pacific Railroad for five summer vacations during his student days, at West Yellowstone, Montana, he became associated with the
Railroad on completing his studies and is now located
at Los Angeles, California. George Calder Fish married Miriam Brooks, daughter of C. E. Brooks, of
Pocatello, Idaho; they have one child, Elizabeth. 3.
David Livingstone, born January 3I, I902. After
graduating from the Claysville High School in I918,
and taking his degree of Bachelor of Science from
Wooster University with the class of 1922, was a
teacher at the Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio,
acting also as an athletic coach and devoting his leisure
to the reading of law at Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, Ohio, from which he was graduated with
his law degree and admitted to the Ohio bar, and
since I926 has been engaged in the practice of his
profession at Ashtabula, Ohio. David Livingstone
Fish married Dorothy Grover, daughter of H. H.
Grover, of Ashtabula, Ohio; they are the parents of
two children: Joanne Elizabeth and David Grover
Fish.
Dr. Fish married (second), April 22, I935, Mrs.
Cassie (McCauley) Coulter, of Vestaburg, Pennsylvania.
DR. J. KARL BEERY-Having entered the chiropractic field in Monessen in I9I9, Dr. J. Karl Beery
has enjoyed success in his profession, and is also
well known in the political life of his adopted town.
He was born, August IO, I894, at Augusta, West Virginia, the son of J. D. and Zulemma (Haines) Beery.
The elder Mr. Beery, born at Levels, West Virginia,
June 23, 1840, was engaged as a fruit grower. His
wife, a native of Augusta, West Virginia, died in I907.
Dr. Beery attended the public schools of Augusta,
West Virginia, and later attended the Blue Ridge
College at New Windsor, Maryland, for two years,
transferring to the National College of Chiropractic,
graduating with the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic
247ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in I9I7. He has since then taken postgraduate work
at Universal College in Pittsburgh and the National
in Chicago. After practicing his profession for one
year at Romney, West Virginia, he enlisted in the
United States Army, March IO, 1918, going to the
Non-Commissioned Officers' School at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where he earned the rank of sergeant,
and was then transferred to the Base Hospital at Camp
Dix, New Jersey. He remained here for the duration
of the war, being honorably discharged, December 29,
I918. He then came to Monessen, and on February
2, I9I9, he established his office here for the general
practice of chiropractic. In 1935 he was elected to the
City Council for a term of four years, and served as
director of parks and public properties.
He is a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, a
lifelong Republican, and a prominent figure in civic
and fraternal circles. He is treasurer of the Monessen
Home Building and Loan Association, past president
of the Rotary Club, vice-chairman of the American
Red Cross, a member of the Chamber of Commerce,
and past commander of Thomas McKee Post, No. 28,
of the American Legion. He is also affiliated with
Lodge No. 638, Free and Accepted Masons, Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Pittsburgh,. and he has passed through the
thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite. In addition, he is associated with the Knights
of Pythias.
He was married here December I5, I920, to Lenore
Hughes, a native of Everett, Pennsylvania, born April
IO, I896, a daughter of George WT. and Mary (Smith)
Hughes. Dr. and Mrs. Beery are the parents of a
daughter, Mary Lou, born June I2, 1928.
HARRY JACK MIER-Harry Jack Mier, who
conducts a popular bowling academy in Monessen, is
a well-known figure in the amusement and recreational
field of this locality.
Mr. Mier was born June 20, 1892, in Italy, the son
of Joseph and Clementine (Rise) Mier. Joseph Mier
brought his family to America and settled in Pennsylvania and is at present an organist in New York City.
Mrs. Joseph Mier died in I903.
Mr. Mier is a product of the Rostraver Township
public schools and the Monessen High School. He
also attended Oberlin College for one year. He entered
into business for himself in 1925, and was identified
with various branches of the amusement field, before
he established his present site, which is the popular
rendezvous of business and professional men seeking
wholesome recreational diversion. During the World
War, Mr. Mier enlisted in the Motor Corps, Company
D, Ist Regiment and was stationed at the University
of Pittsburgh Training School at the time of his discharge in December, I919.
He is a member of St. Leonard Roman Catholic
Church, an active Republican, and prominently identified with civic and fraternal organizations. He is the
present president of the Kiwanis Club of Monessen,
and formerly was vice-president and director. He is
associated with the local Chamber of Commerce, the
Monessen Fire Department, the Westmoreland County
Firemen's Association, and Thomas McKee Post, No.
28, of the American Legion. He is a member of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On May I, I918, he married Zoe Emma LeRoy, a
native of Imperial, Pennsylvania, and daughter of
Joseph and Sidone (Girard) LeRoy, of Belgium. Mr.
and Mrs. Mier are the parents of one son, Harry Jack
Mier, Jr., born May 7, I92O, at Charleroi.
DANIEL  REAMER-Although he has had a
remarkable career of more than fifty years as a practicing attorney, Mr. Reamer, of Monessen, is still most
active in his profession, and daily contributes his
knowledge and efforts to the solving of the intricate
problems involved in his extensive practice.
Daniel Reamer was born in Greensburg, the son of
Daniel and Mary (McCrooks) Reamer, natives of
Westmoreland County. The elder Mr. Reamer was a
tanner by trade, and was county director of the poor.
Daniel Reamer, the son, attended Greensburg public
schools, and later enrolled at Otterbein College at
Westerville, Ohio, being graduated in I878 with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He entered the law offices
of McAfee, Atkinson and Peoples in Toledo, Iowa,
to pursue the study of law, and in I88I he was admitted to the Iowa bar. He practiced law in Toledo,
Iowa, until October, I9OI, when he came to Monessen
to establish his office in this section. Being well versed
in all phases of the law, MIr. Reamer had no difficulty
in rapidly building up a substantial practice, and his
clients were always assured of his personal interest in
every case, regardless of its importance.
Mr. Reamer is a member of the United Brethren
Church, a staunch Republican, and prominent in local
civic and fraternal affairs. He was president of the
Monessen School Board in I907, and burgess from
I909 to I9I4. He was elected a member of the City
Council in 1934, and is still holding this office. He
was a member of the ioth Regiment, Company I, of
the Greensburg National Guard, from  I878 to I88I,
and is a past member of the Monessen Kiwanis Clulb.
He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Westmoreland County Bar Association and
the Monessen Chamber of Commerce.
248ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was married to Katherine Longley, a native of
Belchertown, Massachusetts, and they are the parents
of two children: I. Ronald, born in Toledo, Iowa. 2.
Marion, born in Evanston, Illinois.
REV. WILLIAM ALGERNON SITES-Entering upon a career in the ministry in I904, Rev. William
Algernon Sites, of Latrobe, has faithfully performed
his duties in the service of God for the past thirtyfive years, and since 1925 he has been serving the
Bradenville charge of the United Brethren in Christ
Church. He was born at Harrisburg, March 25, I88o,
the son of Harry M. and Annie E. (Troup) Sites.
Harry M. Sites, now deceased, was a native of Shippensburg, engaged as a painting contractor, during his
active life in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
William Algernon Sites attended the Harrisburg
schools, and was graduated from Central High School
in I899. He then enrolled at Lebanon Valley College,
receiving his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1902. In
I930 he received his degree of Doctor of Divinity from
the same institution, and the degree of Bachelor of
Divinity from  Potomac University at Washington,
District of Columbia, in I924. He received his first
pastorate January 2, I904, at Belsano, Cambria County,
and remained here for two years, transferring to Orbisonia, Huntingdon County, in I9o6. The following
yea~r he went to Milton, and two years later to Huntingdon. In I9Io he went to Latrobe, serving for five
years, and then to McKeesport for a period of four
years. His next assignment was at Braddock, where
he remained until I925, when he assumed his present
Bradenville charge. Since 1930 he has held the office
of president of the Conference Church Extension, and
Missionary Society of Allegheny Conference. He has
always manifested a keen interest in local affairs, and
is a highly respected member of the community.
He is active in Republican affairs, and was school
director of Derry Township from 1930 to 1934, and
also in 1932 was president of the Westmoreland School
Directors Association. He was married, August 8,
1918, at Washington, District of Columbia, to Emma
J. Eaton, a native of Derry Township, daughter of
Joseph and Mary Ellen (Barkheimer) Eaton.
JACK H. HAMILL, M. D.-For the past fourteen years, Dr. Jack H. Hamill has been engaged in
the general practice of medicine and surgery at Latrobe. He was born at Ligonier, January 3I, 1895, the
son of Hugh C. and Agnes (Austraw) Hamill. Hugh
C. Hamill, born at Ligonier in I855, is a retired school
director.
Dr. Hamill attended the local schools and graduated
from the high school in I909. He then went to Indiana Normal School for two years, after which he
enrolled at the University of Michigan, earning his
degree of Bachelor of Science in I915. Three years
later he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine
from the same institution, and entered St. Francis
Hospital in Pittsburgh to serve his interneship. Later
in the same year he enlisted in the United States Army
Medical Corps and saw service overseas in the Argonne sector. After receiving his honorable discharge,
he engaged in postgraduate work in surgery at the
University of Pennsylvania and became surgical resident of the Harper Hospital at Detroit, Michigan,
where he remained for two years, coming to Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, in 1923 to establish his private practice.
He is now a member of the surgical staff of Latrobe
Hospital, and is a highly respected member of his profession.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Republican and a well-known figure in medical, civic and
fraternal organizations.  He is identified with the
American Medical Association and the State and
County Medical societies, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, American Legion Post, No. 515,
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and is a past member of the Kiwanis Club.
He was married here November 24, 1932, to Evelyn
Barnett, daughter of Craig and Margaret (McWherter) Barnett.
W. W. MURRAY-For more than forty years,
William Wallace Murray has been active in the field
of chemistry, and as chief chemist for the Standard
Tin Plate Company since I913 he has been instrumental in introducing valuable scientific aids to this
industry.
He was born in Belfast, Ireland, August 21, 1873,
the son of James and Margaret Ann Murray. He
migrated to the United States early in his youth, and
completed his education at the University of Vermont,
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Science in I897. He entered the employ
of Schliefflin and Company as assistant chemist in
I897 and in the latter part of the following year became associated with Joslin, Schmidt and Company,
as assistant chemical engineer.  He remained here
until igoo, when he became chemical engineer for the
John T. Stanley Company, and then in 1904 was
appointed research chemist for the Acker Process
Company. He next entered the employ of the D. B.
Martin Company as chief chemist, and continued in
this capacity until 1913, when he assumed his present
duties as chief chemist for the Continental Can Company and Standard Tin Plate Company. Mr. Murray
is the co-inventor of a detinning process and also of a
249ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
special lacquer enamel for the prevention of the discoloration of foods in cans. He has also developed the
electro-plating of copper, zinc, and tin on steel sheets.
In addition, he has been chairman of the board of
directors of the First National Bank of Canonsburg
for the past five years.
Mr. Murray is a thirty-second degree Mason, a
member of the Knights Templar and Boumi Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at
Baltimore, Maryland, and the Rotary International.
He is an honorary member of Syria Temple, and Syria
Temple Motor Club, both of Pittsburgh, and is also a
member of the Washington and Greene counties
Caravan No. 2, of Syria Temple. He is a member of
the Lake Shore Athletic Club of Chicago, Illinois,
and the Washington County Golf and Country Club.
In scientific circles, he is affiliated with the American
Chemical Society,, Pennsylvania Academy of Science,
the National Geographic Society, and the Electrochemical Society, and in 1927 was chairman of the
Chicago section of the Electrochemical Society. He
is also a member of the Society of Chemical Industry,
American Society for Testing Materials and the
American Association for the Advancement of Science.
He was married in New York City, October 28,
I898, to Hattie Thompson Shaw, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. George Sidney Shaw, natives of Leicester,
England.
THOMAS ST. CLAIR, M. D.-For many years
engaged in the practice of medicine in Latrobe, Dr.
Thomas St. Clair has earned a position of leadership
and standing among his contemporaries. He has his
offices in the St. Clair Building, and is widely known
throughout Westmoreland County.
Dr. St. Clair was born January 2, I876, in Indiana
County, where his family is one of the oldest and most
honored. His father, John P. St. Clair, was proprietor of a flour mill in Homer City, Indiana County,
and his grandfather, the Hon. Thomas St. Clair, M. D.,
was once elected State Senator during the Civil War
and once again in I870.
The public school of his native district of Indiana
County provided the early education of Thomas St.
Clair, who later was graduated from the State Normal School at Indiana, Pennsylvania, as a member
of the class of I895. He prepared for his profession
at the Medical School of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I9OI. There followed a year
of interneship at Presbyterian Hospital, in Allegheny,
after which Dr. St. Clair established himself in a
general practice of medicine in Latrobe in I9o2. Since
that time he has carried forward his professional work
with devotion and success, not only in connection with
his own private practice but in association with Latrobe Hospital, where he is a member of the staff.
He is deeply interested likewise in the general affairs of the medical profession, being a member of
the VVestmoreland County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association. He was president of the county
organization in I923. He is also active in the Latrobe Academy of Medicine, and is a member of the
board of trustees of the Torrance State Hospital. Politically a Democrat, he was elected a member of the
Latrobe School Board in I925. In the Free and Accepted Masons he is a member of the Latrobe Lodge.
In addition to his other activities, he is a member of
the board of directors of the Community Savings and
Loan Company. He was an elder in the Presbyterian
Church.
Dr. Thomas St. Clair married (first), April 25,
19o6, Emma Howard, of Hagerstown, Maryland,
daughter of George W. and Lucy (Myers) Howard.
She died June I9, I920. Dr. St. Clair married (second), August 4, 192I, Emma Herrmann, daughter of
John and Marie (Weisling) Herrmann, of Latrobe,
Pennsylvania. A daughter, Barbara H. St. Clair,
was born of this second marriage, on June 2I, 1922.
DR. CLYDE FRANKLIN PEAIRS-A lifelong
resident of Sutersville, Dr. Clyde Franklin Peairs became associated with his father in the general practice of medicine here in I92I, and has been prominently identified with the medical professon of this
section for the past sixteen years.
He was born January 5, I898, the son of Dr. and
Mrs. William Fulton Peairs, and received his elementary education in the local public schools.  He
graduated from West Newton High School in I915,
thereupon enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh
and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in
I92I. During the World War period he was a member of the University of Pittsburgh unit of the Students' Army Training Corps. After an interneship
period of one year spent at Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, he began his practice in association with his
father, and upon the latter's death in November, 1927,
he assumed, and has maintained, the complete practice in accordance with his father's reputation for
courteous, sympathetic and faithful service. He is a
member of the Presbyterian Church, and a supporter
of the Republican party, and is affiliated with the Free
and Accepted Masons.
250ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was married, August 7, 1924, to Ardafay Kelly,
a native of Sutersville, born December 23, 1897, daughter of A. H. and Harriett (Reynolds) Kelly. Dr.
and Mrs. Peairs are the parents of three children: I.
Wanda Fay, born August I6, 1926. 2. Elaine D.,
born February 9, I929. 3. Janice Jo, born November
4, I 933.
DR. HARRY LAWRENCE HIGHBERGERFor the past eighteen years, Dr. Harry Lawrence
Highberger, has conducted the general practice of
medicine at Herminie. He was born at Irwin, May
9, 1887, the son of William Herschel and Elsetta
(Fox) Highberger. The elder Mr. Highberger, born
at Madison, November 17, 1855, was a carpenter, and
member of the Prohibition party, having been a delegate to their National Convention on several occasions. He was a trustee of the United Brethren
Church at Madison, and was a member of the Borough Council. He died May IO, I934. His wife, a
native of Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County,
was born July 9, I856.
Dr. Highberger attended the Madison public schools,
and received his high school education at Union High
School, Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, graduating in
19o6. He then matriculated at the University of
Pittsburgh, and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9IO. He began his practice at Madison, and
remained there for ten years, coming to Herminie in
July, 192o. In addition to his general practice here,
he is physician for the Ocean Fuel Company and the
Keystone Coal and Coke Company. For four years,
1906 to I9IO, he was a member of Company B, I4th
Regiment of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He is a trustee of the United Brethren Church, an
active Republican, having been president of the Sewickley Township School Board for six years, and is a
member of the Amnerican Medical Association, State
and County Medical societies. He is also affiliated
with Lodge No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons at
Greensburg, and has attained the thirty-second degree
of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and is also a
well-known member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Malta, member of Mystic
Shrine, vice-president of Sewickley Township Volunteer Fire Company, director of First National Bank
of Herminie, Pennsylvania.
He was married, August II, 1932, at Pittsburgh, to
Mabel M. Stull, born December 26, 1892.
DR. SAMUEL S. WRIGHT-For the past
thirty-one years, Dr. Samuel S. Wright has been a
member of the medical profession, and since IOIO he
has faithfully served the people of Pleasant Unity,
Pennsylvania. He was born near Hecla, April I9;
1869, the son of William and Hannah Mary (Henry)
Wright. William Wright, born at New Lexington,
Somerset County, July I8, I84I, engaged in farming
and during the Civil War, he was a corporal in Company B, 28th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and saw service at Antietam, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain,
Gettysburg and Mission Ridge.
Dr. Wright received his early education in the Mt.
Pleasant Township public schools and later attended
Greensburg  Seminary.  He taught school in Mt.
Pleasant for the next two years, and in I888 became
bookkeeper for the Hecla Coke Company at Hecla
and Trauger, Pennsylvania, and continued in this position until I9oo when he entered the University of
Pittsburgh. After a two-years course in civil engineering, he transferred to the Medical School, and was
graduated in I9O6 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He became associated with Dr. T. P. Painter
at United, Pennsylvania, for the next four years, coming to Pleasant Unity in May, I9IO, to establish his
offices here, where he enjoys a wide practice. He is
also physician for Jamison No. 20 Mine, and the
Humphrey Mine at Humphrey, Pennsylvania, and also
for the King Coal Company and H. C. Frick Coke
Company at United and Calumet, Pennsylvania.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and a
supporter of the Republican party. He is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the
United American Mechanics, and is connected with the
American Medical Association, State and County Medical societies. He was married in 1907 at United
to Olive R. Hayes of Unity Township, born January
I8, 1882, the daughter of William S. and Sarah
(Smith) Hayes. Dr. and Mrs. Wright are the parents
of four children: i. Sarah Helen. 2. Edwin Emerson. 3. Florence Olivia. 4. Glen William.
GEORGE S. DEEDS-Since the passing of his
distinguished father, George S. Deeds has managed the
real estate and insurance business founded and operated by the former in Ligonier for many years. Like
the elder man, George S. Deeds has been actively
identified with the social and civic welfare of the
community, for which he has served in various official capacities, including the office of justice of the
peace.
Ranked among the youngest and most prominent business men of Ligonier, George S. Deeds, a native of
this community, was born here July 28, I906, the son
of George W. and Dora Emma (Hauger) Deeds.
His father, also born here, died December 3, 1927, his
25IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
mother was born in Stahlstown, Pennsylvania. The
elder George S. Deeds not only founded the present
real estate and insurance business, but was also organizer and treasurer of the South Ligonier Coal Company, and an organizer and director of the First National Bank of Ligonier. He was one of the leading
figures of the local Democratic party and served in
numerous county and municipal offices, including that
of justice of the peace, mayor of Ligonier, borough
councilman, and commissioner of Westmoreland
County.
Mr. Deeds received a general education in the public schools of Ligonier and after graduating from Ligonier High School, class of I924, attended the Pennsylvania State College for two and a half years. He
then returned to Ligonier and became associated with
his father in the real estate and insurance business.
When the elder Deeds passed away, he took over the
firm, which represents a number of the oldest and
largest insurance organizations of the country, and
has since conducted it with outstanding success.
In conjunction with his business enterprises he has
also taken a keen and active interest in civic and political affairs as is evidenced by his record of public
service. He has been borough clerk since I934, justice
of the peace since I936, and from I932 to I934, served
as a member of the town council. Like his father he
is a Democrat in his party affiliations. Mr. Deeds
is a former secretary of the Ligonier Board of Trade,
fraternizes with the Blue Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, belongs to the
Ligonier Country Club and worships at the Methodist
Episcopal Church. As a student in college he was a
member of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, and during
the World War, while a Boy Scout, he sold more
Liberty Loan bonds than any other member of the
Boy Scouts of America, in Westmoreland County.
DON CAMERON FOSSELMAN, M. D.Ranked as one of the outstanding members of the
medical profession in Fayette County, Dr. Don Cameron Fosselman has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice in the community of Connellsville where he has
been established for over twelve years.
Dr. Fosselman was born at Wampum, July 28,
I891, the son of John and Florence (Elliott) Fosselman. He received a general education in the public
schools of Connellsville and later matriculated at the
Jefferson Medical School, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the
class of I915. He then served as an interne at the
West Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittslburgh and after
completing this period of training established himself
in the practice of surgery at Whitsett, where he was
associated with the Pittsburgh Coal Company. Shortly
after he came here the United States entered the World
War, and Dr. Fosselman enlisted in the Medical
Corps of the Army. He was sent to Anniston, Alabama, and then shipped overseas to France where he
was attached to Base Hospital, No. 63, located at
Chateroux. He served for sixteen months, three of
which he spent at Caen, in the Province of Normandy.
During the summer of I919 he returned to this country
and was honorably discharged from the service with
the rank of captain on July 5, of that year.
Directly after resuming civilian life he established
himself at Dunbar, where he continued to practice until
October, I925, when he came to Connellsville, where
he has since continued with distinction and success,
maintaining officesi in the Second National Bank
Building. Throughout this period he has enjoyed the
confidence of the public and the esteem of his professional colleagues who have admired him as a man of
unusual medical capabilities. As a physician he is a
member of the American Medical Association, the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the Fayette
County Medical Society. Socially he belongs to severalclubs in Connellsville, fraternizes with the Knights of
Pythias and worships at the Presbyterian Church.
On March 30, I920, Dr. Fosselman married Charlotte Umbel, of Uniontown, and the daughter of
Grant and Buena (Brown) Umbel. Dr. and Mrs.
Fosselman are the parents of one son, Don Cameron,
Jr.
DR. PAUL DAVID LUCKEY-After a short
career as a practicing physician in West Virginia, Dr.
Paul David Luckey came to Connellsville, Pennsylvania, in 1928, and he has become a well-known and
respected member of his profession in this locality. He
was born at Dawson, Pennsylvania, November 3, I894,
the son of Joseph M. and Sadie (Minerd) Luckey.
Joseph M. Luckey was a school teacher and supervising principal, and was engaged in educational activities in Pennsylvania for forty-two years.
Dr. Luckey attended the public schools of Lower
Tyrone Township, and after completing his high
school work in the Dunlbar Township High School in
19I2, spent the fellowing year at Connellsville High
School. During the World War he enlisted in the
American Expeditionary Forces, and saw service in
England as a member of the 3I8th Aero Squadron,
being assigned to a defensive sector. He was honorably discharged January 15, I919, and soon afterwards
enrolled at the University of West Virginia, receiving
his degree of Bachelor of Science in I924. He was
252ANNALS OF SOUTHWFI-ITTAf RTRM  DPT\TQVTT  "T' A -NTT A
graduated from Jefferson Medical College with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in I926. After a period
of interneship at the West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, he began his general practice in Southern West
Virginia, and continued there until he transferred his
offices to Connellsville. He is active in the Pennsylvania National Guard, and has been a captain of the
Medical Detachment, IIoth Infantry, 28th Division
since I932.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, an active
Democrat, and is affiliated with the American Medical
Association, State and County Medical societies, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was
married December 25, I923, at Grafton, West Virginia, to Olive Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Columbus Brown. Dr. and Mrs. Luckey are the parents of three children: I. Paul David, Jr., born in
May, I928. 2. Kenneth Edward, born in September,
193I. 3. Robert Allen, born in August, 1936.
DR. ROBERT RAYMOND MORRISONAfter a period of fourteen years spent as physician
for various coal companies in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Dr. Robert Raymond Morrison opened his
offices for the general practice of medicine at Connellsville, in I933. He was born at Farmington, September 3, 1894, the son of Thomas T. and Bertha J.
(Bodkin) Morrison. Thomas T. Morrison, a native
of Ohio, is engaged in farming.
Dr. Morrison attended the public schools of Dunbar,
and was later graduated from Connellsville High
School. He then entered Jefferson Medical College,
where he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in
I919. During the World War he had enlisted in the
Medical Reserve Corps, and was later with the Students Army Training Corps, receiving his honorable
discharge, December I8, I918. During I919 he served
an interneship at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, and then was appointed a company physician
for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Shortly thereafter, he
was with W. J. Rainey Coal Company at Mount Braddock, Pennsylvania, and after four years here, went
to Fredericktown, for the same company.  During
I930 and I93I he was with the Vesta Coal Company
at Brownsville and then followed, a two-year association with Dr. P. S. Pelouze at Philadelphia, where he
remained until he established his offices at Connellsville. He is now a member of the staff of Connellsville Hospital.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and a
Democrat, and during I937 was a member of the Borough Council at Dunbar, Pennsylvania. He is affiliated
with the American Medical Association, the State and. ~ ~ J 1~y I1N  J oI 3  XV P v   a I253
County lMedical societies, and Omega Upsilon Phi
Fraternity, and is also a member of the American Legion. He was married here, December 26, I92I, to
Mary Fornwalt, daughter of Aaron and Catherine
Elizabeth (Wilson) Fornwalt.
AUSTIN L. MOREDOCK-As postmaster of
Waynesburg, and a practicing attorney here for more
than thirty-nine years, Austin L. Moredock is numbered among this town's leading citizens. He was born
near Jefferson, Greene County, August ii, I870, son
of Daniel and Elizabeth (Rex) Moredock, both deceased. Daniel Moredock, a native of Jefferson Township, was born February 28, I820, and was engaged in
the farming industry at the time of his death in November, I9o6. His wife, also a native of Jefferson
Township, died in April, I876.
Austin L. Moredock was educated in the Jefferson
Township schools, and afterwards attended Waynesburg College, graduating with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts in I897. Meanwhile, he was reading law in
the offices of Wigly, Buchanan and Walton, and was
admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, December 26, 1896.
He was also enrolled at Monongahela College from
I900 to I903. He began his general law practice in
i898, and has conscientiously served a large clientele
to the present day. On August 2, 1935, he was appointed for a four-year term as postmaster.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a wellknown figure in Democratic circles, and was a member
of the Waynesburg School Board from I9II to I9I5.
He is a member and director of the Greene County
Historical Society, and also is affiliated with the
Greene County Bar Association. He is married to
Elizabeth Smith, a native of Jefferson, born November
20, I870, daughter of Dr. Sylvanus and Louisa
(Crane) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Moredock are the
parents of two children: I. Albert Edwin, born January 12, 1903. 2. Dora Elizabeth, born January 13,
909.
MUZIO C. DeANGELIS, M. D.-Born at Connellsville, Pennsylvania, February 9, I9IO, Dr. Muzio
C. DeAngelis was the son of Richard and Angela
(Corucci) DeAngelis. Richard DeAngelis, born in
Norcia, Italy, October 23, 1883, is engaged in the
banking and insurance business in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Republican party, and
is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons. His
wife is also a native of Norcia, Italy.
Dr. DeAngelis received his early education in the
Connellsville schools, and was an honor student in the
class of 1927 of Connellsville High School. He nextANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
lacked his support. Indeed, like the founders of the
college, he has "a suspicion that Christ stood for that
attitude, an attitude of integral humanism."
JUDGE HOWARD W. HUGHES-Having
been admitted to the bar in I914, Judge Howard W.
Hughes has gained a distinctive position in his profession, and he has also become a leader in Washington
County public life, at present serving a ten-year term
as judge of the Court of Common Pleas, which will
not expire until January I, I940.
Judge Hughes was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, August i8, I891, the son of Workman and Hlannah Bell (Wingett) Hughes, Jr. The elder Mr.
Hughes, born  in Amwell Township, Washington
County, in 1845, was county recorder of deeds for two
terms, from 1883 to I889 and was general agent for
the Union Central Insurance Company at the time of
his death, May 30, I9oo. He was the great-grandson
of Captain John Hughes who served in the Revolutionary War. His wife, born October 30, I866, in
Morris Township, has served as Pennsylvania State
Commander of the Daughters of Union Veterans, her
father, Silas Wingett, having been a member of the
I6th Pennsylvania Cavalry during the Civil War.
Judge Hughes received his early education in the
public schools of Washington and Charleroi, and after
graduating from Charleroi High School in I907, enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College, from
which institution he was graduated in I9II with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then entered Harvard
University Law School and received his degree of
Bachelor of Laws in I9I4. Meanwhile he was doing
postgraduate work at Washington and Jefferson C'ollege and also received the degree of Master of Arts
in I9I4. He began his general practice of law the
same year in the firm of Hughes and Hughes, and in
I917 was appointed assistant district attorney. From
I920 to I922 he served as county solicitor, and in
February, I922, was appointed district attorney to fill
the unexpired term of Erwin Cummins, who was elevated to the bench. He discontinued active practice
May 20, I929, to begin his term of office as judge of
the Court of Common Pleas, and his career as a jurist
has been marked by the same honesty and impartiality
which characterized his private practice. During the
World War he was attached to a Base Hospital Group
at Camp Greenleaf, Georgia. He enlisted May 25,
I918, and was honorably discharged, as a corporal,
December 6 of the same year.
He is a member of the First Christian Church and
a staunch and active member of the Republican party.
He is affiliated with Lodge No. I64, Free and Accepted
Masons at Washington, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Pittsburgh and the Chapter and Commandery, Knights Templar. He is also connected with
the County and State Bar associations, and is also a
member of the Washington Chamber of Commerce.
In addition he holds membership in the American
Legion and the Nemacolin Country Club
He was married December 8, I923, to Katherine
Verner, of Pittsburgh; daughter of Clifton Alexander
and Margaret (Wilson) Verner. Judge and Mrs.
Hughes are the parents of a daughter, Mary Verner
Hughes, born December I, I925.
DR. CLARENCE ACKLIN CRUMRINE-Dr.
Clarence Acklin Crumrine was born at Lone Pine,
Amwell Township, Washington County, July 28, I896,
the son of Dr. Clyde W. and Luceola (Acklin) Crumrine. Dr. Clyde W. Crumrine was born in Deemston
Borough in I870, graduated from Western University
in I895, and was a practicing physician in Charleroi
at the time of his death, August 20, I90I. He was the
son of Alonzo B. Crumrine, also born on the old homestead in Deemston Borough, a farmer and school
teacher during his lifetime. Luceola (Acklin) Crumrine, born in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, in I875, died
December 2I, I92I.
Dr. Clarence Acklin Crumrine secured his early
education in the public schools of Cambridge, Massachusetts, New York City, and Washington, Pennsylvania. He later attended Washington and Jefferson
Academy and East Washington High School, and then
enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College, being
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I9I7.
During the World War he enlisted in the United
States Navy, and served from September, I917, to
December, I918. He next attended Harvard University Medical School, receiving the degree of Doctor
of Medicine in 192I. He spent the following two years
serving an interneship at Roosevelt Hospital in New
York City, and then came to Washington, Pennsylvania, to engage in the practice of medicine, specializing in the treatment of internal diseases.
He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church,
and has served for more than six years as a member
of the East Washington School Board. He is connected with the County and State Medical societies,
and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the Masonic Order, being affiliated with Sunset Lodge, No. 623, Free and Accepted Masons, and
Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, at Pittsburgh. He is also a
23ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, and was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I93I.
The next two years he studied at the Royal University
of Rome, Italy, and then entered the Royal University
of Bari, Italy, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I935. He served his interneship at Columbia
Hospital in Pittsburgh, and in July, I937, established
his private practice in Connellsville.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church and a
Democrat in his political faith. He is affiliated with
Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity, and is a member of the
Allegheny County and the American Medical associations.
Dr. DeAngelis is unmarried.
CHARLES McKENNA LYNCH-As a member of the Pittsburgh brokerage firm of Moore,
Leonard and Lynch, and officer of numerous other
financial and industrial enterprises, Charles McKenna
Lynch is ranked as one of the outstanding business
leaders of Southwestern Pennsylvania. In his success
he is emulating his distinguished father, for years one
of the dominant figures in the coal industry of this
section of the country.
Mr. Lynch was born at Valley Works, March 29,
I884, the son of Thomas and Sarah (McKenna)
Lynch, both natives of this State and deceased. His
father, who was born in Uniontown, August 13, I854,
was president of the H. C. Frick Coke Company for a
number of years and occupied an outstanding place in
the business life of Pittsburgh, where his wife was
born January I5, I86o. After receiving a general education in the public and private schools of Greensburg,
Mr. Lynch received an appointment to the United
States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, from
which he was graduated with the class of I907. During the four years that followed he served on tllhe
U. S. S. "Connecticut," which toured the world between
I907 and I909, was then assigned to the U. S. S.
"Tacoma," which plied in Central and South American
waters from I909 to I9II, and during the latter year
was an officer aboard the U. S. S. "Florida." During
his naval career he was also attached to inspection of
Navy Militia in the states of Connecticut, Illinois and
Pennsylvania.
He retired from the navy the latter part of I9II and
the following year began his banking career as a member of the bond department of the Union Trust Company in Pittsburgh, which he was associated with until
1915, when he became a member of the brokerage firm
of Moore, Leonard and ITynch. Since that time he has
assumed an increasingly important position in the
financial and business life of this metropolis and the
surrounding territory. In addition to his brokerage
affiliations he was also chairman of the board of the
First National Bank and Trust Company of Greensburg, and a director in the Dollar Savings Bank of
Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Steel Foundry and the
Pittsburgh Parking Garages. He is listed as having
been one of the most influential leaders in the formation of the Pittsburgh Stock Clearing Corporation, for
which he served as first president, and is also a member and past president of the Pittsburgh Stock Exchange. He is a former director of the First National
Bank of Scottdale, the Woodland Coal Company, the
Pittsburgh Steel Foundry Corporation, the Comago
Fuel Company, the Witherow Steel Corporation, the
Dilworth-Porter Company, and the Pittsburgh Hotels
Corporation.
As a former officer in the United States Navy, Mr.
Lynch willingly and patriotically interrupted his career to offer his services during the World War. He
was commissioned a lieutenant-commander in April,
I917, and during the year and a half that followed was
on duty at the United States Naval Yard in Philadelphia, the Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department,
Washington, District of Columbia, and with the United
States Naval Forces operating in European waters.
He retired from the navy with an honorable discharge
in December, I918.
Throughout his career Mr. Lynch has been active
in the civic life of his surroundings. As a resident of
Greensburg he has served on various local committees,
including that on playgrounds, the library and the
Red Cross. He is a very prominent and popular
figure in social affairs and is a member of a number
of clubs, including the following: The Fox Chapel
Golf Club, the Pittsburgh Club, the Pittsburgh Golf
Club, the Duquesne Club, the Greensburg Country
Club, the Hannastown Golf Club, the Rolling Rock
Club, the Westmoreland Polo and Hunt Club, the
Pike Run Country Club, and the Army and Navy
Club, and Chevy Chase Club, both of Washington,
District of Columbia. He is a registered Democrat
in his political convictions and is a Roman Catholic in
his religious faith, worshipping at the Most Holy
Sacrament Church of that denomination in Greensburg.
On June 7, I9II, at Greensburg, Mr. Lynch married
Mary Richardson Kinkead, daughter of Alexander
Lowrie and Catharine (Turney) Kinkead, both of this
State, the former from Hollidaysburg, and the latter
from Greensburg. She is socially prominent and belongs to the Greensburg Country Club, the Rolling
Rock Club and the Twentieth Century Club. Mr. and
Mrs. Lynch are the parents of six children: i. Charles
McKenna, Jr., who married Isabelle Dom, April 14
254ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I937, and is now residing in Pittsburgh. 2. Mary
Richardson. 3. Thomas III. 4. Catharine. 5. Sallie
McKenna. 6. Marjorie.
JOSEPH WEIR MANON, D. D. S. -Postmaster of Charleroi since I933, Joseph Weir Manon,
D. D. S., was, until his appointment, one of the leading
dental surgeons of Washington County, having maintained a general practice in Charleroi for thirty-six
years.
Joseph Weir Manon was born in North Franklin
Township, Washington County, November 3, I869.
After passing through the public schools of Van Buren,
Washington County, he selected a career as a teacher
and attended the California State Normal School for
two years and then, for three years, Mr. Manon taught
in the country schools of Washington County. However, during this period, he found that dentistry offered
him an attractive field for his life work and so he
entered Pennsylvania Dental College, receiving his
degree as Doctor of Dental Surgery in I897. That
same year, Dr. Manon established his office in Charleroi and, until 1933, he carried on a large general and
surgical practice, being assisted in the latter years by
association with his son, Dr. J. Paul Manon. Dr.
Joseph Weir Manon, has for many years been an
active member of the Democratic party, being a school
director at Charleroi for years until he was appointed
postmaster of Charleroi in 1933, the appointrment being
confirmed by a commission February 9, I934. A member of the Presbyterian Church of Charleroi, Dr.
Manon has long been particularly interested in Sunday
school work and he has been for the past twelve years
an associate and director of the Pennsylvania State
Sunday School Association and, for three years, president of the Washington County Sunday School Association. A thirty-second degree member of the Masonic
Order, Dr. Manon is a member of all Masonic bodies
and is also a member of the Charleroi Rotary Club,
the Charleroi Chamber of Commerce, the Charleroi
Democratic Club and the Pennsylvania State Dental
Association.
JAMES  GREGG-Although  his  professional
career was interrupted by service in the United States
Army during the World War, James Gregg, of
Greensburg, has become one of the leading lawyers of
Westmoreland County.
James Gregg was born in Greensburg, May 2I,
I89I, a son of Curtis H. and Frances (Good) Gregg.
Curtis H. Gregg was born in Adamsburg, Westmoreland County, on August 9, I865, and died in Greensburg, January I8, I933. An attorney, he was a member of the Sixty-second Congress of the United States
and a prominent Democrat in State and county affairs.
He was also district attorney for four years, beginning
in I89o. For thirty years he was a councilman of
Zion Lutheran Church. He was the son of James and
Elizabeth C. (Byerly) Gregg. James Gregg was a
merchant in Adamsburg and treasurer of his county of
Westmoreland. He was born in Carlisle on June I6,
I82I, and died January 5, I888. His wife, who was
born January 5, I826, and died January I8, T9I6, was
the great-granddaughter of Andrew Byerly who, settling in Westmoreland County in I758, was the first
permanent resident in the section. James Gregg was
the son of James and Elizabeth (Marshall) Gregg.
Both were natives and residents of Carlisle. During
the War of I812, James Gregg was an ensign in the
Adams County Department. The Gregg family in
America is descended from Andrew Gregg who came
to this country from the North of Ireland and settled
in Carlisle.
James Gregg, of this review, attended the local
schools, graduating from high school in I9IO. After a
year at Lafayette College, he went to Harvard College, from which he graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I9I4. After attending the Law
School of the University of Pittsburgh, he was admitted to the Westmoreland bar on October I6, I916,
and established himself in practice in Greensburg. As
soon as the United States entered the World War,
James Gregg enlisted and on May II, I917, he was
ordered for training to Fort Niagara. There, on
August I5, I917, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to the II6th Regiment of Infantry.
During the two years he was in service, he served
also with the IIIth Infantry, the 323d Infantry, the
55th Pioneers and, finally as an adjutant general in
the adjutant general's office in Washington. On July
I8, I918, Mr. Gregg was promoted to the rank of first
lieutenant, on October 8, I919, to the grade of captain
and, just before he was discharged, on April 3, I919,
he was advanced to  major. Returning  home to
Greensburg, Mr. Gregg resumed practice in the partnership with his father, formed in October, I9I6, the
firm being known as Gregg  Gregg. George Gregg,
a brother, entered the firm in 9I99, and upon the death
of George Gregg, December I, I932, and his father
January I8, 1933, James Gregg practiced alone until
May 15, I933, when he became associated with Charles
D. Copeland, Jr., the firm now being known as Gregg
 Copeland. Mr. Gregg's professional societies include
the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the Westmoreland County Bar Association. Of this latter organization's executive committee, Mr. Gregg was
chairman for eight years. For ten years, beginning
in I919, Mr. Gregg also was referee in bankruptcy.
255ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Keenly interested in history, he is president of the
Westmoreland and Fayette County Branch of the
Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. Mr.
Gregg is also a trustee of the same society. A member
of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mr. Gregg succeeded his father on the church council and he has
also served as chairman of the building committee.
Mr. Gregg is also a member of Greensburg Lodge,
No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Loyal Order of Moose and the Harvard Club of \Vestern Pennsylvania.
On June 8, I918, James Gregg married Della Henshaw, a daughter of Samuel Wilson and Elizabeth
(Hankins) Henshaw of Uniontown. Mr. and Mrs.
Gregg have four children: I. James, Jr., born July 24,
I19, a student at Webb School. 2. Elizabeth Henshaw, born February 26, I92I, a student at Seton Hill
College. 3. Mary, born September 22, I923, also at
Seton Hill College. 4. John Marshall, born August
22, I930.
EDWARD  PIUS DORAN-Active in politics,
concerned with civic affairs, and a prominent member
of the Westmoreland County bar, Edward Pius Doran
has practiced law in Greensburg for nearly forty years.
Mr. Doran was born in Wilkinsburg on December
IO, 1876, a son of Patrick and Mary (Williams)
Doran. Patrick Doran, who was born in Cambria
County in I836 and died in Wilkinsburg in I904, was
long a locomotive engineer for the Pennsylvania. He
was a son of James and Mary (Kennedy) Doran, both
natives of Ireland. James Doran came to America
about I830 and settled in Cambria County. As a young
man he was employed by the Portage Railroad. In
later life he was a farmer. Mary (Williams) Doran,
who died in Greensburg September I, 1928, was a
daughter of David and Ellen (Cummings) Williams
who were both natives of Ireland. David Williams,
who came to America as a young man, was a railroad
construction contractor. He built the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad between Donahue and Latrobe and
also built sections of the same railroad in its southwest extension later. His son, Patrick A. Williams,
who enlisted in the Union Army in the Civil War as
a drummer boy, was killed in action. The Williams
Post, No. 4, Grand Army of the Republic, of Latrobe,
was named in his honor.
Edward Pius Doran attended the public and parochial schools of Wilkinsburg and graduated from St.
Vincent College, Latrobe, in I897. Then, after reading
law with the firm of Williams, Sloan and Griffith of
Greensburg, Mr. Doran was admitted to the bar November 9, I9OI. A Democrat, he has long been interested in politics and is now assistant district attorney
of Westmoreland County. His professional associations include membership in the Westmoreland County
Bar Association. Mr. Doran is a member of the Most
Holy Sacrament Roman Catholic Church of Greensburg. A fourth degree member of the Knights of
Columbus, he belongs to Greensburg Council, No.
I480, of that order. He is also a member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 51, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks; Greensburg Lodge, No. I I5I, L.oyal Order of
Moose; and the Greensburg Country Club. During
the World War, he was active in promoting Liberty
Loan and Red Cross campaign activities.
On October 2, I9II, Edward Pius Doran married
Elizabeth Dunn Baird, a daughter of John and Alice
Dunn Baird, of Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Mr. Baird
and his wife were natives of that city. At the age of
sixteen, Mr. Baird was a captain on the Delaware
and Hudson Canal. Later in life, he was employed at
Honesdale by the Erie Railroad. Mrs. Doran was
educated in the public schools of Honesdale. She is
a member of the Most Holy Sacrament Church and
of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the
American Legion Auxiliary. Mr. and Mrs. Doran have
had four children: I. Edward Baird, born January 24,
I9I4. He is -a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Arts, class of I935, and is now
studying law at the Law School of the University of
Pittsburgh. 2. Elizabeth, born on March 29, I915.
She is a graduate of Seton Hill Academy, 1933; received a degree of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, class of I937; and is the wife of
George C. Myers, of Pittsburgh. 3. Abigail, born on
January I6, I9I7. She was killed in an auto accident
on September 6, I93I. 4. Mary Williams, born May I,
1920; she is a student at Seton Hill Academy
JOHN  WILLIAM   POLLINS-A  practicing
lawyer of the Westmoreland County bar and active in
civic affairs in Greensburg, John William Pollins is a
member of a family which for six generations has been
in Westmoreland County and taken an active part in
its development. Born in Greensburg, May 27, 1900,
he is the son of the late John W. Pollins, Sr., and
Agnes Viola (Elder) Pollins, and still resides in the
family home in which he was born on South Pennsylvania Avenue.
The first ancestor to bear the family name in its
present spelling, and about whom definite information
is available to his descendants, was William Pollins
(1785-I87I). While the exact place of his birth is
not known, yet he was in Westmoreland County in the
vicinity of Youngstown before he was twenty-five
years of age. It is thus that his residence is indicated
in his enlistment in the War of 1812. He served in
256ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
that war in Captain McQuade's Company of the Pennsylvania Militia, 2d Regiment, 2d Brigade. Although
a carpenter by trade, from I825 to 1833, he owned a
small farm on the old Greensburg-Latrobe Road near
Latrobe. He married Elizabeth Weaver, a daughter
of Frederick and Margaret (ITeasure) Weaver and a
granddaughter of Abraham Leasure, of whom further
mention is hereafter made. There was but one chil(l
of this marriage, David Solomon Pollins, the grandfather of the subject of this biography. ILate in life
William Pollins married, the second time, Hannah
Hess, of Fayette County. Of this marriage there was
no issue. He is buried in the Pennsville Baptist Cemetery, Bullskin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Although William Pollins' immediate ancestry is not
known it is believed that he was of English or possibly German descent. County records reveal a John
Pollins in the county in I785. On February 28 of that
year a warrant was issued to him for a tract of land
in a loop of the Kiskiminetas River, where the Borough of Hyde Park is now situated. However, a second warrant having been issued on the same day for
the same tract to a John Bratton, he instead of Pollins
later acquired the patent. Whether this John Pollins
was in the ancestral line of the family cannot be
established with certainty but because of the rarity of
the name and from the fact that he was in the county
at the date of the birth of William it is altogether
probable that he was the father of William, and the
first ancestor of the name in the county. The tendency
in a pioneer community to spell a name by sound rather
than by fidelity to accurateness, when it did on a few
occasions become necessary to write it, has made it
difficult to trace the family back of this period. As
early as I780 an Isaac Pollings, or Pawlins, was a
member of Captain Jeremiah Lochery's Ranging Company, organized in Westmoreland County for the
defense of the frontiers. The "Pennsylvania Archives"
disclose the names of numerous families in the Colonial
history of the State named Pollin, Pollen, Pawlins,
Pollands and Polhans but inasmuch as no trace of the
spelling "Pollins" can be found prior to I785 it is
believed that the spelling of the name took its present
form about that time and that the Colonial Pennsylvanians bearing a similarly sounding but differently
spelled name were the progenitors of the family.
Abraham  Leasure  (or Lasher)  (I733-I805), of
whom mention is made above and who was the greatgreat-great-grandfather of the Greensburg lawyer who
is the subject of this sketch, was an outstanding pioneer
of the county. Of Huguenot descent the family emigrated from Navarre, France, to the Rhine district
in Germany to escape religious persecution. Before
the American Revolution, however, they came to
America, settling near Chambersburg, Pennsylvaria,
from whence Abraham came to Westmoreland County.
In I787 he first acquired land in Unity and Mount
Pleasant townships, near Pleasant Unity, by patent
from the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania,
his application for the same having been filed eighteen
years before (in I769), indicating a prior residence on
the land. During the next ten years he and his son,
Captain Daniel Leasure added greatly to these land
holdings, acquiring some of the Penn proprietary land
of the Manor of Sewickley from the heirs of William
Penn. Part of this land is now included in the farm
now owned by Mr. Pollins and his brother. A unique
and interesting provision as affecting this land is
found in one of these ancient deeds wherein as part
of the consideration price it is provided: "..
yielding and paying therefore unto John Penn the
Elder and unto John Penn the Younger, their heirs
and assigns the yearly quit-rent of one pepper corn on
the first day of March in each and every year forever
hereafter if demanded." So far as this sixth generation
on the land is concerned, this rent has never been
demanded. Abraham Leasure (or Lasher) served as
an Indian scout and ranger during the period of
Indian disturbances in this western country, and had
a fort on his farm which served as a refuge for the
families of the Upper Sewickley, and to which some of
those who escaped at the burning of Hannastown fled
for protection. He was a soldier in the Revolution
and is buried in Unity Cemetery near Latrobe, the
body having been removed from the old Leasure burying
ground on the Pollins farm when the old graveyard
was abandoned about I889.
David S. Pollins (I8I2-87), son of William, above,
was born near the farm which he later acquired and
which is now owned by his grandsons. He is buried
in the family burial plot in the Middle Presbyterian
Church Cemetery near Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
As a boy he learned the blacksmith trade but quite
early in life took up farming. In I845 he purchased,
from his cousin, John Leasure, the old Leasure farm
which, through his maternal line, had been first settled
and owned by his great-grandfather, Abraham I.easure
(or Lasher) above mentioned, and here he lived the
rest of his life. At his death in 1887 he owned three
farms totaling over five hundred acres and comprising
some of the best farming land in the county, including
two of the farms on which the Westmoreland Homesteads are now located, and all of which land was
underlaid with the Connellsville vein of coal later acquired by the H. C. Frick Coke Company. David S.
Pollins became a man of standing and consequence in
his day and generation. He typified the qualities and
257ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
virtues of that sturdy, individualist pioneer stock who
wrested a fortune from the soil and attained success
by virtue of sound conservative judgment and by dint
of their toil and industry. He was large of stature and
powerful in physique; many stories survive of his
physical strength and endurance in performing the
labors of the farm and of his relentless activity in
attacking and accomplishing the tasks at hand. This
coupled with the fact that he was the first of the line
to establish the land in the family name, has made of
him almost a legendary figure to his grandchildren.
He married, in I840, Sarah Pippitt, of Fayette County,
who was of French descent. She lived to be ninety
years old, dying in Greensburg in I9O6. They were
the parents of four children: John William, Sr., of
further mention; Jesse K. (I845-I900);  Sarah Jane
(I847-I905), intermarried with Michael Shoup; Ann
Elizabeth (I85I-I933), intermarried with Anthony
Ruff.
John William Pollins, Sr. (I849-I922), son of David
S., above, and the father of the present John William
Pollins, was born on the "home farm" near Pleasant
Unity on January I6, 1849, and died in Greensburg
March 23, 1922. He engaged in farming during his
early life moving to Greensburg in I890. There he
took an active part in the business, civic and religious
life of the community and was generally esteemed for
his character and integrity. He was one of the organizers of the old Westmoreland Trust Ctompany
which later merged with the Barclay Bank and was a
director -of the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company from the time of its organization until his death.
He was also the founder of "The John W. Pollins
Company," a large department store which for many
years operated in Greensburg. However, his chief
interest and delight continued to center in his farm and
particularly in the raising and marketing of fine draft
horses, and in these pursuits he continued active until
his death. For many years he was a ruling elder and
a trustee of the United Presbyterian Church and took
an earnest interest in its affairs. He was twice married: (first) to Martha Steel, daughter of Joseph W.
Steel, of Mt. Pleasant Township, by whom he had
three children: I. Harry, died in infancy. 2. Joseph
S., born in 1874, who resides in Greensburg. 3. Ida
May (I869-I936), intermarried with Robert L. Jamison. He married (second) Agnes Viola Elder, of
whom more below, and of this marriage there were.
born four children: I. John William, of further mention. 2. Elder, died in infancy. 3. Calvin E., the
subject of a separate biography in this history. 4.
James Renwick, born April 9, I905, died January 20,
1923, at the age of eighteen.
Agnes Viola (Elder) Pollins, Mr. Pollins' mother,
also has an interesting family history identified with
the annals of the county for nearly a hundred and fifty
years. She was the daughter of John M. and Margaret Erskine (Brown) Elder, of Derry Township,
having been born on the old Elder farm near New
Alexandria, April Io, I866. She died'n Greensburg,
June I9, I934. John M. Elder (I832-I907), Mr. Pollins' maternal grandfather, while a farmer, appears to
have been one rather from force of circumstances than
by choice and inclination. He was a man of considerable culture and refinement, well read and of lively
intellect. Although he was successful in his farming
operations and continued in that pursuit all his days,
yet his chief interests in life were with the things of
the mind and the spirit. For many years he was a
bulwark of the Covenantor Church at New Alexandria
and was personally acquainted with a great many
ministers of that denomination (Reformed Presbyterian). Two of his brothers were ministers and
other collateral relatives with whom he kept in touch
were also in the professions, notably the law and the
ministry.
The Elder family tree extends back to the Covenantors of Scotland. The first of the line in America was
Robert, born in Scotland, I679, who settled in Paxtang
Township, in what was then Lancaster County, near
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1720. His grandson,
Robert (Mr. Pollins' great-great-grandfather), was a
soldier in the Revolution. In I8oo the Elders, with
the McConnell and Whiteside families, with whom
they were intermarried and who are lineal ancestors
of Mr. Pollins, crossed the mountains by covered
wagon, settling on land in Derry Township which
they acquired by patent from the Commonwealth and
some of which is still in the Elder family. In I938
J. Calvin Elder, son of John M. Elder, above, prepared
and had privately printed a complete history of the
Elder family. This history exhaustively traces the
ancestry and the generations of the family and preserves for this and succeeding generations a complete
record along with many personalities, reminiscences
and lore gleaned from tradition and research and is
much prized by the family.
John William Pollins attended the public schools of
Greensburg, graduating from the high school in I919.
He spent three years at Geneva College, Beaver Falls,
Pennsylvania, and transferring to the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor, received his degree of Bachelor of Arts from that institution in 1923. Selecting
the law as his profession, Mr. Pollins continued his
studies at the University of Michigan Law School,
graduating there in 1926 with the degree of Bachelor
258ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Laws. Returning home to Greensburg he was admitted to the bar in August, 1926, and to practice before the Supreme and Superior courts of Pennsylvania
and the United States District Court at Pittsburgh.
At first Mr. Pollins was associated in the practice of
law with Joseph J. Knappenberger, who continued the
legal practice of the late Judge Steel. Later, when
Mr. Pollins' brother, Calvin E., completed his legal
i-udies and was admitted to the bar, February, 1929,
the two brothers formed the present firm of Pollins
and Pollins. They maintain offices in the Huff Building, Greensburg, and in the Bossart Building, Latrobe.
Mr. Pollins is a member of the United Presbyterian
Church and is the treasurer and a trustee of the
Greensburg congregation. He belongs to the Kiwanis
Club of Greensburg of which he is a director, and is
a member of the executive committee of the Westmoreland Law Association. In politics Mr. Pollins is
a Republican; in 193I he was a candidate on that party
ticket for the office of register of wills of Westmoreland County. Aside from his profession and in his
leisure time Mr. Pollins' chief interests are books and
literature, winter sports and the family farm of which
he and his brother have always been particularly fond.
On June 9, I934, John W. Pollins married Lydia
Jane Ramsey, a daughter of James Herrington and
Anna (L itzinger) Ramsey, of Munhall, Allegheny
County, formerly of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Mr.
Ramsey, who was associated with the Carnegie Steel
Company of Homestead, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Pollins are the parents of twin daughters, Elizabeth
Jane and Mary Louise, who were born January 4,
I935, but Mary Louise, surviving a premature birth
for only three months, died April I6, I935.
JOSEPH  THOMAS-For nearly half a century the leading florist and landscape gardener of
Southwestern Pennsylvania, the late Joseph Thomas,
of Greensburg, not only built up a wholesale and
retail business which served West Virginia and Ohio
as well as Pennsylvania but took a commanding position within the ranks of his trade. At the Fourteenth
Annual Flower Show at New Castle in November of
1936, he was honored by his associates who, in their
memorial, said: ".... who has done more than any
other individual to make the Northwestern Pennsylvania Florists' Association what it is today."
Joseph Thomas was born in Prussia, Germany, on
June 9, I869, a son of William and Mary Anna (Auen)
Thomas. Both his parents were born on the banks of
the Rhine. William Thomas, who was a carpenter and
cabinetmaker, spent most of his life in Germany but,
after the death of his wife in I88I, he finally followed
his children to America. He came to Greensburg in
I890. Death came to him in that city in I892. Joseph
Thomas himself died at his winter home in Miami,
Florida, on October 8, 1936.
Joseph Thomas spent his boyhood in the public
schools of Germany and was then apprenticed to a
florist. While thus learning his trade, he completed
his education in the evening schools. In I888 he came
to America and found employment as a landscape
gardener for R. C. Duff in Pittsburgh. Later, after
being a landscape gardener for Mrs. McMasters, of
Turtle Creek, he spent another term in Pittsburgh as
a florist. In 1892 he began a four-year term as
gardener and florist for St. Xavier's Academy, in
Westmoreland. Then, in 1896, he came to Greensburg where he started in business for himself as a
florist and landscape gardener. His first establishment consisted of four small greenhouses which he
erected on land which he leased on North Main Street,
the Barclay lot. When his lease expired, his business
had increased so much 4liat he needed more room. So
he purchased a holding in the Belvedere, about two
and a half miles out of Greensburg. There he reassembled his four hot houses and built more. Through
the years, as the business continued to develop, he built
more and larger greenhouses until today the Thomas
plant has some II5,000 square feet of glass. Not content with merely growing flowers, Mr. Thomas from
the very beginning developed a huge wholesale and
retail trade. Out of the twenty-two houses that were
his at the time of his death, he was supplying the
needs of a large part of three states. His first retail
store was in the Old Street Car Station in Greensburg.
Within two years this store was too small; his flowers
were very much in demand. So he moved to West
Otterman Street, where the store prospered for five
years. Then the store was moved to still larger quarters
at Main and Otterman streets, where it remained for
twenty-four years. Finally, in I925, the business again
outgrew its quarters and the present store, modern in
every detail, was opened at Io9 North Main Street.
The wholesale trade was originally conducted entirely
from the greenhouses but the business to the west grew
so large that a wholesale depot was finally opened in
Wilkinsburg to more adequately supply the establishment's customers in the Pittsburgh district.  The
greenhouses continued, however, to ship to customers
in West Virginia and Ohio. For many years, Mr.
Thomas also took a leading part in the development
of the florists' business. In 1913 he became one of the
original one hundred members of the Florists' Telegraph Delivery Association. For many years he was
a member and president of Northwestern Pennsylvania
Florists' Association and he was also a member of the
Chrysanthemum Society of America and a life member
259ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of the Society of American Florists and Ornamental
Horticulturists. Mr. Thomas also belonged to the
Ohio Growers' and Retailers' Association. A member
of the Most Holy Sacrament Roman Catholic Church
of Greensburg, Mr. Thomas was also a life member
of the Jeannette Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Columbus of
Greensburg. In his later years, Mr. Thomas found
pleasure in his winter home in Miami-where he could
grow out-of-doors many of the flowers that at home
could thrive only under glass.
Joseph Thomas was twice married. In i892 he married (first) Henrietta Pickard, of Pittsburgh.  She
died in 1902. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas seven children were born, of whom four are living: I. Agnes
Mary, born on April 8, I894; she is associated with
the family business. 2. Marie, born on July 2, I895;
she is the wife of Thomas P. Davis, who is connected
with the business. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have seven
children: i. Marie. ii. Elizabeth. iii. Thomas. iv.
Eleanor. v. Robert, vi. Ann. vii. Margaret. 3.
Frederick W., born July I8, I897. After spending
two years in Germany, learning the florist's trade as
did his father, he became the grower in the family's
local establishment. He married Ruth Fath, of Jeannette. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have four sons: i. John.
ii. Frederick.  iii. Robert.  iv. William.  4. Joseph
Henry, born August 4, I899, associated with the family
greenhouses.  He married  Mary  Belle Boggs, of
Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have three sons:
i. Joseph. ii. James. iii. Richard. In I903 Joseph
Thomas married (second) Susanna Clements. She
was a native of Greensburg and now makes her home
near that city. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had eight children: I. Henrietta Marie, born on January 29, 90o5.
She is associated with the retail store in Greensburg.
2. Jerome Edward, born on August 29, I9o6. He has
been the manager of the family business since his
father's death. 3. George Nevin, born on June 21,
I9o8. He is manager of the Wilkinsburg wholesale
plant. He married Mary Mitchell of Greensburg. IMr.
and Mrs. Thomas have a son, Dennis. 4. Alexander
P., born on March 2, I9IO. Also a florist, Alexander
Thomas is in business for himself in Cocoa, Florida,
where he is a specialist in Plumosa growing. He married Edith May Lowe, of Youngwood. Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas have three children: i. Suzanne. ii. Michael.
iii. Peter. 5. Matilda, born on March 24, 1912. Associated with the retail store, she is the widow of VW.
Budd Hunter, Jr., of Boston, Massachusetts. 6. Cornelia Ann, born March 30, I914. 7. Mary Antoinette,
born -on October I6, I916. She is a bookkeeper for
the business. 8. Hans Boniface, born on June 23, 1920.,
and now a student at St. Vincent Preparatory School
at Latrobe.
JOSEPH PAUL SHERIDAN-Executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission, Joseph Paul Sheridan, of Greensburg and Jeannette, is one of the leading attorneys in Western Pennsylvania, having distinguished himself in several important legal commissions during the past few years.
Joseph Paul Sheridan was born in Peckville on
April 9, I904, a son of Philip J. and Catherine (Cannon) Sheridan. Philip J. Sheridan was born in Pittston, Luzerne County. A coal operator for many years,
he is now living in retirement in Olyphant. He is a
Democrat and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic
Church. His wife, a native of Olyphant, died in that
city in August of I934 at the age of fifty-nine. She
was a daughter of P. C. and Margaret Cannon. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Cannon were natives of Ireland but
spent most of their lives in Olyphant. Mr. Cannon
was engaged in the real estate and insurance business
in Olyphant.
Joseph Paul Sheridan attended the public schools
at Peckville and prepared for college at St. Thomas'
High School in Scranton, graduating in 1922. In I926
he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts from
St. Thomas' College, Scranton. Then, after a year of
postgraduate study at the University of Pennsylvania,
he studied law at Georgetown University, receiving
the degree of Bachelor of Laws in I93I. In 1932 Mr.
Sheridan was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. Establishing himself in Greensburg and Jeannette, he has
practiced independently ever since. A member of the
Democratic party, in December, 1935, he was appointed
district representative of the State Workman's Insurance Fund. Mr. Sheridan also was special attorney
for Western Pennsylvania in trials of major compensation cases. On April I5, I937, he was appointed to
his present post of executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Sheridan is a
member of the Sacred Heart Church in Jeannette, the
American Bar Association, and Greensburg I,odge, No.
5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
Jeannette Council Knights of Columbus. He finds
relaxation in his favorite diversion of hunting.
On April I6, I93I, Joseph Paul Sheridan married
Louise Kelley, of Jeannette, a daughter of Morris and
Mary (Hess) Kelley. A descendant of one of the
pioneer families of Jeannette, Mr. Kelley was engaged
in the real estate and insurance business in Jeannette.
A member of the Democratic party, at one time he
was tax collector of the Borough of Jeannette. Mrs.
Sheridan attended Seton Hill Academy and St. Mary'sof-the-Woods School in Terre Haute, Indiana. Then,
graduating as a Bachelor of Arts from the College of
New Rochelle, New York, she taught in the Jeannette
High School in I929-3I.  She is a member of the
College Club of Greensburg and the Sacred Heart
26oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Catholic Church of Jeannette, and president of the
Progressive Women's Club of Jeannette. Mr. and
Mrs. Sheridan have three sons: I. William, born April
22, I932. 2. Joseph Paul, Jr., born October 12, I933.
3. Daniel Francis, born February 21, I937.
EDWARD DAVIS PRITCHARD-Sheriff of
Lawrence County, Edward Davis Pritchard, of New
Castle, spent thirty years in the steel mills of what is
now the Carnegie Steel Company before resigning to
assume the duties of the office of sheriff of Lawrence
County, Pennsylvania.
Edward Davis Pritchard was born September 4,
I893, in Niles, Ohio, son of William Herbert and
Joan F. (Davis) Pritchard. William  Herbert Pritchard, whose family came from Wales and settled in
Lawrence County about I889, was a railroad man,
being employed in the railroad shops.
After attending the public schools of New Castle
until nearly fourteen years of age, Edward Davis
Pritchard started working in the steel mills and, as a
hot mill worker, spent the following thirty years in
the establishment now being operated by the Carnegie
Steel Company. Always an active member of the
Republican party, Mr. Pritchard in 1933 became a
candidate for the office of sheriff of I.awrence County
and, winning the contest, has remained in the position
through the present time. During the World War,
Mr. Pritchard entered the United States Army and,
assigned to Headquarters Company, 332d Regiment,
83d Division, was sent to France, serving there and
in Italy, too. Enlisting as a private on September
19, I917, Mr. Pritchard held the rank of sergeant at
the time of his discharge on May 5, I919. Preserving
his military associations by membership in the American Legion, Mr. Pritchard is a past president of the
Lincoln and Garfield Club, a member of the ILegislative
Committee of the State Sheriffs' Association of Pennsylvania and belongs to several Masonic organizations,
including the Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and the Legion of Honor, of which he is commander. He is also a member of the First United
Presbyterian Church of New Castle.
Edward Davis Pritchard, married, July 24, I919, at
Cannonsburg, Margaret Ellen Jenkins, daughter of
David and Mary Janes (Dolling) Jenkins. Mr. and
Mrs. Pritchard are the parents of two children- I.
Edward Jenkins, born February I5, T922, a student.
2. William Thomas, born June 28, I925, also a student.
JESSE HUNNELL HAZLETT, M. D.-After
a medical career in Vanderbilt, Fayette County, which
spanned over three decades, Dr. Jesse Hunnell Hazlett
came to Waynesburg in 193o, and established himself
in a general practice which he has since conducted with
characteristic success and distinction. During his professional life he has been associated with several of the
leading local and national medical organizations and
since settling in Waynesburg has been a member of the
Waynesburg Hospital staff.
Dr. Hazlett, member of an old and distinguished
family in this section of the State, was born at Vanderbilt, July 29, I873, the son of Dr. Joshua Dickerson
and Mary Elizabeth (Hunnell) Hazlett, the former a
native of Franklin Township, Washington County, and
the latter of Waynesburg. His father, also a physician,
was born in I845, and died at Vanderbilt in September,
I897. The elder Hazlett received his medical training
at the Jefferson Medical College and later established
himself in practice at Vanderbilt where he continued
throughout his life. During the Civil War he enlisted
in the Union forces, was a member of Company K,
I55th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and saw active service
at Chancellorsville.
This branch of the Hazlett family trace their American ancestry to one Samuel Hazlett, a native of England, who went to Ireland during his youth, married a
Mary White there and shortly afterward came to this
country, first settling in Baltimore, Maryland, and
later moving westward with his family to Washington
County, where he is counted among the first settlers
of Franklin Township, having come here about I778.
He was a carpenter by trade.  Descent is traced
through his son, Samuel (2), native of Franklin
Township, and through his son, William, Dr. Jesse
H. Hazlett's grandfather, who farmed in Franklin
Township, where he was one of the most prominent
leaders of his generation, serving as school director
for twenty-five years, supervisor of the township, and
as leader of the Whig party. Later he became a Republican and was ever active in the work of the Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Jesse H. Hazlett received a general education
in the public schools of his native community and after
completing this part of his studies matriculated at
Waynesburg College from which he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of
I896.  He then entered the Medical School of the
University of Pittsburgh and received his degree of
Doctor of Medicine from this institution in I9oo00.
Shortly thereafter he returned to his native community
of Vanderbilt and established himself in a general
practice of medicine and surgery which he was to conduct with outstanding success for the next thirty
years. Toward the latter part of this period he became interested in the Roentgen ray, commonly known
as X-ray, and has largely confined his efforts to this
specialty since. During his career in Vanderbilt he
261ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
member of the Edwin Scott Linton Post, American
Legion.
He was married, September i6, 1922, to Grace Garard, of Waynesburg, Greene County, daughter of
Jesse L. and Annie (Long) Garard. Dr. and Mrs.
Crumrine are the parents of a daughter, Eleanor Anne,
born August I9, 1925.
JOHN NIXON O'NEIL-Since coming to
Washington, Pennsylvania, in I923, John Nixon O'Neil
has been a prominent figure in the political and public
life of this section, and has served as county commissioner for the past seven years. He was born at
Elizabeth, Allegheny County, February 23, I893, the
son of John N. and Lillian (Hill) O'Neil, both deceased. The elder Mr. O'Neil, born at W\est Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, in 1863, was employed as a civil
engineer at the time of his death, July 8, 1927. His
wife, a native of East Bethlehem Township, WVashington County, died February 13, 1933, at the age of
sixty-four years.
John Nixon O'Neil received his elementary education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio,
and later studied at Marietta Academy in Marietta,
Ohio, graduating in I9I0. For the next two years he
attended Ohio Northern University at Ada, taking a
course in engineering, following which he entered the
employ of the Vesta Coal Company. He remained
with this concern until April 2I, 1917, when he enlisted for service in the World War. He was a member of the I5th United States Engineers, and was engaged in railroad construction. He received his honorable discharge May 15, I919. He next became associated with the First National Bank at Fredricktown,
Pennsylvania, and four years later, came to WVashington, Pennsylvania, to accept an appointment as
deputy county treasurer under J. E. Masters. In I92,
he was elected county treasurer of Washington County.and served a four-year term. 11' I93I he was elected
county commissioner and his efforts in behalf of the
people of Washington County were rewarded by reelection to this post in 1935 for another four-year term.
In addition to these duties, Mr. O'Neil has always been
keenly interested in the Boy Scout movement, and at
present is treasurer of the Washington and Greene
Counties Council, and at various times has held other
posts in this organization.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, a staunch
Republican, and a member of Edwin Scott Linton
Post, No. 175, American Legion. He was married,
in November, 1921, to Delia J. Webster, of Waynesburg, daughter of J. C. and Fannie (Henry) Webster.
BERNARD VESCHIO-Bernard Veschio was
born at Wishaw, Pennsylvania, February 6, I904, the
son of Ralph and Teressa (Ruettger) Veschio. He attended the public schools of Pricedale and later Monessen High School, graduating in 1922. He then
enrolled at Waynesburg College, where he received
his degree of Bachelor of Science in I926. For the
next three years he taught school at Hickory Township High School in Mercer County, after which he
entered the employ of the Page Steel and Wire Company of Monessen. On August I6, 1935, he was appointed by Governor George H. Earle as Workmen's
Compensation Referee for the Ninth District of Pennsylvania, and has, to this date, faithfully and capably
performed the many duties requisite to the efficient
conduct of this office. Although his chief hobby at
present is handball, Mr. Veschio was a noted football
player in his high school and college days, having
played for three years at Monessen High School and
been captain of the 1921 team. He also played four
years at Waynesburg College, and in his senior year
was captain of the Varsity team.
Mr. Veschio is a communicant of St. Leonard's
Roman Catholic Church, a member of the Democratic
party, and an active figure in civic and fraternal life.
For the past four years he has been chairman of the
Democratic committee of the city of Monessen. He
is connected with the Kiwanis Club of Monessen, and
is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, I.odge No.
773, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
the Phi Sigma Fraternity. Mr. Veschio is unmarried.
STUART ELLSWORTH MURPHY-After an
association of fifteen years with the public school
system of Washington County, Stuart Ellsworth Murphy, of Washington, Pennsylvania, was admitted to the
bar in I935, and has been engaged in the practice of
law in this city to the present day. He was born in
York County, May 17, I899, the son of Samuel Luther
and Cora (Spangler) Murphy. The elder Mr. Murphy, also a native of York County, was engaged as a
school teacher for a number of years, but is now in the
employ of the Ford Roofing Company of York, Pennsylvania. His wife, born in I876, died December 25,
I909.
Stuart Ellsworth Murphy attended the public schools
of West York, Pennsylvania, and was graduated from
the High School in I9I6. After one year at York
County Academy, he entered Franklin and Marshall
College at Lancaster, and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in I92I. From I92I to I930 he served
as principal of various high schools in Washington
County, and in 1930 was appointed assistant county
24ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
served as physician and surgeon for several important
industrial organizations, including the H. C. Frick
Coal Company, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the
Lake Erie Railroad, and the West Penn Railroad. In
I930 Dr. Hazlett removed to Waynesburg, where he
has since continued his professional activities and
serves as a member of the Waynesburg Hospital staff.
From I930 to I935 he was physician for the Greene
County Poor Farm. Dr. Hazlett is a member of the
American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State
Medical Society and a former member of the Greene
County Medical Society. During the World War he
enlisted and was commissioned a captain in the Medical Corps of the United States Army. He attended
training school at Camp Oglethorpe, Georgia, and
was sent overseas as a member of the general headquarters staff, serving there for thirteen months.
Through his military experience Dr. Hazlett is a
member of the James Farrell Post of the American
Legion in Waynesburg.  He belongs to the Greene
County Country Club, is a former member of the Kiwanis Club and fraternizes with the Blue Lodge of the
Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is a member
of the Uniontown Commandery, No. 48, Knights Templar; Uniontown Chapter, No. I68, Royal Arch Masons; and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine. He worships at the Presbyterian Church.
On October 24, I9o00, Dr. Hazlett married Blanche
Ullom, born at Rogersville, Greene County, February
I5, I876, the daughter of John T. and Anna (Sellers)
Ullom, the former a native of Center Township, and
the latter of her birthplace. Dr. and Mrs. Hazlett are
the parents of two children: I. Dr. Frank D., born in
Vanderbilt, February II, 1902, and associated with his
father in the practice of medicine. 2. Ann Helen
Arnold, born in Waynesburg, February 2, I904.
SAMUEL VINCENT KIMBERLAND-During a long and distinguished career, which spans over
forty years, Samuel Vincent Kimberland, superintendent of schools in Washington County since 1922, has
become recognized as one of the most able and prominent educators in Western Pennsylvania. In his present capacity he is directly responsible for elevating and
maintaining the high scholastic standard enjoyed by
the schools of this section and through his accomplishments has won the high esteem and respect of his professional colleagues as well as the public at large. As
a resident of Washington he has been actively identified
with the social and civic welfare of his surroundings
and is a member of severai of the leading clubs and
societies here.
Mr. Kimberland was born at Wellsburg, Brooke
County, West Virginia, September 25, I879, the son
of Samuel and Eleanor (Gillespie) Kimberland, the
former a native of his birthplace and the latter of this
State. His father, who died at Hanlin Station, Washington County, was a carpenter by trade and conducted
an extensive building business for a number of years.
He was a member of an old and honorable West Virginia family and like his father, Samuel Kimberland,
Sr., a farmer, staunchly supported the Democratic
party in politics and worshipped at the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Professor Kimberland's mother,
also passed away at Hanlin Station, and was the
daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine Gillespie, whose
forebears had come to Pennsylvania from Maryland.
Her father, who died near Bethel, engaged in farming,
was a Republican in politics and worshipped at the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Her mother, a native
of Washington County, died at Eldersville in I895.
Professor Kimberland received the early part of his
general education in the public schools of Brooke
County, West Virginia, and later completed this part
of his studies in the schools of Washington County.
He then attended the Eldersville Normal School and
eventually matriculated at Grove City College in Grove
City, where he finished his studies in I897. The same
year he embarked upon his career as an educator,
serving as teacher and principal of a number of schools
until I9I2, when he was elected supervising principal
of the Smith Township public schools, an office in
which he continued for the next ten years. The success he had enjoyed up to that time, coupled with the
ability he demonstrated as an administrator, were the
predominate factors which led to his election as superintendent of public schools in Washington County in
1922. Since that time he has continued and made a
highly significant contribution to the advancement of
the school system in this locality. He possesses the
happy faculty of inspiring confidence and eliciting cooperation of those about him and is highly esteemed
by the teaching staff which works under his direction.
In a professional capacity he is a member of the National Education Association, the Pennsylvania Education Association, the Greene and Washington
Counties Schoolmen's Association, and the Washington
Chamber of Commerce.
Like his father and grandfather, Mr. Kimberland
has been acutely aware of his civic obligations and
taken an active part in community affairs. As a resident of Jefferson Township he served as justice of
the peace for nine years, later served in the same
capacity at Burgettstown, where he was also a member
of the Board of Education. He is a former scout262ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
master in the latter community and has been interested in Boy Scout activities throughout his career.
Professor Kimberland is a member and former secretary of the Union Agricultural Association and during
the World War acted as food administrator for this
part of the State. He is a Democrat politically and in
his religious convictions worships at the Westminster
Presbyterian Church.
On April 4, 19IO, Samuel Vincent Kimberland married Maude Lyons, who was born in Washington
County, August 31, I88i, and died in Burgettstown,
September 27, 1922. She was the daughter of Samuel
and Jennie (Ralston) Lyons, who resided on a farm
near Pleasant Valley, Hancock County, West Virginia.
Her father was an officer of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Pleasant Valley, and a Republican in politics. Mrs. Kimberland attended the public schools of
Washington County, and Hancock County, West Virginia. Prior to her passing she was prominent in the
affairs of the local branch of the Women's Christian
Temperance Union and active in the Burgettstown
Westminster Presbyterian Church.
GEORGE DEMAS IAMS-One of the leading
civil engineers, highway construction officers and land
appraisers of Southwestern Pennsylvania, George
Demas Iams of Washington is now serving a fouryear term  as Washington County surveyor and a
similar term as Washington County engineer.
George Diemas Iams was born February 22, 1882,
near Ten Mile Village, Washington County, son of
William Owen and Catherine L. (Shidler) Iams.
William Owen Iams, born near Ten Mile Village,
October 19, 1855, is a millwright and a carpenter and,
as a member of the Democratic party, has served his
county as a school director. His wife, Catherine L.
(Shidler) Iams, was born at Daniel's Run, near
Scenery Hill, March 4, i863.
After passing through the public schools of West
Bethlehem Township and Ten Mile Village, George
Demas Iams prepared for college at Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg and then studied at Ohio Northern University, receiving both his degrees of Bachelor
of Arts and Master of Arts from that institution, the
latter degree being won in I907. Later Mr. Iams spent
a year at Carnegie Technology in a postgraduate
course in design. While at Ohio Northern University,
Mr. Iams broke into his studies to teach school for two
years. However, when his education was completed,
he went to work as a structural engineer at Torreon,
Mexico, to return home to Pennsylvania late in 1907
as engineer for the Pittsburgh Coal Company, a position which he held for two years. The following two
years, until I9II, he spent in construction of coal
buildings at Marianna for the Pittsburgh Buffalo
Company, going from that work into business for
himself at Marianna and remaining as an independent
engineer until I917, at which time he spent a few
months with the Fort Pitt Bridge Company. From
March, I9I8, through August of the same year, Mr.
Iams worked for the United States Quartermaster's
Department, erecting arsenal buildings and then was
commissioned a first lieutenant in the Engineers Corps.
Injured October I5, 1918, he was relieved of active
duty and ordered home, being discharged on November
I5, I9I8. Upon his recovery Mr. Iams became associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad and subsidiary
lines as an engineer until May I5, I932, following this
service with three years employment as United States
land appraiser. And then, after having complete charge
of the Works Progress Administration highway work in
Washington County, in 1936, Mr. Iams was elected as a
Democrat to the four-year term of county surveyor,
also being appointed county engineer for a similar
term. During his college days, Mr. Iams played football for four years on the Ohio Northern University
eleven, a diversion which he has carried over into his
maturity as an interest in most sports. A member of
several Masonic orders, Mr. Iams is a Past Commander of Jaques Commandery, Knights Templar, and
also belongs to Post No. I75, American L.egion the
Washington Kiwanis Club the Knights of Pythias, the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Society of
Registered Engineers, as well as being a member of
the Baptist Church.
George Demas Iams married, at Ada, Ohio, December 25, 1907, Grace Elva Hyndman, daughter of
John and Alvira (Candler) Hyndman, both natives of
Hardin County, Ohio. Mrs. Iams was born in Ada,
Ohio, September I, I88I. Mr. and Mrs. Iams are the
parents of four children: I. Sue Kathryn, born at
Marianna. 2. Ruth Evangine, born near Marianna.
3. Betty Pearl, born near xarianna. 4. Ned Hyndman, born October II, 1917, at Houston.
JOHN STEEL ANDERSON, M. D.-For many
years a prominent medical practitioner in Greensburg,
Dr. John Steel Anderson occupies a position of leadership and distinction in his city and among its people.
Dr. Anderson was born near the village of Pleasant
Unity, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, son of
Harry (E. H.) and Malinda (Steel) Anderson and
member of an old and honored family. His forebears
were among those who, as farmers, developed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and, as soldiers, defended
it against its enemies. The Andersons are of English
and Scotch-Irish descent, and they early joined the
migratory movement to Colonial America. The founder
263ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of the family in New England was John Anderson,
who came to Watertown at the beginning of the
eighteenth century. The first to settle in Westmoreland County was William Anderson, who sailed from
Ireland later in that century. He was a farmer, whose
property of more than one hundred acres was an
excellent one, and he served in the War of I8I2. He
married a Miss Tittle, of Beatty, and they were the
parents of seven children, who lived to an advanced
age: I. John. 2. James. 3. William. 4. Sarah, wife
of Hamilton Beatty.  5. Dorcas, wife of Alexander
Niccolls. 6. Harriet, wife of Garrett Furry. 7. Martha,
wife of Dr. Samuel Colwell, of Youngstown, Pennsylvania. The family were Presbyterians and attended
Unity Presbyterian Church. The oldest of these children, John, was the grandfather of Dr. Anderson. He
was born August i8, I8oo, in Unity Township, Westmoreland County, and died there September 8, I882;
he was a farmer in that township, and married Hannah
Peterson, daughter of Elias and Margaret (McColl)
Peterson, of that same township. She died there in
I88I, aged sixty-three years. They had eight children, of whom four died young. The others were
Margaret, James, and Samuel, who are now also
deceased, and Harry Anderson, father of Dr. Anderson. Harry Anderson was born in Unity Township
on the old family homestead property, founded there
by his grandfather. He grew to maturity on the old
place, there living until I9Io, when he came to Greensburg. Retiring from active pursuits, he has continued
to live in this city, enjoying a well-earned respite
from his labors and being hale and hearty in an honored old age.
Harry Anderson married Malinda Steel, daughter
of Joseph Walker and Malinda (Brechbill) Steel, of
Mount Pleasant Township. The Steels, like the Anderson, trace ancestry to an immigrant Scotchman of
pre-Revolutionary days. Down through a century and
a half they have continued to make history in the
United States.  Joseph Walker Steel, the father of
Mrs. Anderson, was born on the old Steel homestead
farm near Middle Presbyterian Church, in Mount
Pleasant Township. He was a farmer who, after retiring, died in Greensburg.
John  Steel  Anderson's  great-great-great-grandfather, James Steel, was born in "a solid stone mansion" at Castle Blaney, near Carrick Macross, Ireland,
about 174I, and came to America shortly after he was
thirty years of age, settling at Sewickley Manor,
Mount Pleasant Township, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, and acquiring his first land from William Penn by purchase.
A lineal descendant and the grandfather of the immediate subject of this review was Joseph Walker
Steel, born June I2, I820, died December ii, I89o; he
married Malinda Brechbill, of Unity Township, on
January 9, I845. Their children were: I. Florinda,
who became the wife of Daniel L. Ruff, of Mt. Pleasant Township. 2. Martha, who became the wife of
John W. Pollins, a merchant of Greensburg. 3. Lucinda, married John M. Rumbaugh, a farmer of Mt.
Pleasant Township. 4. Melissa, who became the wife
of Henry Rumbaugh, a farmer of the same locality.
5. Malinda, the mother of the subject of this sketch,
who became the wife of E. Harry Anderson, of Unity
Township. 6. Alice, who became the wife of William
E. Wray, of North Huntingdon Township. 7. Ada,
who is deceased, never married. 8. Joseph WV. Steel,
of Greensburg, deceased.
John Steel Anderson attended the public schools in
Unity Township, and was graduated from Latrobe
High School. He attended Washington and Jefferson
College, Washington, District of Columbia. Then he
became a student at the Medical School of the ITniversity of Pittsburgh, where he was graduated in
I913. After serving interneships in hospitals in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, he established himself as a
general practitioner in Greensburg. In addition to his
regular medical practice, he is today a member of the
staff of Westmoreland Hospital. He served for two
years as its president. He is also a member of the
Westmoreland County Medical Society, and is numbered among its past presidents. He is a member of
the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and a Fellow
of the American Medical Association. For twelve
years he was county medical director during the
administration of Governor Gifford Pinchot and Governor John S. Fisher.
-During the World WVar he enlisted in the Medical
Reserve Officers' Training Corps, and was commissioned a first lieutenant, training at Camp Greenleaf,
Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.  Fraternally he is connected with the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging
to Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, of which he is a
Past Master. He is a member and a Past High Priest
of Urania Royal Arch Chapter, No. I92, a member of
Olivet Council, No. I3, of Royal and Select Masters,
and a member and Past Commander of Kedron Commandery, No. I8, of Knights Templar. All of the
above-named bodies are situated in Greensburg. He
holds the thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite Masonry, being affiliated with Pennsylvania Consistory of the Scottish Rite. He is a member of Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Dr. Anderson also belongs to the First Presbyterian Church. Politically
he is a Republican. He also belongs to the Greensburg Country Club, the Pike Run Country Club, the
264ANNALS OF SOUTHWEQ
Latrobe Country Club, the Greensburg Rotary Club,
and Robert Kotouch Post, No. 318, of the American
Legion.
Dr. Anderson has two sisters, Mrs. H. A. Hugus,
of Latrobe, and Ida Anderson, of Greensburg.
CALVIN ELDER POLLINS-A practicing
lawyer of the Westmoreland County bar and active in
civic affairs in Greensburg and Latrobe, Calvin Elder
Pollins is a member of a family which for six generations has been in Westmoreland County and has taken
an active part in its development. Born in Greensburg
October 6, I903, he is the son of the late John W.
Pollins, Sr., and Agnes Viola (Elder) Pollins, and
resides in Unity Township, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, on the hundred and ninety-two-acre
family homestead farm, owned by him and his brother,
John W. Pollins (q. v.).
The first ancestor to bear the family name in its
present spelling and about whom definite information
is available to his descendants was William Pollins
(I785-I871). While the exact place of his birth is not
known, yet he was in Westmoreland County in the
vicinity of Youngstown before he was twenty-five
years of age. It is thus that his residence is indicated
in his enlistment in the War of I812. He served in
that war in Captain McQuade's Company of the Pennsylvania Militia, 2d Regiment, 2d Brigade. Although
a carpenter by trade, from I825 to 1833 he owned a
small farm on the old Greensburg-Latrobe Road near
Latrobe. He married Elizabeth Weaver, a daughter
of Frederick and Margaret (Leasure) Weaver, and a
granddaughter of Abraham Leasure, of whom further
mention is hereafter made. There was but one child of
this marriage, David Solomon Pollins, the grandfather
of the subject of this biography. ILate in life William
Pollins married, the second time, Hannah Hess, of
Fayette County. Of this marriage there was no issue.
He is buried in the Pennsville Baptist Cemetery, Bull-'tin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Although William  Pollins' immediate ancestry is
not known, it is believed that he was of English or
possibly German descent. County records reveal a
John Pollins in the county in I785. On February 28
of that year a warrant was issued to him for a tract of
land in a loop of the Kiskiminetas River, where the
Borough of Hyde Park is now situated. However, a
second warrant having been issued on' the same day
for the same tract to a John Bratton, he instead of
Pollins later acquired the patent. Whether this John
Pollins was in the ancestral line of the family cannot
be established with certainty, but because of the rarity
of the name and from the fact that he was in the
county at the date of the birth of William, it is alto-;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                               265
gether probable that he was the father of William, and
the first ancestor of the name in the county.
The tendency in a pioneer community to spell a name
by sound rather than by fidelity to accurateness, when
it did on a few occasions become necessary to write it,
has made it difficult to trace the family back of this
period. As early as I780o an Isaac Pollings or Pawlins
was a member of Captain Jeremiah Lochery's Ranging
Company, organized in Westmoreland County for the
defense of the frontiers. The "Pennsylvania Archives"
disclose the name of numerous families in the Colonial
history of the State named Pollin, Pollen, Pawlins,
Pollands and Polhans, but inasmuch as no trace of the
spelling "Pollins" can be found prior to I785 it is
believed that the spelling of the name took its present
form about that time and that the Colonial Pennsylvanians, bearing a similarly sounding but differently
spelled name, were the progenitors of the family.
Abraham Leasure (or Lasher) I733-I805, of whom
mention has been made and who was the great-greatgreat-grandfather of the Greensburg and Latrobe lawyer, who is the subj ect of this sketch, was an outstanding pioneer of the county. Of Huguenot descent
the family emigrated from Navarre, France, to the
Rhine district in Germany to escape religious persecution. Before the American Revolution, however,
they came to America, settling near Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania, from whence Abraham came to Westmoreland County. In I787 he first acquired land in
Unity and Mt. Pleasant townships, near Pleasant
Unity, and on which Mr. Pollins resides, by patent
from the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania,
his application for the same having been filed eighteen
years before in I769. During the next ten years he
and his son, Captain Daniel Leasure, added greatly to
these land holdings, acquiring some of the Penn proprietary land of the Manor of Sewickley from the
heirs of William Penn, which was then and for sometime thereafter designated as "Sewickley Manor." Part
of this land is now included in the farm now owned by
Mr. Pollins and his brother, and on which the subject
of this biography resides. A unique and interesting
provision as affecting this land is found in one of these
ancient deeds, wherein as part of the consideration
price it is provided: ".... yielding and paying therefore unto John Penn the Elder and unto John Penn
the Younger, their heirs and assigns, the yearly quitrent of one pepper corn on the first day of March of
each and every year forever hereafter if demanded."
So far as this sixth generation on the land is concerned, this rent has never been demanded. Abraham
Leasure served as an Indian scout and ranger during
the period of Indian disturbances in this western
country, and had a fort on his farm which served asANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a refuge for the families of the Upper Sewickley and
to which some of those who escaped at the burning of
Hannastown fled for protection. He was a soldier in
the Revolution and is buried in IJnity Cemetery near
Latrobe, the body having been removed from the old
Leasure burying ground on the Pollins farm when the
old graveyard was abandoned about I889.
David S. Pollins (I812-87), son of William, aforementioned, was born near the farm he later acquired
and is now owned by his grandsons. He is buried in
the family burial plot in the Middle Presbyterian
Church Cemetery near Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
As a boy he learned the blacksmith trade, but quite
early in life took up farming. In I845 he purchased
from his cousin, John Leasure, the old Leasure farm,
where the subject of this sketch makes his home,
which through his maternal line had been first settled
and owned by his great-grandfather, Abraham Leasure,
above mentioned, and here he lived the rest of his life.
At his death in I887 he owned three farms, comprising some of the best farming land in the county, including two of the farms on which the Westmoreland
Homesteads are now located, and all of which land was
underlaid with the Connellsville vein of coal later acquired by the H. C. Frick Coke Company. David S.
Pollins became a man of standing and consequence in
his day and generation. He typified the qualities and
virtues of that sturdy individualist pioneer stock who
wrested a fortune from the soil and attained success
by virtue of sound conservative judgment and by dint
of their toil and industry. He was large of stature
and powerful in physique; many stories survive of his
physical strength and endurance in performance the
labors of the farm and of his relentless activity in
attacking and accomplishing the tasks at hand. This,
coupled with the fact that he was the first of the line
to establish the land in the family name, has made of
him almost a legendary figure to his grandchildren.
He married, in I840, Sarah Pippitt, of Fayette County,
who was of French descent. She lived to be ninety
years old, dying in Greensburg in I9o6. They were
the parents of four children: John William, below;
Jesse K. (I845-I900); Sarah Jane (I847-T905), intermarried with Michael Shoup; Ann Elizabeth (IT8I1933), intermarried with Anthony Ruff.
John W. Pollins, Sr. (I849-I922), son of David S.,
above, and father of the present Calvin E. Pollins, was
born on the "home farm" above referred to, near
Pleasant Unity, on January I6, 1849, and died in
Greensburg, March 23, 1922. He engaged in farming
during his early life, moving to Greensburg in i89o.
There he took an active part in the business, civic, and
religious life of the community and was generally
esteemed for his character and integrity. He was one
of the organizers of the old Westmoreland Trust
Company, which later merged with the Barclay Bank,
and was a director of the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust
Company from the time of its organization until his
death. He was also the founder of "The John WV.
~Pollins Company," a large department store which for
many years operated in Greensburg. However his
chief interest and delight continued to center in his
farm, and particularly in the raising and marketing of
fine draft horses, and in these pursuits he continued
active until his death. For many years he was a
ruling elder and a trustee of the United Presbyterian
Church and took an earnest interest in its affairs. He
was twice married, first to Martha Steel, daughter of
Joseph W. Steel, of Mt. Pleasant Township, by whom
he had three children: Harry, died in infancy; Joseph
S., born in 1874, who resides in Greensburg; and Ida
May (I869-I936) intermarried with Robert L. Jamison. He was married (second) to Agnes Viola Elder,
of whom more below, and of this marriage there were
born four children: John W., born May 27, 900oo, and
the subject of a separate biography in this history;
Elder, died in infancy; Calvin E., the subject of this
biography, and James Renwick, born April 9, I905,
and died January 20, I923, at the age of eighteen.
Agnes Viola (Elder) Pollins, Mr. Pollins' mother,
also had an interesting family history, identified with
the annals of the county for nearly a hundred and fifty
years. She was the daughter of John M. and Margaret Erskine (Brown) Elder, of Derry Township,
having been born on the old Elder farm near New
Alexandria April Io, I866. She died in Greensburg
June I9, I934. John M. Elder (I832-I907), Mr. Pollins' maternal grandfather, while a farmer appears to
have been one rather from force of circumstances than
by choice and inclination. He was a man of considerable culture and refinement, well read and of lively
intellect. Although he was successful in his farming
operations and continued in that pursuit all his days,
yet his chief interests in life were with the things of
the mind and the spirit. For many years he was a
bulwark of the Covenantor Church at New Alexandria, and was personally acquainted with a great
many ministers of this denomination (Reformed Presbyterian). Two of his brothers were ministers and
other collateral relatives with whom he kept in touch
were also in the professions, notably the law and the
ministry.
The Elder family tree extends back to the Covenantors of Scotland. The first of the line in America was
Robert, born in Scotland in I679, who settled in Paxtang Township, in what was then Lancaster County,
near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1720. His grandson, Robert, Mr. Pollins' great-great-grandfather, was
266ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a soldier in the Revolution. In I8oo00 the Elders, with
the McConnell and Whiteside families, with whom
they were intermarried, and who are lineal ancestors
of Mr. Pollins, crossed the mountains by covered
wagon, settling on land in Derry Township, which they
acquired by patent from the Commonwealth and some
of which is still in the Elder family. In I938 J. Calvin
Elder, son of John M. Elder above, prepared and had
privately printed a complete history of the Elder family. This history at length exhaustively traces the
ancestory and the generations of the family, and embalms for this and succeeding generations a complete
record along with many personalities, reminiscences
and lore gleaned from tradition and research and is
much prized by the family.
Calvin Elder Pollins attended the public schools of
Greensburg, graduating from high school in I92I.
He spent one year at Geneva College, Beaver Falls,
Pennsylvania, and transferring to the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor received his degree of Bachelor of Arts from that institution in 1926. Selecting
the law as his profession, Mr. Pollins continued his
studies at the University of Michigan Law School, completing his law course with one year's study at West
Virginia University, where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Laws. Returning home to Greensburg he
was admitted to the bar in February, 1929, and to
practice before the Supreme and Superior courts of
Pennsylvania and the United States District Court at
Pittsburgh. On May 27, 1929, Mr. Pollins opened an
office for the general practice of law in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where he has devoted most of his time in
practicing law  ever since.  Soon after opening this
office he and his brother, John WV. Pollins, formed the
present firm of Pollins  Pollins, maintaining offices
in the Huff Building, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and in
the Bossart Building, Latrobe, Pennsylvania.  Mr.
Pollins is a member of the Greensburg congregation
of the United Presbyterian Church, where he regularly
worships and attends services.  He belongs to the
Kiwanis Club of Latrobe, having been secretary of
this organization since 1934. In politics Mr. Pollins
is a Republican. Aside from his profession and in his
leisure time Mr. Pollins' chief interests are books and
literature, winter sports, and the family farm, of which
he and his brother have always been particularly fond.
On June 8, 1935, Mr. Pollins married Frances Jane
Denney, born at Coal Center, Washington County, but
a resident of Greensburg since she was four years of
age. She is the daughter of George Covert and Ruth
Lilley (Crowthers) Denney, the former a native of
Fayette County, and the latter of her daughter's birthplace. Her father, who resides in Greensburg, is a
traveling sales representative for the Garlock Packing
Company of Palmyra, New York. He is the son of
Ross and Elizabeth Frances Covert Denney, both deceased. His wife was the daughter of Joseph Benjamin and Emma Jane (Lilley) Crowthers, the former
a coal operator. Through her paternal grandmother,
Elizabeth Frances Covert, Mrs. Pollins is descended
from two Revolutionary War soldiers, Martin Reiley
and Gabriel Abrams. Martin Reiley served as a private in Captain Samuel Davidson's Company, Colonel
Smith's Battalion, Bedford County. Gabriel Abrams
enlisted in Captain Kilgore's Company, 8th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Army in I776 for
three years. He was discharged in I779. He served
as a lieutenant in the Revolutionary War.
Through her maternal grandmother, Emma Jane
Lilley, Mrs. Pollins is descended from Joseph Buffington, who acted in the capacity of private in the Chester
County Militia during the Revolutionary War.
The name of Joseph Buffington appears on the following rolls of the State of Pennsylvania in Chester
County: I. List of names of Kennett Company of
Militia, Captain John Craige of Colonel John Hannum's Battalion--Sixth Class-Joseph Buffington. 2.
Chester County Militia, I78--3d Battalion, Chester
County-Militia commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
John Hannums-Sixth County Kennett, Captain John
Craige-Private Joseph Buffington. 3. Second Company, East Bradford-Captain  John  Underwood,
Eighth Class, Colonel John Hannum's Battalion, Chester County Militia-Thomas Cheney, Sub. Lieutenant,
2nd Company, East Bradford-Joseph Buffington.
John Buffington, the father of Joseph Buffington,
was the first postmaster of Philadelphia, holding his
office until the Revolution, when he came to the western part of the State, patenting land in what is now
Washington County.
Mrs. Pollins was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Seton Hill College in 1932, and in I934
received a Master of Science degree from  the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of the Seton
Hill Alumnae Association, and the General Alumni
Association of the University of Pittsburgh, also holding membership in the Junior Auxiliary of the Westmoreland Hospital, and worships at the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Pollins are the parents of one daughter, Jane Denney, born July I7, I937.
BENJAMIN WARFIELD KERR-President
of the Railway and Industrial Engineering Company,
Benjamin Warfield Kerr is also the head of several
other business and commercial enterprises.
Mr. Kerr was born in Oconto, Wisconsin, on December 2I, i886, a son of Rev. John H. and Margaretta
(Campbell) Kerr. Rev. Dr. Kerr was a Presbyterian
267ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
clergyman and held many pastorates. He was born
in Monongahela City, April II, I858, and died in Syracuse, New York, in May of I936, being a resident of
Berkeley, California, at the time. During the World
War he served as a chaplain in camps of the United
States Army. He was a son of Rev. John and Ann
Bakewell (Campbell) Kerr. Both were natives of
Pennsylvania. Rev. John H. Kerr was a Presbyterian
minister and served in the Pittsburgh district. Margaretta (Campbell) Kerr was a daughter of the late
Colonel David Campbell, an insurance man in Pittsburgh. He was the colonel of the Dusquesne Grays of
Pittsburgh.
Benjamin Warfield Kerr attended the public high
schools of San Rafael, California, preparing for college. Then, he came East to Princeton University.
He graduated in I9O6 with the degree of Bachelor of
Science, and a second degree in Electrical Engineering in I9o8. The next two years Mr. Kerr spent as
an apprentice in the East Pittsburgh plant of the
Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Company. Then
for another two years he was assistant electrical engineer with the Pittsburgh Electric Railways Company.
In I9IO he organized in Pittsburgh the present Railway and Industrial Engineering Company. At first
assistant manager, when the plant was moved to
Greensburg in I9I4, he was promoted and in I918 he
became president, an office he holds at present. The
company manufactures high voltage electric switching
equipment, shipping their goods everywhere in the
United States and also exporting a large amount.
During the World War Mr. Kerr's company manufactured munitions and the organization has been
awarded recognition for distinguished service by the
United States War Department. Among Mr. Kerr's
other business interests are: the presidency of the
Electric Development Machine Company of Greensburg, the presidency of the Kirk Interlock Company,
and a directorship in the First Federal Savings and
Loan Association of Pittsburgh. Mfr. Kerr is a member of the Republican party, the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg, the Greensburg Country Club,
the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, the Bankers Club
of New York City, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers' Association and the Key and Seal Club of
Princeton. He is devoted to hunting and fishing.
On July 23, I9I2, he married Ann Cotter Biggert, a
daughter of the late James C. and Matilda (Woods)
Biggert of Crafton. Mrs. Kerr was educated at Miss
Roney's School in Philadelphia and is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. Mr. and
Mrs. Kerr have a son: James B., born March 20,
I1I5; he is now a senior at Princeton University.
WALTER  CARSON-Prothonotary of Washington County, Walter Carson, of Washington, has
had a long career as a public servant, serving as a
member of the Pennsylvania Legislature and Jury
Commissioner of Washington County, as well as being
an independent farmer for many years.
Walter Carson was born in Fallowfield Township,
Washington County, May 4, I879, son of Alexander
Scott and Annette  (Hannen) Carson.  Alexander
Scott Carson, born in Fallowfield Township, May Io,
I838, was, until his death, January 5, I92I, a prominent farmer and stock fancier, being noted for his
sheep and his short-horn cattle, and also, as a Democrat, active in his township's affairs, serving as a
school director for years. His wife, Annette (Hannen) Carson, was a native of Pike Run Township.
Walter Carson, after passing through the schools
of Fallowfield Township, worked on his father's farm
until 1902, when he purchased a one hundred and
ninety acre farm for himself in Somerset Township,
where, until 1920, he conducted a general program of
farming in addition to stock raising. In I920, Walter
Carson moved to Charleroi, where, for a year, he was
associated with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company,
leaving that employment to spend another year with
the Acme Coal Company at Bentleyville. Following
this, Walter Carson followed the trade of a carpenter
for nearly ten years. During this time he served two
terms as a jury commissioner for Washington County,
from 1922 through I930. After being defeated for
office as Director of the Poor of the county, WValter
Carson, in I932, was elected for a two-year term to
the Pennsylvania Legislature, being reelected in 1934
for another two-year term. And then, in the fall of
I935, he became a candidate for the office of Washington County Prothonotary and, winning the election to
the four-year term, took office January I, I936. In
addition to his political activities, Walter Carson's
business interests include a directorate of the Maple
Creek Cemetery Company and a directorate in the
Malta Building Association at Charleroi. A member
of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, Mr.
Carson also belongs to the Young Men's Christian
Association, the Knights of Malta, the Young Men's
Democratic Organization and the Central Democratic
Club of Harrisburg.
Walter Carson has been twice married. In October,
I9oi, he married, at Munhall, Nora W. Carson, daughter of John A. and Elizabeth (Williams) Carson.
She was born in Fallowfield Township, and died in
February, 1922. In North Strabane Township, Washington County, July I4, 1924, Mr. Carson married
(second) A. Grace Washabaugh, a native of North
Strabane Township, daughter of Franklin and Sarah
268ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
269
(Snee) Washabaugh. By his first marriage, Mr. Carson was the father of two children: I. Pearl Annette,
born May 28, I903. 2. Kerfoot W., born October I,
I907, and died August I6, I920.
EDGAR BOYLE MURDOCH-The third generation of his family to be lawyers in Washington
County, Edgar Boyle Murdoch has maintained a large
general practice for nearly forty years, always in
Washington.
Edgar Boyle Murdoch was born in Washington,
November 28, I874, son of John H. and Martie
(Boyle) Murdoch. John H. Murdoch, a native of
Washington, was an active Republican and devoted
his life to the practice of the law in Washington, as
did his father, Alexander Murdoch, who, in addition
to being an attorney, was United States Marshal.
Alexander Murdoch was a grandson of John Murdoch, of Scotland, who settled in Washington County,
in 1770, having removed from Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
where he had previously lived. Martie (Boyle) Murdoch, wife of John H. Murdoch, was a native of
Uniontown.
Edgar Boyle Murdoch attended the public schools
of Washington and then studied at Washington and
Jefferson College, receiving his degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I896. Then, determining to devote himself to
the legal profession, Mr. Murdoch entered his father's
office in Washington, and read law until he was admitted to the Washington County bar in December,
I899. From that time on, Mr. Murdoch has developed
his practice, being admitted to the Supreme Court bar
in October, 1902, and to the Superior Court bar in
April, I903. Until his father, John H. Murdoch, died
on July 5, I925, Edgar Boyle Murdoch practiced jointly
with him, also having his brother, John H. Murdoch,
Jr., as a third partner for five years. Since I925, however, Edgar Boyle Murdoch has maintained his practice alone. A Republican, like all the men of his
family since the Republican party came into existence,
Mr. Murdoch is also a member of the First United
Presbyterian Church of Washington and is an active
member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the
Washington County Bar Association, having served
the latter organization as president in 193I and secretary from January 12, I907, to January I3, 1930, and
again in I932.
Edgar Boyle Murdoch married, November i8, 9goI,
in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Helen M. Templeton, born in
Oskaloosa, May 21, I876, and daughter of Joseph
Templeton, a native of Washington. Mr. and Mrs.
Murdoch have one son, Alexander, born September i,
1905, a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, Bachelor of Arts, and now operating a laundry
at Washington.
WILLIAM THOMPSON DRIEHORST-After
many years in the bakery business, William Thompson Driehorst was elected treasurer of the city of
Washington, Pennsylvania, in I927, and through two
subsequent reelections, he has held this office to the
present day. He was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, December 20, I890o, the son of Charles F. and
Elizabeth (Luellan) Driehorst, Jr. Charles F. Driehorst, Jr., also a native of Washington, was employed
as a railroad man for a number of years, and later
was in the bakery business. He was a Republican in
his political faith.
William Thompson Driehorst was educated in the
Washington schools, and after being graduated from
high school went into the bakery business with his
mother. In July, I917, upon his mother's death, he
assumed complete charge of the business, continuing
until April, I918, when he enlisted for war service.
He was a member of the American Expeditionary
Forces, attached to the 355th Bakery Outfit, 2d
Marine Corps, and served until his discharge, June 27,
I9I9. He returned to the bakery business, and continued until January I, I928, when he took up his
present duties, having been elected in 1927 to a fouryear term  as city treasurer.  He was reelected in
193I and I935 and is now beginning his eleventh year
of faithful service to the community.
He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church,
and an active member of the Republican party. Previous to his present post he held the position of Borough Councilman in 1922 and 1923, and was a member
of the City Council in 1924 and 1925. He is a wellknown figure in civic and fraternal life, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is affiliated with
the Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the
Masonic Order he is a Past Commander of the Knights
Templar, a member of Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, and member of Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of
Pittsburgh. He is also a member of the American
Legion and the "Forty and Eight" Society.
He was married in Washington, August 20, 1924, to
Mary Ellen Gracey, daughter of Alexander W. and
Mary Louise Gracey. Mr. and Mrs. Driehorst are the
parents of two children: I. Betty Lou, born July I,
I930. 2. Mary Gracey, born June 22, 1933.
MICHAEL J. POWELL-Since  1025, Michael
J. Powell, of Washington, Pennsylvania, has been
engaged in various phases of police work, and for the
past two years has been the chief of the county detectives of Washington County. He was born at Beaver
Falls, August I8, 1904, the son of Wesley and Marie
(Poole) Powell. Wesley Powell. a native of Wales.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was for many years prior to his death, in 1929, assistant superintendent of the Jones and Laughlin Steel
Corporation at Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. He was a
supporter of the Democratic party, and was a member
of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. His wife was a native of
Youngstown, Ohio.
Michael J. Powell received his grammar school education in the public schools of Beaver Falls, and after
graduating from Woodlawn High School, worked for
a year as a clerk in a Woodlawn, Pennsylvania, store.
In 1925 he became a member of the Beaver Falls police
department, but later in the same year joined the
State Police, and as a senior private was stationed at
Greensburg, covering parts of Western Pennsylvania,
including Somerset and Ebensburg. He retained this
position until 1934, when he was appointed Chief of
Police of the Borough of Burgettstown. He held this
office until January 6, I936, when he assumed his
present duties.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a loyal
supporter of the Democratic party. He is affiliated
with the Loyal Order of Moose, and is a member of
the Washington Lions Club.
Mr. Powell was married at McKeesport, March 4,
I933, to La Verne Long, a native of McKeesport, born
January 9, I9II, the daughter of George B. and Emma
(Mertz) Long. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are the parents of a daughter, Nadeen Ann, born at McKeesport,
December 3, I934.
JOHN CHARLES JUDSON-One of the leading attorneys of Washington County, in pIactice for
the past quarter of a century, John Charles Judson, of
Washington, is the third member of his family in as
many generations to devote himself not only to the
general and independent practice of the legal profession, but also to the promotion of the advancement of
his community and the welfare of county, State and
nation.
John Charles Judson was born in Washington,
January 14, I889, son of J. Carter and Margaretta
Wood (Petticord) Judson. J. Carter Judson was
born in Washington, May 22, 1851, son of James
Lawrence and Julia M. (Jackson) Judson. James
Lawrence Judson, who was born in Washington, June
24, 1826, died in the same city June I2, 1904, a very
successful lawyer and a man of unusual attainments
who devoted himself to the public service, being a
Burgess of Washington for years. His wife, Julia M.
(Jackson) Judson, born August I8, I829, in Waynesburg, Greene County, died in Washington, April 27,
1904. James Lawrence Judson was a son of Robert
Judson, a native of England, who came to Washington
prior to 1822. His wife. Eleanor (Dagg) Judson,
was a native of South Strabane Township, Washington County. Equipped with talent and strength from
this ancestry, J. Carter Judson was destined to follow
his father in the law, entering his office in Washington after graduating from the Washington HIigh
School in I870. Admitted to the bar on January I,
I877, he practiced for a time in partnership with his
father, only to leave the profession for a time altogether to enter the feed and grain business in association with Sam HIughes. However, at the end of two
years, J. Carter Judson returned to the law to remain
within its precincts all the rest of his life. I,ike his
father, James Lawrence Judson, J. Carter Judson
shortly began to take an active interest in civic concerns as soon as his legal practice was firmly established. A Democrat, he devoted considerable time and
energy to the affairs of the Washington County Committee, of which he was chairman. During I88I and
I882, he was Burgess of Washington and subsequently
he held many other offices, including a place on the
East Washington Council, a seat on the Board of
School Directors of Washington and, lastly, a term in
the Pennsylvania Senate, where he served from I91o
through I9I4, being instrumental in obtaining the
passage of much constructive legislation. J. Carter
Judson, on July 22, i886, married Margaretta W.
Petticord, daughter of John and Sarah (Wood) Petticord. John Petticord, a native of Baltimore, was a
stationary engineer and an active member of the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Judson were the parents of two sons: I. John Charles, of further mention.
2. Frank H., born June 22, 1892, now associated with
the Washington Hospital.  After graduating from
Washington and Jefferson College in 1913, with the
degree of Bachelor of Science, he studied medicine
and, after teaching for a time, enlisted in the United
States Medical Corps on May 17, I917, and was sent
abroad for duty as a bacteriologist at Contrex6ville,
France. He married Emily Carson, of Washington.
J ohn Charles Judson, after passing through the
public schools of Washington and graduating from
high school in I907, attended Washington and Jefferson College. He graduated in 19II with the degree
of Bachelor of Science, and then studied law at the
Law School of the University of Pittsburgh. He read
law for a time in his father's office and was duly admitted to the Washington County bar, March 5, 1913.
Associating himself with his father, the firm name becoming Judson and Judson, he enjoyed a rapid growth
of clients in general practice. The association ccntinued until his father's death, July 4, I93I; since
that time, Mr. Judson has continued independently.
During the World War, Mr. Judson, who had been
270ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTLRN PENNSYLVANIA
a member of the Pennsylvania Reserve Militia, enlisted
in July, I918, in the Ist Replacement Regiment, United
States Army Engineer Corps. He was detailed as an
instructor in the Engineers Officers' Training Camp
at Fort Humphreys, Virginia, where he was discharged with the rank of a sergeant on December I2,
1918. A Republican, Mr. Judson has continued the
family tradition of interest in and support of civic
projects.  In addition to his legal work, he is a
director of the McDonald Savings and Trust Company. His progress in the legal profession is epitomized by his increasing practice in courts other than
the local session; he was admitted to the Supreme
Court of Pennsylvania, November 3, I915; to the
Superior Court of Pennsylvania, May 9, 1921; to the
United States District Court, January 9, 1928; and
to the United States Supreme Court, November To,
1932.  He is a charter member of Post No. I75,
American Legion, and a member of Lodge No. I64,
Free and Accepted Masons, and of the Pittsburgh
Consistory of the Scottish Rite. In addition, he is a
member of the Washington County Bar Association,
Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Washington
Kiwanis Club. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington.
John Charles Judson married, in Washington, October 30, 1913, Bessie M. Sturgis, born in Waynesburg,
April 6, 1892, daughter of John and Jennie (Hook)
Sturgis. John Sturgis was born in Amwell Township,
Washington County; his wife was born in Greene
County. Mr. and Mrs. Judson are the parents of a
daughter: Mary Elizabeth, born in Washington, August 22, I920.
GEORGE WASHINGTON HATFIELD, M. D.
-During the course of an active career which covers
half a century, Dr. George ~Washington Hatfield has
devoted himself without interruption to the practice of
medicine at Mount Morris. He is well known professionally in this section of the State and has been an
active figure in many civic movements of Mount
Morris and Greene County.
Dr. Hatfield was born in this community on March
2, 1865, a son of Dr. Jacob Hatfield and Carolyn
(Morris) Hatfield. His father was also a physician
and surgeon at Mount Morris for many years and a
member of the School Board here over a long period.
George W. Hatfield attended Mount Morris public
schools, completed his preparations for college under
private tutors and subsequently entered the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied for his profession.
He was graduated from this institution in 1887 with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine and at once returned
to Mount Morris to enter practice with his father. This
association continued until the death of the elder physician. Since that time, Dr. Hatfield has practiced
alone. He long ago established his reputation in his
profession and has ministered to the people of his
community with fidelity and success. In addition to
the duties of his private practice, Dr. Hatfield has also
served as United States examining surgeon for Greene
County and examining physician for Mount Morris
Lodge, Knights of the Maccabees. Outside the scope
of his profession, he is a director of the Farmers and
Merchants National Bank. He has been much interested in civic affairs and the general progress of his
community and has always met the obligations of good
citizenship as the opportunity for community service
has arisen. For a period of years he has been a member of the Mount Morris Board of School Directors,
bringing to its councils the enlightened viewpoint and
devotion which have otherwise distinguished him. Dr.
Hatfield is the proud possessor of a certificate presented to him in 1937, which reads as follows:
The IIth Councilor District of The Medical Profession of the State of Pennsylvania.
Presents this testimonial to GEORGE WASHINGTON
HATFIELD in recognition of Fifty Years of medical
service faithfully performed to his community in the
traditional ideals of the Medical Profession....
Dr. Hatfield is a Republican in politics and in past
years was a candidate of his party for the Pennsylvania Assembly.  He is affiliated fraternally with
Waynesburg Lodge, No. 153, Free and Accepted M/1asons; Mount Morris Lodge, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows; and Mount Morris Lodge, Knights of
the Maccabees. He is a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount Morris, in which he
has filled every lay office and of which he is now a
trustee. He has given generously both of his time and
means to the causes which have interested him and
has been especially active in the temperance and prohibition movements and furthering the general acceptance of Christian morals in daily life.
On September I4, I893, at Point Marion, Fayette
County, Dr. Hatfield married,-Elizabeth Conn, daughter of John Irvin and Frances S. Conn. They are the
parents of one daughter, Madalon Frances, born October 3, I898, married Walter C. Rhodes, who served
as a captain with the American Expeditionary Forces
in France during the World War, participating in all
major engagements of the American armies. Mr. and
Mrs. Rhodes are the parents of a son, George Hatfield
Rhodes, born November I, 1933; they reside at Clarksburg, West Virginia.
27IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ISRAEL CASTLE BLOOM-One of the
younger members of the bar of Washington, Israel
Castle Bloom has for a number of years carried forward a practice of law in this Pennsylvania community, performing a work of value and distinction
and earning the respect of his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Bloom was born September 2, I897, at Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, son of Charles and Tillie (Caplan) Bloom. Charles Bloom, the father, was a native
of Lithuania, and Tillie (Caplan) Bloom, of Poland.
They were married in Steubenville, Ohio, on January
I6, I895, and have for years been numbered among
the prominent and highly esteemed residents of Burgettstown. On the maternal side of the house, Israel
C. Bloom's grandfather was Israel Caplan, a native
Pole. Charles Bloom made the voyage to the United
States in the company of his mother and brother,
Louis Bloom; but three sons-Reuben, Benjamin and
Samuel Bloom-had already preceded them to the
United States. Benjamin and Samuel Bloom, two of
the brothers, were then engaged in the merchandising
business in New Cumberland, West Virginia, and
Reuben Bloom was a cigarmaker in Steubenville,
Ohio. They were afterward joined by a younger
brother, Joseph, now deceased, who was a retail
grocer in Pittsburgh. ILater, Benjamin engaged in
the retail merchandise business in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he still resides, retired from active business pursuits, and Reuben is living in Steubenville,
Ohio, where Samuel, now deceased, was a merchant.
Reuben, now retired from his active endeavors, was
for years engaged in the scrap-iron business. Charles
Bloom went into merchandising in Burgettstown over
forty years ago in association with his brother, Louis
Bloom, the partnership continuing until I9IO under
the firm name of C. Bloom and Brother. Charles
Bloom conducted the business under his own name
until July, I936, and was the owner of the finest department store in the town. His establishment was
operated along thoroughly progressive lines, and his
name was synonymous with business enterprise and
probity in Burgettstown. He was a member of Beth
Medrish Hogodel congregation, in Pittsburgh, and
in his political views was a staunch Republican.
He was a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason,
belonging to the New Castle Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He was also a member of
Richard Vaux Lodge, No. 454, Free and Accepted
Masons, at Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, a charter
member of the Knights of Pythias at the same town,
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Order of
Maccabees at Pittsburgh, and a member of the Congregation of Beth Israel Temple at Washington, Pennsylvania. He passed away December 15, I936. Louis
Bloom was a prominent merchant of Canton, Ohio,
and is now in business at Arnold, Pennsylvania.
The schools of Burgettstown, his birthplace, provided the early education of Israel C. Bloom, who
was graduated from high school in I916. He then
became a student at the University of Pittsburgh,
which awarded him in 1920 the degree of Bachelor
of Arts and in 1922 that of Bachelor of Laws. He
was admitted to the practice of law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on November 9, 1922,
and at once formed a partnership with his brother,
George Isaac Bloom, of mention elsewhere in this
volume under separate heading.  The brothers are
well-versed in the law, and their careful preparation
of cases and devotion to the interests of their clients
have brought them a growing practice. A strong bond
of affection exists between them. Incidentally, they
were born on the same date, one year apart, and
attended the same schools, being classmates until the
completion of their formal education.  They were
also admitted to the bar on the same date. Their
activities throughout life have been directed along
parallel lines, and the history of the one is practically
identified with that of the other.
Israel C. Bloom served during the World War in
the Naval Reserve, receiving his training in the Officers' Training Camp at the University of Pittsburgh.
There he joined the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, and
during his first year at the university he played on
the freshman baseball team. He is a lover of outdoor
sports and recreations, and his physique testifies to
the fact. He regularly attends services at Beth Israel
Temple, in Washington, and casts his ballots for the
candidates of the Republican party. He is a member
of the Burgettstown lodges of the Knights of Pythias
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his
professional affiliations are with the Washington
County Bar Association and Pennsylvania State Bar
Association. He is also a member of Richard Vaux
Lodge, No. 454, of the Free and Accepted Masons,
at Burgettstown, and of the Consistory -of the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, at New Castle, Pennsylvania.
He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Nemacolin
Country Club, Washington County Motor Club, Young
Men's Christian Association at Washington, Pennsylvania, and the Young Men's Hebrew Association at
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the
Edwin Scott Linton Post, No. I75, of the American
Legion.
Mr. Bloom's studious nature, as well as his capacity
for hard work, causes him to utilize every opportunity
to perfect himself in his chosen calling
272ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
GEORGE ISAAC BLOOM-Among Washington's most successful young lawyers, George Isaac
Bloom holds a prominent place. His contribution to
the life of this community and of the State of Pennsylvania has been a highly significant one, rich in its
beneficial results, and he well merits the position of
distinction that is his.
Mr. Bloom was born September 2, I898, at Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, son of Charles and Tillie (Caplan) Bloom. His father, a native Lithuanian, came
to the United States early in life, accompanied by his
brother, Louis Bloom, and his mother, this family
group following in the footsteps of three of his brothers-Reuben, Benjamin and Samuel-who had already
come to the United States. Benjamin and Samuel
Bloom were engaged in merchandising activities in
New Cumberland, West Virginia, and Reuben was a
cigarmaker in Steubenville, Ohio. A younger brother,
Joseph, now deceased, made the voyage to the New
World at a later period, and became a retail grocer in
Pittsburgh. Benjamin was the proprietor of a store
in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where he now lives retired.
Samuel, formerly a merchant at Steubenville, is deceased. Reuben was a scrap-iron dealer at Steubenville, where he now resides, retired from active business. On January I6, I895, in Steubenville, Ohio,
Charles Bloom married Tillie Caplan, a native of
Poland, and a daughter of Israel Caplan, also of
Polish ancestry. Charles Bloom was engaged in merchandising efforts in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, for
over forty years, carrying on his work in partnership
with his brother, Louis, under the firm style of C.
Bloom and Brother, but after I9Io was sole proprietor of the Bloom Department Store, of Burgettstown. He was one of the town's pioneer merchants,
and contributed a great deal to the commercial development and prosperity of that locality, in which he
had long occupied a position of leadership. He passed
away December 15, I936.
His son, George Isaac Bloom, studied iii the public
schools of his birthplace, Burgettstown, completing
his high school course in I916. He was active in athletics, being captain of the baseball and football teams,
and attending the University of Pittsburgh, he was
graduated from that institution of learning in I920
with the Bachelor of Arts degree, then became a
law student at the same university, taking his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1922. On November 9 of that
year he was admitted to practice before the Supreme
Court of Pennsylvania, and began his professional
work in association with his brother, Israel Castle
Bloom, of record elsewhere in this volume under separate heading. Since that time he has been a member
of the firm of Bloom and Bloom, and his firm has
been retained as counsel in a number of important
cases. Its members are astute young lawyers, thoroughly familiar with the fundamental principles of
jurisprudence and well qualified to cope with the intricacies of the law.
During the World War, George I. Bloom  was a
member of the United States Naval Reserve, and was
trained at the Officers' Training Camp at the University of Pittsburgh. While at the university, he played
on the baseball team and won his'varsity letters
(1920-21-22).  He was a member of the football
squad in I917 and I918, and also was a member of the
Pi Lambda Phi fraternity. He enjoys athletic sports
intensely, and is well endowed both physically and
mentally. He is a resident of Burgettstown, though
his offices are in Washington, on the second floor of
the Washington Trust Building. He attends services
at Beth Israel Temple, in Washington. He was president of the Burgettstown Chamber of Commerce and
was second vice-president of the Associated Chambers
of Commerce of Washington County, and has performed a great deal of valuable public service in these
connections.
Deeply interested in fraternalism, he belongs to the
Burgettstown lodges of the Knights of Pythias, and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Fraternal Order
of Eagles; Loyal Order of Moose; and in the Free
and Accepted Masons is affiliated with Richard Vaux
Lodge, No. 454, of Burgettstown, and the Consistory
of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite at New Castle. He
is a member of the Washington County Bar Association, the John Schaffer Law Club of the University
of Pittsburgh and other professional groups, and
zealously devotes his energies to his chosen work, in
which he has found a labor well suited to his talents.
He is a member of the Edwin Scott Linton Post,
No. 175, American Legion, and the "Forty and Eight,"
La Societe des 40, Hormmes et 8 Chevaux. In I937
he served as Vice-Chairman of the Constitutional Defense Committee of the American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania. He also served the same year
as a member of the Legal Aid Committee, District No.
25, of the Department of Pennsylvania.
For the past ten years he has been secretary of the
Republican County Committee. He is at this writing
(1938) the Republican nominee for the State Senate
of the Forty-sixth Senatorial District, consisting of
Washington and Greene counties.
HENRY HARDING HOOD-Secretary and
treasurer and director of the Washington County Fire
Insurance Company, Henry Harding Hood, of WVashington, is also a partner with his brother, Louis Val
273ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Hood, in the general insurance firm of Henry G.
Hood and Sons, of Washington.
Henry Harding Hood was born September 2, I902,
in Washington, son of Henry G. and Annie Moyne
(Harding) Hood. Henry G. Hood, born August i9,
I866, started himself in the insurance business in
I888 at the age of twenty-one, in association with
Major Andrew G. Happer, and continued in the business, later in association with his sons, until the time
of his death, being also secretary and treasurer of the
Washington County Fire Insurance Company from
I914 to I936.  His wife, like himself, a native of
Washington County, was born March 26, T864, and
died December 30, I937.
Henry Harding Hood, after passing through the
public schools and graduating from Washington High
School in I920, attended Washington and Jefferson
College, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Science
in 1924. Until 1927, Mr. Hood remained at Washington and Jefferson College as graduate manager of
athletics, but that year he returned to Washington to
become associated with his father's insurance business. Remaining an associate until March 25, I936,
when his father died, Henry Harding Hood formed
a partnership with his brother, Louis Val Hood, to
continue the family agency business under the name
of Henry G. Hood and Sons. A member of the University Club of Pittsburgh and the Nemacolin Country Club, Henry Harding Hood also belongs to the
First Presbyterian Church of Washington.
Henry Harding Hood married, September 14, 1932,
in New York City, Dorothea H. Blume, born in
Hackensack, New Jersey, June 21I, 19o6, daughter of
Paul and Juliet (Esterly) Blume. Mr. and Mrs.
Hood are the parents of two children: I. Paul Blume,
born in Washington, July 3, I933. 2. Nancy Le
Moyne, born in Washington, April 30, 1937.
CLARK A. SHRONTZ-Operating a dairy
farm and dairy business for some thirty years, Clark
A. Shrontz, of Washington, has also given nearly
twenty years of service to the city of Washington as
inspector and sixteen years as City Commissioner.
Clark A. Shrontz was born in Claysville, October
22, i88i, son of J. F. and Nancy E. (Griffith) Shrontz.
J. F. Shrontz, born in Amwell Township, Washington County, was both a farmer and a merchant in
Claysville for twenty years and, as a member of the
Republican party served his community as -a school
director. His wife was born in East Finley Township, Washington County.
Passing through the public schools of Washington,
Clark A. Shrontz graduated from the Union High
School and went on to Washington and Jefferson
College. His first business activity was as an inspector
in the Washington Engineering Department, a position which he held for four years, I904-o8. Then, in
partnership with his brother, John F. Shrontz, Clark
A. Shrontz established the dairy business which was
known as J. F. and C. A. Shrontz Company until
J9I9, when, upon the death of his brother, Clark A.
Shrontz took the business over under the name of
C. A. Shrontz Company and continued it through the
present time. It is a live concern, which, based upon
a dairy farm of one hundred and sixty acres and employing four men, supplies a large section of Washington and vicinity with milk and other dairy products.
An active Republican, Mr. Shrontz has served for
years as director of streets and public improvements,
being elected City Commissioner of Washington in
1925 and continuing in office ever since. A member
of the First Christian Church, Mr. Shrontz belongs
to the Washington Rotary Club and the Washington
Chamber of Commerce, as well as the local lodge of
Moose.
Clark A. Shrontz married, June 12, 1928, in Washington, Cornelia A. Wise, a native of Washington.
"CARROLLTOWN NEWS"-It would be
impossible to review the history of the "Carrolltown
News" without mention of George Edward Hipps,
who for nearly thirty-five years devoted his energies
into developing the publication as one of the finest of
its type in Cambria County. His honesty, his sincerity
of purpose, his courage, gained him the deep esteem
and respect of his fellow-citizens. The same characteristics were evidenced in his paper which commanded
the attention of a large reading public and under his
leadership grew to become one of the most influential
agencies of public information in Cambria County.
Today the policies that were practiced with such faith
by Mr. Hipps are being perpetuated by his son, George
R. Hipps, who was trained under the expert direction
of his father and fully appreciates the aims and ideals
he stood for.
The elder Mr. Hipps was more than an editor and
publisher to the community of Carrolltown, where he
made his home for so many years; he was a leader,
both in civic and business affairs. Born in Chest Township, March 20, I869, the son of Joseph and Mary
(Kibler) Hipps, he began his career as a school
teacher and was so engaged in I902, when he came to
Carrolltown and purchased the "News," a paper which
was established here in I879. It could hardly be said
that the business was affluent at the time, but that did
not discourage Mr. Hipps who, in the three and a half
decades that followed, not only built up a paper of
prestige but also developed a highly lucrative commer274ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
cial printing plant which is ranked as one of the most
modern and efficient of its type in Western Pennsylvania. It is natural that a man of such capabilities
should be sought for advice and leadership. Consequently it is not surprising to learn that Mr. Hipps
headed the First National Bank of Carrolltown as
president for a number of years, was also president of
the local School Board and during the administration
of President Wilson occupied the office of postmaster
here. He was one of the most influential figures in
the county Democratic organization and at one time
was nominee for register of wills. He was prominent
socially and belonged to several fraternal orders,
among them the Ebensburg Council of the Knights of
Columbus, in which he was a charter member and
held a fourth degree.
In I898 Mr. Hipps married (first) Mary Sharbaugh,
who passed away in I913. There were five children
by this marriage: I. George R., born July 6, I9oo00,
educated in public schools and in newspaper work
throughout his career. He is now editor of the "Carrolltown News."  During the World War he enlisted
in the United States Army and served with the infantry. He is a member and former commander of the
local post of the American Legion and member and
Past Chef de Gare of Johnstown Volunteers "40 et 8."
He is a fourth degree member of Barnesboro Council,
Knights of Columbus. In I933 he married Blanche
I ieb, and they are the parents of one child, G. Edwards,
born September IO, I935. 2. Harry T., born April I,
1902, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and
married to Anne Shelton. 3. John A., born July I6,
1903, now residing in Washington, District of Columbia. 4. Frank J., born November 30, I9IO, married
to Mary G. O'Brien and the father of one child, Gerard.
5. Mary, who is at home. In I917 George Edward
Hipps married (second) Mary McNulty, who survives. By this marriage there was one daughter,
Rose, who is also residing at home.
LEE M. CROWTHERS-President of the First
National Bank of Fredericktown for the past thirty
years and one of the leading business men of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Lee M. Crowthers, of Fredericktown, spent many years of his life as an operator
of coal properties, an interest which he still maintains
in addition to his financial'and mercantile activities.
Lee M. Crowthers was born in Monongahela, Afay
7, 1876, son of Jonas and Ann (Coatsworth) Crowthers, both natives of England. Jonas Crowthers,
who was born June 6, I826, established himself in the
mining district of Pennsylvania about I850, and, having mastered the business in England, became one of
the outstanding operators of the Monongahela Valley;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                              275
fields, particularly in Washington County, where he
was a pioneer operator and developer. Among his
holdings was the Crowthers' Mine in Fayette County,
one of many such substantial properties. At the time
of his death in I9O4, he was probably one of the most
widely known mining men in the State. Although
reared in the Church of England, he became associated
with the Roscoe Methodist Episcopal Church, as
there was at the time no Episcopal Church near his
home. Ann (Coatsworth) Crowthers died at Roscoe
in I884, leaving her son, Lee M. Crowthers, who was
but eight years of age.
Reared at Roscoe, Lee M. Crowthers passed through
the public schools of the river town and then, following a course at the California (Pennsylvania) State
Normal School, attended the Iron City Business College in Pittsburgh. His first employment was as a
bookkeeper in his father's coal mine, the Crowthers'
Mine in Fayette County. Learning the operating business rapidly, in I897, the year in which he reached his
majority, he formed a company with C. Jutte and
Company, leased the Crowthers' Mine and conducted
the property so successfully that he eventually purchased it and operated it until I898, when he sold the
holding to the Monongahela River Consolidated Coal
and Coke Company-the sale being a unit in one of the
largest coal mergers ever consummated in the River
Field. After the merger, Mr. Crowthers became a
superintendent of all the mines in fifth pool area of the
Consolidated Company and held the post until I9OI,
when he resigned to become the superintendent of the
Clyde Coal Company of Fredericktown. In I9o6, five
years later, he became cashier of the First National
Bank of Fredericktown and, in I9II, on the death of
the president of the institution, George L. Hill, Mr.
Crowthers was elected president, a position which he
has held through the present time. Under his management the bank has grown from a small concern
with a capital stock of only twenty-five thousand dollars to a large and flourishing corporation with deposits in excess of a million dollars, with resources of
about a million and a quarter dollars, and with a suirplus in excess of seventy thousand dollars. In addition
to this financial activity, Mr. Crowthers has continued
to interest himself in coal companies, and also to engage in real estate operations as president of the Fredericktown Real Estate Company. A member of the
Republican party, Mr. Crowthers has always been
deeply interested in civic and political life and held
office for six years as township commissioner. A member of many Masonic bodies, including the Royal Arch
Chapter, the Knights Templar, and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
of Pittsburgh, he is also one of the founders and firstANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
vice-president of the Nemacolin Country Club, and
belongs to Christ Episcopal Church at Brownsville.
Lee M. Crowthers married, at Fredericktown, December I6, I896, Mary Hill, daughter of George L.
and Sophia E. (Michener) Hill. George L. Hill, a
veteran of the Civil War, and a descendant of George
Hill, a Revolutionary soldier, was born in East Bethlehem Township, Washington County, a member of one
of the pioneer families of this section. For many years
he was active in mercantile pursuits and was also, for
a time, employed in the United States Internal Revenue
Service. An ardent Republican, Mr. Hill was one of
the leaders of his party in Southwestern Pennsylvania
and served a term as treasurer of Washington County.
His Civil War service was rendered as a member of
the famous Knapp Battery of Pittsburgh. He was a
member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Hill died in
Fredericktown, May 5, I911, being survived by his
wife, a native of Fredericktown, where she resided
until her death in February, I931. Mrs. Crowthers is
a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Nemacolin Country Club and belongs to
the Christ Episcopal Church of Brownsville. Mr. and
Mrs. Crowthers are the parents of two children: I.
Sophia, born December I6, I897. After attending
Penn Hall School at Chambersburg, she married, December 22, 1923, in Christ Church, Brownsville, Mark
McKinley Smith, a civil engineer. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith now make their home in the State of California.
They are the parents of two daughters: Virginia, born
March 23, 1925, and Ann Crowthers Smith, born June
21, I927. 2. George Hill, born November 9, I9oo00.
After passing through the public schools, Culver Military Academy and Eastman's Business College, George
Hill Crowthers joined the staff of the First National
Bank of Fredericktown, where he is now employed as
a clerk. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Chapter,
Sons of the American Revolution. He married Louise
Benn, of Fredericktown, December 21, 1935.
WALTER  S. BOWER, Sr.-With the Bower
family an outstanding group of men and women in
the history of the development of Washington County
during the past century and a half, no member was
more prominent than the late Walter S. Bower, Sr.
He was a building contractor, the proprietor of a
livery business, the owner of fast horses, a hotel
keeper and owner and a public official who held several
offices of trust and responsibility.
Walter S. Bower, Sr., was born in Fredericktown
May 29, 1867, son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Horner) Bower. Benjamin Bower, owner of a large distillery and a carpenter and builder by trade, passed
most of his life in Fredericktown, where he died in
I9o00 in his eighty-fifth year. A staunch Republican,
he was active in civic affairs for many years and held
many offices, including that of justice of the peace. He
was a son of John Bower, a native of Lancaster, who
came to Fredericktown as a boy and spent his life in
the latter municipality as a carpenter and builder;
some of the stone structures he reared as early as I8o3
are still standing and as solid and substantial as the
day they were fabricated. He was one of the first
members of the Bower family to establish himself in
Washington County, but only one of a number of
members of the family who have, since about i8oo,
been among the leaders of civic and mercantile enterprise and development in the section. No name is
more respected in Washington County than that of
Bower. Elizabeth (Horner) Bower, mother of Walter
S. Bower, Sr., died in 1879, when her son was but
twelve years of age. She was born and reared in
Millsboro, a village adjacent to Fredericktown.
Walter S. Bower, Sr., after passing through the
public schools of Fredericktown, went to work with
his father in the latter's building activity and other
interests. From this work, Mr. Bower went into the
livery business for himself and, for many years, operated with great success, being a lover of good horses,
and the owner of a number of fast steppers. Finally,
in 900oo, Mr. Bower turned his attention to the hotel
business and, erecting a fine, modern building on Main
Street, established himself as one of the most popular
hosts in all Southwestern Pennsylvania. His hotel, a
large brick building with twenty-five rooms, became
famous for its home-like atmosphere. Among other
business interests which occupied Mr. Bower was his
directorate in the First National Bank of Fredericktown, the position being the result of his many mercantile and financial concerns. Like all the members
of his family, Mr. Bower was very active in political
life, being a member of the Republican party and held
several public offices, including that of supervisor of
the township of Fredericktown, commissioner of the
township, and president of the township's board of
commissioners.
Walter S. Bower, Sr., married, in I895, Margaret
Stather, a native of Fredericktown, daughter of
George and Charlotte Stather, members of old Washington County families. Mr. and Mrs. Bower were
the parents of two children: I. John, who attended
Waynesburg College. 2. Walter S., Jr.; he attended
the local schools, matriculated at Waynesburg College, from which he was graduated in I930, since
which time he has been associated as teacher and coach
in the Fredericktown schools.
Walter S. Bower, Sr., passed away December Io,
1934, leaving his widow and two sons, and widely
276AMMATT   O Fi  qnTT-tT-TA71'cWr  -kr T  khTXTQTCT AT A -TT,-L...J.1', Jv._ U    1 l1 VV  -
mourned throughout Washington County as a man of
forceful individuality and marked business ability, one
who, well equipped for the duties of life, gained leadership in his community and whose genial personality
and personal probity of character, won him the friendship and esteem of all who knew him.
GAIL WOOD--Proprietor of a general store
and a lumber dealer, Gail Wood, of Brave, Greene
County, has behind him a career as a school teacher,
army officer and engineer.
Gail Wood was born in Rogersville, Greene County,
October 3, I892, son of the late Ezra and Agnes
(Steward) Wood. Ezra Wood, who was a farmer,
was born in Holbrook, Greene County, and died October I8, I895; his wife, Agnes, was born in Rogersville.
After passing through the public schools of Rogersville, Gail Wood, selecting a career as a teacher,
entered Indiana State Normal School; graduating with
the class of I913, and further adding to his education
later by six months at the University of Liverpool,
Liverpool, England. Before Mr. Wood could become
active in his profession as a teacher, his military interests led him to membership in the Pennsylvania National Guard, from which organization he passed into
the United States Army when the World War broke
out. Assigned to Company K, I Ioth Infantry, 28th
Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Mr. Wood
went to France, arriving overseas in May, I9I8. Later
he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned
to the 59th Infantry, 4th Division. During his service
in France, Lieutenant Wood saw much active duty
being engaged in such major engagements as the
Meuse, the Argonne, St. Mihiel, Verdun and Chateau
Thierry. Discharged from the army August I6, I919,
with the rank of second lieutenant and recruited to
Company K, with the rank of captain after the Arnmistice, Mr. Wood returned home and took up his profession as an educator, teaching in Jackson Township,
Greene County, for two years and then teaching in
Wayne Township for another year. However, in 192I,
Mr. Wood abandoned teaching and went to work as
a meter engineer for the Brave Branch of the People's
Gas Company, a position which he held until 1934
when he began his present activity as proprietor of a
general store and as a lumber dealer. Like his father
before him a member of the Democratic party, Mr.
Wood has been active in civic concerns for years, be-:ing a member of the Wayne Township School Board
and, at present, a member of the Greene County Board
of School Directors. Preserving his war-time associations by membership in Waynesburg Post, No. 330,
01I-NJ1  rNr-N YfAN  IL VA NiA                   277
American Legion, Mr. Wood is also a member of the
Masonic Fraternity, belonging to the Waynesburg
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and New Castle
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is
also a member of the Christian Church.
Gail Wood married, in Waynesburg, June 30, I920,
Pauline O. Eddy, born in Brave, Greene County,
March 20, I898, and daughter of Samuel H. and
Emma H. (Wise) Eddy, natives of Brave. Mr. and
Mrs. Wood are the parents of six children: I. Eleanor
Vada, born April 17, I921. 2. Dorothy I.ucille. 3.
Maynard.  4. Louise.  5. Emma Agnes. 6. Robert
Gail.
S. CLARK STEELE, M. D.-One of the leading general practitioners of Greene County, S. Clark
Steele, M. D., has not only practiced in Brave, Greene
County, for the past fifteen years but also practiced in
Wana, West Virginia, for twenty-two years before
coming into Pennsylvania.
S. Clark Steele was born August I4, I877, in Monongalia County, West Virginia, son of Columbus and
Elsie Jane (Park) Steele. Columbus Steele, who
was a farmer, was born in Wetzel County, West Virginia, August I7, I852, and died in 1921; his wife,
Elsie Jane, was born in Miracle Run, West Virginia,
on December 23, I85I.
S. Clark Steele, after passing through the public
schools of Battelle District, West Virginia, spent a
year in medicine at the University of West Virginia
and then attended the Baltimore Medical College, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine with the
class of I902. Passing the West Virginia Board of
Medicine in I9OI, before his graduation from medical
school, Dr. Steele started himself in general practice
in Wana, West Virginia, in 1902, where he remained
until 1924. That year Dr. Steele passed the Pennsylvania State Medical Board and, coming to Brave,
Greene County, he set himself up in general practice
again, to remain through the present time. A member
of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the Greene County
Medical Society, Dr. Steele was also president of the
Greene County Medical Society in I937. A Republican like his father, Dr. Steele takes an active part also
in the Methodist Church, being a steward and a trustee
of the Brave church, as well as being a member of the
Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
S. Clark Steele has been twice married. On September 3, 1902, at Hundred, West Virginia, he married Emma Renner, who died in I915, leaving three
children: I. Rex, born July 22, 1903, deceased. 2.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
John, born in I912, deceased. 3. Pansy, born October
7, I9I4. Then on August 17, 1920, Dr. Steele married
Opal Phillips, a native of Greene Countx. To this
marriage, a son, Robert, was born on July 26, I92I.
MAHLON J. BAUMGARDNER-Admitted to
the Cambria County bar in 1920, Mahlon J. Baumgardner began the active practice of his profession in
Johnstown, and has been prominent in local legal circles to the present day. He was born November 20,
I882, at Richland Township, the son of E. W. and
Amanda (Weaver) Baumgardner. E. W. Baumgardner, a farmer, was active in political life, serving his
second term as county commissioner of Cambria
County, at the time of his death in 1920. His wife, a
native of Weaver, Pennsylvania, died in 1928. E. W.
Baumgardner was a descendant of John Baumgardner,
one of a family of eleven children, who came from
Germany and was the pioneer of the family in this
section of Pennsylvania.
Mahlon J. Baumgardner received his early education
in the township public schools, and later attended
Albright College, where he was graduated in 191o
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He became an
instructor in the public schools for a few years, then
became supervising principal, after which he was
appointed secretary to Mr. Greer, district attorney of
Cambria County. In the meantime he was studying
law at the University of Pennsylvania and received his
degree of Bachelor of Laws in I9I9. He has since
engaged in postgraduate work at the University of
Pittsburgh towards his degree of Master of Arts. Mr.
Baumgardner has always been greatly interested in
history and possesses one of the largest and finest
private libraries in this section.
He is a member of the board of trustees of the
Presbyterian Church, and was formerly a vice-president and active in the affairs of the Kiwanis Club. EIe
is also a member of the Cambria County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania and Cambria County Historical societies. He is well known in Masonic circles,
being affiliated with the Johnstown Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He was for many
years vice-president of the Family Welfare Society
of Johnstown and a member of the board of directors
of the Chamber of Commerce of Johnstown. He was
also Boy Scout Master for five years, and is a member
of the School Board.
He was married in I920 to Lillian Myers, whose
ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. Mr. and
Mrs. Baumgardner are the parents of two children:
i. Mahlon J., Jr., born May I5, T926. 2. Robert E.,
born May 2, 1928.
HOWARD ODELL STEVENS - Born at
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, November 28, 19o2, Howard Odell Stevens is the son of Charles Henry and
Mary Jane (McKee) Stevens, both deceased. Charles
Henry Stevens, born in Pittsburgh, in I855, was a
well-known merchant in Canonsburg at the time of
his death in I935. His wife, a native of West Virginia,
died September 30, I925.
After graduating from the local public schools,
Howard Odell Stevens entered Canonsburg High
School, and was a member of the I92I class. He then
enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1928, and
continued at the Law School of this university, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1932.
Upon his admission to the bar in February, 1933, he
established his present offices in Canonsburg, and has
been steadily engaged in the practice of his profession.
He is now eligible to practice before the Supreme and
Superior courts of Pennsylvania, and is a member of
the Washington County Bar Association.
He is a member of the Greenside United Presbyterian Church, and in political faith a follower of the
Republican party. He is also affiliated with the Phi
Alpha Delta Fraternity. He was married August 7,
I935, to Emma Vandale, daughter of Peter and
Malena (Moulton) Vandale, both natives of Belgium.
Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are the parents of a daughter,
Mary Jane, born April 22, I937.
LEO  L. CONSIDINE-Appointed warden of
the Washington County Prison in I936, I,eo L. Considine is still in charge of this important office and,
supervising the work of his staff of six people, he has
gained much praise for the manner in which he has
performed the many duties of this post, and for the
humaneness which has ever been characteristic of his
dealings with those entrusted to his charge.
He was born August 17, I890, in Washington, Pennsylvania, the son of Steven and Mary (May) Considine.  Steven Considine, a native of County Clare,
Ireland, was for many years a railroad foreman in
Washington, Pennsylvania. He was a Roman Catholic and a staunch supporter of the Democratic party.
He died at Washington, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1937.
His wife is a native of McFields, England.
Leo L. Considine is a product of both the public and
parochial schools of Washington, Pennsylvania. He
attended Washington High School for two years, and
then secured a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad
as a telegraph operator. He retained this position until
I930, interrupting his duties from December 17, I917,
to August 5, I919, during which period. he was an
enlisted man in the United States Army. He was first
278ANNALS OIFl' (;nTTTT-JTIJPCm-'PD?     T -DVTTC T 0T A T A C WT T
attached to the Headquarters Company, 83d Division
at Camp Sherman, but went overseas May 29, I918,
as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces.
He was advanced to the rank of sergeant, and saw
service on the Meuse Argonne front, and in other
sectors. In 1936 he was appointed for a one-year
term at his present post, and his efforts in behalf of
the county have earned him reappointments in I937
and I938.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
and an active Democrat, having been local campaign
manager for his party during 1935 and I936. He is
affiliated with the Washington Lodge, Loyal Order of
Moose, and has always taken an active part in the
affairs of Post No. I75, American Legion.
He was married, August i6, 192I, at Le Mons,
France, to Luceinne Bouhour, born August I6, 1898,
the daughter of Adolphine Bouhour. Mr. and Mrs.
Considine are the parents of two children: I. James,
born July 29, 1927. 2. Romaine, born July 3, I928.
WILLIAM  ROBERT KING-For almost seventy years the King family has been identified with
the undertaking and embalming profession in this section of Pennsylvania, and the firm of King Brothers,
now conducted by William Robert King and his
brother, Nevin Lee Roy King (q. v.), operates one of
the most modern funeral homes in the Kiski Valley.
William R. (W. Robert) King was born in South
Bend, Armstrong County, December 4, 1901, son of
William G. King, Jr., and Etta M. (Walker) King.
William G. King, Jr., both natives of South Bend, was
engaged throughout his career in the undertaking
business established by his father, William G. King, Sr.,
at South Bend. At first the business was managed by
Thomas T. and Abe King, older sons of William G.
King, and later the management was entrusted to their
younger brother, John Nevin King. After his death,
William G. King, Jr., assumed charge of the business,
and continued in South Bend until I912, when he
moved his family to Apollo, where the business was
conducted under his supervision until his death, October 7, 1925. He was active in civic life and in the
affairs of the Democratic party, and served for many
years as school director.
William Robert King attended the public schools
of South Bend and Apollo, and then entered his father's
business, meanwhile enrolling at Eckels School of
Embalming in Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in 1922. He next took his State examinations,
and was licensed as a funeral director and embalmer
in January, I923. He continued his association with
his father until the latter's death, whereupon he assumed the management of the business, and was later
~aJJ1 N  J7XU  rrA AYLVAlfINA                    279
joined by his brother, Nevin Lee Roy King (q. v.), who
became a licensed embalmer in I933. In the seventy
years that the King family has been identified with the
undertaking business, many radical changes have occurred in the type and presentation of service, but the
King brothers have been successful in maintaining a
service which has kept pace with the changing styles
and customs, and are able to satisfy all the modern
requirements of an ever-progressing public.
William Robert King is a member of the First
Evangelical Reformed Church. He is affiliated with
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member
of the Armstrong County and National Funeral Directors associations. He is past president of the Apollo
Business Men's Luncheon Club, and a member of the
Grange.
He was married, October 21, 1922, at Wellsburg,
Pennsylvania, to Charlotte McGaughey, born at New
Bethlehem, July 26, 1902, and they are the parents of
three children: I. Ruth LaRue. 2. Janet. 3. Roberta
Anne King.
NEVIN LEE ROY KING-Born in South
Bend, Pennsylvania, July 13, 1903, Nevin Lee Roy
King is a son of William G. King, Jr., and Etta M.
(Walker) King. After completing his education in the
public schools of South Bend and Apollo, he enrolled
at Apollo High School, graduating in 1922. He next
entered West Virginia Wesleyan College, where he
received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1926. He
then became associated with his brother, William Robert King (q. v.), in the undertaking firm of King
Brothers, and in 1933 passed the State Board Exatnination, becoming a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He has since been the junior member of the
business established by his grandfather seventy years
ago, and the high type of service rendered by this firm
is greatly appreciated and highly regarded by all who
have at times availed themselves of these services.
Nevin Lee Roy King is a member of the First
Evangelical Reformed Church. He was married, at
Apollo, to Rene Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Todd M. Young. Mr. and Mrs. King are the parents
of a daughter, Barbara Lee, born at Apollo, Pennsylvania.
ROBERT CLARKE STEWART, M. D.-Since
193I, Dr. Robert Clarke Stewart, of Finleyville, Pennsylvania, has been engaged in the general practice of
medicine in association with his father. He was born
in Braddock, Pennsylvania, November 29, I902, the
son of Dr. William S. and Stella (Swartwood) Stewart. Dr. William S. Stewart, a native of LogansANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
superintendent of the Washington County schools.
Meanwhile he had matriculated at the law school of
Duquesne University, where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Laws in I934. Upon his admission to the
bar in I935 he resigned his position in the school
system, in order to devote all his time to the practice
of his profession.
He is an active member of the Third Presbyterian
Church, and a staunch supporter of the Republican
party. He is secretary of the Washington County
Republican Organization, and is a member of the
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He is also affiliated
with Lodge No. 237, Free and Accepted Masons, at
Beallsville, Pennsylvania, and the Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
He was married, August 4, I927, to Marjorie May
Shidler, of Marianna, daughter of Joseph William
(see accompanying biography) and Nancy (Martin)
Shidler. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are the parents of a
son, Joseph Leroy, born July I4, 1928.
JOSEPH WILLIAM SHIDLER-A descendant of a family which migrated from Germany to the
United States in I730, Joseph William Shidler has
long been actively associated with the business and
civic life of West Bethlehem Township, Washington
County, Pennsylvania, and he has always interested
himself in any activity which tended to the development of this section with which his family has been
identified for so many years.
Joseplh William Shidler was born in Washington
County, February 26, I868, the son of Jacob W. and
Sarah (Ward) Shidler. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Shidler
were the parents of eight children: I. Ella Tombaugh,
deceased. 2. Catherine, married W. O. Iams, of Marianna. 3. Belle King, deceased. 4. Daniel, deceased.
5. Joseph William, of whom further. 6. Mary Groh,
deceased. 7. Dr. Walter J., married Della Couch. 8.
Daisy Quinlin, deceased.
Joseph William Shidler attended the local public
schools, but was compelled to discontinue his studies
at the age of fifteen, in order to assist in the supporting
of his family. He later joined his brother Daniel in
the West, where he worked for several years in mines
and on ranches. In I891 he became a member of the
United States Army and was located first in Columbus,
Ohio, and later at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In I899, as a
member of the Washington County Home Guards, he
went to the Philippines as first sergeant of Company
H, Ioth Regiment, and while there was wounded in
the leg. Since the beginning of the twentieth century,
he has been identified with various industries, operating
farms, and sawmills, holding partnerships in stores,
and managing the Marianna Lumber Company. In
1904 he organized the Marianna and Scenery Hill
Telephone Company, obtaining two phones, through
the process of stretching wire along fences and trees
from his home to Martins Mills, a distance of nearly
two miles. Later he installed telephones for many of
his neighbors. He also served as postmaster at Marianna, from the time the office was established until
I9I4. He was also instrumental in organizing the
Peoples Bank of Marianna, and served as a director
for many years. In addition he has served as member
of the Marianna School Board, and as township and
borough road supervisor. He is a member of the
Baptist Church, and is affiliated with Columbus Lodge,
Free and Accepted Masons.
He was married, February I3, I896, to Nancy Martin, daughter of Morgan Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Shidler are the parents of six children: I. Dorothy, married
Carl Sundin, proprietor of a meat market at Homestead. 2. Marjorie May, married Stuart Ellsworth
Murphy (see accompanying biography), an attorney in
Washington, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of
a son, Joseph Leroy Murphy. 3. Leroy Beatty, connected with the Marianna Lumber Company; married
Mildred Hawn, daughter of C. W. Hawn. 4. Anna
Virginia, married Russell J. Horne, of Marianna, an
official of the Marianna and Scenery Hill Telephone
Company, and they are the parents of two children:
Marjorie Jean and William Stuart Horne. 5. Sarah
Kathryn, of Marianna, a private secretary. 6. Lenore,
a registered nurse.
HON. JOHN BOYD CRUMRINE-As a lawyer and judge, the Hon. John B. (J. Boyd) Crumrine
has effectively and usefully served the community of
Washington, now being in his second ten-year term as
judge of the Orphans' Court of Washington County.
Pennsylvania has been the gainer from the work of
men of his qualities and public spirit, and he is respected and honored in every quarter in which he is
known.
Judge Crumrine was born November 29, I88I, in
East Bethlehem Township, now Deemston Borough,
Washington County, Pennsylvania, son of Alonzo B.
Crumrine, a farmer, who died March 25, I889, and
Eleanor (Weaver) Crumrine, now deceased.
The public schools of Waynesburg provided the
early education of J. Boyd Crumrine, who was graduated from them in I897. Entering Waynesburg College, he was graduated from that institution in 19o2,
and thereupon at once became a student in the law
department of the University of Pennsylvania, being
graduated in 1905 with the Bachelor of Laws degree.
Admitted to the practice of his profession on November 7 of that year, he became a member of the law
25ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Ferry, has been a practicing physician in Finleyville
for many years, and is a highly esteemed member of
his profession. His wife was born in Watkins Glen,
New York.
Dr. Robert Clarke Stewart received his early education in the public schools of Braddock and Wilkensburg, and then entered Schenley High School, later
transferring to Newton High School at Newton, Kansas, graduating in 1921. After a year at Shadyside
Preparatory School he enrolled at the University of
Colorado, where he remained for one year, and then
after a year at Washington and Jefferson College, he
entered the University of Pittsburgh where he was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in
I928. He continued at the University of Pittsburgh
Medical School, and upon receiving his degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I930, served an interneship at
St. Francis Hospital.  He passed his State Board
examinations in 1931, and then became associated with
his father, in the general practice of his profession.
At present he is a member of the staff of Monongahela
Hospital, and is also a member of the United States
Officers Reserve Corps.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
and an active Republican, serving as a member of the
Finleyville Town Council. He is affiliated with Phi
Rho Sigma Fraternity, and also the Washington
County and Pennsylvania State Medical societies, and
American Medical Association.
He was married at Crafton Heights, November 26,
1928, to Alice Iola Kaltenhauser, born September 5,
1907, the daughter of Conrad and Alice Elizabeth
(Patterson) Kaltenhauser. Conrad Kaltenhauser, born
in Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany, April 13, I882, died
in I934. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Clarke Stewart are the
parents of a daughter, Margaret Alice, born at Finleyville, November 24, I934.
(Mrs.) NITA (ALTMAN) ELWOOD-After a
career of more than twenty-five years in the teaching
profession in Armstrong County, Mrs. Nita (Altman)
Elwood retired in I934 upon her appointment as acting
postmaster of Apollo, Pennsylvania. and the following
year she received a four-year appointment to the postmastership. She was born in Parks Township, Armstrong County, June i6, I889, the daughter of N. F.
and Emma (Artman) Altman. Mr. N. F. Altman,
born in Parks Township, June 20, I856, is a retired
farmer. His wife is a native of Kiskiminetas Township, having been born there July I, I857.
Mrs. Nita (Altman) Elwood, attended the Armstrong County public schools, and then prepared for
the teaching profession at the Pennsylvania State
Teachers College for three years.  She began her
teaching career in the schools of Parks Township, and
she has taught in Leechburg, Kiskiminetas Township
and other parts of Armstrong County, and during her
many years in this field she endeared herself to the
many who came under her guidance. On June I6,
1934, she became acting postmaster of Apollo, Pennsylvania, and her conscientious efforts in this work
resulted in her appointment as postmaster, June I9,
I935. She has also served as secretary of the Tax
Justice League of Armstrong County, and was very
active during the World War period, being township
chairman of the Liberty Loan and Red Cross drives.
She is a member of the Lutheran Church, and an
active Democrat, and was for many years secretary of
the Democratic County Committee. She is also a
member of the Postmasters' Association and the
American Legion Auxiliary, and the Veterans of
Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
She was married, June I9, I9I9, to George Elwood,
a native of Apollo, born August I, I889, the son of
David F. and Rose (Younkins) Elwood. During the
World War, George Elwood was a member of the
American Expeditionary Forces, attached to the 8oth
Division, 305th Engineers.
(Mrs.) WINIFRED (KETTERING) NUNAMAKER-The daughter of Casper and Hannah
(Spencer) Kettering, Winifred  (Kettering) Nunamaker was born at Apollo, Pennsylvania. Casper
Kettering, born in North Warren, Pennsylvania, October I4, 1839, was a member of, Company F, 6th Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery Volunteers, during the Civil War, serving under William H. Obey,
commander, and stationed at Fort Marcy. He operated
a foundry in Apollo for many years prior to his death,
January 20, I924. He was active in civic affairs and
a supporter of the Republican party. His wife, born in
Manor Township, November 13, 1842, died February
24, I927.
Winifred (Kettering) Nunamaker was educated in
the Apollo schools, graduating from Apollo High
School. She secured a position as clerk in the post
office, and one year later was appointed assistant
postmaster, which position she has filled in a capable
and satisfactory manner to the present day.
She is a member of the Methodist Church, an active
Republican and a member of the Order of the Eastern
Star. She was married, May 29, I937, at Wellsburg,
West Virginia, to Cecil W. Nunamaker, a native of
Bolivar, Westmoreland County, and a member of the
United States Army during the World War, serving
in a machine gun company, 29th Regiment, stationed
at Fort Benning, Georgia.
28oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
STANLEY M. WRAY-For more than twenty
years, Stanley M. Wray, of Leechburg, Pennsylvania,
has been engaged in newspaper work, since his father's
death in I919 he has been the owner of "The Leechburg Advance," a newspaper which enjoys a wide circulation in this locality. He was born at Kansas City,
Missouri, January 9, I893, the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Hiram H. Wray. Hiram Wray, a native of Kiskiminetas Township, Armstrong County, founded a paper
in Leechburg (which later became "The Leechburg
Advance") in I875, in association with other progressive citizens of Leechburg, and he was actively
engaged in the management of this paper, until his
death, March 4, I919.
Stanley M. Wray received his public and high school
education in the schools of Leechburg, and then matriculated at Gettysburg College, graduating with the
degree of Bachelor of Science in I9I6. He immediately
became associated wtih his father's business, and continued until October, I918, when he enlisted in the
United States Army. He was stationed at Newport
News, Virginia, and was honorably discharged, as a
first sergeant, in February, I919. He then returned
to his duties with "The Leechburg Advance," and upon
the death of his father, purchased complete control of
the newspaper, and has directed its policies ever since.
During Governor Pinchot's term of office he was connected with the Tax Investigation Division of the
Department of Revenue, and he served in this capacity
for four years.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
and an active Republican, and has served for ten years
as director of the poor in Leechburg. He is a member
of the National and Pennsylvania Editorial associations, and is past commander of the local American
Legion Post. He is affiliated with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and the Free and Accepted
Masons in which he holds the thirty-second degree of
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He is also a member of the Hillcrest Country Club.
He was married, September I2, I919, to Pauline
Orr, a native of Leechburg, born June 20, 1893, the
daughter of the late Dr. Joseph D. and Belle (McFarland) Orr. Mr. and Mrs. Wray are the parents of
a son, Joseph Harrison, born at Leechburg, September
30, 1922.
CHARLES SIDNEY PASSAVANT, Sr.-No
history of Zelienople and Butler County has been written without a large place being given to the Passavant
family, of which three generations have been prominent in its life and development for more than one
hundred and thirty years. The first of the name in
this region was Philip Ludwig (Louis) Passavant,
and his wife, Zelie (Basse) Passavant. The latter,
in whose honor the town was given its name, was
born in I786 and lived until I87I. Philip Ludwig
(Louis) Passavant was born in Frankfort, Germany,
of French Huguenot descent, in I777, and died in
Zelienople in I853. It was in connection with his work
as agent in the disposal of the large Basse land grant
in Butler County, that he purchased the tract upon
which the town now stands. He opened the first general store in Zelienople, in I807, an establishment
which he operated until I848, when he sold it to his
son, Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., of this review.
It is worthy of more than passing note that the Passavant store was in business for ninety-five years, or
until 1902, when it was destroyed by fire. The first
member of the family established a tradition for constructive citizenship and good works which have been
an example and inspiration for those that followed the
path he trod.
Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., was born March I9,
I8I6, in Zelienople, son of the above named Philip
Ludwig (Louis) and Zelie (Basse) Passavant. He
received his schooling in Pittsburgh, where he remained
to conduct a wholesale grocery business, before returning to his birthplace at the age of twenty-three, to
assist his father in business. As already related, he
purchased the store in I848, operated it for forty-six
years, or until his death in I894, at which time it was
taken over by his son, Charles Sidney Passavant, Jr.,
who directed its affairs until it was burned down in
I902. From I807 to I902! How few commercial concerns can boast of such a record of continuity?
By right of inheritance and service of the community, Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., was a true
"first citizen" of Zelienople, a leader in business, civic,
political and religious life. A staunch Republican
throughout his years, he was never a seeker of political
office, although he had the honor of being elected a
member of the Borough Council upon several occasions, serving from I878 to I880, and from I882 to
I884. He was one of the organizers of the English
Lutheran Church of Zelienople, January 2I, I845, and
at the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary, Charles
Sidney Passavant, Sr., was the only one of the original
members surviving. For the half century he had been
treasurer of the church. He had become a member of
a religious body before 1845, for he had joined first
St. Paul's German Lutheran Church, which had been
founded in 1822.
At Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 9, I870,
Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., married Jane Randolph, daughter of Edward Vance and Catherine
(Buhl) Randolph, of Zelienople. Mr. and Mrs. Passa281ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
vant were the parents of two children: I. Charles
Sidney, Jr. (q. v.), born February 2I, I87I, who died
December 20, I935. 2. Emma Virginia, born January
12, I876, who still resides in the old home at No. 243
South Main Street, Zelienople, in the same house in
which her grandmother, Zelie (Basse) Passavant, for
whom the town was named, spent the latter years of
her life.
Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., died on July 25,
I894, at his home in Zelienople, at the age of seventyeight years, three months, and five days. From a contemporary newspaper is taken the following tribute to
his character and useful life:
He was endowed with a most worthy Christian
character. He was ideal in the integrity of his character. His word was bond to all with whom he dealt.
He was of a most kindly and sympathetic nature. All
speak of him in terms of love. He felt deeply for his
fellow-mortals in misfortune, suffering, pain and distress. His interest in the afflicted was prompt and
unselfish. His generous heart moved him to give of
his means, yet with exact quietness. Few of his friends
knew even of his regular and generous offerings to the
relief of suffering, to help the needy, and to the support
of the church and her institutions. Display had no
part in his nature. His alms-giving was silent, but
most real-generous but most gentle and delicate.
Many recipients of his kindnesses are yet ignorant of
the source whence they came. He held various positions of honor and trust, all of which came to him
unsought.
CHARLES SIDNEY PASSAVANT, Jr.-Never
content to rest under the laurels won by his father and
grandfather in the settlement and growth of Zelienople,
Charles Sidney-Passavant, Jr., a native of and lifelong
resident of this town, made his own valuable contribution not alone to the municipality, its business, banking
and industry, but to civic developments, fraternal organizations, religious activities and humanitarian activities. To the bright traditions established by his
family in Butler County he added new luster and
stability.
Mr. Passavant was born in Zelienople, February 2I,
1871, son of Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., and Jane
(Randolph) Passavant, and the grandson of Philip
Ludwig (Louis) and Zelie (Basse) Passavant. The
town was named for this grandmother, and Philip
Ludwig (Louis) Passavant was one of its early citizens, the founder of its first store of notable record.
A biography of Charles Sidney Passavant, Sr., preceding this recounts some of the annals of this notable
family and its connection with Zelienople.
Charles Sidney Passavant, Jr., was educated in the
local academy and Thiel College. At the death of his
father, in 1894, he took over the older man's merchandising business and continued its operation until fire
destroyed the store in 1902, thus bringing to an end
what amounted to an institution, for the store had
been established in I807 and its destinies directed for
nearly a century by three successive generations of
the family. Mr. Passavant did not continue with commercial activities, for a time being associated with the
local offices of the Iron City Sanitary Company. He
then became identified with finance, serving first as
assistant cashier and Vice-president of the First National Bank, later accepting the presidency of the
Peoples National Bank, both of Zelienople. When the
Union National Bank was organized in the borough,
he became vice-president of the institution and was a
member of the liquidating committees of both the First
National and Peoples National banks, when his death
brought to an end these responsibilities.
Public-spirited in his civic attitude and always devoted to furthering the best interests of Zelienople, Mr.
Passavant was to the fore in the worth while movements and organizations initiated for this purpose. He
was president of the Chamber of Commerce, at the
time of his death. For a decade he had been a member
of the School Board; had served several terms on the
Borough Council, and had been elected, in the previous
November, for another term of four years. He was
president of the board of directors of the Old Peoples'
Home, and was secretary of the Masonic and Rotary
clubs, all of Zelienople. A popular figure in Masonic
circles, Mr. Passavant was affiliated with Harmony
Lodge, No. 429, Free and Accepted Masons, of which
he was a Past Master and treasurer; a member of the
New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and of other bodies in the Order including Syria
Temple, Pittsburgh, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. Numbered among his clubs were
the Ellwood City Country, and the above mentioned
Masonic and Rotary. A lifelong member of the English Lutheran Church, Zelienople, of which his father
was a founder, he also served as secretary of the
church council for many years and was chairman of
the Lutheran Cemetery Committee.
At Zelienople, Pennsylvania, on November 24, 1892,
Charles Sidney Passavant, Jr., married Lillian Etta
Tebay, daughter of James Hall and Anna (McCiullough) Tebay, and they were the parents of two sons:
I. Charles Sidney Passavant, 3d, born May 5, 1895.
2. James Louis Passavant, born April I8, I9OI, who
died March 8, I935.
The father did not long survive the death of his
son, passing away in December of 1935. Brevity has
been used in this simple record of the life and achievements of Mr. Passavant, Jr., to leave space for the
appraisal of his career made by a contemporary, who
wrote:
282ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
283
Charles Sidney Passavant, Jr., leading citizen of the
Zelienople community, descendant of the founders of
the borough, philanthropist, and retired business man
was buried Monday afternoon, December 23, I935.
Always a supporter and active worker for civic improvements, Mr. Passavant was for ten years a member of the Zelienople board of school directors and
served several terms as a member of the Borough
Council. Mr. Passavant was interested in highway
improvement and had worked many years for the improvement of the Perry Highway and at the time of
his death was an active member of the Perry Highway
Association. Besides these activities he was a devout
church worker. He was president of the board of the
Lutheran Old Peoples' Home of Zelienople and devoted a great deal of time to the welfare of the home
residents. He was a charter member of the Zelienople
Rotary Club and had attended nearly six hundred consecutive meetings, and for a number of years had been
the club treasurer. He was chairman of the Zelienople
relief committee and personally supervised preparation
of food and clothing to the unfortunates, besides contributing heavily from his own finances. He also spent
a great deal of time as chairman of the Crippled Children's Committee of the Rotary Club. His legion of
friends were of all classes, and the less fortunates of
the district looked to him as their friend in need. As
an esteemed citizen he occupied a unique position by
having the desire to help his town and community, the
indomitable courage and will to act and the means with
which to convert his ideas into realities, and gave
benevolently to them all.
A devoted husband, an admirable father, real brother
and true friend. A friend of man not partial to those
of any particular standing in life, but firmly believing
in the brotherhood of man and exercising that prerogative to the fullest extent.  He believed that a
friend was one who walked in after all others had
walked out. "C. S." was a living example of that
Rotary motto, "Service above Self," The orphans,
crippled children, the aged, and those who were in
need, felt his influence and active participation in the
solution of their problems. No matter how inclement
the weather, it never deterred our friend from taking
a crippled child to a clinic or helping someone in need.
He and his car were available at all times for anyone
in sorrow or distress.
His passing will be keenly felt by his church for he
was a devoted member and an ardent worker, a Christian gentleman, and the loss to his denomination is
paramount.
To those organizations that had the privilege of his
membership:
We shall meet but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair,
But the life he lived, lives with us
Even though he isn't there.
Our community loss may be expressed by:
Men of his type are reluctantly lost
But his life is a heritage still,
His mantle is tossed to those who remain
With the challenge his station to fill.
JAMES NELSON HAZLETT-After establishing a high reputation in the contracting business as a
builder of roads and bridges, James Nelson Hazlett
severed his connections with this work in 1927, after
twenty-eight years, and then entered the mercantile
field with which he was associated until his death,
October ii, 1937.
He was born in Butler County, July 22, I869, the
son of Lewis and Sarah Emily (Painter) Hazlett.
Upon completion of his public school education, he
worked as a teamster, and later entered the contracting
business, becoming well known in Mercer and Clearfield counties, also in parts of Maryland and New
Jersey, and Washington, District of Columbia. He
was identified with the building of the Monongahela
Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, running into
Marianna, and also built many other roads and bridges.
In I927 he entered the wholesale and retail gasoline
business in Marianna, and also operated a general
hardware store here. In 1930 he opened a large grocery story called the Clover Farm Store, and conducted this business in conjunction with the hardware
store until his death. He also for a time engaged in
the sale and purchase of registered cattle. In addition
to his business activities, Mr. Hazlett was also well
known throughout the United States and Canada as a
chicken fancier, and well-known judge of poultry and
his entries were awarded many medals and ribbons at
various poultry shows.
Mr. Hazlett professed the Protestant faith, and in
politics, was a supporter of the Republican party. TTe
was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, held a directorship in the Peoples Bank of
Marianna, and was an active figure in local civic
affairs.
He was married to Allie Maude Warner, daughter
of James A. and Serepta Belle (Hesselgesser) Warner. Mr. and Mrs. Hazlett became the parents of six
children: I. Helen L. 2. Charles E., deceased. 3.
Kenneth J. 4. Ralph L. 5. Annetta M. 6. Virginia E.
The death of Mr. Hazlett, October I I, I937, terminated a most active and brilliant business career,
and deprived the city of Marianna of one of its most
loyal and public-spirited citizens.
CLAIRE C. DAVIS-Claire C. Davis, Postmaster of West Alexander, was born here May 26, I892,
the son of Alfred M. and Anna B. (Chambers) Davis,
both natives of Ohio County, West Virginia. Alfred
M. Davis has devoted many years to the cultivation of
his farm, and is well known in the farming industry in
this section.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Claire C. Davis attended the public schools of West
Alexander, Pennsylvania, and Kinsman, Ohio, and
after graduating from Kinsman High School he
learned the electrical trade, and worked for awhile at
Warren, Ohio. He then entered the electrical busitless
for himself in Pittsburgh, and continued until I9i8
when he enlisted for World War service. He was a
member of Company B, 7th United States Infantry,
American Expeditionary Forces, and saw active service overseas at Belleau Wood, St. Mihiel, Marne and
Meuse Argonne sectors, and was wounded in action on
the Meuse Argonne front October 4, I918. He received
the Purple Heart Decoration, and was honorably discharged January 26, I919, with the rank of corporal.
He then came to West Alexander, and reeintered the
general electrical contracting business, in which he
was engaged until his appointment, June 25, I936, for
a four-year term as postmaster. He also serves as
chief of the local fire department.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an
active supporter of the Democratic party. He is also
a member of American Legion Post, No. 656, of West
Alexander.
He was married, June 26, I916, to Gertrude Hanna,
a native of West Alexander, born January 22, I898,
the daughter of John and Ida (King) Hanna, both
natives of Ohio County, West Virginia. Mr. and Mrs.
Davis are the parents of three children: I. Don. 2.
John. 3. Robert.
GEORGE JOHNSTON HANNA-For more
than a quarter of a century, George Johnston Hanna
has been active in the insurance field, and has spent all
these years in the service of the Canonsburg Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, which organization he has
steadily and faithfully served in the dual capacity of
secretary and treasurer. He was born in North Strabane Township, Washington County, the son of James
and Catherine (Johnston) Hanna. James Hanna, a
native of Nottingham Township, engaged in farming
during his lifetime and was active in Democratic politics, serving many years as township supervisor. He
died in 1912 at the age of seventy-six years.
After graduating from the public schools of Washington County, George Johnston Hanna entered Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg, and upon the completion
of his studies here in 1895, enrolled at Washington and
Jefferson College, receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I899. He then became interested in farming
in North Strabane Township, and followed this occupation until I912 when he entered the employ of the
Canonsburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He has
also served as a director of the Citizens Trust Company of Canonsburg for the past twenty-five years, and
on January I, I936, was appointed superintendent of
the Washington County Home, which post he still
retains.
He is an active member of the Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church, where he is both an elder and president of the board of trustees. He also was superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty years. He is
a supporter of Democratic principles, and for the past
twenty-nine years has been township supervisor of
North Strabane Township.
He was married, in North Strabane Township, October 20, I9IO, to Mary Ethel Lyon, a native of Nottingham Township, and the daughter of Ffank C. and
Nancy (Moore) Lyon. Frank C. Lyon, a successful
farm operator, was also a Nottingham Township
school director. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna are the parents
of a son, Paul Johnston, born in North Strabane
Township, a graduate of the township schools and
Canonsburg High School, now in his senior year at
Pittsburgh University Evening School and president
of the Evening Student Association, and employed during the day as a teller with the Citizens Trust Company.
DR. LINDSEY S. McNEELY-With a record
of more than forty-five years devoted to the general
practice of medicine and surgery, the past forty-three
of which have been spent in the service of the people
of Kirby, Pennsylvania, Dr. Lindsey S. McNeely is
highly esteemed in this locality. and throughout his
long and notable career he has distinguished himself
in his profession, catering efficiently and with kindness
to the physical needs of a populace who regard his
friendship in the same high degree as his well established professional ability. He was born in Wayne
Township, Greene County, November I4, i86o, the son
of Harmon and Rachael (Shriver) McNeely. Harmon McNeely, a native of Spring Hill Township,
engaged during his lifetime both in farming and carpentry work. He was also known as a staunch supporter of the Democratic party.
Dr. Lindsey S. McNeely received his early education
in the public schools of Center Township and Whiteley
Township, and later enrolled at Edinboro State Teachers College, graduating in I886. Previous to and during
his attendance at this institution he was engaged in
teaching in the Whiteley Township schools for eight
terms, also one term each in Morgan and Franklin
townships. In 1887 he entered Ohio State University.
and was graduated with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I890o. He next entered St. Francis Hospital at Columbus, Ohio, and in 1892 successfully
passed his State requirements, and was admitted to the
practice of medicine and surgery. He became asso284ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
285
ciated with Dr. C. C. Conoway for a short time, after
which he entered the offices of Dr. George M. Roberts,
and this association continued until I895, when Dr.
McNeely established his own offices in Kirby, Pennsylvania, where he has been most actively engaged to
the present day. He is a member of the staff of the
Greene County Memorial Hospital, and since I805 has
served as medical director of Greene County. In 19I8
he was a member of the Volunteer Medical Service
Corps, and he was also a member of the Council of
National Defense. In addition, he has spent six years
as a member of the Whiteley Township School Board.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is
affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and the County
and State Medical societies. He is married to Annie
Spicer of Whiteley Township, daughter of John and
Emeline (Hickman) Spicer. Dr. and Mrs. McNeely
are the parents of three children: I. Rev. Ernest, a
Methodist minister located near Pittsburgh. 2. Frank,
deceased. 3. Ethel McNeely, who married Charles
South, of Greene County.
PETER PROFILI-The well-known theatre
operator; Peter Profili, was born in Spolito, Italy, AMay
2, 1879, the son of Augustine and Martha Profili.
Augustine Profili, a native of Italy, engaged in farming
during his lifetime.
Peter Profili received his education in the public
schools of Italy, and came to the United States at the
age of twenty-six years, settling in Trenton, New
Jersey, where he remained for eighteen months, engaging in various occupations. He next went to Portage, Pennsylvania, where he was employed for the next
nine months as a tonsorialist. From there he went to
Monongahela City for a short time, finding employment in the mining industry and also in a local barber
shop. In 191o he moved to Fredericktown and- engaged in business here until 1929 when he opened his
first theatre, known as the American Theatre, at
Vestaburg. In 1932 he opened his second theatre at
Fredericktown, called the Grand Theatre, and he now
also operates the Frederick Theatre in this same town.
Mr. Profili is also proprietor of a confectionery store
in Vestaburg, and in his several enterprises he is able
to afford employment to many local citizens.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
a Republican, and an affiliate of the Brownsville Lodge,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, I.oyal Order,of Moose at Fredericktown, and the Sons of Italy.
He also holds membership in the Variety Club of
Pittsburgh, Hungry Club, and the Motion Picture
Theatre Owners Association of Western Pennsylvania.
He was married, September 17, 1gr2, to  Rita
Zinanni, a native of Florence, Italy, born April 28,
I892, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zinanni.
Mr. and Mrs. Profili are the parents of one child, Elda,
born at Vestaburg, June 2, I9I3.
C. GAREY DICKSON-A registered architect
in the State of Pennsylvania, C. Garey Dickson is now
engaged in general practice in Washington, Pennsylvania. He was born in Pittsburgh, May I, I9OI, the
son of R. Garey and Sarah Mae (Croswell) Dickson.
R. Garey Dickson, born in Pittsburgh, December 8,
I873, was a well-known architect in Pittsburgh for
many years prior to his death, January 9, I933.
C. Garey Dickson attended the Pittsburgh public
schools, and after his graduation from Schenley High
School in I920 attended the evening sessions at Carnegie Institute of Technology. In 1928 he became
associated with his father in architectural work in
Pittsburgh and Washington, and after his father's
death in I933 has continued his profession in Washington, Pennsylvania, with offices in the Court Square
Arcade Building.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, a Republican and an active figure in local civic and fraternal
life. He holds membership in the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Bassett Club and Arms Club,
and is also affiliated with the Fraternal Order of
Eagles and the Pennsylvania Association of Architects.
He was married, in Pittsburgh, February Io, 1923,
to Elizabeth Lewis, daughter of Thomas H. and
Loretta (Miller) Lewis. Thomas H. Lewis was born
in Wales, while his wife is a native of Pittsburgh. Mr.
and Mrs. Dickson are the parents of two children:
i. C. Garey, Jr., born Decemnber 22, I923. 2. I,oretta
Mae, born March 7, I93I.
HAROLD H. McBURNEY, M. D.-Since the
establishment of his offices in Avella, Pennsylvania, in
1930 for the general practice of medicine and surgery,
Dr. Harold H. McBurney has become a well-known
figure in his profession in this locality. He was born
in Jefferson Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, August I2, I899, the son of James P. and
Caroline (Greenewald) McBurney. James P. McBurney, a native of Marietta, Ohio, was engaged as a
steel worker for many years prior to his death, in
April, I93I. He was long actively identified with the
Republican party, and was for many years a member
of the Borough Council of Wilson, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Harold H. McBurney received his public school
education in Wilson, and then entered Clairton High
School, graduating in 1917. In September, I918, he
enlisted in the United States Army, and received his
honorable discharge in December, I918. In 1920 he
enrolled at Johns Hopkins University at Baltimore,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
firm of Acheson and Crumrine, with offices in the
First National Bank Building, in Washington.
Politically he is a Republican, and his service to the
life of his city and district has been a significant one,
extending along many lines of activity to his present
work as judge of the Orphans' Court. From January
I, 1922, to January I, I924, he was a burgess of
Washington. At the time of writing he is serving his
second ten-year term in the judgeship of the Washington County Orphans' Court. Along with his other
activities, he has participated whole-heartedly in the
civic and social life of his times. He is a member of
the Bassett Club and the First Methodist Episcopal
Church of Washington. In the Free and Accepted
Masons he belongs to Sunset Lodge, No. 623, of
Washington; Washington Chapter, No. I50, of Royal
Arch Masons; Washington Council, No. I, of Royal
and Select Masters; Jacques de Molay Commandery
of Knights Templar; Pittsburgh Consistory of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and of the Supreme
Council, No. 330; and Syria Temple of the Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
On December 27, I924, he was married to Nell
Kennedy, of Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, a daughter of
David and Nannie Pollack Kennedy. They have a
son, John Boyd Crumrine, Jr.
JOHN LEIGHTON STEWART-For more
than thirty-five years John Leighton Stewart has
exerted a wide and beneficent influence in the affairs
of Washington County as an editor, publisher, civic
leader and successful business man. Throughout this
period he has been president of the Observer Publishing Company, publishers of the "Observer," and "The
Reporter," of Washington.  He is also controlling
owner and publisher of "The News-Tributne" of
Beaver Falls.
Mr. Stewart was born in Bakerstown, Alleghenv
County, August I2, I876, the son of the Rev. William
Grove and Mary Jane (Wright) Stewart, both of this
State where his father was a minister of the Presbyterian Church. He received the early part of his
general education in the public schools and later completed this part of his studies at the Redstone Academy
in Uniontown. He then matriculated at Washington
and Jefferson College, at Washington, and was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class
of I899. Directly after finishing his academic course
he determined to study law and entered the Harvard
Law School. He only completed two years of a threeyear course here, however, retiring in I902 in favor of
journalism. During that year he returned to his native
county and became a member of the staff of the
"Washington Observer" and the "Washington Reporter," which he was to direct as editor and manager
until 1912. At that time he acquired controlling interest of the property and has since served as president
and publisher of these newspapers, instituting policies
that have further enhanced the prestige of his publications and done much to advance the journalistic standards of this section of the State. He later expanded
his interests. In I9II he purchased "The Daily Times"
at Beaver, which he recently sold. In I92I he purchased and became president and publisher of the
"Beaver Falls Tribune," now "The News-Tribune."
Nine years later he acquired the "Daily Notes," of
Canonsburg, which he later sold.
In conjunction with his journalistic pursuits he has
also been a very active figure in the civic and political
life of his community. As a stalwart Republican he
has come to figure prominently in the local and State
organizations of this party. As early as 19o4 he was
elected secretary of the Republican County Committee
of Washington County, and in I922 became a member
of the Republican State Executive Committee. Six
years later, in I928, and again in 1936, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention from his
district.
As a lifelong resident of this county, Mr. Stewart
has contributed usefully and generously to the general
welfare. For ten years he was president of the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross;
has beern president of the Washington Hospital Association; is a former president and director of the
Washington Chamber of Commerce; a former president of the Washington Rotary Club; president of the
board of trustees of the Washington Seminary; trustee
of Washington and Jefferson College; a member of the
board of directors of the Citizens National Bank; and
a former president of the Pennsylvania Newspaper
Publishers Association. He worships at the Presbvterian Church.
On April 20, I904, at Washington, Mr. Stewart
married Margaretta Murdoch Donnan~ daughter of
Alvan and Lucy (Murdoch) Donnan. Mr. and Mrs.
Stewart are the parents of one daughter, Lucy Donnan, who was born October IO, 1905, and is now Mrs.
Cecil P. Northrop.
WARREN  G. REITZ-President of the Johnstown Traction Company, Warren G. Reitz, of Johnstown, is not only one of the leading young business
men of Cambria County but is also a well-known
writer on subjects concerned with the problems of
transportation as well as other articles of general interest such as his "Johnstown Comes Back After the
Flood."
26ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and one year later transferred to the University of
Pittsburgh where he was graduated in I926 with the
degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine. The following year was devoted to an interneship at West Penn Hospital, and in the fall of I927
he launched his private practice in Burgettstown, continuing there until March, I930, when he opened his
present offices at Avella. In addition to his private
practice, he serves as physician and industrial surgeon
for the Pittsburgh Terminal Coal Corporation and the
Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railroad. He also, in
I936, began a six-year term as president of the Independence Township School Board.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
an active Republican, and a member of the County and
State Medical societies, and the American Medical
Association. He is also affiliated with the Canonsburg
Lodge Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
in the Masonic Order he is a member of the Consistory, holding the thirty-second degree of Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite and Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Pittsburgh. He is also connected with the Kappa Sigma
and Phi Beta Pi fraternities, and is an active member
of the Nemacolin Country Club. He has also been
prominently identified with the American Legion Post,
No. 643, of Avella, and from I935 to I936 served as
post commander, and then in August, 1936, became
commander of the Twenty-fifth District, embracing
Washington and Greene counties, to which office he
was reelected in I937.
He was married at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, November 30, I923, to Helen Buxton, a native of Coal
Center, born September 17, I903, the daughter of
George and Eva Buxton.
AMANIAH  J. LOHR-After a long career of
more than thirty-five years in the building field, during
which time he was instrumental in the erection of many
of the most beautiful structures in Altoona and Pittsburgh, Amaniah J. Lohr retired from all active participation in this business in I932 to his beautiful Highland
farm home on a hill two miles north of Somerset, at
an elevation of two thousand six hundred and twentyseven feet, overlooking the entire town and surrounding country.
Mr. Lohr was born in Quemahoning Township,
Somerset County, the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth
(Richardson) Lohr. Jonathan Lohr, a farmer, served
for three years during the Civil War, and he was the
son of Michael Lohr who was also engaged in farming
in Somerset County.
Amaniah J. Lohr was educated in the township
public schools, and later attended Business College in
Altoona, but as his father had died, and there was a
family of thirteen children, he decided to help his
mother by securing employment. He learned the
carpenter's trade in Altoona, and later worked in
Altoona. Meanwhile he studied architecture, and at
the age of twenty-five' went into the building field. He
enjoyed considerable success in the erection of many
large buildings in Altoona, and soon moved to Pittsburgh where he became associated with the Schenley
Farms Company, as architect and building engineer.
Among the edifices built under his direction were the
Pittsburgh Athletic Club, Masonic Temple, University
Club, Schenley Apartments and the Doctors' Building.
He also conducted classes at the Carnegie Institute of
Technology, teaching the use of the steel square, and
training students in the reading of building plans, and
the problems involved in estimating costs of construction. In I918, due to failing health, he decided to
change his residence, moving to Somerset County, but
he continued his work in Pittsburgh until I932, when
he severed his connections with the Schenley Farms
Company and went into retirement on his beautiful
estate. He is still greatly interested in his farm, and
takes an active part in local affairs, being vice-president and a director of the Peoples' National Bank.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and while
living in Pittsburgh, was chairman of the board of
elders of the (Lutheran) Church of the Redeemer. He
is a supporter of the Republican party and is well
known in fraternal circles, holding membership in
Homewood ILodge, No. 635, Free and Accepted Masons, the Pittsburgh Chapter, Royal Arch Masons,
and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, and he holds the thirty-second
degree of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. He is
also connected with Hazel Glen Lodge, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and is a Class A member of
the Pittsburgh Real Estate Board, a charter member
of the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, and a member of the
Somerset Lions Club.
He was married (first), in I890o, to Helena Ashcomb
Aiken, of Somerset County, and they became the parents of seven children: I. Albert Clyde, deceased. 2.
William Aiken, deceased. 3. Elizabeth Jane, a resident of Pittsburgh. 4. Myrtle Helena, married to
Edward Matthews. 5. Margaret Aiken, married to
John Buelman, of Somerset. 6. John M., a resident of
Syracuse, married to Jerry Bloss, and they are the
parents of two children: John and Donald Lohr. 7.
Anna Irene, married to Reiford Purbaugh, of Meyersdale, and they are the parents of one son, John Purbaugh. Helena Ashcomb (Aiken) Lohr died July 9,
I920, and Mr. Lohr remarried December Io, 1923,
Mrs. Lucy (Heffley) Rapp, daughter of Peter Heffley,
286ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and a widow whose husband was killed in action in
France, during the World War.
Mrs. Lucy (Heffley) Lohr died December II, I936.
LLOYD F. SCOTT-Entering the field ot pharmacy in I915, Lloyd F. Scott is now a member of the
drug firm of Carson and Scott, with two stores and
headquarters at Wellsburg, West Virginia, and one
establishment in Avella, Pennsylvania, dealing in a
general line of drugs and sundries. He was born in
Cecil Township, Washington County, the son of Robert J. and Hattie (Farrar) Scott. Robert J. Scott,
born in Cecil Township, July 24, I866, was engaged in
the plumbing business in Washington, Pennsylvania,
for many years prior to his death in 1928. His wife
is a native of Mount Pleasant Township, having been
born there September 23, i868.
Lloyd F. Scott attended the public schools of Midway and Washington, Pennsylvania, and after completing his studies at Washington High School, enrolled
at Washington and Jefferson Academy, graduating in
I9I2. He then entered the University of Pittsburgh,
and received the degree of Graduate in Pharmacy in
1916. He had already been in the employ of the
Templeton Drug Store at Washington, and in Alarch,
1917, he passed his State requirements, becoming a
licensed pharmacist. In June, I9i8, he enlisted in the
United States Army, and was attached to the Medical
Corps of the Base Hospital at Camp Lee, Virginia,
serving as an ambulance driver. Upon receiving his
honorable discharge in August, I919, he returned to
the Templeton Drug Store, continuing there until
1923, when he, together with Lynn L. Carson and Paul
D. Carson, formed the firm of Carson and Scott,
which, to the present day, enjoys an extensive patronage.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a
Republican, and an affiliate of the Free and Accepted
Masons and Lodge No. 776, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks. He is also connected with the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association and the Nemacolin Country Club.
He was married, December 26, I921, to Marguerite
Dagg, of Washington, born March 24, I894, the daughter of Leroy and Louise (Miller) Dagg. Mr. and
Mrs. Scott are the parents of a son, Robert, born in
Washington, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1925.
ROBERT W. DAVIDSON-A member of the
firm of J. M. Davidson's Sons, dealers in general merchandise in Midway, Washington County, Robert W.
Davidson is not only one of the leading merchants of
his county but also an outstanding citizen, having
served as president of the School Board of Midway for
the past eighteen years.
Robert W. Davidson was born in Midway, February
14, I891, son of the late James M. and Lillie May
Davidson, both natives of Midway. James M. Davidson, who was a Democratic member of the Midway
Town Council, was a leading merchant in Midway for
many years.
After passing through the Midway public schools
and attending the Midway High School for a year,
Robert W. Davidson began his business career in
I9O8 as a clerk with the Federal Supply Company of
Midway. Then, in October of I9o8, he became associated with his father in the latter's general merchandising establishment, beginning an activity which has
continued through thirty years to the present time.
The concern is now known as J. M. Davidson's Sons,
as, in I9I9, Mr. Davidson's brother, Samuel H. Davidson, joined the firm with a third brother, Cyrenus
Davidson, entering the company in I937. The company, which employs five persons, is one of the leading
mercantile establishments of Washington County. Side
by side with his business activities, Mr. Davidson has
been deeply concerned in the civic life of Midway as
a member of the Democratic party, like his father before him. His chief public service has been as a member of the Midway School Board, of which he has
been the president for eighteen years through the
present time. A member of the First Baptist Church
of Midway, Mr. Davidson is also a thirty-second degree member of the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to
various bodies, including the McDonald Lodge, No.
604, Free and Accepted Masons.
Robert W. Davidson mnarried, in Midway, June Ii,
I914, Lillie May Davis, born May 30, I891, daughter
of Thomas and Mary Davis, of Midway, who are both
natives of Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are the
parents of three children: I. Edna May, born, April
II, I915. 2. June Alvira, born June 27, 1921. 3. Robert Leroy, born January 5, 1929.
WILLIAM HOWARD THOMPSON-A wellknown Avella mortician, William H. (W. Howard)
Thompson was born in Independence Township, Washington County, July 12, 1904, the son of William W.
and Mary Alvira (Vance) Thompson. William W.
Thompson, born in Hopewell Township, March 6,
1858, operated his farm of one hundred and seventytwo acres in Independence Township for many years.
He is a descendant of a family which has been active
in Washington County for several generations.
William Howard Thompson attended the township
schools and later the Manchester School, continuing
287ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
his education at Washington High School and then
Pittsburgh Academy. He prepared for his professional
career at the Cincinnati College of Embalming, completing his studies in 1926. He then entered the employ of Brownlee and Leech, and the following year
went to Steubenville, Ohio, where he was identified
with the Elliot Funeral Home. After eighteen months
here, he transferred his activities to the Shannon
Funeral Home in Steubenville, and then, on August I,
1930, returned to Avella, purchased the Funeral Home
of Brownlee and Leech, and has operated this business
himself most successfully to the present date, employing two assistants.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Republican, and an affiliate of Lodge No. 454, Free and
Accepted Masons, at Burgettstown, and Lodge No.
846, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Canonsburg. He is also a member of the Polar Star Club
and the Avella Fire Department.
He was married, at West Middletown, July I9, I930,
to Freda Morris, a native of West Finley Township,
born December 20, 1902, the daughter of Manfred and
Clarice (Huffman) Morris.
CAMPBELL LEDLIE REED-Since the establishment of the C. L. Reed Lumber Company in Houston, Pennsylvania, in I9OI by the late Campbell Ledlie
Reed, the business has continued and expanded until
today it is recognized as one of the largest and most
up-to-date lumber companies in the United States.
Mr. Reed was born on a farm in Cecil Township,
June 29, 1853, the son of Joseph and Martha (Anderson) Reed, both members of pioneer families in this
county. Joseph Reed, son bf David Reed, famous
"Indian Hunter," was an outstanding citizen in Cecil
Township and served for many years as justice of the
peace.
After acquiring his early education in the township
schools, Campbell Ledlie Reed engaged in farming for
a few years, and then became manager of the Short
and Wade Lumber Company in Allegheny County.
After five years with this company, Mr. Reed purchased a lumber yard in Cecil Township, and later he
formed a partnership with C. M. Short, under the firm
name of Reed and Short, with lumber yards in Houston and Avella, Pennsylvania. This partnership continued for six years, at the conclusion of which time,
the Avella yard was sold, and Mr. Reed purchased his
partner's interest in the yard in Houston, Pennsylvania. The business was originally carried on in Mr.
Reed's name, but when his son, Clair C. Reed, and
daughter, Mrs. Pauline (Reed) Templeton, became
associated with him, the firm name was changed to the
C. L. Reed Lumber Company, and with its extensive
yards and a modern showroom on Pike Street, it has
risen to a leading position among building and contracting firms.
Clair C. Reed, who was reared in Houston, Pennsylvania, attended the local public schools, and was
graduated from Canonsburg High School in I9I5. He
soon afterwards became associated with his father's
business and acted as manager of the company from
I9I7 until his death, January 2, I934. He was recognized as one of the most prominent of the younger
business men in the Canonsburg-Houston community,
and in addition to his duties as manager of the C. L.
Reed Lumber Company he also served as a director of
the Chartiers Building and Loan Association of Canonsburg, and also of the Western Pennsylvania Builders' Supply Association. He was also a Royal Arch
Knights Templar, held the thirty-second degree of
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and was a member of
the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He also held membership in the Yorick Club.
Campbell Leslie Reed in addition to his business
associations was also active in local affairs in Houston,
Pennsylvania, having served as burgess of the town
and as a member of the board of directors of the Oak
Spring Cemetery Association. Mr. Reed was a member of the Houston United Presbyterian Church.
His death, October 2I, 1935, was the occasion of
universal sorrow in this section, as it removed from the
sphere of local activities, one whose whole life's work
was devoted to the development and progress of Houston, Pennsylvania, and whose business activities furnished employment to many of the local citizenry, and
brought country-wide fame to this thriving community.
The active management of the C. L. Reed Lumber
Company is now in the capable hands of Mrs. Pauline
(Reed) Templeton, a graduate of Westminster College, whose long association with her father and
brother has familiarized her with every phase of the
business, and whose own business policies conform
completely with the ideas under which this company
has forged to the front in the building and contracting
field.
WILLIAM  J. HOLT-Since his entry into the
general contracting field more than twenty-five years
ago, William J. Holt has steadily been associated with
this work to the present day, and is now president of
Holt, McConnell and Osburn Company, engineers and
contractors, located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He
was born in Brockway, Jefferson County, March 26,
1893, the son of Matthew Butler and Sophia (Nofsker) Holt, both deceased. Matthew Butler Holt, also
a native of Jefferson County, was engaged in farming
on his tract of fifty-five acres for many years prior to
288A  NTXT  A T  C'  CIT' -   C-,-TT,TT,,.-,-,-.-,.                   -..   --     -    - -.
his death in I930. His wife, born in Jefferson County,
Pennsylvania, died in I934.
William J. Holt received his early education in the
Brockway schools, and after graduating from Brockway High School in I9II, entered the employ of the
St. Claire Coal Company at DuBois, Pennsylvania, as
a weight supervisor. He remained here until I9I3,
when he became associated with the Hardy and Rankin
Company of Canonsburg, general contractors and
builders.  He was with this concern for seventeen
years, during almost all of which period he served as
supervisor of construction.  From  I925 to 1930 he
also served as a director of this company. In 1930 he
formed the partnership of Holt, McConnell and Holt,
general contractors and builders, and later the business
was incorporated under the name of Holt, McConnell
and Osburn, with Mr. Holt, president, C. M. McConnell, vice-president, H. T. Osburn, treasurer, and D.
B. Campbell, secretary. This corporation, engaged in
the construction of bridges, streets, highways, manufacturing plants, and private homes, employs on an
average of fifty workers, and is a well-known industrial organization throughout this section of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Holt is a member of the Center Presbyterian
Church, a Republican, and a member of the Heavy
Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania.
He is also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. and
is an active figure in local civic activities.
He was married, in Canonsburg, December I7, I915,
to Emily Hirst, a native of England, born April 12,
I896, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Selvey)
Hirst, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are the
parents of two sons: I. William John, born November
17, I916. 2. Robert Eugene, born May 9, 1922.
KENNETH  H. GORDON-Since 1920, Kenneth H. Gordon has been identified with the field of
pedagogy in various capacities, and for the past two
years has been superintendent of the Pennsylvania
Training School at Morganza, Pennsylvania, where he
directs the activities of six hundred and sixty-three
students, and supervises the work of one hundred
and thirty teachers under his charge. He was born
in Waynesburg, June 4, I897, the son of Ankrom
Ingrham Arthur and Daisy (Harrington) Gordon.
The elder Mr. Gordon, a native of Franklin Township, is a retired engineer. His wife, also a native of
Franklin Township, died in I9I0.
Kenneth H. Gordon, received his early education in
the public schools of Pittsburgh and Waynesburg, and
after graduating from  Waynesburg High School in
1915, matriculated at Waynesburg College. His studies
were interrunted in IoI8 when he enlisted in the AmeriI tREN PEN N  YLVAN1A                          289
can Expeditionary Forces, and as a member of the
Medical Corps was assigned to a base hospital in
France. He received his honorable discharge in July,
I9I9, and in the fall of the same year returned to
Waynesburg College, graduating in I920 with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He has since engaged
in extensive postgraduate work at the University of
West Virginia, Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh. In 192o he became a teacher and
assistant principal of Farmington High School in
Farmington, West Virginia, and two years later went
to Richhill Township High School at Wind Ridge,
Pennsylvania, to assume the duties of principal of that
institution. The following year he became principal
of the Farmington School, and one year later was appointed principal of the Monongahela Township High
School at Mapletown, Greene County. In 1927 he was
named principal of Trinity High School in Washington, Pennsylvania, and continued here until 1936 when
he assumed his present position. His years of association with school work have well equipped him for the
diversified duties connected with his present important
post.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, a Democrat, and an affiliate of Waynesburg Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, and he also holds the thirty-second
degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In addition he is an honorary member of the Canonsburg
Rotary Club.
He was married, at Avalon, Pennsylvania, August
2, 1923, to Mary Sutton, a native of Waynesburg,
born April I5, I900, the daughter of Charles T. and
Ella (Gladden) Sutton. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon are
the parents of a daughter, Joan, born in Waynesburg, December IO, 1925.
GEORGE L. LONGRIDGE-In his comparatively short career of public service in Somerset
County, George L. Longridge gained the esteem and
respect of all the people of this area, and established
himself as one of this county's most popular and efficient public officials. Quoting a prominent attorney:
"His death was a tragic loss to the citizens of Somerset County. He was one of the finest and most conscientious of public servants, a man whose sincerity
was ever uppermost. He was courteous to all with
whom he came in contact, discharging his duties with
skill and consideration regardless of race, creed or
political affiliations."
George L. Longridge was born at Thomas, West
Virginia, May 4, I890, son of Robert and Mary
(Finch) Longridge. His father is now a resident of
Barton, Maryland. His mother died in 1929. He was
brought to Maryland by his parents, as a boy, and
AiNiNAL,"-) UP'`-) UTklWESANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was educated in the local schools and in Barton High
School and was a graduate of the Tri-State Business
College. At the age of seventeen years, he came to
Somerset County and entered the employ of the Consolidated Coal Company at Jenners No. 2, and worked
in their office for fourteen years. He then went to
Confluence, Pennsylvania, and was engaged in the
mining business for the next ten years, returning to
Somerset in I93I to become deputy county treasurer,
under Morris M. Walker. Elected to the office of
county treasurer in the fall of 1935, he assumed his
duties in January, I936, serving faithfully and capably
until his death in the following year. Gifted with
imagination, initiative, and adaptability, George L.
Longridge conceived, worked out and established in his
office an entirely new system for keeping delinquent
tax records which has been appraised and claimed as
the best, other counties having studied and adopted
his system. He gave so much of his time and energy
to his official work, working almost incessantly, that
it is believed this overwork was the contributing cause
of his death. Mr. Longridge was a member of the
Grace Evangelical Church, Baracca Bible Class, and
Albright Brotherhood affiliated with Grace Church.
He also was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Barton, Maryland, the Somerset Lions Club,
Republican Men's Club, and a loyal active member of
the Republican party.
On April I6, I912, George L. Longridge married
Neva E. Saylor, daughter of James B. Saylor, former
sheriff of Somerset County. A friend of the family
once commented: "By his marriage, Mr. Longridge
gained the life companionship of a charming and congenial woman. His wife is fitted by native refinement,
a bright mind, and thorough education for the position she occupies, and she enters gracefully and with
enjoyment into the duties her position calls for." Mrs.
Longridge has been elected to the office vacated by
the death of her husband, assuming office January,
1938, assuring the conduct of the affairs of the county
treasurer's office in the same dignified and efficient
manner that characterized Mr. Longridge's regime.
Mr. and Mrs. Longridge were the parents of three
children: I. Mary Elizabeth. 2. James Saylor. 3.
Audrey Ann. Mr. George L. Longridge, in addition
to his wife, children and father, is survived by four
sisters and four brothers: Mrs. Agnes Campbell and
Mary Margaret Longridge, of Barton, Maryland;
Mrs. Fred Pierson, of Glendale, California; Mrs.
Thomas Neff, of Lonaconing, Maryland; Rex and
Robert Longridge, of Morgantown, West Virginia;
Joseph Longridge, of College Park, Maryland; and
Kermit Longridge, of Pocatello, Idaho.
The news of the sudden death of Mr. Longridge on
June 7, I937, came as a shock to his relatives, a host
of friends and the hundreds of men and women who
had known and respected him. The deep regret felt
by all found expression in letters and telegrams, editorials and tributes by individuals and organizations.
Officials paid him homage; the "Somerset Daily
American" in commenting on his service as treasurer
of the county, pointed out that: "He has given unstintedly of his time, working from early morn until
late at night, perfecting a recording system vastly
superior to that previously employed in the county
treasurer's office." An editorial in the "Boswell News"
said in part:
The entire life of George L. Longridge, from the
beginning to the end, was filled with activity and high
and commendable ambitions, and there are few among
those who knew him best who would even attempt to
refute the fact that in his forty-seven years he had
worked and accomplished more than many whose
sojourn here is twice as long.
Mr. Longridge was a man who always appeared to
find extreme joy in living. His home life was especially happy, while his associations with his many
friends and acquaintances always seemed to bring real
enjoyment to him. Work to him appeared to be a
delight and he spent little time in idleness or in the
cultivation of lack of consideration for the constructive things of life. His character was especially commendable. He was honest and his word or promise
needed no documents of security. In brief, Mr. Longridge was a man who left little to be desired when
seeking out one whose general characteristics measured
up to our highest ideals in the matter of constructive
citizenship, and his passing brings to us a very definite
understanding that death has once again removed from
our midst another acquaintance and friend whose associations we always appreciated and enjoyed and a man
whom we always held in the highest of esteem.
From an eulogy by one who knew him well, are
taken the following excerpts:
The name of George L. Longridge has ever stood
as a synonym for all that is enterprising in business
and the progressive in citizenship, and no history of
the city or State would be complete without extended
reference to his career. He was a man without pretense, thoroughly genuine, free from the assumption of
importance by lesser minds, absorbed in his work, bent
upon doing the best for everybody.
George L. Longridge was a man with whom no
one could come in contact without feeling better for
the meeting and with a more kindly disposition toward
his fellowmen and the world at large. Everyone high
or low, who met him felt the influences of his good
will. No man could be with him long without becoming his friend. His very presence compelled friendship. The sunny smile which dominated his face was
not the mere mask of the hail fellow well met, but the
outward manifestation of an inborn and ingrained
290ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
kindly nature, filled to the full with the joy of living
and the delight of mingling with his fellowmen. He
was a man of intense humanity. He was human all
through and he loved mankind; and those who were
admitted to the inner cloisters of his intimacy felt that
in losing him they lost a part of themselves, and that
life would never again be as complete as it was before
he was taken away.
There are some men who take possession of the
public heart and hold it after they have gone, not by
flashes of genius or brilliant services, but by kindness
and the force of personal character, and by steady and
persistent good conduct in all the situations and under
all the trials of life. They are in sympathy with all
that is useful and pure and good in the community in
which they reside, and the community on its part cheerfully responds by extending to them respectful admiration and sincere affection. Such a man was George L.
Longridge.
In his quiet way he lived the creed of his belief, and
that creed was his character. In private life he was
the embodiment of domestic and neighborly virtues.
He never wrought an injury and never missed a chance
to help. He lived beloved and died mourned by everyone who had ever known him.
Duty and honor were his watchwords, and justice
was one of his strong characteristics. No trust reposed
in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree, nor
was he ever known to sacrifice a public interest to the
furtherance of his own gains.
He added to the sum of human joy; and were everyone to whom he did some loving service to bring a
blossom to his grave, he would sleep beneath a wilderness of flowers.
ROBERT HAROLD BLACK, Jr.-Having entered the engineering field more than thirty-five years
ago, Robert Harold Black, Jr., has been closely associated with this work to the present time, and since
I923, in his capacity as plant engineer for the Standard
Tin Plate Company at Canonsburg, he has complete
charge of all operations in the engineering department
of this company. He was born in Wheeling, West
Virginia, February I2, I882, the son of Robert Harold
and Margaret Jane (White) Black, both deceased.
Robert Harold Black, Sr., born in Canonsburg, in
August, I848, was identified with the marble and
granite business for many years and engaged extensively in monumental work. His wife, born in Hickory,
Pennsylvania, in I850, died in March, I900.
Robert Harold Black, Jr., was educated in the public
schools of Canonsburg and later attended Jefferson
Academy. He then enrolled in the Evening School of
the Carnegie Institute of Technology, and upon completion of his courses, became associated with the Riter
Conley Manufacturing Company at Pittsburgh as an
apprentice in the engineering drafting department.
Four years later he entered the engineering department
of the Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg, where
he remained until I909. He then became an employee
of the Toledo Bridge and Crane Company in Toledo,
Ohio, and he was connected with the engineering department here until I914, when he went to Walkerville, Ontario, Canada. He became associated with the
Canadian Bridge Company, where he continued until
1923, and then assumed his present duties with the
Standard Tin Plate Company. His knowledge of engineering and his many years of practical experience in
this field have made Mr. Black, Jr., a valued asset to
his employers and a source of great information for
those under his charge.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
and a prominent Republican, and a past secretary of
the South Canonsburg School Board. He is a thirtysecond degree Scottish Rite Mason, and is also a member of the Ancient Ara'bic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He also holds membership in the Washington
Country Club.
He was married in Toledo, Ohio, June 8, I914, to
Blanche Sly, born December I5, I886, the daughter of
Charles W. and Amelia (Berger) Sly. Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Harold Black, Jr., became the parents of a
daughter, Mary Margaret, born October 15, I920, a
graduate of Canonsburg High School in I938. Mrs.
Blanche (Sly) Black died in I923, and Mr. Black
married (second), June 15, I929, Mary C. George, a
native of East Palestine, Ohio, born March I5, I888,
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John George.
JOHN  W. BLACK-A resident of Canonsburg
for the past fifty-three years, John W. Black was born
in Wheeling, West Virginia, the son of Robert Harold,
Sr., and Margaret Jane (White) Black, both deceased.
Robert H. Black, Sr., born in Canonsburg, in August,
I848, was a monument dealer here for many years
prior to his death. He was also active in political
affairs, and for years served as member of the council
of the Third Ward and also as a member of the
board of directors of the school board. His wife, born
in Hickory, Pennsylvania, in I85o, died in March, I9oo.
John W. Black was educated in the Canonsburg
public schools, and after graduating from the high
school in I903, he enrolled at the University of Indiana,
where he remained for one year. For the past ten
years he has been associated with the Citizens Trust
Company of Canonsburg, and now is serving as a trust
officer.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
and an active supporter of the Republican party. He
was a member of the city council, and is now secretary
of the Canonsburg School Board.
29IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA7
Warren G. Reitz was born in Somerset, April 25,
I895, son of George F. and Hulda (Lambert) Reitz,
of Reitz, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. George F.
Reitz, who was a coal operator, died in I920; his wife,
Hulda, passed away in I9I0.
After passing through public and preparatory
schools, Warren G. Reitz, selecting a career in education, attended normal school and, after graduation,
taught in the public schools for two years. Then, in
1915, he became a road man for the Johnstown Traction Company, beginning an association which has been
marked by steady progression through various positions, such as inspector, assistant to the general manager, acting general manager and the like, to his present post as president and general manager, an office to
which he was appointed in 1936, succeeding Mr. Shannon. A member of the Masonic Fraternity, holding
thirty-second degree rank, Mr. Reitz also belongs to
the Johnstown Rotary Club, the Johnstown Chamber
of Commerce and the North Fork Country Club. He
is also a member of the Moxham Christian Church.
Warren G. Reitz married, in 1915, Marion B. Fox,
of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Reitz are the parents of
three children: I. Benita May, born September I,
1918. 2. Dorothy Louise, born October I2, I919. 3.
Betty Jane, born December I2, 1921.
HOWARD W. STULI-The career of Howard
W. Stull, Johnstown attorney, is punctuated with
achievement of a civic nature. Prior to establishing
himself in practice at the aforementioned city Mr. Stull
was in the government postal service, later served with
the United States Departments of the Treasury and
the Interior and then began his professional career in
Stevens County, Washington, for which he served as
prosecuting attorney. Since he has been in Johnstown,
Mr. Stull has maintained a keen and active interest in
the affairs of his surroundings and enjoyed the approbation of his fellow-citizens who a short time ago saw
fit to have him represent this district in the United
States Congress.
Mr. Stull was born in Cambria County, April ii,
1876, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Mary J.
(Maurer) Stull, both natives of this State. His father,
who was born in I850, and died in 19I7, was a merchant and realtor, holding large properties in this
section of Pennsylvania. His mother passed away in
I906. Mr. Stull received a general education in the
public schools of his native county and after complet-.
ing this part of his studies attended the Indiana State
Normal School (now Indiana State Teachers College)
at Indiana, Pennsylvania. Later he matriculated at
George Washington University from which he was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the
class of 90o8. He began his career as a school teacher
and continued in this work for two years after which
he entered his father's store as a clerk. Later he became associated with the Westinghouse Electric and
Manufacturing Company, and eventually joined the
Keystone Telephone Company in Pittsburgh, which he
was serving in I897 when he was appointed clerk in
the Johnstown post office. He continued in this capacity
for two years and was then promoted to the post of
assistant postmaster, which he held from I899 to I904.
During the latter year he became a member of the
auditor's office of the United States Treasury Department, and in I908 was appointed a proof clerk in the
United States Land Office at Spokane, Washington.
In the meantime he had attended George Washington
University and received his degree of Bachelor of
Laws. Seven months after coming to Spokane he was
admitted to the Washington State bar, and went to
Colville, Stevens County, Washington, where he began to practice in partnership with H. T. Wentz and
H. Wade Bailey. He won rapid recognition as a lawyer and civic leader, was elected prosecuting attorney
of the aforementioned county, serving in this capacity
from  I909 to 1911 and from  I913 to I9I5, when he
became the organizer of the Stevens County League'of Commercial Clubs. His popularity in this section
is further evidenced by the fact that he was president
of the local Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the
Stevens County Fair Association and in 1916 was
chosen a delegate to the Republican National Convention. A year later he returned to Johnstown and was
admitted to the bar of this State, as well as being
certified to practice before the Superior courts, the
Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. At the
time he established himself in a general independent
practice which he has conducted in this city with outstanding distinction and success since.
Mr. Stull has demonstrated the same interest and
leadership in civic affairs as he did during his residence in the State of Washington, and has achieved
equal if not greater prominence in his native State. As
a Republican he was elected to represent the Twentieth
Pennsylvania Congressional District in the Seventysecond Session of the United States Congress, held
between I932 and I933. Aside from this he has won
recognition as a leader of the Boy Scout movement, in
which he is a member of the National Council and
holds the Silver Beaver award. He has been treasurer
of the Cambria County Council of this organization
for a number of years and assisted in the promotion of
the movement in other manners. Mr. Stull belongs to
several of the leading local clubs, including the Kiwanis Club, in which he is a-former president and a
member of the board of directors. He fraternizes with
27ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He married, October 22, I919, Alice Greenway, a
native of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, born June 20,
I888, the daughter of Richard and Alice (Dunn)
Greenway. Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of
two children: I. John Robert, born September Io,
1920. 2. Virginia, born August I3, I924.
GEORGE DELL McNUTT-For more than
half a century, George Dell McNutt has been closely
associated with the banking industry in Canonsburg,
and for the past fifteen years he has filled the office
of president of the First National Bank, guiding its
policies in such an efficient manner that it is recognized
as one of the strongest and soundest institutions in the
country. He was born in Chartiers Township, Washington County, December 12, I862, the son of William
A. and Nancy (Weaver) McNutt. William A. McNutt, born in Chester County, near Philadelphia, was
engaged in farming in Chartiers Township for many
years prior to his death in I882 and his farm of more
than one hundred acres produced a general crop. He
was active in township affairs, a well-known Republican, and for many years a member of the local school
board. Nancy Weaver was a descendant of Rev. John
McMillan, pioneer clergyman, and founder and pastor
of the Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church, and the
teacher from whose little log school house developed
the present Jefferson College.
George Dell McNutt attended the township schools,
and later studied at Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh, being a member of the Class of 1884. During
the following year he served as a clerk in the shoe
store of J. W. Hiles, and then in I885 he entered the
employ of the Canonsburg Bank, Limited, in the
capacity of bookkeeper, which position he held until
I890, when he was named cashier. In I891, this bank
was reorganized and the First National Bank established, the old bank merging with the new institution.
Mr. McNutt retained his position as cashier with the
First National Bank, and discharged his duties most
satisfactorily, and in I923 he was elected to his present
post as president. He was also one of the organizers
of the First National Bank of Houston, Pennsylvania,
and a member of its board of directors until I933. He
has also served as president and director of the Cecil
Improvement Company of Canonsburg, and as a
director of the Chartiers Building and Loan Association, the Oak Spring Cemetery Association, and the
Hill Church Cemetery Company. He is also a past
director of the Canonsburg Iron and Steel Company,
and of the Standard Tin Plate Company, which latter
firm he was considerably instrumental in bringing to
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
He is a member of the board of elders of the First
Presbyterian Church, and a supporter of the Republican
party, being a former member of the Canonsburg
School Board. He is also an active member of the
local Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with the
Washington County, Pennsylvania State and American
Bankers associations. He is also a member of the
Washington Country Club, and was a former member
of the National Guard at Washington, Pennsylvania.
He was married in Canonsburg to Alice Rebecca
Fife, a native of St. Claire Township, born December
I4, I863, the daughter of John and Mary (Adams)
Fife, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McNutt are the
parents of three children: I. Nancy Olive, married
Dr. B. M. Lyons and they are the parents of two children. 2. John William, married Irene V. Gonyo, and
they are the parents of one son. 3. Mary Adams, married WlTilliam K. Galbraith, and they are the parents
of four children.
ARTHUR VAN EMAN DONALDSON, M. D.
-For more than twenty years, Dr. Arthur Van Eman
Donaldson has been engaged in the practice of medicine
at Canonsburg. During this period he has firmly
established his reputation as a physician and surgeon
and has become a well-known figure in the general life
of this section.
Dr. Donaldson, who is a member of an old Washington County family, was born in North Strabane
Township on May 3I, I885, a son of John William and
Mary Belle (Lyon) Donaldson. He is descended from
Scots-Irish ancestors, with an admixture of German
stock, tracing back to the early days of settlement in
Washington County. His father was a farmer here
during his active career.
Arthur Van Eman Donaldson was one of eight children born to his parents. He received his preliminary
education in the public schools of his birthplace and
at Jefferson ANcademy, after which he enrolled at
Washington and Jefferson College. He prepared for
his profession in the Medical School of the University
of Pittsburgh and was graduated from that institution
in I9II with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. During the following year he served his interneship in
Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. Thus equipped, he
returned to Washington County and entered practice
at Avella. Dr. Donaldson came to, Canonsburg in
I917 and has since devoted himself without interruption
to his professional duties in this community.  His
obvious qualifications and diligence in behalf of his
patients led to many demands on his services and
brought him the extensive generaI practice as a physician and surgeon which he now enjoys.
292ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Dr. Donaldson is a member of the staff of the
Canonsburg General Hospital, a member of the Washington County Medical Association, the Pennsylvania
State Medical Association and the American Medical
Association. During the World War, he served as a
member of the draft board of the Second District of
Washington County and as medical examiner on the
board, continuing active in these connections until the
close of the war.  In 1924, at its organization, he
became captain of Hospital Company H, of the Io3d
Medical Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard.
In addition to his other connections, Dr. Donaldson
is prominent in the Free and Accepted Masons, being
affiliated in this order with Chartiers Lodge, No. 297,
and with many higher bodies, including Pittsburgh
Consistory, thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member and
trustee of Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church, one of
the oldest congregations west of the Allegheny Mountains, and a member of the Yorick Club of Canonsburg
and the Washington County Country Club. In politics
he is a Republican.
On March 8, I914, Dr. Arthur Van Eman Donaldson married (first) Mabel Bryson, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bryson.
She died on July 8, I919. Dr. and Mrs. Donaldson
had two children: I. Dorothy Belle, born January 4,
T915. 2. William Brys,on, born May 21, 1916. Dr.
Donaldson married the second time, February 8, I936,
Margaret Russell, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, a
member of an old Washington County family.
ROBERT BARNETT GEORGE-Having entered his father's pottery business in 1923, Robert Barnett George has followed this work to the present day,
and is now the general manager of the Canonsburg
plant, known as Plant Number Two of the W. S.
George Pottery Company. He was born in East Palestine, Ohio, March 20, 19o2, the son of William Shaw
and Annie (Campbell) George, both deceased. William
Shaw George, born in East Liverpool, Ohio, March 2I,
I865, was engaged in the manufacture'of pottery
products for many years, and at the time of his death
in 1925 was the head of the W. S. George Pottery
Company, with three plants, two in East Palestine,
Ohio, and one in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. His wife,
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 29, I864, died
in 1921.
Robert Barnett George acquired his early education
in private schools at A,sheville, North Carolina, and
later matriculated at the University of North Carolina. However, he did not remain to graduate, preferring to enter the business field in I923, first being
stationed in East Palestine, and later being transferred
to the Canonsburg plant. The W. S. George Pottery
Company has been long engaged in the manufacture
of semi-vitreous porcelain and white granite, dinnerware, toiletware and specialties, fancy shapes, cable
shape, hotel thick, hotel half-thick and welded-edge
white and decorated pottery, and with an average employment personnel of more than two hundred, is considered as one of the leading industries of its type in
the East.
Mr. George is a member of the United Presbyterian
Church, a Republican, and a member of the United
States Potters Association. He was married in Durham, North Carolina, November 25, 1925, to Matilda
Bryant, daughter of Victor Silas and Matilda (Heartt)
Bryant. Mr. and Mrs. George are the parents of three
children: I. Robert B. 2. Matilda D. 3. Julia B.
George, all born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
HAROLD THOMAS OSBURN-Harold
Thomas Osburn, a member of the firm of Holt, McConnell and Osburn, well known engineers and general
contractors at Canonsburg, 0 was born at Shelburn,
Indiana, May 22, 19i1, the son of Allen and Emma
(Kruzan) Osburn. Allen Osburn, born in Terre
Haute, Indiana, April I3, I856, was engaged for many
years in general farming. He also was an extensive
dealer in live stock, and for a time was in the oil
producing business. He died in Shelburn, Indiana,
October, 1929.  His wife, also a native of Terre
Haute, Indiana, born December 15, i86o, died April
IO, I92I.
Harold Thomas Osburn attended the public schools
of Sullivan, Indiana, and after graduating from Sullivan High School in I9I8, matriculated at Purdue University, where he received his Bachelor of Science
degree in I922. He has since engaged in further study
at this institution, and earned his Civil Engineer degree in I929. He began his engineering career in
1922, when he became engineer for the Vincennes
Bridge Company at Vincennes, Indiana, where he remained for four years. From 1926 to I933 he served
as engineer for the Fort Pitt Bridge Works at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and then, in partnership with
Charles Campbell, formed the firm of the Campbell
and Osburn, construction engineers. This partfiership
continued until I934, when the business was merged
with the Holt Company, and the present firm name of
Holt, McConnell and Osburn adopted. Mr. Osburn is
293ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
treasurer and general manager of this corporation, and
is also a member of the board of directors.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, a follower
of the Republican party in his political faith, and a
member of the Registered Professional Engineers and
the American Society of Civil Engineers.
He was married in Lafayette, Indiana, September
21, 1922, to Vesta Archer, a native of Waterloo, Iowa,
born December 6, 1900, the daughter of Charles and
Gertrude (Hooker) Aircher. Mr. and Mrs. Osburn
are the parents of two daughters: I. Patricia, born
October 19, I923. 2. Barbara, born January 9, 1926.
NORMAN MILLER-Entering upon a teaching
career in 1925, Norman Miller, of Berlin, Pennsylvania, has advanced far in his profession, and is now
one of the leading members in the pedagogical field in
this section of Pennsylvania. He was born in Fulton
County, November 8, 1902, the son of J. R. and Minnie
(Corbin) Miller. J. R. Miller, a native of Bellwood, is engaged in farming.
Norman Miller attended the rural schools of Blair
County, and was later graduated from Altoona High
School. He then enrolled at Harvard University, and
was awarded his Bachelor of Science degree in 1925.
Three years later, this institution conferred upon him
a Master of Arts degree. He began teaching at
Juniata High School in 1925, and, after one year here,
transferred to Altoona High School, where he taught
for one year. In I928 he became supervising principal
cf the Antis Township schools at Bellwood, and after
four years in this assignment, enrolled at Stanford
University in California, to take up graduate work in
secondary school administration.  One year at this
institution was followed by a year at Teachers College,
Columbia University, on a course in elementary
school administration. In 1934, he became supervising
principal of the Stony Creek Township schools in Somerset County, and in addition, three years later, became supervising principal of the Berlin Brothersvalley
schools. Under his leadership these schools were completely reorganized and a modern program of education
was introduced. As a leader in community and civic
projects, Mr. Miller assisted greatly in welding together the Berlin-Brothersvalley community.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, is affiliated
with Tyrone Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the
Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, and holds membership in
the Somerset Rotary Club. He is also connected with
the Pennsylvania State Education Association and a
life member of the National Education Association.
He was married, August io, I935, to Catherine Hirning, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are
the parents of a daughter, Virginia Louise, born
December I4, I938.
GEORGE  HUNTER, M. D.-There are few
records of greater devotion in the annals of medical
history of the State of Pennsylvania than that established by Dr. George Hunter, of Blairsville, Indiana
County, where he is dean of the profession. Never
during his long and distinguished career, which spans
over fifty-one years, has he allowed anything to interfere with his activities as a physician; and this means
that he has not relented in pursuing his course for a
single day, or deigned to indulge in a vacation of any
type throughout the aforementioned period. He is
more than a physician in Indiana County, he is an
institution, revered and respected by colleagues and
public alike for his ceaseless and useful contributions
to the general welfare.
A native of White County, Indiana, Dr. Hunter was
born here on September 27, I867, the son of Thomas
and Lavina (Dimmitt) Hunter, pioneer settlers of this
county, where the former died on August 28, I872, and
the latter on September 4th, of the same year. His
father engaged in farming and was a painter.
Dr. Hunter attended the public schools of Blairsville
and after completing his studies here, matriculated at
the Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, in
which he secured his professional training and from
which he was graduated with a Doctor of Medicine
degree in the class of I886. The same year he returned
to Blairsville and initiated a general practice which
for its longevity and success has become unique in
the medical annals of the State. He is the oldest
member of the Indiana Medical Society, and, aside
from his affiliations, has been active in community
affairs. For a number of years he has been vice-president of the Blairsville National Bank and president of
the Blairsville Cemetery Association. He worships at
the United Presbyterian Church, in which he is a member of the session.
On November 7, 1897, at Blairsville, Dr. Hunter
married Mary Elinor Leintner.
FREDERICK JOHN BROAD-Long recognized as one of the foremost citizens of New Kensington, Frederick (Fred) John Broad has performed an
important work in real estate and insurance in this
community and in Westmoreland County.
Mr. Broad was born April 28, I883, in Bohun, Germany, a steel manufacturing and mining town, son
294ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Michael and Eve (Graff) Broad. His father, a
miner, served in the German army.
Receiving a common school education, Frederick
John Broad early turned his attention to the business
world. He determined to enter upon real estate and
insurance activities, developing seven real estate plans
and allotments in and near the city of New Kensington, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He it was
who erected the Broad Building, in the business center
of New Kensington, at Fourth and Ninth streets.
His participation in the affairs of this community
has been many-sided and constructive. Formerly he
was a director of the Union National Bank of New
Kensington, which afterward was consolidated with
the Logan Trust Company. He has also made a distinctive contribution to public life, having been elected
to the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsylvania to serve in the term of 1936 and 1937, representing the Second District of Westmoreland County.
He was also a member of the commission in charge of
constitutional observance at the Pennsylvania SesquiCentennial celebration. He is city committeeman of
the Democratic party. In addition to his other activities, Mr. Broad is a member of the United Mine
Workers of America, and has been a delegate to
various United Mine Workers of America and other
Federation of Labor conventions; is former president
of the Lions Club, New Kensington, and a director of
the local Chamber of Commerce, New Kensington.
From I9oo to I9IO he devoted practically all his time
to professional boxing, as light heavyweight.  He
worships in the faith of the Lutheran Church and
resides at 26I Freeport Road.
On September 6, I917, at South Bend, Indiana,
Frederick John Broad married Dorothy Sellens, daughter of Charles and Fanny Sellens. Thie children of
this marriage were: I. Fred Daniel Broad, a student
at Chester Military Academy, Chester, Pennsylvania.
2 Frances Broad, a graduate of New Kensington
High School. 3. Harry Bovard Broad, who died at
the age of two years.
JUDGE RICHARD DRUM LAIRD-In his
forty years of activity at the Westmoreland County
bar, Judge Richard Drum Laird has risen to prominence both in his profession and in public life. He is
now serving his first elective term on the bench of
the Tenth Judicial District of Pennsylvania.
Judge Laird was born in Greensburg on June 30,
1872, a son of Francis Van Buren and Hetty Drum
(Welty) Laird, both members of old Westmoreland
County families. In the direct paternal line his first
American ancestor was John Laird, an Ulsterite from
County Donegal, Ireland. He lived at Marsh Creek,
in York County (afterward Adams County), Pennsylvania, where he had a farm. After his death in
1766, his son, William  Laird, took charge of the
farm with his wife, residing on the old homestead
from 1768 onward. Their son, Francis Laird, became
a prominent Presbyterian divine in Western Pennsylvania and the founder of Laird Institute at Murraysville. He was born in I768, was graduated from
Dickinson College in I794, and after a three-year
course in theology was licensed to preach by the
Donegal Presbytery. At that time he came west to
serve the Poke Run and Plum Creek churches as
pastor, taking up his ministry on October 22, i8oo,
and continuing for thirty-one years. Later, he was
for nineteen years minister of the Presbyterian Church
in Murraysville, and was buried in the old churchyard
there following his death on April 6, I854. The Rev.
Francis Laird was the great-grandfather of Judge
Richard Drum Laird. He married Mary Moore and
through this connection Judge Laird enjoys the distinction of descent from one of the early president
judges of the courts of Westmoreland County. Mary
Moore was a daughter of John Moore, who first held
court in the old log structure at Hannastown, and
later in the first court house in Greensburg erected
during the year I786 and first used at the January
term, I787. He built a stone house on a small branch
off Crabtree Run and was a prominent member of the
old  Congruity  Presbyterian  congregation.  Judge
Moore, a son of William  Moore, was born in 1738
and died in I8II. He was buried in Congruity Cemetery.  During the Revolutionary War, he was a
Frontier Ranger in the company of Captain Jeremiah
Lochry. He married a daughter of, Isaac Parr, a
pioneer neighbor of the Dennistons at New  Alexandria. Of Judge Moore's own daughters, one married John M. Snowden, a Pittsburgh editor; another,
Major John Kirkpatrick, who was Greensburg's second
postmaster in I793; and a third, the Rev. Francis
Laird.
Francis and Mary (Moore) Laird were the parents
of nine children, eight of whom lived to reach maturity: John Moore, of whom further; William, Robert,
Francis, Harrison P., Jane, Eliza, and Mary.
John Moore Laird, grandfather of Judge Laird, was
born near Sardis in I8o2, and died on January 25,
I887. As a youth he served an apprenticeship in the
newspaper field under his uncle, John M. Snowden,
and subsequently became editor of a paper at Steubenville, Ohio. Afterward he settled at Congruity, where
295ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
he operated a general store on the Northern Turnpike,
and some years later moved to Murraysville, where he
was engaged in a similar business. In Murraysville
he also purchased the celebrated "Pennsylvania Argus,"
a weekly newspapers widely circulated in Westmoreland County, which he edited with his two sons, Major
James M. Laird and Francis Van Buren Laird. A'
Jeffersonian Democrat, he exercised a vigorous and
wholesome influence in the public life of Westmoreland County through the columns of his paper, adopting a strong policy which was continued after his death
by his sons. John Moore Laird married (first) at
Steubenville, Ohio, Ellen May Morton, who died not
long afterward, leaving one child, a daughter, who was
raised by Rev. Francis Laird and who later married
George VW. Hankey. John Moore Laird married
(second) at Congruity, Rebecca Moore, daughter of
James Moore, but no relation to Judge Moore.
Francis Van Buren Laird, father of Judge Laird,
was born at Murraysville, Westmoreland County, on
December 30, I840. As a young man he entered his
father's printing office and while he was still in his
twenties, took charge of "The Huntingdon Monitor,"
published at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. When his eyesight began to fail, however, he was obliged to relinquish this connection and for some time was employed
as a member of the engineering corps on the old Panhandle, West Penn and Baltimore and Ohio railroads.
Later he returned to his father's newspaper and served
as business manager until his death. In his earlier
years he was for a time deputy United States Marshal
and in later life served as a member and president of
the Greensburg Borough Council. He was always
influential in the civic affairs of his community and
frequently his support was a decisive factor in the
success of those measures designed to advance the
cause of civic progress. Francis Van Buren Laird
married, on April I9, I87I, Hetty Drum Welty, daughter of Daniel and Mary Ann Drum Welty. Her
father was a merchant, and from I866 to I869, served
as postmaster of Greensburg.  Her mother was a
granddaughter of Simon Drum, Greensburg's first innkeeper, whose hotel was located at the southwest
corner of West Pittsburgh and Main streets. A grandson of Simon Drum, General Richard C. Drum, served
in the Mexican War and later became adjutant-general
of the United States Army.
Judge Richard Drum Laird named for his greatuncle, General Drum, spent his entire boyhood in
Greensburg, attending the local public schools, and
after his graduation from high school in I891, he
entered Grove City College. From this institution he
was graduated in the class of I894. Judge Laird studied
law in the office of his uncle, Senator Harrison Perry
Laird, who was associated in the firm of Laird and
Keenan with Captain John B. Keenan. Both were
eminent practitioners in their day. Under their expert
guidance, Judge Laird qualified for the bar and was
duly admitted to practice in I898. Meanwhile, through
a natural interest arising from the military tradition
of the family, he enlisted as a private in Company I,
Ioth Regiment, National Guard, of Pennsylvania, an
organization with a very distinguished military history,
and later to become Ioth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in the Spanish-American War. His
uncle, Major James Moore Laird, was its head for
more than twenty years. He was not permitted to take
the company to the Philippines during the SpanishAmerican War, but Judge Laird, then first lieutenant
of Company I, accompanied his regiment across the
Pacific and upon his return to the United States with
his command, planned to enter the regular army as
first lieutenant. This commission had been tendered
him, but at the request of his parents he declined the
honor and began the practice of law.
Judge Laird quickly established his reputation at the
bar and saw his practice grow steadily with passing
years. He became an authority on banking and corporation law which, together with municipal law, constituted his principal field of practice. In these branches
of law he was very successful. Judge Laird served for
twenty years as solicitor for Greensburg and other
boroughs in the county. He was also for a considerable period a member of the Greensburg School Board.
In I933 he entered the sphere of public service more
actively, standing for election as district attorney.
Successful at the polls, he took office for a four-year
term and met its responsibilities with such distinction
that he was marked for advancement. Upon the death
of Hon. Charles D. Copeland, late president judge of
the Tenth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Governor
George H. Earle designated Judge Laird to fill the
vacancy until the next regular election. A few months
later, in I937, he was elected for the full term. IH-e was
accorded the unusual tribute of nomination by both
Democratic and Republican parties and received the
largest vote ever cast for a judicial candidate in Westmoreland County. This evidence of the high esteem
and personal regard in which he was held by the people of the county was a natural consequence of his
standing at the bar, his exemplary citizenship and the
value placed upon his intellectual attainments and
public spirit. It has been abundantly justified by his
faithful administration of his judicial duties, an administration marked by impartial fairness, a full con296ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, in which he
holds the thirty-second degree, is Past Master of the
local lodge, Past High Priest of the chapter and a
member of the Shrine. Through his ancestry he belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and as
an ardent sportsman is identified with the Johnstown
Rod and Gun Club. He is a Republican in politics, is
an elder of the Presbyterian Church, and in his professional affiliations is a member of the American Bar
Association, Pennsylvania State Bar Association, the
Cambria County Bar Association and is a member of
Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity of the George Washington Law School. During the World War he was
an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association, and the Liberty Loan campaigns, and served
as a captain in Company F, Johnstown Regiment of
the Home Defense.
On September 3, I9o1, Mr. Stull married Rebecca
Jane McGahan, a native of Pennsylvania, and the
daughter of Thomas B. and Margaret E. (McCurdy)
McGahan. Mr. and Mrs. Stull were the parents of
four children: I. Mary Margaret, born August Io,
I902, attended Pennsylvania State College and is now
married to Boyer Allen and the mother of three children. 2. Howard Franklin, deceased. 3. Harold
Webster, born February 5, I9o6, is a graduate of Pennsylvania State College, George Washington University,
and is married to Viola Orr. 4. Sarah Frances, deceased.
EVAN J. THOMAS-Prominent in the business field in Johnstown since 90o2, Evan J. Thomas is
now busily engaged as president and general manager
of the Replogle Storage and Transfer Company, which
operates a large fleet of motorized trucks throughout
Western Pennsylvania, and is considered the largest
concern of its type in this locality. Mr. Thomas was
born in Cambria County, September I, I88o, the son
of Joseph O. and Catherine Jane (Davis) Thomas.
The elder Mr. Thomas, also a native of Cambria
County, has long been engaged in farming operations.
Evan J. Thomas was educated in the local public
schools, and then pursued courses at both the Rowe
and the Cambria Business colleges. In 1902 he was
taken into partnership with his uncle, R. R. Thomas
and F. B. Kinzey in the Thomas Kinzey Lumber Company. The business was founded in 1896 by R. R.
Thomas, and was first located on Center Street near
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad yards. In I900 Mr.
Kinzey joined the firm and four years later the business was incorporated, with R. R. Thomas as president, and new quarters were secured on Horner Street.
In I9IO R. R. Thomas-passed away, and Mr. Kinzey
was elected president, with Evan J. Thomas assuming
the duties of vice-president and treasurer. Upon the
death of Mr. Kinzey in January, I938, M. R. Fetterolt
was made president, and the following month Evan J.
Thomas severed his connections with the firm, in order
to devote his entire time and efforts to the progress
of the Replogle Storage and Transfer Company,
with which he had been partially interested since I930.
This business had been established in I888 by I. D.
Replogle, and was conducted by him until his death
in I930, when Mr. Thomas became president, Albert
E. Thomas, his son, treasurer, and Helen I. Wagner,
secretary. This company has floor space of 36,648
square feet and employs approximately twenty-five
men, and in addition to its ability to transport and
store merchandise on an extensive scale, much attention is given to a modern style of crating goods. Mr.
Thomas is also a stockholder in the United States
National Bank of Johnstown, and a director of both
the Community Savings and Loan Company and the
Thomas Kinzey Mortgage Company.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
an affiliate of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married October 28, I903, to Gertrude Seight,
daughter of John W. and Catherine Seight. Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas are the parents of four children: i.
Albert E., married Flornell Green, and they are the
parents of one child, Gail Thomas. 2. Ruth S., married Adolph Shonek. 3. Kenneth, married Marie
Rowe. 4. Dorothy Thomas.
CHARLES W. KUNKLE-Becoming associated with the Johnstown Water Company in I015,
Charles W. Kunkle has since served this organization
in various capacities, at present holding the offices of
vice-president and general manager, and regarded as
an authority on the subject of water for both domestic
and commercial use. He was born here, March 3,
I887, the son of Sylvester V. and Ellen (Colbert)
Kunkle. Sylvester V. Kunkle, a native of Indiana
County, was engaged as a merchant in this section for
many years.
After completing his public and high school education, Charles W. Kunkle enrolled at Penn State College, where he was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Science in I9IO. The following five years
he followed the construction line, and then in I915
entered the service of the Johnstown Water Company
as a resident engineer on the construction of a dam.
In 1922 he was advanced to the position of superintendent, succeeding T. B. Metzger, and in I928 became
vice-president. At the same time the office of general
manager was created, and Mr. Kunkle assumed the
duties of this office also, supervising the activities pf
from one hundred and twenty-five to four hundred
28ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sideration of the public interest and broad legal scholarship. Judge Laird continues on the bench, subordinating all other connections to the responsibilities of
his office.
On November 15, 1904, Judge Richard Drum Laird
married (first) Clara Dalbey, of Greensburg, who died
on May I8, 1922. They were the parents of four children: I. Rachel Dalbey. 2. Richard Drum, Jr. 3.
Emily Drum, who married Nevin A. Cort, Jr. 4.
John Keenan. On June 6, I936, Judge Laird married
(second) Martha Elizabeth Erickson, of Greensburg.
JUDGE J. HILARY KEENAN-Having been
admitted to the bar in 19o8, Judge J. Hilary Keenan
has long been engaged in the practice of his profession
in Westmoreland County and for a time at Newark,
New Jersey, and in February, I936, upon the death of
Judge William T. Dom, he was appointed Common
Pleas judge for the Tenth Judicial District, and the
following year was nominated and elected for a full
term in this office, his commission dating from the first
Monday of January, I938, for a,term of ten years.
Judge Keenan is the son of Edward W. and Mrs.
Anna (Eason) Keenan. Edward W. Keenan, due to
his father's early death, was compelled to seek employment early in life and for a time followed the trade
of shoemaking, later entering the hotel business, with
considerable success. He operated the Keenan House
in Greensburg for a year and a half, then took over
the management of the Fisher House for three years,
later went to the Parker House in Latrobe, then to the
Monongahela House in Monessen. He was the son of
John B. Keenan, and grandson of James Keenan, of
Youngstown, better known as Squire Keenan. John
B. Keenan entered the hotel business in his youth, and
at the outbreak of the Civil War organized Company
K of the famous IIth Pennsylvania Infantry, serving
as its captain. He was later advanced to the rank of
major, and while engaged in the second battle of Bull
Run, was wounded in the shoulder. Later on May II,
I864, he lost his life at the battle of Spottsylvania
Court House. Prior to his war service he had married
Lucy West, of Youngstown, and they became the parents of five children (all now deceased): I. James.
2. Edward W. 3. John. 4. Frank. 5. Emma.
After completing his education at St. Marys Seminary, Greensburg, and St. Vincent College, Beatty,
Pennsylvania, Judge Keenan began the study of law
in the offices of his cousin, John B. Keenan, a prominent Westmoreland County lawyer. Later he entered
Dickinson Law School in Carlisle, from which he
received his degree of Bachelor of Laws, and after
successfully passing his examinations, was admitted to
the Westmoreland County bar in I9o8. He was engaged here in the general practice of law until the
outbreak of the World War, when he became a member of the Westmoreland County local Draft Board
No. I. He was later promoted to chief clerk of the
District Draft Board No. 3, and afterwards became
chief clerk of the State Selective Board in Harrisburg, as an assistant to Major William G. Murdock.
After the close of the World War he entered the legal
department of a large insurance company in Newark,
New Jersey, and after several years of this work,
returned, in 1925, to Westmoreland County to resume
the private practice of law.
Judge Keenan, like his forebears, has always been
a staunch Democrat, and in I9IO and I9II, in his
younger political days, served a term as county chairman of Westmoreland County. He again acted as
chairman from I930 to I936, and was very active in
his support of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the
election of I932. His efforts in behalf of his party
resulted in his appointment as United States Marshal
at Pittsburgh, and he began his duties at this post,
September I, I933. He later received an appointment
as manager of the State Workmen's Insurance Fund,
in which capacity he remained at Harrisburg until he
assumed his present judicial duties.
Judge Keenan has always distinguished himself in
his profession, and his present judgeship is most acceptable, as it is known that justice will be dispensed
in the same honest and unbiased manner, with consideration for the rights of all, that characterized his
entire legal career.
PAUL  A. STRITTMATTER-Beginning his
career as a carpenter and builder, Paul A. Strittmatter,
of Hastings, later joined with his brothers in the establishing of Strittmatter Brothers Lumber Company, and
this business has prospered to the extent that it now is
one of the leading industries of the town.
Mr. Strittmatter was born in Carrolltown, September 14, I86o, the son of Peter and Anna Marie (Long)
Strittmatter, both deceased. Peter Strittmatter, during
his lifetime, was a well-known carpenter and resided
on a farm in this area. Paul A. Strittmatter acquired
his education in the local schools, and then embarked
upon his business career. In addition to his interest
in Strittmatter Brothers Lumber Company, he is also
president of the Hastings Bank, an institution founded
in I919 by a group of business men from Hastings and
Carrolltown, with a capital stock of $25,000. This
bank maintains assets of over $300,000, and is recognized as a very successful and sound institution.
Mr. Strittmatter is a communicant of St. Bernard's
Roman Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights
297ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Columbus, and a well-known figure in the civic life
of Hastings, having been a member of the town council
for eighteen years.
He was married, October 29, 1889, to Sophia M.
Hoover, of Carrolltown, and they are the parents of
nine children: I. Denis A., died at age of twenty-seven
years. 2. Amandus J. 3. Rev. Frederick, a Catholic
priest. 4. Rev. Denis, a Catholic priest. (Both Frederick and Denis Strittmatter are members of the Benedictine Order.) 5. Otto T. 6. Mary C. 7. Pauline S.
Strittmatter. 8. Germain M., died at age of six
months. 9. Casimer, died at age of three days.
SAMUEL BURG-A  well-known business man
in Canonsburg for the past thirty years, and a philanthropist whose deeds of kindness and generosity to
cthers are many, but little publicized, Samuel Burg is
numbered among this locality's most influential citizens, and is a business man of the first rank, one
whose standards of honesty, service and quality nmerchandising are well known in the business life of
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He was born in Austria,
May, I876, the son of Nathan H. and Dorothy (Waterfall) Burg. The elder Mr. Burg, a native of Austria,
was engaged in the silversmith trade in that country.
He lived retired with his son, the subject of this
sketch, up to the time of his death, June 23, I938.
Samuel Burg was educated in the public schools of
Austria, and upon migrating to the United States,
settled in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, where he entered
the meat and grocery business. At that time industrialism in Canonsburg was in its early stages of
growth and development, but Mr. Burg has seen his
business flourish in his many years of activity in this
section. Starting on a small scale, but well equipped
with progressive ideas and a genius for business management, he has advanced to a leading position among
the business men of Canonsburg and Washington
County. In addition to this meat and grocery business,
he is treasurer of the Keystone Provision and Ice
Company, whirh supplies ice to the CanonsburgHouston region, and he is also a director of the
Canonsburg Thrift Corporation.  Many -of the local
merchants were started in business by Mr. Burg, and
he has often tendered financial assistance to the needy
of the community, and to all worthy causes, but he is
opposed to having his name mentioned in connection
with his, deeds of liberality. He was one of the
founders.of the Tree of Life Synagogue, established
here in I915, and for many years was president of
the congregation.
He is a member of the Republican party and the
local Chamber of Commerce, and is affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and B'nai
B'rith.
He was married in Canonsburg to Bessie Popover,
a native of Austria, daughter of Joseph J. and Esther
H. Popover. Mr. and Mrs. Burg became the parents
of two children: I. Anchel O., born May 26, I9IO, a
graduate in I93I of the University of Pittsburgh with
a Bachelor of Science degree, and with professional
training as well as practical experience, now recognized as one of the leading younger business men of
Canonsburg.  2. Dorothy Bernice, born October I5,
I9I6, a student at the University of Pittsburgh. Mrs.
Burg departed this life October 28, I932.
WALTER MORRISON McPEAKE-Born in
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, January I2, I887, Walter
Morrison McPeake is the son of James Orr and
Henrietta (Hayden) McPeake. James Orr McPeake,
also a native of Candnsburg, was born January Io,
I833, and was a veteran of the Civil War, having been
a member of the Ioth Regiment Infantry, seeing
service in the battles of Gettysburg, South Mountain,
Antietam, Bull Run and Missionary Ridge. He died
April 9, I892. His wife, born July 25, I843, is now
the oldest living woman in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Walter Morrison McPeake received his public school
education in the Canonsburg schools, and after graduating from the high school in I905 became a draftsman
for the Fort Pitt Bridge Works in Canonsburg, where
he remained until August 26, I917, when he enlisted
for war service. He was a member of the American
Expeditionary Forces, attached to the Intelligence Section, 28th Division, and was engaged in action at the
Battle of Chateau-Thierry, and on the Meuse-Argonne,
Veste River and Thiacourt sectors, and was commissioned lieutenant while in France. He received his
honorable discharge, May 19, I919, and then returned
to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and together with Paul
G. Ayres purchased the local news agency from T. C.
Barr. Later he established his present wholesale and
retail business in office and school supplies and athletic
equipment, and in addition to supplying many schools
and business houses throughout this part of the county,
also caters to an extensive individual clientele. His
business has enjoyed wide expansion due to his complete knowledge of merchandise, his unfailing willingness to accommodate all patrons and his strict adherence to the highest ethical standards in all his dealings
with the public. Mr. McPeake is also well known in
298ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the sporting world as a player, coach and official, and
having attended coaching schools at Lake George, New'York and elsewhere he was able to impart much
valuable knowledge to players who later came under
his tutelage.
He is a member of the Methodist Church; a supporter of the Republican party; and is affiliated with
the Free and Accepted Masons; also Post No. 253,
American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and
the Canonsburg Rotary Club. Mr. McPeake is uninarried.
JAMES KENNETH RANKIN-Upon the death
of his father, in I93I, James Kenneth Rankin became
president of the Hardy and Rankin Company, general
contractors and dealers in lumber, building supplies
and concrete block. He was born in Canonsburg, December 13, I905, the son of William Lawrence and
Mary Elizabeth (Young) Rankin. William Lawrence
Rankin, a native of Washington County, was engaged
in the contracting business, and in I903, together with
J. E. Hardy, founded the Hardy and Rankin Company, and acted as its president until his death, October 17, I93I. He was active in civic life, a prominent
member of the Rotary Club, and a supporter of the
Republican party.
James Kenneth Rankin was educated in the Canonsburg public schools, and after graduating from the
high school in I925, matriculated at Penn State College, from which he was graduated in I929 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree. He immediately became
associated with his father's business, and upon the
latter's death in I93I, as before noted, he assumed the
duties of president of this organization. At the time
of its founding, thirty-five years ago, the Hardy and
Rankin Company operated on a small scale, and its
entire quarters were smaller than the present office
space. The plant now requires a half-city block to
house and stock its equipment and building material,
and is capable of supplying everything necessary to
build a modern home. In 1932, a ready-mixed concrete plant was erected, the first of its kind in Canonsburg, and it has produced thousands of cubic yards
of quality concrete, requiring the steady services of
fifteen employees.  Mr. Rankin also  serves as a
director of the Chartiers Building and Loan Association.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
a Republican and a member of the local Rotary Club.
James Kenneth Rankin was married, December 24,
I937, to Alma M. Frazier, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Howard Frazier.
M. DON CONNELL-Cashier of the First
National Bank of Carrolltown, M. Don Connell is
widely known in banking circles throughout Pennsylvania and is also one of the leading members of the
Pennsylvania State organization of the Knights of
Columbus.
M. Don Connell was born at Ebensburg December
26, I886, son of William H. and Matilda (Bender)
Connell. William H. Connell, who died in I917, was
a prominent man in Virginia County. During the
Civil War he served in the famous Bushtail Regiment,
and was wounded taking part in the battle of Gettyshurg. Mrs. Matilda (Bender) Connell died in I918.
After passing through the Ebensburg High School,
M. Don Connell started his career in railroad work.
As a young man, he was chief ticket clerk at Derry
and at Cresson. However, finding the banking business more to his talents, in November of I917 he
became assistant cashier in the First National Bank
of Cresson. In I92I Mr. Connell went to the First
National Bank of Lilly as cashier of the institution.
After five years in Lilly, he joined the staff of the
Patton Bank as assistant cashier and then, in I929, he
came to the Carrolltown Bank as assistant cashier, being made cashier in I935. This bank, the First National,
was organized April 30, I901, by a group of Carrolltown business men. A. W. Buck, the first president, was
succeeded by C. A. Sharbaugh, A. B Clark, George
E. Hipps and R. H. Sharbaugh. The cashiers have
been: T. A. Sharbaugh, F. J. Brophy, C. C. Adams
and Mr. Connell. The institution's original capitalization was $50,000. Its assets are well over one million
dollars. During the World War, M. Don Connell
served on many boards and committees. A member of
the Catholic Church, he has long been particularly
active in the Knights of Columbus. He is a Past
Grand Knight and, at present, is District Deputy for
the Eleventh Pennsylvania District.
M. Don Connell married, in I914, Arline Powers.
Mr. and Mrs. Connell are the parents of five children:
Joseph, John F., Daniel, Richard, and Marie Therese.
WASHINGTON IRVING STINEMAN-Formerly a State Senator and son of the founder of South
Fork, Cambria County, W. I. Stineman, of South
Fork and Johnstown, is not only one of the county's
outstanding citizens but also a leading businessman,
being connected with several enterprises engaged in
mining and merchandising and also being the president
of the South Fork National Bank.
Washington Irving Stineman was born at South
Fork June 23, I869, son of Jacob C. and Mary (Varner) Stineman. Jacczb C. Stineman, who died April
299ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
2, 1913, was the founder and leading citizen of South
Fork for many years, as a banker founding and directing the South Fork First National Bank, and as a
mine operator and merchant founding the Stineman
Mining and Coal Company as well as several other
companies. Mary (Varner) Stineman died in 1911.
After passing through the public schools of South
Fork, and attending Albright College, Washington
Irving Stineman became associated with his father in
various enterprises and shortly established himself in
the affairs of South Fork, not only becoming a leader
in business and banking but also identifying himself
with all movement for the development and well-being
of South Fork. In time, Mr. Stineman became president of the South Fork First National Bank and secretary and treasurer of the Stineman Coal and Mining
Company. Always keenly interested in political matters, not merely in South Fork and Cambria County,
but in all Pennsylvania as well, Mr. Stineman climaxed
this phase of his career by serving in the Pennsylvania
Senate in I921 through 1923. He is a life member of
the Sunnehanna Country Club of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Washington Irving Stineman married (first), in
I893, Nannie James, of Ebensburg. Mr. and Mrs.
Stineman were the parents of two children: I. James
C., who married Elizabeth Paul, and has a son, Jacob
Irving. 2. Frank H., who married Marion Kress.
Mrs. Stineman passed away in 1912, and in I914, Mr.
Stineman married (second) Katherine Agnes Farley,
a daughter of James and Ellen Farley, of Johnstown,
Pennsylvania.
CARL G. HIPP-One of the leading young business men of Cambria County, Carl G. Hipp, after
gaining a thorough experience in the steel business,
has been treasurer of the Brown-Fayro Company since
its organization in 1925.
Carl G. Hipp was born in Johnstown, November 6,
I893, son of Joseph S. and Margaret (Boxler) Hipp,
of Wilkes-Barre, where Mr. Hipp, who died in I9II,
was in the United States Government service.
After passing through the public schools and taking
a special course in engineering, Carl G. Hipp entered
the engineering departments of the Lorain Steel Company and the Bethlehem Steel~ Company, leaving the
latter organization in I922 to join the Brown Equipment Company. When, in 1925, that organization was
merged with the Fayro Machine and Engineering
Company, Mr. Hipp was appointed treasurer, a position which he has occupied through the present time.
A member of the Mother of the Sorrows Church, Mr.
Hipp belongs to local clubs and organizations.
Carl G. Hipp married, in 192o, Loretta C. Horten.
Mr. and Mrs. Hipp are the parents of three children:
I. Carl G., Jr., born in I922. 2. Joane, born in 1926.
3. John, born in I930.
WALTER C. SONTUM-The present position
of Walter C. Sontum is operating manager for the
Pennsylvania Electric Company.  He was born in
Pittsburgh, April I3, 1892, the son of Hugo and Anna
M. (Hoburg) Sontum, both deceased. Hugo Sontunm,
a native of Germany, came to America in his youth,
and was the pioneer of his family in Pennsylvania. He
was actively associated with the glass industry at the
time of his death in I9I4. His wife, a native of Pittsburgh, died in I935.
Walter C. Sontum received his early education in
the New Castle schools, and after his graduation from
the high school, enrolled at the Carnegie Institute of
Technology, where he received the degree of Bachelor
of Science in Electrical Engineering in I9I4. He
launched his business career with the West Penn
Power Company, and after two years entered the glass
industry, where he continued until his enlistment in the
United States Army. He was assigned to duty at
Camp Sherman, and at the conclusion of hostilities was
honorably discharged with the rank of second lieutenant. Upon his return to civilian life, he reentered the
employ of the West Penn Power Company, where he
remained until 1927, when he became associated with
the Penn Public Service Company, now known as the
Pennsylvania Electric Company. In his present capacity, Mr. Sontum has under his direct supervision
the production and furnishing of power, and he has
discharged his duties in a most creditable manner.
He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons
and the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, and he also holds membership in the Phi
Kappa Psi Fraternity and several local clubs. He was
married, in 1930, to Gwendolyn C. Stout, and they are
the parents of a daughter, Anne, born January 29, I93I.
DILLINGER  H. SHAFFER  After a long
career in the business world, Dillinger H. Shaffer was
appointed postmaster of Jeannette, Pennsylvania,
March 8, I937, and he has since conducted the affairs
of this office in a satisfactory and creditable manner.
He was born at Old Bethany, East Huntington Township, Westmoreland County, July 3, I889, the son of
Henry Secrist and Sarah (Hixson) Shaffer. The
elder Mr. Shaffer, born in East Huntington Township
in I858, was a farmer and dairyman. He died in I894.
His wife, also a native of East Huntington Township,
died March 5, 1932. The Shaffer family is one of
30oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the older residents of Somerset and Westmoreland
counties.
Dillinger H. Shaffer attended the Greensburg public
schools, and later attended St. Benedict's Preparatory
School. He next enrolled at St. Vincent's College, at
Beatty, Pennsylvania, afterwards transferring to Buckntell University, where he remained for three years.
He then entered the employ of the Dillinger Distilling
Company of Ruffsdale, Pennsylvania, as chief clerk
and bookkeeper, where he remained for five years, and
then was employed by the Jeannette Glass Company
for eight years, serving at different times as timekeeper, foreman, paymaster and purchasing agent. He
then became employment agent for the Pennsylvania
Railroad, in Pittsburgh, but, after a year, came to
Jeannette, to engage in the real estate and insurance
business.  He operated his own office for ten years,
when he was appointed deputy Collector of Internal
Revenue, in Greensburg. Eighteen months later he
was appointed personnel director and office manager
of the Works Progress Administration, District No.
13, comprising Westmoreland, West Armstrong and
Indiana counties, and he held this position until March
8, I937, when he was appointed to his present post.
He is a member of the First Baptist Church of
Greensburg, and is an ardent Democrat, having been
chairman of the Jeannette County committee for ten
years, president of the Roosevelt-Garner Club from
1932 to. I935, and a delegate to the National Democratic
Convention at Chicago in 1932. He is also a member
of the William Penn Beneficial Society of Greensburg,
and an honorary member of the Garibaldi Beneficial
Society of Jeannette. He is a past exalted ruler of
Lodge No. 486, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and is also affiliated with the Fraternal Order
of Eagles.
He was married, January 25, I909, to Helen Allen,
of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of Frank and
Mazie (Oswald) Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer became
the parents of six children: I. Dorothy, married
Emmette W. Martin, of Jeannette, and they are the
parents of two children: Donald and Thomas Martin.
2. Frances, married William Pignette, now deceased,
and they were the parents of a son, William Pignette,
Jr. 3. Daniel Loucks Dillinger, who in March, I938,
was appointed alderman of the Second Ward of the city
of Jeannette. 4. Dillinger H., Jr. 5. Elizabeth. 6.
Helen, deceased.
D. M. S. McFEATERS--Tlroughout practically his entire business career, D. M. S. McFeaters
has been identified with the banking industry in Johnstown, and since 1934 has most efficiently served in the
responsible position of liquidating nominee for the
Johnstown Trust Company, Morrellville Deposit
Bank, Johnstown State Deposit Bank and the United
States Savings and Trust Company of Covemauch,
Pennsylvania. Mr. McFeaters is a native of Johnstown, having been born here April I8, I875, the son
of John C. and Isabelle (Madison) McFeaters, both
deceased. John C. McFeaters, born in Indiana County
in I847, was engaged during his lifetime as an instruc.
tor, and it was through his efforts that the first night
school was established in this section. He realized
that the children of miners neglect their education
early in their youth in order to accept positions in the
mining fields, and he decided to hold evening classes in
order to permit these people to complete their education, a venture which proved most acceptable and
advantageous to all. His death in I888 brought to a
close a lifetime which had been largely dedicated to
the welfare and education of those connected with the
mills and mining industry. His wife, also a native
Pennsylvanian, died in 1923.
D. M. S. McFeaters was educated in the Johnstown
schools, and then in I900 entered the banking field,
becoming a teller in the Johnstown Trust Company,
when it was founded that year. He later served in
other capacities, finally becoming treasurer and active
head of this institution, continuing at this post until
1934, when this bank, together with others was consolidated into the Johnstown Bank and Trust Company. It was then that Mr. McFeaters assumed the
many duties of his present position, and the manner in
which he has discharged these very important duties
has earned for him the good will and admiration of
the local citizenry. In addition to his banking interests he also serves Hendersons, Inc. Mr. McFeaters
has in his possession a certificate from the United
States Government in recognition of his services as
a "four-minute" speaker during the World War period,
and he also cherishes as a memento of those days, a
certificate presented to him for his efforts in selling
United States bonds. In addition, he has a record of
twenty-three years as an active and most progressive
member of the Johnstown School Board, and has always manifested interest in local civic affairs.
He is a member of the Kiwanis Club, and a former
member of the board of directors of the Chamber of
Commerce, and in the Masonic Order he has passed
through the Pittsburgh Consistory, holding the thirtysecond degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and
is also a member of Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He
is a member of Trinity Luther Church of Johnstown
and serves as a member of the church council.
30IANNALS -OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was married, in I899, to Edith Orms, and they
are the parents of three children: I. Marion I., married
Arthur J. Kuhns, and they are the parents of a daughter, Barbara Kuhns. 2. Douglas W., a student of
Penn State College and Carnegie Institute of Technology. 3. Max O. McFeaters, a student first at the
University of Pittsurgh and later at the University of
Texas. He married Olive Shadle, of Johnstown,
Pennsylvania.
GARFIELD  WILKINS-There is a steadfastness of purpose and color in the career of Garfield
Wilkins, president of the Nanty Glo State Bank. He
began his career as a mere lad of eleven years in the
mines of Cambria County, and since that time has
worked in various capacities, each undertaking leading
to greater success until today he is one of the most
highly esteemed and respected citizens of his community and a widely known figure throughout this
section of the State.
Mr. Wilkins was born at Woodward Township,
Clearfield County, September 13, I88o, the son of
Hiram and Elizabeth (Trimbath) Wilkins, the former
a native of Everett, Bedford County, and the latter of
England. His father, who engaged in the mining industry throughout his life, died in I914, and his mother
passed away in I926. He attended the public schools
but at the age of eleven was already working in the
coal mines. Later he learned the barber's trade, which
he practiced for a few years, and then he became associated with the Parnell Insurance Company, serving
as an agent for the firm at Patton until I919, when he
entered the hotel business, operating the Palmer Hotel
at Patton for four years. In I926 he came to Nanty
Glo and opened the first news agency in this community, which he has since developed into one of the
largest general stores in this vicinity. The nature of
his success in this enterprise led to increasing responsibility in the business affairs of this town, a fact which
is evidenced in his presidency of the Nanty Glo State
Bank. He is also a secretary of the People's Savings
and Loan Association, serves in this capacity for the
Parent-Teachers Association and is a former member
of the local School Board.
Mr. Wilkins is a member of several sportsmen's
organizations, fraternizes with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men,
and worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Nanty Glo. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Patton recently honored him by electing him a trustee and
made him a life member of the official board, for the
contributions he had made to the advancement of this
institution.
In I9OI Mr. Wilkins married Lizzie Gwynn, a native
of Wales, and they were the parents of one son:
William H., who was born in I9o09, and died in I923.
JOHN CALVIN HOMMER-The name of
John Calvin Hommer, of Glasgow, Pennsylvania,
occupies an outstanding place in the lumber industry
of Cambria County. He has engaged in this business
practically his entire career and enjoyed an experience
that is wide and diversified. Few men in this section
have a more comprehensive knowledge of the work and
problems entailed in succeeding as a lumberman, and
few are more highly respected for their accomplishments.
Mr. Hommer was born at Glasgow, June I3, 1872,
the son of J. H. and Sarah (Wilson) Hommer, both
deceased, the former in I904, and the latter in I905.
His father, who was a native of Huntingdon County,
came to Glasgow in I864, and established himself in
the lumber business. He bought thousands of acres of
fine timber land which have been inherited by Mr.
Hommer of this review. Mr. Hommer spent his boyhood in this section and literally grew up in the lumber business. It is quite natural, therefore, to find him
devoting his life to this work. After finishing his
schooling he began his career by clearing timberland
and shipping his products by rail to the principal markets of the State. Later he entered the wholesale and
retail lumber business at Glasgow, which he conducted
with such outstanding success. In I927 Mr. Hommer
sold the business to his son, J. H. Hommer, who has
since conducted it.
As a native and resident of Glasgow, Mr. Hommer
has been active in the social and civic affairs of the
community, supporting all those measures designed to
advance the general welfare. He has been through
all the chairs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and is also a member of the Grand Lodge of this
organization. In religion he worships at the Lutheran
Church, in which he has been a deacon for a number
of years.
In 1894 Mr. Hommer married Eliza Conrad, of
Clearfield County, and the daughter of W. Henry and
Anna Conrad. Mr. and Mrs. Hommer were the parents of the following children: I. Nina, who is married
to Guy Spencer, and the mother of one child, Mary.
2. J. H., twice married, (first) to Irene Richardson,
who died, and (second) to Genevieve Troxell. By his
first marriage there were three children: i. J. H. ii.
Jane. iii. Joan. 3. Edith, who died at the age of thirteen. 4. William, who is married to Christine John,
and the father of four children: i. Anne. ii. Carl. iii.
Sally. iv. Donald. 5. Charlotte, married to James
302ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
303
Lamb, and they have three children: i. Patsy. ii.
Barry. iii. Mary. 6. Sylvester, who is married to
Mary Sorich, and they are the parents of two children: i. Sylvia. ii. Susan Jane. 7. Marguerite, who
is married to Charles Bowman, and is the mother of
one child, Nina.
EDGAR POE REED-For many years, Edgar
Poe Reed has been an important and familiar figure
in the life of Bakerton. His large business interests
and many civic connections have both contributed to
the progress and welfare of the community, and although he has retired now from active pursuits, he still
retains his position and influence in the town.
Mr. Reed was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, on November 30, I854, a son of Jonah and
Ellen D. (Bradley) Reed. His father, who was born
in Philadelphia, was a farmer and business man. His
mother was also a native of Pennsylvania.
Edgar Poe Reed received a public school education
and at the early age of twelve went to work in the
coal mines of the State, where he acquired an intimate
knowledge of practical mining operations. Later he
was taken into the office of the Robert Hare Powel
Coal Company to keep the books, and thus broadened
his experience in the business. His first independent
venture was at Dudley, Pennsylvania, where he opened
a general store, handling all varieties of merchandise
for local needs. Subsequently he moved to Brisbin,
Pennsylvania, and at length, in I893, to Bakerton,
where with his brothers, John and William, he took
over the operation of the local coal mine and conducted
the company store.  Both flourished under capable
management. Later the mine was sold to the Elmora
Coal Company, by them to the Bakerton Coal Company, and then to the Sterling Coal Company; but
Mr. Reed kept the store and from I915 onward, when
his brother died, Edgar Poe Reed operated it alone.
In I92o he retired from active business and has since
devoted himself to his personal interests and investments. He was one of the organizers of the Reed Coal
Mining Company, of which his son, Robert, is president.
Mr. Reed was also one of the founders of the First
National Bank of Bakerton, became first vice-president
at its organization and later succeeded James L. McClain as president. This responsibility he administered
with characteristic fidelity and efficiency until his
resignation from the presidency. Although he has
never sought advancement in public life, serving only
for several years on the School Board, he has been one
of the real powers in his community for over forty
years and has done much to promote its welfare. He
enjoys the confidence and regard of its people-an
esteem which has never lessened as he advances toward
the century mark of life. Mr. Reed is a Methodist in
religious faith and has served as a member of the
board of stewards of the Bakerton Methodist Church
for a period of years. He is affiliated fraternally with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In 1893 Edgar Poe Reed married Clara B. Reed, of
Huntingdon County, who came of a different family
although bearing the same name. Her parents were
Levi C. Reed, an undertaker in Huntingdon County,
and Louise (Cypher) Reed. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of two children: I. Ellen D., a graduate of Emerson College. 2. Robert P., who attended
Mercersburg Academy and saw service in the World
War at Norfolk, Virginia, in the Aviation Corps. He
married Nancy Haynes and has one son, Robert P., Jr.
CHESTER D. SENSENICH-Among the leading figures in industry and politics in Irwin, Pennsylvania, was Chester D. Sensenich, whose death, on November Io, I937, at the age of seventy years, brought
to an end a most noteworthy career. He was born in
Compassville, Chester County, January 8, I867, the
son of the late Jacob and Mary (Eaby) Sensenich,
descendants of sturdy German Mennonite stock.
Mr. Sensenich was brought to Irwin when ten years
of age, and was educated in the local public schools.
He became interested in a political career early in life,
and served as a member of the Irwin Borough Council. In I894 he was a delegate to the State convention when Governor Hastings was nominated, and he
was also a delegate when the late Colonel George F.
Huff was nominated for Congress. In I896 he was
elected chairman of the Republican County committee,
and the following year was elected clerk of courts.
Again in I9IO and I9II he served as chairman of the
county committee, and in 1912 was elected a State
Senator, serving on the committee for mines and mining, appropriations, judicial and public grounds and
bluildings. He was always a dry advocate, and largely
due to his influence, Westmoreland County, one of the
wettest in the State, voted dry six months prior to
the enactment of the Eighteenth Amendment. His
interest in the temperance cause led him to guide many
clelegations to the State Legislature in Harrisburg,
and he was always strongly partisan in any controversy
which involved the wet and dry issue. Mr. Sensenich
was also a leader in the industrial and business life
of Irwin. At the time of his death he was president
of the Irwin Foundry and Mine Car Company, which
business he organized in I9OI with the late Lewis S.
Malone as partner, and which has grown to the position of one of this town's leading industrial plants304                AININALL   UPr  VUU 11-VVEWJ
He was also president of the Intra-State Coal and
Coke Company of Somerset County, and vice-president
of the Byerly Gas Coal Company of Irwin. He also
aided in the organization of the Citizens National
Bank, and served as a director of the First National
Bank, and aided in the organization of the Irwin
Savings and Trust Company, of which he served as a
director for a number of years.
He was a member of the Irwin United Presbyterian
Church, a lifelong and staunch Republican and a member of the Society of Pennsylvania State Senators. He
married Carrie E. Boyd, June 8, I899, and they became the parents of seven children: I. Mrs. Zelma
B. Kuhn, of Vandergrift, who is the mother of two
children: Ralph S. and Carrie Joan. 2. Ila M., head
bookkeeper at the First National Bank at Irwin. 3.
Louis E., a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh
and Pittsburgh Law School, now a practicing attorney
in Greensburg and Irwin, also secretary and treasurer
of the Irwin Foundry and Mine Car Company, and an
affiliate of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. 4. Gray
F., a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with
a Bachelor of Science degree, a member of Phi Delta
Phi CFaternity, sales manager of the Irwin Foundry
and Mine Car Company, married Joan Struck, of Irwin,
December 24, I936. 5. Boyd S., a graduate of the
University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Science
degree, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity,
assistant superintendent of the Irwin Foundry and
Mine Car Company, married Gladys Buchanan, of
Irwin, and they are the parents of a son, Boyd S., Jr.
6. Chester George (see accompanying biography). 7.
Earl Ward, a graduate of Carnegie Institute of Technology and a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, now
employed as engineer with the Johnstown Coal and
Coke Company at Portage, Pennsylvania. In addition
to his wife, children and grandchildren, Mr. Sensenich
is survived by a brother, Isaac, and a sister, Mrs.
Annie Knappenberger.
The death of Mr. Sensenich, on November Io, I937,
created a great void in the life of this town, and the
memory of his long career of achievement and public
service will long be cherished in the minds and hearts
of those whom he left behind.
CHESTER GEORGE SENSENICH-Born in
Irwin, Westmoreland County, June 20, I9O4, Chester
George Sensenich, is the son of Chester D. (q. v.) and
Carrie E. (Boyd) Sensenich. He attended the local
public schools, and after graduation from the high
school in 1922, enrolled at Penn State College, where
he received his Bachelor of Science degree in I926.
He then became associated with his father in the Irwin
A'iT,rT A T C'  "-%T-  CfAT  TlTT TT'CTT-'T')IT'-T'r'1T'XTC'TT AT A NTT A
Foundry and Mine Car Company, as a salesman, and
in January, 1935, became vice-president and general
manager, which offices he still holds. He was also
vice-president of the Interstate Coal and Coke Company at Hyndman, Pennsylvania, and is a director of
the First National Bank at Irwin.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
and is an active Republican, having served as a member of Governor Pinchot's Unemployment Commission. He is affiliated with the Kappa Sigma and the
Kappa Kappa Psi fraternities.
He was married, May 7, I927, to Isabel Warren
Scull, of Irwin, a direct descendant of General Warren, of Bunker Hill fame, and the daughter of the
late George R. and Elizabeth (Davis) Scull. Mr.
and Mrs. Chester George Sensenich are the parents
of two children: I. Isabel Scull, born July 3, I928.
2. Lois Victoria, born July 30, I930.  
DR. MALCOLM STEWART STEVENSONDr.'Malcolm Stewart Stevenson, a popular Finleyville
physician, was born in Monongahela, Washington
County, July 3, I907, the son of W. Roy and Lena E.
(Culbertson) Stevenson. W. Roy Stevenson, a native
of Oil City is engaged as an accountant in Monongahela.
Dr. Malcolm Stewart Stevenson completed his grammar and high school education in the Monongahela
schools, after which he entered Muskingum College,
graduating in 1928 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
After teaching general science in Monongahela High
School, he matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and received his Doctor of
Medicine degree in I933.  The following year was
spent as an interne at the Allegheny General Hospital
in Pittsburgh, and in December, 1934, Dr. Stevenson
began the private practice of his profession in Finleyville, where he has been located to the present day.
He is a member of the medical staff of Monongahela
Hospital, and is affiliated with the county, State and
American Medical associations.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a Republican, politically, and an affiliate of Phi Rho Sigma,
Lambda Phi Chapter. He was married, in September,
I936, to Dorothy E. Kelso, of McDonald, Pennsylvania, daughter of Harry W. and Mabelle (Weaver)
Kelso.
BOYD EMERY WARNE-For more than
forty years, Boyd Emery Warne has been an active
member of the Washington County bar. He is a lawyer of established reputation, conducting a practice
~ I hXIN PhA  N  3 Y L, V AiNu IAANNALS OF SOUTHWE'
centering at Washington, and has many other interests,
both in business and civic life, through which he has
increased the scope of his influence and useful community service.
Mr. Warne was born in Nottingham Township,
Washington County, on August 29, I867, a son of
Hiram and Elizabeth (Nicholls) Warne, and a descendant of pioneer Western Pennsylvania families.
He is a grandson of Major James Warne, born in the
Elizabeth settlement, Allegheny County, in I779, who
served as major in the Pennsylvania Militia during
the War of I812. When the Monongahela townsite
was established he took an interested part in the development of the village and founded the first glass
iactory set up in the town. Major Warne died in
I855. He married Mary Parkinson, who was also
born in the Elizabeth settlement, where her parents
were pioneers. Of the same family came Joseph Parkinson, a commissioned officer of the patriot army during the Revolution. Joseph Parkinson was a member
of the original military expedition sent against the
French Fort Duquesne in I755 and participated in the
disastrous battle of the Monongahela. He was much
impressed with what he saw of the Western Pennsylvania country, however, and after the termination of
the French occupation he took up lands in Allegheny
County, where he was among the earliest pioneers.
Hiram Warne, son of Major James and Mary
(Parkinson) Warne, was born in Monongahela City
on February I6, I822. He spent his youth on his
father's farm, now occupied by the Monongahela
townsite, and devoted most of his own career to agricultural pursuits. He was for some years the owner
of a three-hundred-acre property in Nottingham Township, but in I87I moved to a farm in the immediate
vicinity of Washington. Like his father, he was a
man of substance and prominence in his commnunity
and was elected to several public offices which he faithfully administered. He was a Republican in politics
and for many years an elder in the Third Presbyterian
Church in Washington. Hiram Warne died at the age
of seventy-four on February I9, I896. His wife, Elizabeth (Nicholls) Warne, who was born in the vicinity
of Elizabeth, Allegheny County, was a daughter of
pi:oneer families. Her father, James Nicholls was a
son of early settlers near the present city of Monongahela. He became a substantial farmer there, but
some time after his marriage, moved across the line to
Elizabeth Township, Allegheny County, where he
spent the remainder of his life. Elizabeth (Nicholls)
Warne survived her husband many years, passing
away on March 3I, I917, in her eighty-first year.
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                              305
Boyd Emery Warne was the fifth of seven children
born of this marriage. He received his preliminary
education in the public schools, attended the Canonsburg Academy in preparation for college, and subsequently entered Washington and Jefferson College,
from which he was graduated in I890. A growing
interest in law impelled him to register as a student at
law under T. Jeff Duncan, his preceptor, on July 28,
1892, entered to No. 427, August term, I892, A. D.
After some preparation, he entered the law school of
the University of West Virginia, at Morgantown, and
in I893 he was graduated from that institution. Two
more years elapsed before he considered himself ready
to practice. On November 26, I895, however, he was
admitted to the bar and esta'blished his office in Washington. For ten years, Mr. Warne practiced alone,
but at the end of this time he entered into partnership
with T. Jeff Duncan and 0. S. Chalfant, and for the
following ten years, was a member of the firm  of
Duncan, Chalfant and Warne. This partnership was
terminated on April I, I915, and during the intervening
years Mr. Warne has practiced independently, with
offices in The Court Square Arcade. He has never
limited his attention to any single field of law, but has
appeared in a variety of cases, frequently representing
important interests.  He is recognized as a leading
member of the Washington County bar and has met
the many demands upon his services with fidelity and
success.
In addition to his professional connections, Mr.
Warne has a number of business interests. He is a
director of the Washington Union Trust Company
and a stockholder in that institution, a director of the
Community Savings and Loan Company and of the
Washington County Building and Loan Association.
He also owns and operates a fine dairy farm, situated
on the land comprising the old Major Ewing homestead at Meadow Lands. Although he has never
entered public life, Mr. Warne has fully met the duties
cf good citizenship and lent effective support to many
civic and community enterprises. He is a member of
the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution, the college fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma,
and a charter member of Washington Lodge, No. 776,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which he
has served as exalted ruler and treasurer. He is a
member of the Third Presbyterian Church of Washington.
On September 28, I9o09, in Washington, Boyd Emery;Varne married Geneva Wallace Harris, daughter of
Thomas T. and Elizabeth (Wallace) Harris. She
was born on September 30, I874, and came to Brad7ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ford, Pennsylvania, with her parents before she was
ten years old. Later the family settled in Washington, where Thomas T. Harris became an oil well contractor. He was born near London, England, and his
wife was a native of Ireland. Mrs. Warne was educated in the public schools of Washington and at
Washington Seminary, from which she was graduated
in I894. Subsequently she studied music in Munich,
Germany, and was known as an accomplished musician
throughout her life. She died on February 3, I913.
Mr. and Mrs. Warne became the parents of two children: I. Elizabeth Harris, born September 27, I9I0.
2. Geneva Wallace, born January 8, I913.
ERNEST BARTOLETTE PENNINGTONDuring a long and distinguished career, which spans
nearly forty years, Ernest Bartolette Pennington,
owner of the Kiski News Company in Vandergrift,
has risen to become one of the most prominent and
successful business leaders of this community, where
he is also active in a civic capacity and a leader of the
local Republican party.
Mr. Pennington was born in Indiana, Indiana
County, June 3, I885, the son of Edward Armstrong
and Margaret Louise (Kline) Pennington, both deceased, the former in I930, and the latter in I907. His
father, a native of Brownsville, engaged in the iron
foundry business, which his forebears had been interested in for many years.
After finishing a general education in I9oo, Mr.
Pennington came to Vandergrift, where he joined his
brother, Fay Edward Pennington, who was already
established as one of the leading clothing merchants
of this city. He has another brother, Clarence Allison
Pennington, who is in the clothing business in Indiana,
Pennsylvania. He continued here until 1913, when he
entered a stationery business with I. F. McFarland,
from whom he bought a partnership four years later.
The establishment operated under this arrangement
until I93O. At that time Mr. Pennington bought Mr.
McFarland's interest and has since continued to conduct this store known as the Kiski News Shop. Under
his able management the venture has continued to
prosper and attract a fine patronage.
In the community Mr. Pennington is known for the
leadership he has manifested, a factor which is evidenced by the offices he has been called upon to
cccupy. At present he is president of the Vandergrift
Chamber of Commerce, and fraternizes with Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 617, of the Free and Accepted
Masons, in which he is also a member of the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
c,f the Mystic Shrine, in Pittsburgh. He is a former
member of the Knights of Pythias and in his religious
convictions worships at the Presbyterian Church.
On October II, I9Io, at Kittanning, Mr. Pennington, married Ida Katherine Kennerdell, and they have
two sons: I. Richard Armstrong, now an insurance
man in Vandergrift. 2. Edward M., a student at the
Pennsylvania State College.
HERBERT D. BRAUFF-Under the leadership
of Herbert D. Brauff, "The Vandergrift News," which
be heads as president, publisher and editor, has become
a vital factor in the life of Westmoreland County,
where the daily now enjoys a circulation of 4,500 and
does an annual advertising business of approximately
three million lines. Mr. Brauff has literally grown
up in the journalistic profession. According to his
own testimony his career in this work dates back to
his boyhood, when he and his brother, Gardner Brauff,
began operations with a toy printing press which had
been a Christmas gift. The eleven-year-old editor
called his publication the "Orchard Knob Star." From
that time on his life was to be dedicated to journalism.
1-Ie has worked as a reporter, feature writer, editor
and publisher on country and metropolitan newspapers
in the North, East, South and Middle West. This
long and varied experience has been the basis for the
success he has come to enjoy.
Mr. Brauff, whose family is of French-German
origin, was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, May 31,
189o, the son of William Sidney and Minnie (Papineau) Brauff. His father had migrated to the South
in the I88o's as a bricklayer contractor, with the view
of profiting from the industrial expansion this section
of the country was enjoying at the time. On his
paternal side Mr. Brauff is the great-grandson of
Jonathan Brauff, who married into the' deVera family
and subsequently became a commissioner in Allegheny
County. Maternally he is descended from the Tyner
iamily, early settlers in Northern Georgia and lower
Tennessee.  They migrated westward  from  North
Carolina and like all of the early families intermarried
with the settlers who had so much to do with the
development of the country.  According to family
records Mr. Brauff's grandmother, Martha Tyner, had
married a Frenchman in the Union Army.
Mr. Brauff's career as a member of the staff of a
regular daily newspaper began when he joined "The
Chattanooga Times," the same publication on which
Adolph S. Ochs, later publisher of the "New York
Times," got his start. Ije  continued here for five
years and then worked successively in Indianapolis,
Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; New
York City, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In the latter
city he was employed as a copy reader on "The Pitts3o6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
burgh Gazette-Times" when the United States entered
the World War. He resigned and joined the Sanitary Detachment of the 1o7th Field Artillery, went to
France with this unit and saw action on three fronts.
He was honorably discharged from the service and
on May 2I, I919, resumed work with "The Pittsburgh
Gazette-Times." A year later he became editor of
"The Johnstown Leader," from which he resigned
shortly after the paper was sold by the Sunshine
interests to a group of Johnstown business men. He
then wrote editorials for "The Philadelphia Ledger"
and also worked for the Philadelphia bureau of the
A ssociated Press.
In I923 he joined "The Reading Tribune" as vicepresident and editor, securing his first newspaper business experience. Two and a half years later he left
to manage "The Altoona Tribune," and on June I,
I928, with the aid of friends, bought "The Vandergrift News," which he has been associated with since
as president, his executive assistants being A. W. Howland, vice-president, and Laura E. Brauff, secretary.
"The Vandergrift News" started as a weekly on
November i6, I905. It was backed financially by
George H. Hunger, local piolitical leader and lumber
man, and edited by Joseph H. McMullen, former steel
mnill worker who was dissatisfied with the existing
publication, "The Vandergrift Citizen."  Mr. McMullen was editor for only a short time and was succeeded by a number of editors. When Mr. Hunger
died, 0. H. Cochran, of Apollo, bought the paper and
conducted it with moderate success. In I926, under
the management of Edward H. Welsh, the "News"
was merged with the "Citizen" by Jacob B. Shale, a
New York broker, who operated the papers through
agents. They appeared alternately on Tuesdays and
Fridays under this ownership until 1927, when Mr.
Shale sold his interests to Robert L. Slough, of
Beaver, who took possession on November I7, I927.
He converted the publication into a daily and installed
a considerable amount of new equipment. The "News"
was in his hands when Mr. Brauff and his associates
purchased it on June I, I928. Just prior to this the
new owner had been managing "The Altoona Tribune"
for Colonel Henry W. Shoemaker, and "The Reading
Tribune" for the Pomeroy interests.
During Mr. Brauff's administration the paper has
shown consistent growth. Much new equipment has
been added, including linotype machines, of which it
now has four. It also has a monotype and Duplex
press, and ranges in size from six to twenty-four
pages. In its sphere of influence it has been instrumental in bringing about many changes. It worked
for the lighting system on Main Street, for parks,
playgrounds and recreational centers.  It has contributed toward the organization of a loan association
and a thrift bank. Briefly, the policy of the present
management has been to work for what it believed to
be the best interests of the people. That it has succeeded is evidenced by the fact that today it goes into
2,300 out of 2,550 homes in Vandergrift, and 2,200
homes in Apollo, Salina, Avonmore, Paulton, Oklahoma, East Vandergrift, North Vandergrift, Riverview, Hyde Park, Leechburg, West Leechburg and
Weinels Cross Roads. It operates in its own building
at No. I49 Columbia Avenue.
From time to time during his editorship of the
"News," Mr. Brauff has left Vandergrift to manage
other papers. Thus, on October I, I93I, he accepted
the position of manager of "The Scranton Sun" and
remained there until August, I932, when he returned
to his own paper. Again, in I934, he managed "The
Johnstown Democrat" until a merger between this
paper and "The Johnstown Tribune" could be effected.
The extent of his experience as a journalist is further
evidenced in other newspapers he has served in various
capacities. These include the "Indianapolis Star," the':Detroit Free  Press," the "Detroit Tribune," the
"Cleveland Leader," the "New York Evening Post,"
the "Philadelphia  Press," the "Pittsburgh  GazetteTimes" and the "Pittsburgh Press," as well as others.
As a resident of Vandergrift, Mr. Brauff has been
a,ctively identified with the social, civic and business.,ffairs of the community. He is president of the Vandergrift Federal Savings and Loan Association and
vice-president of The Vandergrift Thrift Corporation.
In his civic activities he is listed as a member and
former president of the Vandergrift Kiwanis Club, a
co-organizer of the Boy Scouts of America in this
section of the county, a member of the local board of
the American Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce
and the Salvation Army. Aside from these affiliations
hte also belongs to the Pen and Pencil Club of Philadelphia, and the Hill Crest Club between Vandergrift
and New Kensington.
In 1924, Mr. Brauff married Laura Ellis, native of
Avoca, and a former school teacher in the Reading
public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Brauff are the parents
ef two children:  I. Mary Frances,f born November
17, I926. 2. Dorothy Ann, born January I9, I930.
The family resides at No. I34 East Adams Avenue,
Vandergrift.
DR. ANTHONY LAWRENCE CERVINODr. Anthony Lawrence Cervino, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, was born May 26, 1904, at Boston, Allegheny
307ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
County, Pennsylvania, the son of Vincent and Irene
(Parisi) Cervino. Vincent Cervino, a native of Palemonte, Salerno Province, Italy, was born in I882 and
came to America in I9oo. He is engaged as a moulder.
His wife died January 4, I926.
Dr. Cervino received his public school education
in Wilmerding and Turtle Creek, and was graduated
from Turtle Creek High School in I923. He then
entered the University of Pittsburgh, where he received the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees in I930. He served his interneship at the
McKeesport General Hospital, and in I93I established
offices for the general practice of medicine in Jeannette. He has engaged in post-graduate work at the
Manhattan Eye, Ear Nose and Throat Hospital in
New York City, and also at the Cook County PostGraduate Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, where he studied
surgery and gynecology. He is a member of the staff
of Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, and is on
the visiting staff of McKeesport Hospital.
He is an independent in his political faith, and is,ffiliated with the county and State Medical societies,
and American Medical Association, the Phi Rho Sigma
Fraternity, and the local Rotary Club. He is a member of the Greensburg Country Club, and indulges in
his favorite sport, golfing, when his duties permit.
He was married, August II, I935, to Dorothy Kostyzak, of McKeesport, daughter of Walter and Zenovia Kostyzak, of McKeesport. Dr. and Mrs. Cervino
are the parents of a daughter, Rena Zayne, born February 2I, I937.
ERNEST HENRY KASTE-From a humble
origin as a small dairy route employing but one man,
Ernest Henry Kaste, who established the business
known as the Vandergrift Pure Milk Company, has
enjoyed the pleasant experience of seeing it grow to a
position, where it is the largest of its kind in the district, supplying thousands of quarts of milk daily, in
addition to a variety of other dairy products.
Mr. Kaste was born April I6, I874, in Canton Township, Washington County, the son of Herman and
Fredricka (Karl) Kaste, both natives of Hanover,
Germany, who came to America in I871, settling in
Canton Township.  Herman Kaste, who engaged in
farming, was almost ninety years of age when he died
in I935. His wife predeceased him, dying in I9I7.
Ernest Henry Kaste attended the public schools of
Washington County, and then assisted his father in the
operation of a dairy farm there. He later managed
his own farm, but sold the business in I9o8, and moved
to Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, to establish the present
Vandergrift Pure Milk Company, which has always
been operated from its original site. Mr. Kaste has
recently turned over the business to a son and daughter, and is contemplating retirement in California.
He is a member of the First Lutheran Church, and
has always interested himself in civic affairs, being
chosen a councilman by the Republican party in I9I4.
He is a member of the Improved Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks of Apollo, Pennsylvania.
He married Anna M. Creps, of Washington County,
in I903, and they are the parents of three children:
I. Howard E. (H. Everette), born in 1905, now one
of the owners of the business and married to Lucille
Christie, they being the parents of two children: Betty
and Lee Ann Kaste. 2. Harold Raymond, born in
1907, an employee of his father's concern; he is married and father of two children: Harold, Jr., and Janet
May Kaste. 3. Viola May Kaste, a part owner of the
dairy business, and a teacher in the Vandergrift High
School. The Kaste family is one of the oldest in
VTandergrift, as they took up residence there when the
town was only twelve years old.
WILLIAM  WALLACE SHOOP -William
Wallace Shoop has been associated with the auditing
department of the Vandergrift Telephone Company
since I91i, and as secretary-treasurer since February,
I938. He was born in Springdale, Allegheny County,
klugust I8, I877, the son of John Harry and Martha
(Robinson) Shoop. John Harry Shoop was born in
l852, and was engaged in the contracting business.
I-is parents were among the early settlers of Allegheny
County. Martha Robinson was the daughter of G. F.
Gawn Robinson, born in Ireland, of Scotch descent,
and Sarah (Black) Robinson, a native of England.
William  Wallace Shoop attended the Springdale
public schools, and then entered.-the employ of the
Pennsylvania Railroad as a telegraph operator. He remained in this position until I899, when he came to
Natrona, to the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing
Company, as a shipping clerk. During these years he
concentrated on improving his position in life, and
in I9oI he secured his present position with the Vandergrift Telephone Company.  Perseverance in his
work and strict application to his duties have rendered
hlim an important asset to this organization's business.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and
actively identified with Kiskimentas Lodge, No. 617,
Free and Accepted Masons, the Pittsburgh Consistory,
the Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh, and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows of Natrona, Pennsylvania.
On February 2I, I900, he was married in Natrona
to Stella Maretta Clever, daughter of Robert 0. and
3o8.A IN IN At JcJ kJPr.Jk U  I Fl VV 12.
Elizabeth (Porter) Clever, of Armstrong County. Mr.
and Mrs. Shoop are the parents of two children: I.
Robert Wallace, born September 4, I902, engaged as
an electrician in Vandergrift, and married to Josephine
Shepler. They are the parents of'one son, Robert
Wallace Shoop, Jr. 2. William John Shoop, born
July 19, I9I0, employed as a craneman by the Carnegie Illinois Steel Mill in Vandergrift, married to
Dorothy Laing, of Owensdale Fayette County, and
they are the parents of one child, Carol Lee Shoop.
JOHN ALBERT GRIMM-Elected on November 2, I937, to his second term as burgess of Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, and with a record of ten years as
police chief, John Albert Grimm has had an interesting
and successful career in public service.
Mr. Grimm was born in Old Homestead, Bell
Township, Westmoreland County, August 27, I882, the
son of Simon Hine and Nancy Martha (Fair) Grimm.
The elder Mr. Grimm, a native of Bell Township,
engaged in the hardware business in Apollo at an early
age, and in I896 came to Vandergrift, forming the
Culp, Grimm and Henderson Company. He later purchased the Henderson interest, but in I903 retired from
the firm which is now operated as the Culp Company.
He died in I916. His wife, a native of Somerset
County, died in I933, at the age of eighty-six years.
John Albert Grimm attended the district school and
Apollo public school and later graduated from the
Apollo High School. He then entered his father's
employ, and worked there for several years. From
1907 to 19I7 he performed the duties of chief of police
in a capable and efficient manner. In I917 he began
work in the local mill of the Carnegie Illinois Steel
Company as a foreman in the open hearth department.
He was first elected burgess in I933, taking office
January I, I934.  His satisfactory conduct of this
office resulted in his reelection, November 2, I937. In
addition to his other duties, Mr. Grimm is also an auctioneer of note.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Vandergrift, and is active in the affairs of the Democratic party. He is also associated with the Apollo
Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Loyal Order of Moose of Vandergrift, and holds
mrembership in the Linger Long Club of Vandergrift.
On August I, I905, he married Margaret Estella
Harley, daughter of David John and Martha Estella
(Breig) Harley. Mr. and Mrs. Grimm are the parents of five children: I. Eugenie Margaret, born in
19o7, married Andrew W. Bell, of Vandergrift. They
are the parents of one child, Sally Jean Bell. 2. John
Albert, born in 1909, and died while enlisted in the
D) IIK\ x rlIi \  X JY  V iNA If\                309
United States Army. 3. Nancy Fair, born in I9I0,
married Ira John Wyant, of Vandergrift, parents of
one daughter, Nancy Joan. 4. Myrtle Edna, born in
I9I4, married Robert Weiss, of Buffalo, New York.
5. Robert Franklin, born in 1922, and now a student
at Vandergrift High School.
HENRY JOHN KUHNS-Leader of nearly a
hundred phases of Vandergrift's activities, when Henry
John Kuhns died, October 23, I933, he left "legions of
friends" who'mourned the passing of a man who, for
more than a generation, had been an outstanding citizen. Endowed with boundless energy and gifted with
rare executive talents, Mr. Kuhns had unselfishly devoted himself for many years to. directing and supporting all projects that had for their objectives the advancement and improvement of Vandergrift.
Henry J. (H. John) Kuhns was born in Washington
Township, July I5, I876, son of Simon and Harriet
(George) Kuhns. Simon Kuhns, who was a farmer,
was born near Perrysville in Beaver Run, Bell Township, in I844, and died September 27, I93I. His wife,
Harriet (George) Kuhns, was born in I854, and died
November I2, I905. Simon Kuhns was a son of John
and Margaret (Bortz) Kuhns, residents of Bell Township, where John was a farmer. John Kuhns died
April I3, I896; his wife passed away in February of
I897.
Henry John Kuhns received his education in the district schools of Washington Township. Until he became of age, he remained on the home farm, helping
his father with the regular routine of the seasons.
Then, shortly before the turn of the century, he worked
in the store of S. W. Hamilton, a plumbing supply and
hardware establishment, until he had saved sufficient
money with which to go to New York City and take
a trade course in plumbing and heating practice. This
accomplished, Mr. Kuhns returned to Vandergrift in
I900 and established himself in business, first as a
plumber, and then as a general heating and electrical
contractor. His first place of business was a storeroom on the site of Io07 Grant Avenue, but, as his
business prospered, he enlarged his quarters.  Few
business establishments in Vandergrift have been so
successful as Mr. Kuhns; probably so because few
other business men have been endowed with the same
balance of qualities or cared to work so long and
industriously as he did. As soon as Mr. Kuhns' business became firmly established he began to enlarge his
activities, for he possessed a seemingly unlimited
amount of energy and willingness to be of service to
his town. One by one, he assumed added duties and
responsibilities, and soon he was busy with a hundred
various projects. Of many of these activities, he was
A N.TT AT C  C-Tr CCTTTPJT-UATTIF;mTrPVNT  ThT'NTXTCT X7  AT A  TTAANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the head; in the remainder, he was content to serve in
whatever capacity he could be the most useful. Among
his more important services was his struggle to improve
the roads in the neighborhood, particularly to bring
highways into Vandergrift from both the north and
south. Another leading service of his was the direction
of the Vandergrift Chamber of Commerce, an organization which, during the fifteen years of his presidency,
did much to develop the city's prosperity. He was
also interested in banking, being a vice-president and
a director of the Vandergrift Savings and Trust Company. A very charitable man, Mr. Kuhns was deeply
interested in all organizations which helped ease the
lot of the unfortunate and he gave unselfishly, placing
Vandergrift above his personal needs. He was also
keenly interested in the work of the First Lutheran
Church, giving it strong financial support and serving
as its treasurer for many years. Very largely, he
concentrated his activities in Vandergrift. A member
of Vandergrift Lodge, No. ii 6, Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, Mr. Kuhns was also a member of the
Masonic fraternity, belonging to Kiskiminetas Lodge,
No. 617, Free and Accepted Masons, and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He was also a member of Syria Mosque Shrine Club
and the Kiwanis Club. In politics, he was a member
of the Democratic party.
Henry John Kuhns married, September I6, I903,
Emma Poffinberger, daughter of Rev. John Wesley
and Mary Elizabeth (Nycum) Poffinberger. Her
father was born at Gap, near Mercersburg, and, after
preaching as a minister of the Lutheran Church in
Leechburg, came to Vandergrift, where he was instrumental in organizing the Lutheran churches in his
adopted city. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhns were the parents
of four children: I. Mary Elizabeth, born October
I7, I9o6, married Charles Weaver, of Williamsport,
and is the mother of a son, Charles Albert, Jr. 2.
Alberta Lois, born August 20, I909, married John W.
Townsend, of Philadelphia. 3. John Poffinberger, now
associated with his mother in conducting the family
business. 4. Harriet Jean, born December I9, I922,
now a student in the Vandergrift High School.
LEVI G. STITT-When Levi G. Stitt retired to
his Vandergrift home in I93I, from his association
with the Carnegie Illinois Steel Company, he lacked
but a few days of filling fifty years of unbroken employment, having worked for forty-nine years and
twenty-seven days. In that time, as a visiting master
mechanic he was a familiar figure in the company's
plants throughout the country.
Levi G. Stitt was born in Parks Township, then
Allegheny Township, Armstrong County, October 28,
I86o, son of John Frantz and Anna E. (Coffman)
Stitt. John Frantz Stitt (member of a family which
is "one of the oldest and most representative of sound
Americanism in Pennsylvania, whose members fought
during the Revolution, the War of I812. and other conflicts for the country of which they were so proud,
whose name has always stood for sterling honesty and
fidelity to a strong sense of duty") was a carpenter,
wagon builder and general mechanic. After being
associated with the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, particularly on the Columbia River, Mr.
Stitt was killed by a train at the railroad bridge in
Leechburg. Born July 26, I833, and passing away
September 22, I894, he was a son of John and Esther
(Frantz) Stitt. John Stitt, who died in 1832, was a
native of what is now Gilpin Township. In I8i8 he
built a gristmill on Carnahan Run and, also a sawmill.
These mills were noted for their gearings, machinery
which Mr. Stitt shaped out of wood. John Stitt, who
was a son of Samuel Stitt and a grandson of William
Stitt, was notable for his honesty and for his excellent
work, so much so that, at the time, the countryside
used, as a synonym for anything of superior quality,
the phrase, "As good as the wheat from'Stitt's Mill.'"
Anna E. (Coffman) Stitt, wife of John Frantz Stitt,
was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in I834 and died
in I916, at the age of eighty-two.
Levi G. Stitt, after obtaining his education in the
district schools of Parks Township, schools which then
held only a four-month term annually, worked as a
farmer until he was twenty. Then, following in his
father's footsteps, he went into the Apollo Rolling
Mill in I882 as a carpenter and, from the first, demonstrated such unusual ability that, in three months he
was made the boss carpenter and, within three years,
general millwright and master mechanic. Soon he was
nssigned as construction superintendent and, as such,
he assisted in building the Vandergrift plant for his
company, which became the Carnegie Illinois Steel
Company. Eventually, Mr. Stitt was made visiting
master mechanic for the company and, for about
twenty-four years he was kept busy examining and
superintending construction and repair and alteration
work in the company's establishments in all parts of,he country. Although still very active and efficient,
mn 193I he was retired and settled himself, after fifty
years of labor, to devote himself to his property and to
enjoying himself with his hobbies. These activities
renter about his beautiful estate on a hill just outside
Vandergrift. There, in a stone fireplace, which he
built, he has placed one of the grinding wheels from
3IOANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
3I"
the mill which his grandfather built in I8I8. The
burrs for grinding wheat were imported by his grandfather from France and cost at the time $750 in
France, plus all the carriage costs across the Atlantic
and up into Armstrong County. In his home, also,
Mr. Stitt maintains a museum room in which he works
with his collection of curios and historical relics. He
is a great collector of all things pertaining to the
Indians of Pennsylvania and is also keenly interested
in the tools and furnishings of the first settlers, having
among his collections many old muzzle-loading muskets, flint locks, tomahawks, arrowheads, fire-place
cranes, music boxes, candle moulds and similar pieces.
Among his modern curios are pieces of borax from
Death Valley and a souvenir of the ill-fated air-ship,
"Shenandoah." Another hobby of Mr. Stitt's is that
of keeping his property in repair and he delights in
rising at six every morning and in accomplishing a
full day's work before retiring at nine. Non-partisan
in politics and religion, Mr. Stitt is associated with the
Methodist Episcopal Church of Vandergrift.  Eie is
also a member of Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 617, Free
and Accepted Masons.
Levi G. Stitt married, in Apollo in 1882, Lida May
Hanna, daughter of Alex and Barbara (Ross) Hanna
of Hannastown. She was born September T4, i86o,
and died March II, 1928. Her family were the pioneers
of Hannastown, the municipality being named in the
family's honor. Mr. and Mrs. Stitt are the parents
of four children: I. Herbert Leroy, of North Vandergrift; he has a daughter, Dorothy Gertrude, who
married Merrill Gwinn. 2. Arthur Parks, a machinist;
he married Mabel Zeller and has four children: Arthur,
Florence, Philips, and Earl. 3. Nellie Isa-Phene, married D. G. George. 4. Veryl Vernon, married'Mildred
Whitlinger and has a daughter, Anna May.
MRS. OLIVE L. HAMMOND-During her
long career as a teacher in the Ford City schools, Mrs.
Olive L. Hammond, now head of the department of
Fnglish in the Senior High School, has faithfully
served her community and the successive generations
of young people who have come under her instruction.
She has devoted her entire active life to education and
has risen steadily within the Ford City school system
to her present responsible position.
Mrs. Hammond was born at Buffalo Mills, about
one mile from Worthington, in Armstrong County,
Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of John David Sourwine, who served in the Civil War as a member of
Company L, I4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Ellen
(Shaffer) Sourwine. Her father was of German descent. Her mother, a daughter of Daniel and Mary
(Fales) Shaffer, came of German and Scottish ancestry. Both were born on farms near Worthington,
Armstrong County. There were three sons in this
family, two of whom are still living.
Mrs. Hammond  attended the rural school near
W\orthington until I886 and afterward the Pennsylvania Soldiers' Orphan School at Dayton, Armstrong
County, until it burned on Washington's Birthday in
I887. Then she transferred to Jumonville Soldiers'
Orphan School, near Uniontown, in Fayette County.
WVith the progress of her career as a teacher she prepared herself for larger responsibilities at West Chester State Normal School, from which she was graduated in 1922, and in 1928 took the degree of Bachelor
of Arts at the University of Pittsburgh. In I930 she
received the degree of Master of Arts from the same
institution. Mrs. Hammond also carried on special
courses in history,, English and Spanish in the University of Utah at Salt Lake City during the summers
of I923 and I924.
She began teaching in September, I89o, in Manor
Township, Armstrong County. In September, I89I,
she was elected in Ford City for the school term commnencing at that time and with a brief interruption following her marriage she has continued as a member of
the school system  in this city.  Upon her return to
teaching after her marriage, she took up eighth grade
work and was so occupied until I926, when she was
transferred to the Senior High School. For four
years, beginning in September, 1926, she taught American and modern European history in the Senioir High
School. In September, I930, she was appointed head
of the department of English, which position she now
holds. Her long service as a teacher has reflected
credit both upon herself and upon the Ford City
schools and with all the changes which passing years
have brought, she has remained a familiar figure in the
community.
Mrs. Hammond edited and published in I927 a
volume entitled "Community Annals," presenting forty
years of Ford City history. She supervised the pubiication of the "High School Handbook," in I930, consisting of work done under her direction by her students, and in I933 prepared the pageant "One Hundred
Years of Progress in Education," produced as the commencement program in May, 1933, and published in that
year. She also wrote, directed and staged the pageant
given on September 17, I937, as a climax to the week's
celebration of the Sesqui-Centennial of the Constitution and the half-century of Ford City. These contributions to the city's life have all proved interesting
2nd valuable.
Mrs. Hammond is a member of Beta Chapter of
Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor historical society;ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
z. member, by special dispensation, of Wimodausis
Chapter, No. I4I, Order of the Eastern Star, at San
Antonio, Texas; a member of the American Legion
Auxiliary of Post 654, the Ford City Firemen's Auxiliary and the Women's Benefit Association. She is
active in all these organizations, except the Order of
the Eastern Star, and although prevented by distance
from attending the meetings of her own Eastern Star
Chapter, she is frequently present at those of Kittannring Chapter. Mrs. Hammond is fond of travel and
has visited many parts of the West and Southwest.
She also made two trips to China, Japan and the
Philippines in the summers of I933 and 1934, traveling
rather extensively through the Orient on these occasions. She is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Ford City and is active in its work.
She was married to Edward Ellis Hammond, Ford
City policeman, whose death in I9Io resulted indirectly
from burns and injuries received in rescuing thirtyfive persons from the old Fifth Avenue Hotel, when
it burned in 19OI. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond became
the parents of one son, James Weston Hammond, who
was graduated from the University of Pittsburgh
Dental School in I9I5. He became a cadet by enlistment in the United States Army Air Force in I917,
was promoted to second lieutenant in October, I918,
serving through the war, and is now a maj or in the
United  States Army Air Corps, commanding the
Second Air Base Squadron at Mitchel Field, New
York. He married, on April 25, 1932, Frances Moesta,
a daughter of Frank A. and Maude (Nason) Moesta,
of Kittanning. They have one daughter, Tann Weston
Hammond, born February 19, I937.
SAMUEL W. MILLER-In point of length of
service, Samuel W. Miller is the oldest lawyer in
Blairsville. He is not only one of its most respected
professional men but is highly esteemed for his constructive activities as a private citizen.
Mr. Miller was born July 19, I873, at Wooster,
Ohio, son of the Rev. Samuel W. and Mrs. Salina L.
(Crawford) Miller, both natives of Ohio. His father,
a Presbyterian clergyman, died in 19o8; his mother
lived to 1926. Samuel W. Miller prepared for higher
education in the public schools, and Kiskiminetas
Springs School, from which he entered Princeton
College. He was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, 1896, and New York Law School for
professional work, receiving the degree of Bachelor of
Laws with the class graduated in I898. That same
year he was admitted to the New York bar, and in
1899 to the Pennsylvania bar, and practiced in Pittsburgh until I9O7 when he went to Spokane, Washington. Six years later, however, he returned to Pennsylvania and since that time has maintained an office
at Blairsville. His practice is general in character
and his clientele large. Mr. Miller is a member of the
American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar
Association, and the Indiana County Bar Society.
Down the years Mr. Miller has represented a number of corporations, and is a director of several coal
companies and of the Blairsville Savings and Trust
Company. During the World War period he was to
the fore in many of the activities of that day, financial,
humanitarian, patriotic, serving on a number of boards
and committees, was effective as a "four-minute"
speaker, and a vigorous supporter of the Red Cross
Society. He is particularly interested in the Blairsville Public Library, as a member of its board of
trustees, and has done a great deal to raise it to its
present high rating among such institutions in the
State. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Free and
Accepted Masons, being a Past Master, a Knight
Templar, and a thirty-second degree Mason, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member of several
local clubs and of the Blairsville Chamber of Commerce. He is an elder of the Presbyterian Church.
In Igoo Samuel W. Miller married Willma F. Graff,
of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents
of a son, Samuel Graff Miller, graduate of Princeton
University, 1925; studied for one year at the University of Cambridge, England; and matriculated at the
University of Pennsylvania, then at the University of
Pittsburgh Law School, from which he received the
degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1929. He is now connected with the Public Utility Commission, at the
State Capital.
MRS. LEILA  McGILLICK-The appointment,
in May, I935, of Mrs. Leila (Poorman) McGillick as
acting postmaster of Blairsville met with universal
approval, for she is one of the most esteemed and
respected citizens of the place.  She was born in
31lairsville, the daughter of Robert F. and Martha
(Wilson) Poorman, and married Thomas J. McGillick.
Mrs. McGillick completed her academic education in
local schools and then attended business college. For
most of her career thereafter she has been engaged in
bookkeeping and accounting, and is a well-known figure in business circles. As mentioned her connection
with the Blairsville post office as acting postmaster
began in March, 1935, and commissioned on August
22, 1935, and her services rendered as such have been
highly efficient. She attends the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and is active in the organizations and movements undertaken for the benefit of Blairsvnle and its
3I2ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
people. She is a noteworthy example of the modern
woman who can combine public activities with motherhood and family life.
Mrs. McGillick has three children: I. Paul W.
2. Alice L. 3. Helen Virginia.
E. H. BERGMAN AND SONS-The wellknown Blairsville firm, E. H. Bergman and Sons, was
founded in I923 by E. H. Bergman and his sons, M.
D. and C. B. Bergman, as a co-partnership firm, the
specific purpose being to sell builders' supplies and
retail coal. Later they became the sole agents on this
section for International Trucks, and also added to
their activities moving and transportation.  Starting
on a small scale the concern has been very successful
and serves a large clientele. The company has a private
railroad siding with a capacity of six cars. Their
equipment is entirely motorized, the bulk of their business being operated within a fifteen-mile radius. They
operate a fleet of fifteen trucks.
E. H. Bergman, son of Henry and Mary B. Bergman, was born at Livermore, Pennsylvania, and was
educated in the public schools. He was engaged in
various activities until he founded the above named
firm with his sons, retiring in I936. He was a member
of the Knights of Malta and the Chamber of Commerce.
E. H. Bergman married Margaret J. McIntyre, and
they were the parents of nine children, seven of whom
are living: I. M. D., of further mention. 2. C. B.,
of further mention. 3. Ora. 4. Susan. 5. Mary. 6.
Helen. 7. Carl.
M. D. Bergman, born April II, r899, was educated
in the public schools. He has been identified with E.
H. Bergman and Sons since its organization. He
married Gertrude Sheriff, of Pennsylvania, and they
have a daughter, Mary Anne.
C. B. Bergman, native of Blairsville, was born January 29, I9oI, and received his education in the public
schools. One of the founders of E. H. Bergman and
Sons, he has been increasingly active in its affairs. He
is a member of the Kiwanis Club. He married Margaret Donaldson, of Pennsylvania, and they have a
son, Roger B. Bergman.
GEORGE J. FEIT-Since his admission to the
Pennsylvania State bar in I896, George J. Feit has
engaged in the general practice of law in the community of Indiana, where he is ranked among the most
prominent and successful members of his profession
and has been actively identified with social and civic
affairs.
Mr. Feit was born in Armstrong Township, Indiana
County, November 17, I872, the son of John and Mary
Jane (Johnston) Feit, both natives of this State and
deceased, the former passing away in I911 and the
latter, in I884. After completing his studies in the
public schools of his birthplace, Mr. Feit attended the
Indiana State Normal School and while a student here
determined to take up the study of law. To this end
he entered the law  offices of Jack and Taylor and
began a course of intensive training that was to lead
to his admission to the State bar in 1896. That year
he established himself in practice at Indiana as a
member of the firm of Feit and Ewing, an association
he maintained until I898. On January I, I900, he
formed a partnership with Elder Peelor and initiated
a professional friendship and business arrangement
which has functioned with outstanding harmony
through the years. It is only comparatively recently
that these lawyers considered it advisable to draw up
any documents regarding their partnership, which is
now shared also by Mr. Peelor's son, I,. Mo. Peelor,
who has been a member of this firm since I923.
In conjunction with his professional pursuits Mr.
Feit has also won recognition for the contributions he
has made to the social and civic affairs of this region.
Early in his career he became county auditor and served
in that capacity from I897 to I900. Later, in 1902,
he was elected county district attorney and continued
in this office for six years, a tenure clearly indicating
his ability and popularity.  Since that time he has
continued to support all worthy public projects and at
present is a member of the board of directors of the
Indiana Hospital, as well as several other large corporations. Socially he belongs to the Indiana Rotary
Club, is a charter member of the Indiana Country
Club and fraternizes with the local lodge of the Free
and Accepted Masons in which he is Past Master and
holds the coveted thirty-second degree. In his religious faith he worships at the Presbyterian Church.
In I915 Mr. Feit married Edith Smith of this community, who passed away January 6, I937.
ALFRED  J. MUSSER-Coal has been the lifeblood of Western Pennsylvania. The organizations
and men who have developed this industry are directly
responsible for the growth and wealth of this region.
Listed among the executives who have attained prominence in the bituminous field is Alfred J. Musser, vicepresident of the Clearfield Bituminous Coal Corporation and resident of Indiana, where he is also widely
known in a social and civic capacity. Throughout his
career he has been associated with the Clearfield concern, rising from a modest position to his present office
of responsibility. The recognition and esteem he is
held in by his colleagues and the progress he has enjoyed clearly indicate his ability and success.
3I3ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Musser was born in Centre County, December
Io, I874, the son of John and Kate M. (Dale) Musser.
He received a general education in the public schools,
later took a course at Temple University and supplemented this training by home study. As a youth he
began his career with the Clearfield Bituminous Coal
Company, starting as an assistant payroll clerk. During the ensuing years he rose successively through the
various departments of the business, eventually becoming assistant to the general manager and finally assuming the post of manager in I92I, in which he succeeded H. B. Douglass. Since that time he has been
appointed executive vice-president, a position he is
eminently qualified to fill on the basis of past experience and achievement. His prestige in the business life
of this section is further enhanced through the offices
he has been called upon to assume in several large
organizations. In this connection he is president of
The People's Bank of Clymer, a member of the board
of directors of the Savings and Trust Bank of Indiana,
and a director of the Beach Creek Railroad, as well as
several other corporations.
In the coal business Mr. Musser is an executive of
one of the oldest companies in these parts. The Clearfield Bituminous Coal Corporation was founded in
I882 by a group of New York and Philadelphia capitalists, including members of the Vanderbilt family,
Joseph Gazzan and W. D. Kelly of Philadelphia. The
object of the organization was to promote the mining
of coal in Clearfield County. W. D. Kelly became
the first president of the corporation and continued in
that capacity until I909, despite the fact the company
had undergone reorganization in I886. In the meantime the New York Central Railroad had gained full
control in I898, acquiring the entire stock and equipment. At that time they adopted a policy which has
since been pursued; namely, that none of the bituminous coal produced from the property should be sold to
outside buyers.  In short, the entire output, which
averages more than two million tons annually, has
been used by the railroad itself. The holdings cover
one hundred and fifty thousand acres which have been
developed along the most scientific lines, forming the
site for numerous villages and towns, as well as the
mines themselves. It can truthfully be said that this
has been one of the largest single factors in the progress of Indiana, Cambria, Clearfield and Blair counties.
Though business has been and continues to be the
major interest in Mr. Musser's career, he has also
found time to devote to social and civic affairs and
holds membership in several local organiizations, among
them the Indiana Rotary Club and the Indiana Country Club. He worships at the Lutheran Church.
In I899 Mr. Musser married Esther K. Durst, and
they were the parents of six children: I. Katherine.
2. John D., deceased. 3. Fred A. 4. Helen E. 5.
George W. 6. Elizabeth L.
A. E. HOOD-In assuming ownership of "The
Democrat," A. E. Hood, who has devoted practically
his entire career to journalism and the printing business, has acquired a newspaper which is probably the
oldest weekly in Indiana County, where it has been
in existence continuously since I86I. On the basis of
past experience and ability the proprietor is eminently
qualified to carry on the traditions and prestige of this
publication.
Mr. Hood, native of Indiana, was born here May
30, I879, the son of George W. and Anne (Ehretfeld)
Hood. His father who died in I900, was one of the
most prominent attorneys and civic leaders of his
generation in this region which he represented in the
State Legislature at one time as Senator. After receiving the early part of his general education in the
public schools of Indiana, Mr. Hood attended the
Indiana State Normal School and later graduated
from the Kiskiminetas Springs School at Saltsburg.
Pennsylvania. He then matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania.
From the time he left school until he acquired "The
Democrat" in I930, Mr. Hood consistently devoted
his efforts to newspaper work and printing. The story
of the paper he now  owns is interesting.  It was
founded in Indiana by James B. Sansom in I86I. He
conducted it until I885, when his son, Franklin Sansom, took over the management. The latter directed
the paper for forty-one years, or until 1926, at which
time he was succeeded by his son, James B. Sansom,
and his daughter, Mrs. Barclay. They retained ownership until Mr. Hood purchased the paper four years
later. During its long existence, the paper has never
failed to appear on schedule. Throughout this time
it has been distributed over Indiana County and adjacent territory, enjoying a substantial circulation which
today is estimated to be in the neighborhood of twentyfive hundred copies. In conjunction with the publication of this weekly, Mr. Hood also operates a substantial and lucrative printing business. As a resident of
the community he belongs to several clubs and societies, including the local lodge of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and attends the Lutheran
Church.
In I924 Mr. Hood married Agnes Boucher, and they
are the parents of the following children: I. Miriam.
2. Frank. 3. George.
314ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
GEORGE W. GREINER-As president of the
Greiner Baking Company, Inc., George W. Greiner
heads an organization which he has built from small
beginnings into a prosperous enterprise, doing business
throughout a trade area which has a radius of seventyfive miles in all directions from Indiana. He represents the third generation of his family to engage in
the baking business.
Mr. Greiner was born in Pittsburgh, on March 22,
I888, a son of William and Anna (King) Greiner.
The father has been a baker in Pittsburgh, and his
father before him followed the same trade. Anna
(King) Greiner, the mother, died on July 4, I889.
George W. Greiner received his education in the
public schools, beginning his active career in I9O8.
His choice of a vocation was a natural one, and in the
latter year he established a small bakery at Indiana,
being impressed by the opportunities offered by this
community. His original quarters were located at No.
249 Fourth Street. Gradually the business grew and
with expanding trade it became necessary to secure
larger accommodations. A new plant was built on
Foundry Street, symbolizing the success attending the
Greiner enterprise. In I919 Mr. Greiner sold control
of his company to Gandolf Brothers, who continued
the business under the name of the Indiana Baking
Company. He remained as an associate in the business,
however, regained control by purchase of the Gandolf
stock interest. Since that time he has operated the
company under its present name, the Greiner Baking
Company, Inc. Mr. Greiner has been president since
the incorporation of the company. His early associates
as executives in the company were: B. A. Sciotto and
Samuel Lamantia. At present the only other officer
is R. E. Covani. as secretary and treasurer.  The
Greiner Baking Company carries on a general bakingc
business which covers five counties. Its fleet of fifteen
motorized delivery trucks may be seen along the entire
route extending from Indiana in a seventy-five-mile
radius. Upwards of fifty employees are engaged in
the company's business and the plant is the only one of
its kind in Indiana County. In I93I a disastrous fire
destroyed the plant and a new and modern brick building was erected on the Foundry Street site. The finest
machinery has been installed, with all facilities for
carrying on a business which is a credit alike to the
community and to its founder and builder.
Mr. Greiner is a member of the Indiana Chamber
of Commerce and the United Commercial Travelers.
In addition to his business connections, he is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a
member of other local organizations. He has lent his
support to community civic causes and other worthy
movements and is known as a progressive and devoted
citizen. In religious faith he is a Methodist.
In 1909 George W. Greiner married Pearl Lewis, of
Smicksburg. They are the parents of one son, George
W., Jr., born May 2I, I919.
H. K. SMITH-The  "Indiana  Messenger,"
acquired by the Smith family over a half a century
ago and conducted continuously by some member since,
has become one of the most influential weekly newspapers in Indiana County, where it boasts a circulation
of fifteen hundred copies. Connected with the paper is
a fully equipped commercial and job printing plant,
which under the present management has been developed into a substantial and lucrative business. As
a partner of this venture, H. K. Smith has had much
to do in perpetuating its success during the thirty-three
years he has served in an executive capacity.
H. K. Smith was born in Indiana County, March
15, I865, the son of S. A. and Sarah (Kinter) Smith,
both of his birthplace. His father, Samuel A. Smith,
entered the publishing business as a partner of Clark
Wilson, who had purchased the interests of Silas M.
Clark and Joseph Thompson, associated with him in
the founding of the "Democratic Messenger" in I856.
S. A. Smith joined the management in I862, and two
years later with his father, Joseph R. Smith, bought
cut Mr. Wilson. Since that time the paper has been
the property of the family. Joseph R. Smith died in
I887. He was succeeded by his son, Frank M. Smith.
With the passing of S. A. Smith in I904 and his
brother, Frank M. Smith, in I902, the "Messenger"
came under its present management, consisting of H.
K. Smith, J. M. Smith and Zoe R. Smith. They have
done much to advance the interests of the publication,
adding features that will be of general interest and
maintaining an editorial policy consistent with the
ideals of the founders, yet modern in its viewpoint. In
this connection they offer a highly interesting and
attractive color supplement with each weekly issue.
H. K. Smith received a general education in the public schools of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and later attended
the Indiana Normal School. Since he completed his
studies he has been associated with the "Indiana Messenger" and been an active figure in community affairs,
holding membership in the Indiana Kiwanis Club, the
local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks and worshipping at the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Smith married Zoe R. Fetterman, of' Indiana,
and the daughter of John and Mary A. (King) Fetterman, both of this community, where her father en315ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
employees. The Johnstown Water Company was organized in I866 by D. J. Morrell, James McMillan,
George W. Osborn, Jacob Fend, Cyrus Elder, Joseph
Williams, John Crouse, Jacob Campbell, John Lowman, James Milliken and John Pringle. The first
water was taken from Wildcat and Laurel Run. The
first fire hydrant was located at Main and Market
streets, and the first residence to have water facilities
installed was that of Jacob Campbell. The company
now is in possession of several reservoirs, and has
increased its pipe lines from I8,ooo feet to 945,256
feet, supplying water to approximately 95,000 families
in Johnstown and its vicinity. All water is carefully
treated with chlorine gas. Since its organization, the
following men have in turn acted as president of this
company: D. J. Morrell, James McMillan, C. S. Price,
W. H. Donner, E. E. Slick, H. E. Lewis, Jr., and the
present incumbent, R. E. McMath.  In addition to
Mr. McMath and Mr. Kunkle, one other official is
F. E. DeFrehn, who serves in the capacity of assistant
secretary and treasurer. In addition to his connections
with the Johnstown Water Company, Mr. Kunkle is
also vice-president of the Conemaugh and Franklin
Water Company and general manager of the Manufacturers Water Company. He is also endowed with considerable civic pride, and lends his support and efforts
towards any movement associated with the progressive
advancement of his native city.
He is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons,
Knights Templar, and Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and is also an active member of the
Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, North Fork
Country Club and the Sunnehanna Country Club.
He was married, in 19I3, to Maude S. Boyer. They
are the parents of three children: I. Charles W., Jr.,
born February 6, I9I4, a graduate of Duke University;
married to Dorothy Gray. 2. Carlyn, born January
12, 1924. 3. Craig B., born July 2I, I926.
CHARLES W. WOY-Becoming associated
with the Johnstown Planing Mill Company at the time
of its founding in 1895, Charles W. Woy has been connected with this concern to the present day, and for
the past twenty years has filled the office of vicepresident. He was born in Somerset County, November I, I870, the son of John and Jennie (Baldwin)
Woy. John Woy, a veteran of the Civil War, attached
to the 87th Volunteer Regiment, followed the carpenter's trade for many years, and then in I895, together
with Norman Statler and Jerry Schaffer founded the
Johnstown Planing Mill, a small establishment on
Horner Street. He remained the active head of this
organization until his retirement in I930, and passed
away on March 2I, I938. His wife died in I934.
After completing his public school education, Charles
W. Woy learned the carpenter's trade, and after the
founding of the Johnstown Planing Mill Company, he
became one of its employees, serving in various capacities until I917 when the business was incorporated and
he became vice-president.  His father was elected
president and Norman Statler assumed the offices of
secretary and treasurer. In I930, upon the retirement
of John Woy, Norman Statler became president,
Charles W. Woy continued in the office of vice-president, and two of Mr. Statler's sons, Harry and Donald
Statler, completed the official personnel. The company now employs approximately twenty-five workers
and does a large lumber business in Cambria and the
adjoining counties. The plant, which covers about one
city block and has a private railroad siding, is not
only one of the oldest, but is also numbered among
the largest establishments of its kind in Cambria
County.
In I887 Mr. Woy married Sarah Shaffer, and they
are the parents of a son, Harry, who married Edna
H. Dunmire, and they have one child, John C. Woy.
HON. DAVIS WOODWARD HENDERSON
-As lawyer, judge and public servant, the Hon. Davis
Woodward Henderson has effectively served the people of Uniontown and of this Commonwealth. At all
times, whether in public office or private life, he has
shown himself to be the possessor of a deep sense of
responsibility, and his service as a member of the
Common Pleas bench of Fayette County has brought
him the full confidence of the electorate because of the
dignity and fairness with which he has disposed of the
cases that have come before him. He is now engaged
in private law practice.
Davis Woodward Henderson was born December
25, I875, in Franklin Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, the eldest child of Steward and Harriet
(Woodward) Henderson and member of an old and
noted family. The Hendersons were established in
Pennsylvania by his great-grandfather, Steward Henderson, who was born in Ireland and came to America,
settling in Erie County, Pennsylvania, about I83I, and
later removing to Fayette County, in whose courts he
was naturalized in I846. He was a resident of Dunbar
Township, Fayette County, and was buried at Summit,
in this township and county. His son, Isaac Henderson, Judge Henderson's paternal grandfather, was born
in Erie County, Pennsylvania, about I8I2, and removed to Fayette County in young manhood, taking
up farming in Franklin Township. He died in I904.
His wife was Mary (Dunlop) Henderson, of Greene
County, this State.
~29ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
gaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of one daughter, Helen A., who is now married
to Walter Kissinger, Jr.
ROBERT MILLER FISHER-As a member of
the well-known law firm of Fisher and Ruddock at
Indiana, Robert Miller Fisher occupies an important
position at the Indiana County bar. Both in his profession and in civic life, he continues the distinguished
tradition long associated in this city and Commonwealth with the family name.
Mr. Fisher was born in Indiana, on September 5,
1894, son of John S. Fisher, former Governor of Pennsylvania, and Hapsie (Miller) Fisher. His mother
died on January 17, 1922. Robert M. Fisher received
his preliminary education in the public schools of
Indiana and in the model school, also located here,
from which he was graduated in I909. Subsequently
he spent two years in Pennsylvania State Normal
School and an equal period at the Kiskiminetas Springs
School, after which he went on to Amherst College.
In 1917 he was graduated from Amherst with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He spent the following year
as secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association
at this college and then began preparations for his
professional career at Harvard Law School.
In 1922 Mr. Fisher was admitted to the bar of
Pennsylvania and in February of that year took up the
general practice of law in association with the firm of
Cunningham and Fisher at Indiana. With this firm
his father had also been connected for many years. He
continued the association until the death of Samuel
Cunningham, in August, I930. In January, I93I, he
joined with W. M. Ruddock to establish the present
firm of Fisher and Ruddock. They have since been
engaged in a general practice of law, meeting its large
responsibilities with eminent success.
In addition to his professional connections, Mr.
Fisher has assumed various business responsibilities,
which he has administered with fidelity and sound
judgment. He is today a director of the Savings and
Trust Company of Indiana. He is a Republican in
politics, a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity
and a member of a number of clubs, including the
Cosmopolitan Club of Indiana and the Amherst Club
of New York. He is also a member of the Kiwanis
Club, and through this and other agencies has lent
effective support to many worthy community causes.
Mr. Fisher is a member and active worker in the
First United Presbyterian Church of Indiana.
On June 2I, I925, Robert Miller Fisher married
Gladys Washburn, of Oakland, California, daughter
of E. E. and Bertha (Williams) Washburn. They
are the parents of two children: I. Mary Washburn,
born on May 9, 1926. 2. John Stuchell, 2d, born
August 2, I927.
JOHN REZZOLLA-At the beginning of the
World War period, John Rezzolla established the
Indiana Macaroni Company at Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Under his guidance during the intervening years this
enterprise has grown to large proportions. It distributes its products through many eastern states and
is today one of the most substantial business enterprises of Indiana County.
Mr. Rezzolla was born in Troia-Foggia, Italy, on
October 25, 1883, a son of Alexander Rezzolla. He
was educated in Italian schools at Troia-Foggia and
Lucera, completing what corresponds to the Xmerican
college course. In I902 he came to the United States,
which has since been his home; in 1909 he became a
naturalized American citizen. Mr. Rezzolla settled in
Indiana, Pennsylvania, and in I9I4 brought into existence the Indiana Macaroni Company, being associated
with Carlo Martino in its organization. Operations
were begun on a small scale, but the quality of the
product and the energy of those responsible for- the
management of the company resulted in the steady
growth of the business. At the present time more
than 36,0o00 square feet of floor space are occupied in
the Indiana plant and more than sixty persons are
employed by the company. These statistics reflect the
substantial position of the company, which today distributes its macaronis to practically all the Middle
Atlantic States. The factory has a capacity of 30,000
pounds daily, making it one of the largest concerns of
its kind in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through the
years no effort has been spared by the owners to expand and increase its facilities, and just recently the
most modern obtainable machinery for the manufacture
of egg noodle macaroni has been installed. The company was incorporated in 1930 with Mr. Rezzolla as
president, an office in which he has since continued
with notable success. As associates in the executive
personnel of the company he has J. M. Rezzolla, who
is vice-president; and B. A. Sciotto, secretary and
treasurer. A private railroad siding with a capacity
of seven cars completes the facilities of the company.
The business has been for years a distinct asset to the
community, and its success reflects great honor upon
its president and his associates in the management of
the company.
Mr. Rezzolla, who is recognized as one of the leading business men of Indiana County, was also a director of the Citizens National Bank. He has been active
in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, which he has
3i6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
served as a director; is a member of the Rotary Club;
and a member of several other organizations, including
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the
United Commercial Travelers. During the World
War, he was a director of the local chapter of the
American Red Cross and was otherwise active in behalf of various war-time movements. With his family
he is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.
Mr. Rezzolla married, in I909, Giovanna Renzulli.
They are the parents of six children: I. Evelyn, born
October io, I9io, married B. S. Sciotto and has three
children. 2. John, Jr., born June 17, 1913. 3. Armida,
born February 24, 1915, married Thomas B. L,ee and
has one child. 4. Wilhelmina, born May 24, I917. 5.
Richard J., born September 3, I9I9. 6. Vanessa, born
February 7, I930.
LOGAN C. BENCE-Following his earlier
career in the coal and railroad industries, Logan C.
Bence entered business at Clymer, where he has now
served for a quarter of a century as general manager
of the Clymer Hardware Company. He has many
other business interests and a wide variety of civic
connections, through which he has firmly established
his position as one of the leading citizens of Clymer
and Indiana County.
Mr. Bence was born at Dixonville, on May 20, 1883,
a son of James and Rosina (Everwine) Bence and a
descendant of Samuel Bence, who settled in Indiana
County at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
James Bence, the father, was a farmer by occupation
and a man of prominence in the county until his death
in 1924. He was also a veteran of the Civil War, in
which he served with the Pennsylvania infantry. His
wife, Rosina (Everwine) Bence, died in I892.
Logan C. Bence received a public school education,
supplemented by a course at Williamsport Business
College and one year of study at Valparaiso University. He began his career in railroad work at Altoona,
Pennsylvania, following which he joined the Russell
Coal Mining Company at Clymer in 1907. After several years as bookkeeper for this concern, he went into
business for himself at Dixonville, operating a general store under the name of Bence Brothers. Upon
disposing of this interest, he went on the road as a
salesman for four years, adding to his valuable store
of experience. At the end of that period, in I912, he
became general manager of the Clymer Hardware Company, whose operations have since been conducted under his guidance. It is the largest wholesale and
retail hardware concern in this section and its success
reflects the energy and soundness of judgment which
Mr. Bence has brought to its management.
In addition to this connection, Mr. Bence's services
have been given to a number of other enterprises. He
is past president of the Cooper Construction Company;
vice-president of the People's Bank of Clymer; president of the Clymer Grocery Company; and vice-president and director of the Indiana Franklin Company.
In all these associations he has manifested the familiar
qualities which have made him one of the outstanding
business men of Clymer. Mr. Bence has also given
generously of his time and effort in the field of public service. He has been a leader in civic affairs during his residence in Clymer and for six years, from
I916 to I920 and again from 1922 to 1924, was a chief
burgess. During this period the first concrete pavement was laid in the borough and many other forwardlooking projects were initiated. Mr. Bence is prominent fraternally. He is a member of the Free and
Accepted Masons, in which he has served as Master
of the Blue Lodge, and is a member of all higher
bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including Williamsport Consistory, thirty-second degree, and
a member of the Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also affiliated with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has passed
through all the chairs.
Mr. Bence is a member of the Kiwanis Club and
other local organizations, and is a leading member of
Indiana Lutheran Church, serving as elder and secretary of the Council. He served an enlistment in
the National Guard of Pennsylvania from  I905 to
I9I1, and during the period of the World War rendered active service as a member of numerous boards
and committees in behalf of the Red Cross and other
war-time movements.
In I916, Logan C. Bence married Dorothy C. Shoff,
of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of four
children: I. Gerald C., now twenty-one years old.
2. Dorothy V., seventeen years old. 3. Logan C., Jr.,
eleven years old. 4. Eugene S., nine years old.
HART B. DAUGHERTY-One of Indiana's
substantial business men, Hart B. Daugherty conducts
a lumber and planing mill in this city, dealing in all
kinds of builder's supplies and paints and doing special
mill work to meet the needs of his discriminating clientele. He has contributed in a more than ordinarily significent way to the general welfare of his community
and its people, and he is highly esteemed, respected
and honored among his contemporaries.
Mr. Daugherty was born May 7, I88o, in Indiana
County, Pennsylvania, son of W. S. and Martha
(Sansom) Daugherty and grandson of J. R. Daugherty, the first member of the family to be engaged in
317ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the present mill business. This business dates back to
I856, when a firm known as Coleman and Ewing
erected a planing mill at Indiana, Pennsylvania. They
also manufactured wagons and other products. It
was in I869 that J. R. Daugherty, Hart B. Daugherty's grandfather, bought an interest in this firm. In
1884 his son, W. S. Daugherty, father of Hart B.
Daugherty, took over the business, continuing to manage it for the rest of his life, which ended in I934.
W. S. Daugherty was a native of Saltsburg, Indiana
County, Pennsylvania, and was born January 22, I846.
In I864 he removed to the city of Indiana. In
I869 he went into the planing mill business with the
firm of Coleman and Ewing, remaining in this same
work for the rest of his career. He was an active
fraternalist, belonging to the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.  In the Masonic Order he held the thirty-second degree of the
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and in 1928 he was
made District Deputy Grand Master of the Thirtyninth District of the Masonic organization.  For five
years he was master of his lodge. In I876 he married Martha Sansom, also of Pennsylvania birth,
whose brother, James Sansom, was at one time editor
of the "Indiana Democrat."  She died in 1925.
The public schools of Indiana County provided Hart
B. Daugherty's early education. Later he became a
student at Lehigh University, where he was graduated
with the degree of Civil Engineer in I9o6. After concerning himself with important business affairs in his
community, he became associated with the mill business of his family in I9II, and at the time of his father's death, in I934, became sole owner of the enterprise. This business consists in the handling of builder's supplies and a full line of paints, and the firm
also specializes in fine mill work and sells all sorts
of materials used in the building trades. The mill has
about 7,500 square feet of floor space, and most of
its business is done within a fifteen-mile radius from
Indiana. It is the oldest firm of its kind in the
county.
Mr. Daugherty's background of experience is an extensive one. Before I9II he was engaged in important reclamation and reconnaissance work in the West,
performing those duties in connection with his practice of civil engineering. Like his father before him,
he early became interested in Masonic work, and he
is a Past Master of his Lodge in the Free and Accepted Masons. He belongs to both the Chamber of
Commerce and the Rotary Club of Indiana. He is a
member of the Presbyterian Church.
In the year 1927, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania,
Hart B. Daugherty married S. Blanche St. Clair.
HARRY MEREDITH REPINE-An outstanding figure in the bottled carbonated beverage industry
of Indiana, Pennsylvania, H. M. Repine produces more
than one thousand cases of carbonated beverages daily
and operates a plant containing the last word in modern machinery and equipment.
Mr. Repine was born September 5, I885, at Indiana,
Pennsylvania, son of James K. and Carrie Belle (Simpson) Repine. His parents are both residents of Indiana County, where the father has for years been an
active farmer, as well as tax collector of his community. They were married in I884, and have long
been respected and honored members of their community and district. The father has been particularly
active in politics.
The public schools of Indiana, his Pennsylvania
birthplace, provided the early education of H. M. Repine, who was employed from I9O6 to I916 with the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, serving as agent, and
chief clerk to the supervising agent.  In I916 he
founded the Indiana Bottling Works, in this city, establishing this company on the same site where he
now has his headquarters, on Eighth St. and Gompers
Avenue, and operating under the trade name of Indiana Coca Cola Bottling Company. Starting operations in a very small way, with only a foot power machine, he saw the business grow and develop until at
the present time it produces more than one thousand
cases of carbonated beverages per day. Its thoroughly
modern machinery makes possible the most efficient
production and distribution of the company's products,
which include Coca Cola. These beverages are delivered throughout an area with a radius of forty miles
centering in Indiana.
Aside from being the sole owner of the Indiana Coca
Cola Bottling Company, Mr. Repine has taken an active interest in the general affairs of his industry. He
is a past secretary of the Keystone State Bottling Association, and has attended many conventions of this
and other groups connected with the bottling industry.
He is widely known in fraternal circles, belonging to
both the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Other organizations in which he holds memberships are the
United Commercial Travelers and the Chamber of
Commerce. During the World War days he was active
in the promotion of Liberty Loan and Red Cross
drives, and accomplished much for the general betternent of his fellow-citizens and the furtherance of his
country's interests. He was also a member of the official board of the Methodist Church of Indiana.
In I9og Harry Meredith Repine married Olie Emma
MIcGregor, of Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania,
who died June 24, I924, daughter of the late James C..3I8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and Agnes A. (Duncan) McGregor. Her father was
formerly sheriff of Indiana County and a member of
the Department of Agriculture. He was an outstanding figure in the life of Indiana County. To this marriage one daughter, Martha G. Repine, was borA. She
graduated from the Indiana High School in the class of
I929 and attended the State Teachers' College, at Indiana. On August 25, I937, she was united in marriage
to R. Donald Offutt, son of Dr. R. M. and Esther
(Uber) Offutt, of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
R. A. WALKER-Newspaper publication has
afforded R. A. Walker an enviable opportunity for
service to the people of Saltsburg and Indiana County.
He owns and publishes the "Press," of this place, a
widely known weekly newspaper, and does a large business in job and commercial printing.
Mr. Walker was born May IO, I864, in Armstrong
County, Pennsylvania, son of John and Ann (Fulmer)
Walker. His father lived in Armstrong County and
died in I905 He was recognized as one of the substantial citizens of his district.
The public schools of Armstrong, his native county,
furnished the early education of R. A. Walker, who afterward attended Elders Ridge Academy. Completing
kis own studies, he became an instructor in the public schools before buying the "Saltsburg Press." The
story of this newspaper dates back to September I5,
1875, when a group of stockholders founded the organization, with William McWilliams as its editor. Mr.
McWilliams sold his interest in the paper in I882 to
W. H. and F. F. Werkheiser, who together ran the
publication until I886. In that year it was taken
over by S. B. Mercer and William G. Brown. The
retirement of Mr. Mercer in I89O led to the entry of
a new partner into the organization, Thomas N. Lowe
becoming Mr. Brown's associate in the enterprise. In
I896 Mr. Walker bought the interests of all the others
concerned in the undertaking, and since that time he
has continued as the sole owner and publisher of the
"Saltsburg Press." He has built it up until it has
become a fine weekly publication with a circulation of
more than I,ooo. His job and commercial printing department has been successful from the outset.
In addition to establishing himself in his community
as so strong a newspaper man that his readers eagerly
look forward to each issue, Mr. Walker has distinguished himself in many ways in his community.
Elected burgess of Saltsburg, he served for one term
in that office, rendering invaluable sezvice to the local
people. During the W~orld War period he served on
many boards and committees. He is a member of
many Saltsburg societies and organizations, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A
Presbyterian in his religious views, he has served as
secretary of his congregation since I912.
In I895 R. A. Walker married Sarah J. Anderson, of
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
ROBERT B. McNEIL--Long recognized as one
of the outstanding figures in the banking profession in
his district of Pennsylvania, Robert B. McNeil performed a valuable work as president of the First National Bank, of Saltsburg. His extensive business experience made it possible for him to be of great service
to the business community in his banking capacity and
to furnish intelligent and wise guidance to individuals
and groups who were seeking to finance new enterprises. His position in his community was an important one, and his accomplishments not only helped
others, but served to establish him in an ever sounder
way in the affections and regard of his contemporaries
and so to enhance his potentialities for useful civic
work.
Mr. McNeil was born February 28, I855, at Elders
Ridge, Pennsylvania, son of Robert and Mary E.
(McKelvery) McNeil. His father was a farmer, as
well as a pioneer builder and contractor, and was the
first of the family to establish himself in this part of
Pennsylvania. Both parents lived in Brookville.
In the public schools Robert B. McNeil received
his earliest formal education, also attending Elders
Ridge Academy. He turned his attention quickly to
commercial affairs after finishing his formal studies,
and for more than thirty years was one of Saltsburg's prominent merchants. During those years he
became a director of the First National Bank, of this
place, and gradually his interest in the bank grew until, in I9I5, after the long service that he had rendered
as a member of the board of directors, he was elevated
to the vice-presidency. Following the death of James
P. Watson, in I921, Mr. McNeil was elected president of the bank, and he so served for the remaining
twelve years of his life.
When he assumed the presidency of the bank, he
sold his other mercantile interests in order that he
might devote his time fully to his new duties. The
effects of this singleness of purpose were soon evident,
for the bank, under his direction, became one of the
strongest financial institutions in the State.  Introducing thoroughly modern and up-to-date methods
and practices, he also caused a completely modern
building to be erected in I927-a structure that has been
favorably compared with many banks in the country's
metropolitan centers. Mr. McNeil's earnest and un3I9ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tiring efforts, moreover, were instrumental in carrying
the bank unscathed through the dire depression years
following I929.
Not only did Mr. McNeil hold a leading place in
the trade circles in which he moved, but he also took
a lively part in civic affairs. Serving as borough treasurer of Saltsburg for many years, he still held that
office at the time of his passing. He was also a longtime member of the local School Board, and served on
the Library Board. During the World War days he
served on numerous boards whose function it was to
further the interests of the country. He held himself
aloof, generally speaking, from fraternal and social affiliations, feeling that he was not a "joiner" in the traditional sense of the term, though he was a member
of the Cosmopolitan Club. He took a deep interest
in religious matters, and in the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church was an elder and a member of the board
of trustees.
In I876 Robert B. McNeil married Jennie H. Ewing,
of Elders Ridge, Pennsylvania, who was born in I855.
The children of this marriage were: I. Myrtle, who
became the wife of Joseph F. Piper and the mother of
their one child. 2. Anne MI., wife of Frank A. Piper.
3. Charles C., who is unmarried, and who has effectively served his community for many years as borough
auditor and as assistant borough treasurer.
The death of Robert B. McNeil occurred on November 20, I933, removing from his community and district an individual who had effectively served his fellow-citizens. He commanded the respect and admiration of all who knew him, and his willingness to do
his part in the promotion of any progressive movement was a characteristic that was well known to all
who were in any way associated with him. He will be
long and affectionately remembered, and his influence will be an enduring one.
-LESLIE ALBERT CHICK-Although still a
yoIung man, Leslie Albert Chick has achieved success
in several fields of endeavor.  For the past fifteen
years he has been an important figure in the industrial
life of Blairsville, and the same fine talents he has
brought to his own affairs have been freely used for
the public benefit.
Mr. Chick was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, August
I8, I895, son of Stephen H. and Laura (Gates) Chick,
both natives of Ohio and both deceased. His father
was long engaged in the shoe manufacturing industry.
Leslie Albert Chick completed his formal and technical
education in I917, when he was graduated from Ohio
Northern College, with the degree of Civil Engineer.
He began the practice of his profession with the Pennsylvania Railroad System immediately after receiving
his honorable discharge from the United States Army,
and continued with the company until 1920, in its
valuation department. From college he had enlisted
for World War service, and went overseas with the
American Expeditionary Forces, assigned to the Engineering Corps.
In I920, Mr. Chick became associated with the
Pennsylvania State Highway Department, from which
he resigned, late in 1923, to engage in business in
Blairsville. During the following year he organized
the Blairsville Concrete Products Company, with J.
H. Hamilton, whose interest he purchased in I930,
since when Mr. Chick has been the sole owner of
the concern. The steady growth of the Blairsville
Concrete Products Company began in 1925, when it
initiated the manufacture of burial vaults and other
concrete products. It is the first firm in this section
of Pennsylvania engaged in this line of business, and
has expanded to a position where some 20,000 square
feet of floor space is required for the industry.
Mr. Chick is a former president of the National
Concrete Burial Vault Association. During the activities of the NRA, he was secretary of the code committee and a member of the advisory board having to
do with the representatives of his specialized business.
His interest in Blairsville development is evidenced by
active membership in the Chamber of Commerce, of
which he is a director, and the Kiwanis Club, of which
he is a past president. He is not given to joining
organizations, although always to the fore in projects
which make for progress and betterment in all phases
of city life. For a number of years Mr. Chick has
been on the executive committee of the Indiana County
Council of the Boy Scouts of America. A Republican
in politics, Mr. Chick has served as president of the
B!airsville Borough Council during I933-34-35-36, not
seeking reelection. He is of the Presbyterian faith.
In 1923, L. A. Chick married Margaret Elizabeth
Hamilton, of Edgewood, Pennsylvania, and they have
two children: I. George L., born February 25, I924.
2. Margaret Jane, born March 3, I927.
HARRY  L. WEAMER-In  years of service
Harry L. Weamer is the oldest merchant in Saltsburg.
Here he handles clothing, shoes, hosiery and a related
line of merchandise, and is widely respected and trusted
by his customers and fellow-citizens.
Mr. Weamer was born December 8, I864, in Plumville, Pennsylvania, son of Andrew and Rebecca
(Stuchell) Weamer, of this place. His father, the
pioneer of his family in this part of Western Penn320ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sylvania, was a farmer by occupation. He died in
I923, and his wife in I918.
The public schools provided Harry L. Weamer's
early formal education. Reared on a farm, he had a
boyhood experience common to many young men of
this district. For three years he taught school. In
i889 he removed to Saltsburg, starting a small mercantile business in Indiana Avenue, in this town. The
enterprise grew and prospered, expanding until the
volume of business and scope of operations were such
as to necessitate larger quarters. Then it was that
he removed the business to its present quarters in
Salt Street, here carrying on operations down to the
time of writing. Almost a half century of connection
with the business community here has placed Mr.
Weamer in a position of high standing among his contemporaries, with the result that he is respected, honored and trusted in an ever widening circle of acquaintance and friendship.
In addition to being sole owner of his own store, Mr.
Weamer has served Saltsburg in many ways. He has
held a number of local offices, including that of burgess
of the borough. He has served on the School Board
and the Borough Council, and, as president of the
Saltsburg Chamber of Commerce since 1927, has distinguished himself as one of the truly public-spirited men
of the community. During the World War period
he served on many boards and committees. Active in
fraternal circles, he holds the thirty-second degree of
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masonry, and is also
a Past Master of his lodge. He is affiliated with
Newcastle Consistory of the Scottish Rite and Syria
Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. In the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he has been through all the chairs. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Saltsburg Presbyterian Church.
On December 25, I888, Harry L. Weamer married
Ada W. Smail, a native Pennsylvanian. They became the parents of the following children: I. Harry
Clair Weamer, a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College; he married Elizabeth Getty, and they
have two children, a boy and a girl. 2. Anna Grace
Weamer,- a graduate of the Birmingham School, wife
of T. A. Forbes; they have one child, Anna Winona
Forbes.
RINALDO EUGENE CORRAINI-In contrast with the county in which it is situated Indiana
is one of the faster growing cities of Southwestern
Pennsylvania, much of this development being due
to the fine type of business men it possesses who contribute so substantially to its development. One of the
youngest of its successful business men and publicspirited citizens is Rinaldo Eugene Corraini, who while
still in his twenties became the secretary and treasurer
of the large Greiner Baking Company.
He was born December 4, I907, at New Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania, son of Antonio and Irene (Marochi)
Corraini, both natives of the Tyrol, Austria, and both
deceased. His mother died in 1932 and his father lived
blut a year longer. In the public schools of his birthplace, Mr. Corraini laid the foundations of an unusually broad education. While he studied in the arts
department of Carnegie Institute of Technology, and
pursued La Salle extension courses, his keen interest
in serious reading has been an important factor in cultural attainments.
Practically all of Mr. Corraini's business career has
been identified with the Greiner Baking Company, an
account of which may be found in this volume in connection with the biography of George W. Greiner.
It is one of the outstanding industrial corporations in
this part of the State, and to hold so responsible a position as its secretary-treasurer, which Mr. Corraini has
done since I934, indicates something of his capabilities
and the manner in which they have won recognition.
Mr. Corraini is a member of the Kiwanis Club, and of
the Chamber of Commerce. His religious affiliations
are with the Catholic Church. His chief hobby is the
collection of books, especially first editions.
DR. C. B. O'NEILL-Proof of the old adage
that hard and conscientious work is synonymous with
success is manifested in the life and career of Dr.
C. B. O'Neill of Clymer, Indiana County, in the State
of Pennsylvania.
Dr. O'Neill was born in Indiana County, August
I, I88I, the son of Edward and Nancy Jane (Lydick)
O'Neill. Edward O'Neill was also born in Indiana
County, and engaged in farming, later establishing his
own business. He saw service in the TJnion Army
during the Civil \Var, being attached to the 88th Pennsylvania Reserves. He is the pioneer of his family in
Southwest Pennsylvania, and at the venerable age of
ninety-two he is still active, well known and highly respected throughout the community. His wife, Nancy
Jane O'Neill, died in I933.
Dr. O'Neill received his early education in the public schools of Clymer and continued his studies at
Peoria, Illinois, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was
graduated from Philadelphia College with the degree
of Doctor of Optometry.
Upon graduating, Dr. O'Neill began his professional career as an optometrist in I908. Gifted with
321ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
keen foresight he visioned greater success in the establishment of a small jewelry store. This venture was
favored with immediate success, and he soon found
himself in need of larger quarters. To meet this requirement, he erected a building for his own use, and
now conducts the only business of this type throughout Clymer. His optometry work has kept pace with
the expansion of his jewelry business, and his services
are much in demand.  Dr. O'Neill still remains the
sole owner of this business.
He professes the Protestant faith, and is affiliated
with local fraternal organizations. He is active in civic
affairs, and was a member of the Borough Council for
four years. He is also a keen student of history, and
devotes a considerable part of his rather limited time
to a further study of it.
In I907 he married Bertha C. Goodrich, a native of
Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of two children:   I. Bernice, deceased.  2. Clarence  Mervin
O'Neill. Clarence Mervin O'Neill was born September 5, I9II. He is greatly interested in Indian relics,
and he has a unique collection gathered in and around
the vicinity of Clymer. This member of the third
generation of O'Neills to be born and raised in Indiana
County has given definite assurance of continuing the
high family reputation established by his grandfather
and maintained by his father.
CARL R. BENCE-Equipped with all modern
improvements, and with an extensive floor space permitting its merchandise to be displayed in a most attractive manner, the Clymer Furniture Company, Incorporated, whose president and treasurer is Carl R.
Bence, serves Clymer in a manner that has won it
generous patronage.
Mr. Bence was born in Greene Township, Indiana
County, June 22, 1894, the son of Harry H. E. and
Elizabeth (Barber) Bence. The elder Mr. Bence, a
rative of Rayne Township, is engaged in the mercantile field. His wife, born in Greene Township, died in
I93I. Carl R. Bence attended the township public
schools, and embarked upon his career as a merchant,
in I919, establishing a general store at Dixonville. He
later opened a branch store at Commodore, and operated the business known as the Carl R. Bence Stores
until I931, when he purchased the entire interest of
the Clymer Furniture Company, incorporating the business, with himself as president and treasurer, and his
wife, the other executive officer. The firm deals in
both the wholesale and retail furniture busines's, accommodating patrons within a radius of forty miles. The
congenial atmosphere of this establishment, combined
with a policy of fair and honest dealings with all potential customers has been the recipe for ever increasing sales. In addition to his duties with his own company, he is vice-president of the Clymer Grocery Company, and a director of the Cooper Construction Company.
Mr. Bence is a member of the Lutheran Church,
the Clymer Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion. He was a member of the American Expeditionary Forces, serving with the 37th Division, in
the I35th Machine Gun Battalion.
He married in 1920 Margaret C. Patterson of Indiana County, and they are the parents of four children: I. Harry J. 2. Carl P. 3. Edward J. 4. William
C. Bence.
FRED E. BASS-The great opportunity for success afforded those who have devoted the greater part
of their lives to the mining industry of Southwestern
Pennsylvania is manifested in the career of Fred E.
Bass of Commodore, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Bass was born February 6, I87I, at Kiel, Germany, the son of Ernest Fred and Phyllis (Johannson)
Bass. The elder Mr. Bass, a hard-working descendant of old German stock, was employed as a tanner.
Fred E. Bass received his early education in the
public schools of Germany, and also attended that
world renowned institution devoted to the development of high character and physical development, the
Gymnasium. After completing his education he decided to take advantage of the opportunities always
open to sturdy men of his type in America and at the
age of eighteen migrated to these shores, settling at
Punxsutawney, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. He
immediately entered the mining field, and his success in
this undertaking to which he has devoted almost a
half century of service is a matter of public knowledge.
Leaving Punxsutawney, he went to Grassflat, Pennsylvania, where he was appointed foreman of the
Peale Mines, of the Clearfield Bituminous Coal Company. In I92O he made his most recent change of
abode, coming to Commodore, Pennsylvania, at that
time a very sparsely inhabited community, abounding
in swampland. Here he was employed as foreman of
the mines. The development of this section into now
a thriving community of over four hundred inhabitants
is directly traceable to the increase of mining operations in this area. In 1927 Mr. Bass was appointed
superintendent of.all mines in the community, and he
still maintains complete jurisdiction over all mining
operations.
A staunch Lutheran, he has been president of the
Church Council for a number of years. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
322Annals of
So utl wester, P,ennsylvania
By
LEWIS CLARK WALKINSHAW, A. M.
Historian, Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the
American, Revolution,
VOLUME IV
LEWIS HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.
NEW YORK
I _ _
I
PANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Their son, Steward Henderson, father of Judge
Henderson, was born August 24, I849, in Franklin
Township, Fayette County, and died June 22, I924, in
Uniontown. He was a farmer. He married Harriet
Woodward, who was born September 24, 185I, in
Dunbar Township, Fayette County, daughter of Davis
Woodward and Mary (Boyd) Woodward and granddaughter of Caleb Woodward on the paternal side of
her house and of William Boyd on the maternal side.
Caleb Woodward and his son, Davis Woodward, were
both residents of Menallen Township, Fayette County,
and were farmers there. Caleb was one of four
brothers-the other three being Joseph, Joshua, and
John Woodward-who came to Fayette County about
I78o from Chester County, settling in Menallen
Township. William Boyd was also a farmer. He
came to Menallen Township from Bullskin Township,
where his father had been a resident from about I760,
and both he and his father were farmers.
Davis Woodward Henderson studied in the public
schools of Franklin Township, spending his boyhood
years on the home farm of his family. Later, at the
age of sixteen years, he entered the State Normal
School, at California, Pennsylvania, and was there
graduated with the class of I894. After a year as
teacher, he entered Waynesburg College, there taking
the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1897. Judge Henderson then taught for another year, this time in
Jefferson Township, Fayette County, and at the end
of that time began the study of law, carrying out an
ambition that he had long cherished.  Registering
under an eminent lawyer, David M. Hertzog, of
Uniontown, he became a student, and on December 4,
I9o00, after completing his preparation for his profession, was admitted to the Fayette County bar. Soon
afterward he took up his active practice of law in
Uniontown. Judge Henderson was subsequently admitted to all State and Federal courts, and with the
passing years won a distinguished reputation at the
Fayette County bar.
Meanwhile, he became ever more interested in public
life. Aligned with the Republican party, he came to
exert an important influence in the local councils of
his party organization. In 1902 and 1903 he was
chairman of the County Republican Committee. Becoming assistant district attorney, he filled that office
from I905 to 1907. His successful record brought
him election to the office of district attorney in November, I907, and in that capacity he faithfully and
effectively served Fayette County until 1911. Completing his term of office, he returned to private practice. As a member of the law firm of Shelby, Henderson and Hackney after April, I923, he entered upon
a new phase of his career. His associates were S.
Ray Shelby, member of the Pennsylvania Public
Service Commission, and H. Eastman Hackney. This
firm was dissolved on January I, I926, when Mr. Henderson took office as judge of the Court of Common
Pleas following his election for a ten-year term in
November, I925. After years of successful service
in that post, he left the bench on January 4, I936, and
returned once more to private law practice in Uniontown. On January I, I938, he formed a partnership
with William B. Parshall and Frank R. Crow, Jr.,
under the firm style of Henderson, Parshall and Crow.
Whether independently or in association with others,
he has filled an important place in the professional life
of this community and his times, and he continues his
brilliant record as a lawyer at the time of writing.
Quite aside from his professional and public activities, Judge Henderson has been prominent in social,
fraternal and civic affairs. He is a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is a Past
Master of his lodge and a member of all the higher
bodies of the order, holding the thirty-second degree
of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is a member
also of Uniontown Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Uniontown Country
Club. He worships in the Presbyterian Church, belonging to the First Church of this denomination in
his city.
On June 24, 1903, at Uniontown, Pennsylvania,
Judge Davis Woodward Henderson married Clelia W.
Knox, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, daughter of John
J. and Carrie (Shupe) Knox. Her maternal grandparents were Daniel and Sarah Shupe, residents of
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Her greatgrandfather was Isaac Shupe, and her great-greatgrandfather was John Shaub, who served in the Revolutionary War from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
and whose name later was changed to Shupe. Mrs.
Henderson's father is now deceased. Her mother was
married (second) to Martin A. Kiefer, one time
sheriff of Fayette County. Mrs.- Henderson herself
was born in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County,
and is now a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Judge and Mrs. Henderson became
the parents of the following children: I. Davis Knox
Henderson, born October 27, I9o6, in Uniontown,
Pennsylvania, who was graduated with honors in I924
from Mercersburg Academy, Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and with high honors in 1928 from Princeton
University, Princeton, New Jersey, which conferred
upon him the degree of Bachelor of Arts; he then
attended the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania, taking the degree of Bachelor of Laws with
high honors in 193I, and in July of that year was
admitted to the bar and became associated with the
30ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Free and Accepted Masons.  In the latter he has
passed through the Scottish Rite and attained the
thirty-second degree in the Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Consistory, and is also a member of the Joppa
Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
In I893 he married Louise Fink, a native of Germany, and they are the parents of four children: I.
Lena, married Gus Linder. 2. Louise married William
Brun. 3. Ernest. 4. Fred J., who saw service in the
World War, having enlisted in the United States
Navy.
Mr. Bass, a leader in all movements for the progressive development of his home community, is intensely
proud of his children who have all been reared in this
section and are highly respected citizens in the land
of his adoption.
MICHAEL FRANCIS HORNE-As Burgess
of Arnold, a leader in this community's civic, fraternal
and political activities for many years, and a prominent
businessman and sportsman, Michael Francis Horne
is recognized among his legion of friends as one of the
most outstanding personages in this section of Pennsylvania, and one of the leading citizens of his community.
He was born in Brady's Bend, Armstrong County,
Pennsylvania, February 23, I879, the son of the late
Miohael and Ellen (Tighe) Horne, both natives of
Ireland. Both Mr. and Mrs. Horne came to America
as children, later meeting in Brady's Bend. The elder
Mr. Horne was employed as a roller in the iron rail
mill here, the first rail mill west of the Allegheny
Mountains, and the second in the United States. The
senior Mr. Horne lived with his wife in that section
for practically his entire life, except for a few years
spent in Pittsburgh, when the Brady's Bend mill was
closed.
Michael Francis Horne received his grammar school
education in the schools of Brady's Bend, and later
attended East Brady High School, where he was graduated in I898. While in school he played both baseball and football, and has ever since displaved great
interest in sports, having financially supported many
local teams- After graduation he entered the office of
the Allegheny Valley Railroad, now the Conemaugh
Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Brady's
Bend. There he learned telegraphy, but shortly afterwards left the railroad, to enter the employ of his
uncles who operated a group of general stores in this
area. He was placed in charge of a store at Catfish, a
small town three miles north of East Brady, but after
a few years as a country storekeeper, Mr. Horne
abandoned this business and returned to telegraphy.
There was no vacancy in his home district, and he was
sent to an office in New Kensington, where he remained for one year. He then entered the employ of
the Western Union Telegraph Company as manager
in the local office, and remained in charge of this office
for thirty years, his career as a telegrapher coming to
an end, February 24, I938, when he was granted a
Class A pension by the company. He has also been
active in the oil business, and is associated with the
Catfish Run Coal Company. He also served as administrator of the large estate of his uncle, the late
Matthew Tighe. During his many years in Arnold
and vicinity, Mr. Horne has been prominent in all
community activities, and from  I9IO to 1920 he did
considerable writing as sports and general news reporter for the "Keystone" and the "Daily Star," and
as special contributor for the Pittsburgh papers. In
those days, he reported the deeds of the Aluminum
Company baseball team and the Wear-Ever Scholastics football team, two of the greatest ever seen in the
valley. He was the only sports writer in the country
who predicted that Dempsey would knock out Willard
at Toledo.
Mr. Horne was first elected burgess in 1933, assuming the duties of this office January I, I934, and as a
reward for his untiring efforts towards the development of a greater Arnold, he was reelected to a second
four-year term, beginning January I, I938. Previously
he had served fourteen years as borough secretary. On
Sunday, May I, 1938, a testimonial dinner was tendered
Mr. Horne by the business leaders of Arnold, and
approximately three hundred of the leading citizens in
this section were present to pay him tribute, and to
hear the guest of honor eulogized by Daniel Burns, exmayor of New Kensington, James P. Mulvihill, a lifetime business and political friend of Mr. Horne, Dr.
H. W. Thomas, president of the Arnold Business
Men's Association, W. R. Gott, former president of
the association, and Mayor Dick Reeser, of New
Kensington, as Arnold's number one citizen, and the
man to whom most of the credit must be given for the
many community improvements that have occurred in
recent years. Short talks were also given by William
Desmond, former moving picture hero, D. P. Davis,
former superintendent of the Arnold schools, Walter
Sickles of Radio  Station WWSW, and  Orlando
Marini, who presented Mr. Horne with a Kensington
Ware desk set, the gift of the Arnold Business Men's
Association.
Mr. Horne is a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman
Catholic Church, and is affiliated with the Knights of
Columbus, Royal Arcanum and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, in which order he has held
every office, including that of State president. He is
323ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTER..N PENNSYLVANIA
also a member of the board of directors of the Community Fund, past president of the Izaak Walton
League, and an active member of the German Beneficial Union and the Arnold Business Men's Association.
He was married, in 1922, to Cornelia Connor, of
Natrona. Mr. and Mrs. Horne maintain their residence at 1365 Fifth Avenue.
ARTHUR MAURER STULL-Ranked among
the outstanding educators of the State of Pennsylvania
is Arthur Maurer Stull, of Johnstown, who is serving
as superintendent of schools of Cambria County. In
addition to this professional distinction he also is president of the Pennsylvania Supervising Principals Association and holds membership in numerous other State
and national educational organizations.
Dr. Stull was born in Johnstown, June I3, I893, the
son of B. F. and Mary J. (Maurer) Stull, both of his
native State, the former being born at Richland Township, and the latter at Stoystown. His father, who
was a prominent and successful merchant throughout
his life, died in 1917, and his mother passed away in
1905. The first member of the family to settle in this
section of Pennsylvania was William Stull, Dr. Stull's
grandfather, who came here from Lancaster during
the early part of the nineteenth century.
Dr. Stull received a general education in the public
schools of Dale Borough and after completing this
part of his studies matriculated at the Indiana State
Teachers College, for which he was a star member of
a championship track team and from which school he
was graduated. He attended the University of. Michigan and received his degrees of Bachelor of Science
and Master of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh.
Later he was awarded a degree of Doctor of Education
from the University of Pittsburgh.
He began his teaching career in the public schools
of Johnstown, where he remained for five years, then
served two years at the schools in Monaca, following
which he spent eight years as a member of the faculty
of the South Fork schools. Prior to assuming his
present position as superintendent of the Cambria
County schools he was supervising principal for ten
years at Dale Borough. This long and practical experience in the educational system of this part of the
State eminently equipped him for his present undertaking in which he succeeded M. S. Bentz. In conjunction with his activities he has also been prominent
in professional affairs, holding membership in numerous educational organizations, including the National
Education Association and the Pennsylvania Supervising Principals Association which he now heads as
president.
Throughout his career he has also participated in
the social and civic life of his surroundings. He is a
member and director of the Johnstown Rotary Club,
fraternizes with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons, in which he holds a thirty-second degree and is
Past Master, Past High Priest, Thrice Illustrious
Commander and Past Grand Master of the Grand
Council of the Royal and Select Masters of the State
of Pennsylvania. He also belongs to the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, and worships at the First United Brethren
Church. Dr. Stull is an ardent sportsman and as has
been mentioned heretofore, excelled in track during his
student days, being champion of the one mile run, and
member of several famous relay teams at the Indiana
State Normal School, which scored victories over a
number of large colleges. Aside from this interest he
is also a talented writer and lecturer on scholastic subjects.
In I9I8 Dr. Stull married Ruth Boyce Morris, and
they are the parents of two children: I. William Morris, born August II, 1922. 2. Arthur M., Jr., born
October 7, I927.
J. W. SKAGERBERG-Among the outstanding business leaders of Cresson is J. W. Skagerberg,
cashier and director of the First National Bank here
for over fifteen years and a widely known figure in
social and civic circles.
Mr. Skagerberg was born in Bellwood, November
27, 1895, the son of Charles A. and Annie E. (Smith)
Skagerberg, both of his birthplace where his father is
now living in retirement. After completing a general
education in the public schools Mr. Skagerberg attended business college. Finishing his training here,
he began his business career, practically all of which
has been devoted to the First National Bank of Cresson. This institution was founded by a group of business men in this section in 19oI. It was largely backed
by Charles M. Schwab, and when it opened its doors
to the public was capitalized for $5o,ooo.  Its first
president was a Mr. Invilliers, who was succeeded by
J. A. Schwab, father of C. M. Schwab. He, in turn
was succeeded by Charles A. Cunningham, predecessor
of the present incumbent, Blair C. Seeds. Those who
held the office of cashier prior to Mr. Skagerberg, include Alexander L. Hunt, Edward Enfield and Charles
A. Cunningham. Throughout its history this house
has been one of the strongest banking institutions in
Western Pennsylvania, evidenced in a measure, by the
fact that it has always been able to pay regular dividends.
Aside from  his banking activities Mr. Skagerberg
has been and is one of the most active social and civic
324ANNALS OF SOUTHWE
leaders in Cresson. He is a member of the local
Rotary Club and fraternizes with the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose,
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Through
his service as a first sergeant in the Medical Corps of
the United States Army during the World War he is
identified with the Cresson Post of the American
Legion, in which he is a former commander.
In I924 Mr. Skagerberg married Ida May O'Neill,
of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of three
children: I. James M., who is eleven years old. 2.
Mollie M., who is eight. 3. Nancy Joyce, who is six.
GEORGE MONROE MYERS-On the basis ot
past experience in the coal mining business, which he
has engaged in practically his entire career, George
Monroe Myers is eminently equipped and qualified for
his present post as superintendent of the Webster
Mines of the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke Corporation
which he has occupied since 1922.
Mr. Myers was born at Beaver Mills, January I2,
I877, the son of John S. and Rachel (Williams)
Myers. His father, who was the first of the family to
come to this country, engaged in farming, mining and
the lumber business, and was one of the most prominent men of his surroundings during his life. Mr.
Myers had barely completed his public school education before he entered mining. His first position was
with Barker Brothers at Clearfield, where he remained
until he secured a position with the Springfield Mine
at Nanty Glo. After serving with the latter property
for a number of years he resigned in 1922 to accept
the post of superintendent. of the Webster Mines of the
Pennsylvania Coal and Coke Corporation, a capacity
in which he directs the activities of more than one
hundred employees. His administration of this undertaking has been marked for its efficiency and thoroughness. Fully versed on every phase of the work, he has
employed his knowledge to the best interests of his
employers and employees alike, winning the esteem and
respect of both.
Mr. Myers, who is a Roman Catholic in his religious faith, married, in I897, Ellen McDermott, a native of Galway, Ireland, and daughter of John and
Mary (Tully) McDermott, both of her birthplace.
Mr. and Mrs. Myers are the parents of nine children,
five of whom are married: Charles, Nora, William,
Rita, George L., Lawrence, Martin, James H., and
Paul.
F. LEE MYERS-Engaged in the teaching profession as principal of the Black Lick Township High
School at Twin Rocks, Pennsylvania, F. Lee Mvers
holds the respect and admiration of his contemporaries
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                               325
and is one of the honored and trusted members of his
community.
Mr. Myers was born at Bellwood, Pennsylvania,
son of A. F. and Verna (Lee) Myers and member of
an old family of Bellwood. His father is a locomotive
engineer.
The public schools of Bellwood, his birthplace, provided the early education of F. Lee Myers, who was
graduated from Juniata College in 1930 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In I938 he took the degree
of Master of Education at the Pennsylvania State
College. His service to the world of education has
been a notable one. Ever since he left college, in I930,
he has been active in this chosen field of work, serving in a most valuable way as an instructor in the
public schools. He is now supervising principal of the
high school in Black Lick Township, Pennsylvania,
where his work has been a highly useful one. He is
a member of the Pennsylvania Education Association
and of the Cambria County Principals' Association,
and is widely known among his professional colleagues
for the service that he has rendered to youth and to
the general civic well-being.
In I936 F. Lee Myers married Helen Hartsock, a
native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and a teacher in the
rural schools of Blair County. They now maintain
their home at Twin Rocks.
S. T. RUNZO AND COMPANY-The story
of S. T. Runzo and Company dates back over a period
of many years to I891, when S. T. Runzo came from
Italy, his native land, to America, settling first of all
in New Orleans, Louisiana, then at Chicago, Illinois,
and finally at Cresson, Pennsylvania. It was in I905
that he came to Cresson, and his connection with the
business and civic life of this city at once became an
important one. Opening a small confectionery store,
he prospered in his undertakings almost from the very
start, gradually finding it necessary to seek and acquire larger quarters. Meanwhile, he sent back money
to his family in Italy and arranged for his wife to come
to America and bring the children with her. So it was
that, after many hardships and sacrifices, the Runzo
family became at length reunited on American shores.
In I926 Mr. Runzo purchased a plot of land and
commenced erection of a large building. to be used in
a new venture, the wholesale grocery business. In
this effort he was assisted by his sons, the enterprise
being incorporated as S. T. Runzo and Company, with
S. T. Runzo as president, Joseph G. Runzo as manager and treasurer, Samuel Runzo as secretary, and
B. Traino as vice-president. The building has more
than 20,000 square feet of floor space, and the company
operates within a radius of forty miles from Cresson,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
running a fleet of motorized trucks. The business is   HON. HARRY  ABRAHAM  COTTOMthe largest of its kind in the district, and its influence   Climaxing a notable career of over thirty years in the
is felt far and wide.                                legal profession, Harry Abraham Cottom was elected
S. T. Runzo, the proprietor and founder of the com-  in November, 1935, as a Judge of the Court of Company, was born November 20, I868, in Italy. He came,  mon Pleas of Fayette County for a term of ten years,
as already noted, to America in I891. His father was  and on January 3, I938, became President Judge of
Giacomo Runzo, and his mother was Mary (Guillo)  this Court. He was born in Lower Tyrone Township,
Runzo. Both were natives of Italy. Mr. Runzo mar-  Fayette County, July I6, I877, the son of Irving Hall
ried, Mary Grace Scaccia, who was also of Italy; she  and Anna Sherrick (Walter) Cottom, both deceased.
died in I932. Their children were: I. Mary, wife of  The elder Mr. Cottom, born in Lower Tyrone TownB. Traino; they had five children. 2. Vera, wife of  ship, August I2, I840, was engaged in the cultivation
S. P. Mazza; they became the parents of two children.  of the family farm until I9OI. He then moved to Un3. Joseph G., who married Esther Behe. 4. Samuel.  iontown where he lived until the time of his death,
5. Rose, wife of Francis Roberts, and they have one  December 28, I9I6. He was the son of William Cotdaughter.                                            tom, who also engaged in farming in this section until
his death in I875 at the age of eighty-four years, and
JOSEPH  F. BERNARD-Throughout his pro-  the grandson of Richard Cottom, who came to this
fessional career, which spans over sixteen years,  country from England during the Revolutionary War
Joseph F. Bernard has served as an instructor in the  and saw service under the American banner. Anna
public schools of Gallitzin, where he is now in charge  Sherrick (Walter) Cottom, born in East Huntington
of the educational system.                           Township, February 24, I843, died July I8, I892.
Mr. Bernard was born in Westmoreland County,    Judge Cottom  received his early education in the
January I6, I896, the son of Walter and Pauline (Far-  public schools of Lower  Tyrone Township, and later
rish) Bernard. His father, born in Strasburg, Ger-  at Vanderbilt High School in Dunbar Township. He
many, is now living in this country in retirement, while  then attended Waynesburg College and Mount Pleasant
his mother, who was a native of Vienna, Austria,
his mother, who was a native of Vienna, Austria,  Institute, later enrolling at Ohio Northern University,
passed away in I909.
where he was graduated in I899 with the degree of
Completing his public school education Mr. Bernard   where he was graduated    899 with the degree of
matriculated at the Allegheny College, from which he  Bachelor of Arts. He next matriculated at the Univerwas graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science  sity of West Virginia Law School in       and was
4was~ gpresident of his class. Upon leaving this institution he
in the class of 1921. Later he took postgraduate work
at the University of Pittsburgh, and St. Francis Col-  read law in the offices of Thomas S. Lackey in Unionlege, receiving his degree of Master of Arts from the  town, and was admitted to the bar, Friday, Jul  13,
latter. The year he finished his studies at Allegheny   1903, whereupon he opened his own office in Brownsville, and conducted the practice of his profession there
College he came to Gallitzin where he has since served
for thirty-two years, until his election to the judgeship.
as a member of the faculty in the public schools and  In his many years of legal practice he distinguished
supervised the work of these institutions with outstand-  himself as a most learned and capable member of his
ing distinction and siuccess.                        profession, and one who despite his manifold legal
During the World War Mr. Bernard enlisted in
Durig th  W d. Bd     utties always managed to participate actively in local
the infantry of the United States Army, served with  civic affairs.
the American Expeditionary Forces and took part in  civic affairs.
several major offensives while overseas. Through his   He  is    a      member of the Official Board of Asbury
military experience he is a member of the local post of  Methodist Episcopal Church, a  emocrat, and a memthe American Legion. His other affiliations include  ber of the County, State and American Bar associathe local council of the Knights of Columbus and the  tions. He is affiliated with Fayette Lodge No. 228,
Alpha Phi Sigma and Delta Tall Delta fraternities
which he joined while in college.  In his religious  Royal Arch Masons, is past commander of Unionconvictions he worships at the Roman Catholic Church.  town Commandery No. 49, Knights Templar, and also
Mr. Bernard married (first) Dorothy Hahn, de-  a member of the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection and
ceased. There was one daughter by this marriage,  Bloomsburg  Consistory, Ancient Accepted  Scottish
Jean Marie. He married (second) Kathryn Sweeney,  Rite. He was also formerly a member of Syria Temand they are the parents of two children: M. Joan  ple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
and Helen G.                                         Shrine. He is also a member of the Uniontown Coun326... v.m..m..m. Vv. x:
try Club, past president of the Brownsville Kiwanis
Club and past Lieutenant Governor of the Southwest
District of Pennsylvania.
He was married December ii, I9o7, to Mary A. Patterson of Uniontown, daughter of former Postmaster
Robert I. and Margaretta (Askew) Patterson. Mrs.
Cottom is a member of the Great Meadows Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution, and is now on
the executive committee. Judge and Mrs. Cottom are
the parents of two children: I. Anna Margaret, born
May 23, I915, a graduate in I936 of Wilson College
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 2. Robert Irving
born April 6, I9I8, now a senior at Lafayette College.
J. HARRISON  WESTOVER-The twice-fold
distinction of being the only attorney in Spangler and
one of the outstanding legal authorities on the coal
industry of this section is accorded to J. Harrison
Westover, who has practiced in this community for
nearly a quarter of a century, during which time he
has also served as president of the bank here, as director of a number of mining corporations and as a public
official in the town and county.
Mr. Westover was born in Hastings, January 8,
1889, the son of John and Martena (Kirkpatrick)
Westover, both natives of this State. His father, who
was born in Susquehanna County, and died in 1916,
engaged in the lumber industry and during the latter
part of his life operated a hotel. Finishing his public
school studies Mr. Westover attended Bucknell University for two years and then transferred to the
Dickenson Law College from which he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in the class of
I9I3. The same year he was admitted to the bar and
established himself in a general practice at Spangler
which he has since conducted under his own name. As
the only lawyer in this community he has come to represent several of the larger mining corporations in
this region as counsel. He is an acknowledged legal
authority in the coal mining industry and is highly
respected throughout this section for his attainments.
From a strictly professional standpoint he has employed his talents to the benefit of the community and
county. At one time he served as assistant district
attorney of Cambria County, and since that time has
occupied several borough offices. Mr. Westover is a
member of the Cambria County.Bar Association, the
Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American
Bar Association. In a business capacity he not only is
identified with several large interests in an official
advisory capacity, but is also a former president of the
First National Bank of Spangler, a position he resigned on June I, I937. During the World War he
served as a member of various patriotic boards and
1 _J5I1iN 1_  INiN 1 N1 Y LIVAiN I A           327
committees, supporting the cause to the full capacity
of his talents.
In 1921 Mr. Westover married Lovell J. Binder, a
native of this State.
DANIEL R. LOVETTE-In point of service
Daniel R. Lovette, supervising principal of the Spangler public schools, is one of the oldest educators in
Cambria County. He has taught in this section of the
State for over twenty-five years and during that period
has earned the respect and esteem of his professional
colleagues who admire him for his ability.
Mr. Lovette was born at Lockhaven, February 4,
1884, the son of John and Mary Ann (Cree) Lovette,
both natives of this State and both deceased, the
former in I919, and the latter in I907. His father,
who was a farmer, also engaged in the lumber industry
and was the son of John Lovette, first member of the
family to come to this country from County Kerry,
Ireland. After a general education in the public
schools, Mr. Lovette  matriculated  at Lockhaven
Teachers College and later supplemented this training
through postgraduate work at Pennsylvania State
College. He began his career at Gallagher Township,
Clinton County, where he remained for three years and
later taught in various communities in this vicinity,
including Hastings, Dunlo and St. Benedict. In I933
he came to Spangler as supervising principal of the
public schools here, and has continued in this capacity
since with outstanding distinction and success. Ile is
a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, fraternizes with the Barnesboro Council of
the Knights of Columbus, in which he is Past Grand
Knight, and worships at the Roman Catholic Church.
During the World War he served on numerous patriotic committees, was a leader in Liberty Loan campaigns and a four-minute speaker.
In I9I9 Mr. Lovette married Anna M. Flynn, a native of this State, and they are the parents of six
children: I. Mary E., who is eighteen years old. 2.
Bernard, who is seventeen. 3. Doris, who is fifteen.
4. Ralph, who is thirteen. 5. Joan, who is eleven. 6.
Daniel R., Jr., who is nine.
WILLIAM  F. DILL-Widely known throughout the legal profession as the author of "The Law of
Constables," recently issued in its fourth edition, William F. Dill is also an outstanding practicing attorney
and prominently identified with every worth while
movement in his city of Barnesboro, where he has
been active for the past thirty years.
William F. Dill was born on August I6, 1872, at
York Springs, a son of Dr. A. B. and Emma J.
(Breckbill) Dill. Dr. Dill, who died in I888 was a
ANNALS OF S.nTTTT-4WFTRTTP,T D'77TXTCT%TT rA AITT AANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
prominent member of his profession and was also
interested in politics. He served as a member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature in I869 and in I870. The
Dill family has resided in Pennsylvania for six generations. Mrs. Dill passed away in 1923 in California,
and was buried in the family plot at Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
William F. Dill was educated in the public schools
of York Springs and prepared for college at Phillips
Exeter Academy at Exeter, New Hampshire. Entering Harvard University, Mr. Dill was graduated as a
Bachelor of Laws with the class of I898. Returning
home, he was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar the
same year and established himself in practice at Gettysburg. After three years in Gettysburg Mr. Dill removed to Pittsburgh where he remained for three
years. Then, in I9o5, he removed to Cambria County.
After practicing for three years at Ebensburg, Mr.
Dill established himself in Barnesboro in I9o8. IIe
has been practicing independently in that city ever
since. As one of the leading attorneys of Cambria
County, Mr. Dill has always taken an active part in
all worth while civic movements. During the World
War period, for example, he served as fuel administrator for Northern Cambria County. He is also a past
president of the Barnesboro Kiwanis Club and a member of the Merit Club. Mr. Dill is a member of the
Masonic Fraternity and of the Cambria County Bar
Association.  In addition to his legal activities, Mr.
Dill is deeply interested in business. He is a director
and the counsel of the First National Bank of Barnesboro. In I90I Mr. Dill published his book, "The
Law of Constables."  This work is widely recognized
as the authoritative text on the subject and is in general use by the profession. Mr. Dill published a fourth
edition in 1936.
In I913 William F. Dill married Anne Prosser.
THE BARNESBORO "STAR"-The Barnesboro "Star" was founded in I905 by the Star Printing
Company as the successor of "The Sentinel," the first
newspaper to be printed in Barnesboro, being established by Milton Spencer. The "Star" covers a territory within a radius of thirty miles from Barnesboro
and in addition to publishing the "Star," the company,
which has one of the most modern and thoroughly
equipped plants in Cambria County, also conducts a
large job printing establishment. The officers of the
Star Printing Company are: Louis I,uxenberg, president; Blair McAnulty, secretary and treasurer, and
Miles E. Ranck, editor and manager.
Miles E. Ranck, following in the footsteps of his
father, C. H. Ranck, as a newspaper man, at the age of
eighteen became the editor of "The County Journal,"
at Glen Campbell. It is believed that this post made
him the youngest editor of any well established newspaper in Pennsylvania. Later, he became editor of the
"Clymer Herald," and the "Marion Center Independent." Three times he has been the editor and manager
of the "Barnesboro Star," the post he now occupies.
In addition to Mr. Ranck, the editors of the "Star"
have been: John S. Killins, John C. Miller, H. L.
Smith, A. B. Litz, James L. Berkebile, P. L. Livengood, C. W. Swope, G. H. Rhue, G. A. Stein, Mr.
Hastings, T. K. H. Robinson, S. E. Mannerberg, J.
Herman Smith, Myron B. Strong, John W. Mann,
Thomas S. Zenner, George A. Edgar, Jacob Yesbak
and J. Harold Ranck, a brother of Mr. Ranck.
The "Star" is a Republican newspaper and is one of
the leading weekly publications in this section of Pennsylvania. Being located in a metropolitan shopping
area such as Barnesboro, the "Star" is progressive in
every detail.
DAVID A. WESTOVER-Burgess of Barnesboro, David A. Westover is one of the leading business
men of Cambria County. After many years as a banker,
Mr. Westover has now established himself as one of
the outstanding real estate and general insurance men
of Barnesboro.
David A. Westover was born at Houtzdale in Clearfield County, on January 23, I890, a son of Aaron and
Elizabeth (McHatton) Westover.  Aaron Westover
was engaged in the lumbering industry. His grandfather was one of the pioneers who settled in Cambria
County.
David A. Westover, after passing through the public
schools, attended the Eastman Business College at
Poughkeepsie, New York. His first business engagement was as assistant postmaster of Barnesboro. While
engaged in the post office, he studied law. However,
instead of standing for the bar, he decided to follow
a career in banking. He became a teller in the Russell
National Bank and then entered the service of the First
National Bank of Barnesboro, also as a teller. ILater
Mr. Westover became the cashier of the Burnside
Bank. Finally, he abandoned his banking career and
established himself in Barnesboro as a real estate
operator and a general insurance agent. He is engaged in this business at present, and recently, in partnership with Paul J. Watters, he purchased the drug
store, operated for the past thirty years by H. Albert
Morris. Interested in the civic life of Barnesboro, he
has served as a justice of the peace and in 1937 was
elected burgess of the city. During the World War
period, Mr. Westover was an active promoter of all
the Liberty Loan campaigns and also aided the Red
Crcss drives. He is one of the prominent Masons of
328ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
31
firm of Ballard, Spahr, Andrews and Ingersoll, of
Philadelphia, being admitted, as a member of the
firm in January, I938. He married Ruth Emily Griswold, of Hartford, Connecticut, and they have two
children: Ann Clelia, born August 24, 1933, and Harriet Woodward, born February I, I937. 2. Carolyn
Henderson, born July I8, I9II, educated at Connecticut College for Women, New London, Connecticut,
and at the State Teachers' College, Indiana, Pennsylvania, where she took the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Education in I934; she is now teaching in
Uniontown's public schools. 3. Mary Clelia Henderson, who died in infancy; she was born March 27,
I9IO, and died April II, that year.
H. LEE WILSON-As City Engineer of the
city of Johnstown for the past seventeen years, H. Lee
Wilson has instituted many progressive ideas in the
management of this office, and his conduct of his varied
municipal duties has brought well deserved credit to
him and those under his direct supervision. He is a
native of Cambria County, born September 2I, I886,
the son of Herman H. and Kate Lee (Decker) Wilson. Herman H. Wilson, a native of Stoystown, was
a Civil War veteran, having enlisted at the early age
of fifteen years as a drummer boy in the Union Army.
He was a patternmaker by trade, and was successfully
engaged in this work at the time of his death in I930.
His wife predeceased him, having died in 1925.
H. Lee Wilson was educated in the Cambria County
public schools, and later undertook several extension
courses. He began his active career in 1902, entering
the engineering department of the Bethlehem Steel
Company. Later he was in the employ of the Cambria
Iron Company, and then in I9o8 became connected with
the Southern Cambria Street Railroad, with which he
was associated until 1912 when he entered the Johnstown City Engineer's office. Eight years later he became city engineer, succeeding J. R. Crissey, who had
held that office for many years. During Mr. Wilson's
tenure of office, the population of Johnstown has
grown considerably, and the demands upon his office
have greatly increased, but he has carried on his duties
in a most creditable manner. His office received the
commendation of the entire city in I936 for the wonderful work performed at the time of the disastrous
flood which had caused such tremendous damage in
this section, the efficient work of rehabilitation after
the waters subsided being the general topic of local
comment. In November the city placed a comprehensive flood control plan for Johnstown before Lieutenant-Colonel Covell at public hearings in Indiana,
Pennsylvania. This plan prepared by City Engineer
H. Lee Wilson proposed a combination of both storage
reservoir and channel improvements rather than either
alone on a larger scale. The only concrete plan submitted at the time by any community in the district,
the Wilson proposal won the highest praise of flood
control experts. In this and in other emergencies, and
in the routine supervision of his office, Mr. Wilson has
proven himself a public servant, well versed in the
requirements of his office and always eager to be of
assistance to his city. During the World War he was
engaged in domestic service, and was assigned to duty
at Camp Lee, later at Camp Taylor, and also at the
Officers' Training Camp.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a
Past Master of the Free and Accepted Masons, Past
Commander Knights Templar, and also affiliated with
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He is also a member
of the American Public Works Association, and in
I937 was president of the Engineering Section of the
Pennsylvania League of Third Class Cities, and now
is serving as a member of the executive board of directors of this body. He is also a member and director of the Tri-County Engineering Society.
He was married in I920 to Florence E. Wallace, a
descendant of a family several of whom saw service
in the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are
the parents of three children: I. Wallace Lee, born
June 12, I924. 2. Nancy Lee, born January 22, 1928.
3. Richard Lee, born August I7, I930.
ERNEST  F. WALKER-Since his admission
to the bar in 1924, Ernest F. Walker has been steadily
and successfully engaged in the general practice of his
profession in Johnstown, where he is regarded as a
most capable and popular member of the legal fraternity. He was born in Johnstown, Cambria County,
July I8, I900, the son of Charles E. and Minnie
(Woy) Walker. Charles E. Walker, also a native of
Somerset County, is employed as an auditor. He is a
descendant of a very old Pennsylvania family, his ancestors having been members of local regiments in the
Revolutionary period.
Ernest F. Walker received his grammar and high
school education in the local public schools, and later
enrolled at Susquehanna University, graduating in
I92I with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then
entered Dickinson Law College, where he received his
degree of Bachelor of Laws in I923. The following
year he was successful in passing his bar requirements,
and he then established his own offices for the general
practice of law. He is eligible to practice in all courts
and is solicitor for the Cambria County Comptroller's
Office. During the World War Mr. Walker enlisted
for service and was attached to various camps in theANNALS OF SOUTHWE'
the county, holding thirty-second degree rank. He belongs to the local lodge, Free and Accepted Masons,
and also to the Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, the
Council, Royal and Select Masters, the Commandery,
Knights Templar, and the Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a Noble of the Mystic
Shrine.  A  member of the Barnesboro  Episcopal
Church, Mr. Westover is a charter member and an
executive board member of the Merit Club.
Mr. Westover has been twice married. On June 6,
I9I6, he was united with Agnes Boothman, who is
deceased. On April 30, 1922, Mr. Westover was married to Edith Barnes, a daughter of James and Anna
Barnes, of Barnesboro. The city of Barnesboro was
named in honor of the Barnes family about 1890. Mr.
Westover has a son: David A., Jr., who was born on
December 2, 19I7.
H. VANCE COTTOM-Engaged in a general
practice of law in Brownsville, H. Vance Cottom is one
of his community's leading citizens. His service to his
city's people and institutions has been a significant
one, rich in its value to them, and has established him
in a position of distinction here.
Mr. Cottom was born May 5, 1895, in Vanderbilt,
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son of Alva Walter
and Isabella Blanche (Hepplewhite) Cottom. His
paternal grandfather, Irving H.' Cottom, was born in
lower Tyrone Township, Fayette County, and was a
farmer by occupation. The Cottom family is an old
one in this county. Alva Walter Cottom was born
July 27, I864, in lower Tyrone Township, Fayette
County, and is now retired from his active endeavors.
His wife, Isabella Blanche (Hepplewhite) Cottom, the
mother of H. Vance Cottom, was born April 25, I86I,
in Durham County, England, and died December 12,
1925.
The public schools of Uniontown provided the early
education of H. Vance Cottom, who was graduated
from high school there in 19I3. He then became a
student at Pennsylvania State College, where he took
the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1917. At the University of Pittsburgh, he became a law student and
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in
1922; he was admitted to- the Pennsylvania bar in the
same year. Since August, 1922, he has practiced his
profession in Brownsville, carrying on a general line
of legal work. He is also a member of the Fayette
County Bar Association and the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association, and in these groups is a recognized
leader.
Also interesting himself in a variety of civic and
social affairs, Mr. Cottom is a staunch Democrat in
his political views and one of Brownsville's foremost
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                              329
fraternalists. In the Free and Accepted Masons he is
affiliated with Centennial Lodge, No. 544, and he belongs also to the Royal Arch Chapter and Knights
Templar Commandery, as well as to Syria Temple
(Pittsburgh) of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. He is active likewise in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, his affiliation being
with Brownsville Lodge, No. I344, and also with the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brownsville Aerie, No.
I356. He worships in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the World War he served in
the Ordnance Department, Advance Depot No. I, in
France. He was overseas for eighteen months, and
had the rank of ordnance sergeant. He was discharged
honorably from the army in August, I9I9. He is now
a member of Kramer Axton Post No. 295 of the
American Legion and of Brownsville Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
On July 5, I928, H. Vance Cottom married Ruth
Thompson, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Thomas H. and Olive D. (Lemon) Thompson. Two
children were born to this marriage: I. Thomas Alva
Cottom, on August 25, I929. 2. Nancy Olive Cottom,
on May 6, 1932.
CHARLES A. SHARBAUGH-For many years
the leading citizen of Carrollton, when Charles A.
Sharbaugh passed away in I932 the citizens of the city
he had fathered so long realized that they had lost
not only a prominent business man but also the guiding
genius of Carrollton's civic and economic life.
Charles A. Sharbaugh was born August I6, I86o,
at Cambria, a son of Jacob and Mary (Noal) Sharbaugh. Jacob Sharbaugh was a son of Jacob Sharbaugh, who was one of the pioneers of Cambria
County.
After passing through the public schools of Cambria County, Charles A. Sharbaugh entered the field of
mercantile enterprise and devoted his life to mrerchandising. In 1887 he founded the establishment to which
he gave his name and to which he gave the remaining
forty-five years of his life. The organization, now
beginning its second half century, is being continued
by his son, R. H. Sharbaugh. However, Charles A.
Sharbaugh did not confine his interests to his store.
He was interested in many things. Banking was such
a secondary interest and, through the years, he held
positions of responsibility and trust. He was president
of the First National Bank of Carrollton, and a director of the Hastings Bank of Hastings. Although Mr.
Sharbaugh was very influential in civic matters, he
never sought political preferment. He indeed, was
content to accept but one public office-that of school
director.  A  member of the Catholic Church, Mr.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sharbaugh belonged to the local organizations of the
Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Eagles
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Charles A. Sharbaugh married, in 1879, Philomena
Hauk. Mr. and Mrs. SJharbaugh were the parents of
six children: I. Bertha, Who is deceased. 2. R. H.,
whose biography accompanies this. 3. Charles A., Jr.
4. Alma, married D. J. Murphy. 5. VW. Earl. 6. Helen;
married B. J. Dillon.
R. H. SHARBAUGH-Carrying on the business
established by his father, Charles A. Sharbaugh, in
I887, R. H. Sharbaugh, of Carrollton, has been a merchant for many years.  Also interested in several
other business establishments, he has become one of
Carrollton's leading citizens.
R. H. Sharbaugh was born in Carrollton on December IO, I885, a son of Charles A. and Philomena
(Hauk) Sharbaugh (q. v.). Charles A. Sharbaugh
was one of the most outstanding residents of Cambria
County and distinguished himself both as a business
man and as a leader of civic enterprise.
After passing tnrough the public schools, R. H.
Sharbaugh entered his father's business and has conducted it since the latter's decease. Besides his family
business, Mr. Sharbaugh is interested in several othler
enterprises. Among them is the First National Bank
of Carrollton, of which he is president. He is a member of the Catholic Church and several local organizations.
In I907 R. H. Sharbaugh married Mary Wetzel.
Mr. and Mrs. Sharbaugh have two sons: I. Charles
R., born on January 31, I9II. 2. Paul J., born on
June 15, 1920.
EDWARD E. MILLER-Since I905, Edward E.
Miller has been a well-known figure in the business
life of Rockwood, Pennsylvania, and together with
his sons, now operates the E. E. Miller and Sons
store, a large meat and grocery establishment in this
section. He was born November 12, 1877, in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, the son of Tobias and Lydia
(Phillipi) Miller. Tobias Miller, a native of Somerset
County, was engaged as a farmer at the time of his
death, October 25, 1897. The mother is still living.
and has already passed her eighty-seventh birthday.
After acquiring his public school education, Edward
E. Miller went to work on the farm to assist his
mother, due to his father's death. After two years of
this work he secured employment in the mines in the
Meyersdale region, and three years later entered the
employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. After a
short time he returned to the mining fields, and then
after two more years of this work, came to Rockwood,
and entered the restaurant and hotel business. He remained in this field for eighteen years, and in I9II,
erected one of the first modern buildings in this section. In I9I5 he became interested in the coal business,
and still owns a mine in Rockwood. In 1922 he entered
his present business, and has enjoyed great success in
the operation of this large food center. From  I917
to 1930, he was also connected with the clothing business, and was a member of the firm of Miller and
Wolf. In 1911 he became a director of the Farmers
and Merchants National Bank, and was president of
this institution from 1918 to I933. His sons joined
with him in 1930 and are now assisting him in the
further developing of the business.
He has served as a deacon of the Lutheran Church,
and is a member of the Republican party. On August I4. i898, he married Ada R. Critchfield of Somerset County, and they became the parents of three
children: I. Arthur A., born January 2, I900, at Elk
Lick Township, a graduate of the local schools and
Eastman College, now associated in business with his
father; married Olive Bird of Addison Township, and
they are the parents of two children: i. Dorothy Jean.
ii. Robert Edward. 2. Mary, born November 26, I9oI,
in Meyersdale; educated in the public schools of Rockwood and the University of West Virginia at Morgantown, where she received her degree of Bachelor of
Arts; attended Oxford University in England for a
postgraduate course and is now engaged as a school
teacher. 3. Paul James, born May 30, I906, a graduate of the local schools and Duffs Iron City College at
Pittsburgh; married Edna McVickers, and they are
the parents of two children: i. Joan Mailene, born
February 8, I934. ii. Edward E., born January I,
I936.
DR. GEORGE FRANKLIN SPEICHER-For
the past twenty-nine years, Dr. George Franklin
Speicher has been a prominent member of the medical
profession in Rockwood. He was born in Sipesville.
Somerset County, July 27, 1883, the son of Ephraim
and  Anna  (Simpson)  Speicher.  The elder Mr.
Speicher has already passed his eighty-third birthday,
and has always been active in the farming industry in
this region.
After graduating from the public schools, Dr.
Speicher taught school for several years, prior to beginning his college work. He then entered the University of Maryland Medical College, where he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I91O. He
served an interneship at the Maryland General Hospital until I912, and then came to Rockwood to establish his private practice. In addition to this Rock330AMMKTAT C  (YU 7  Q nTT'4W ~N IXXT1JCFr-J "TJ1  Q'.J U           T ET A VV       Tr A
wood office, he has maintained quarters at Somerset
since 1933, specializing in the treatment of diseases of
the throat. He is a member of the staff of the Somerset Community Hospital and is the oldest member of
the Rockwood School Board, having served continually since I9I5. During the World War he was a
member of the Somerset Examining Board.
He is a deacon in the Reformed Church, a member
of the Republican party, and an active participant in
local civic life. He was married, February 22, I9II,
to Gladys V. Miller of Connellsville, and they are
the parents of three children: I. George Franklin, Jr.,
born May 27, 1912, a graduate of the Rockwood
schools and Duke University in I933 with a Bachelor
of Arts degree..2. Audrey, born April 2, I9I4, a
graduate of the Rockwood schools and Duke University, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts; married
William Byrne, and they are the parents of a son,
William Byrne, Jr. 3. Douglas Simpson, born July
I7, I932.
HERBERT V. BROWN-A prominent figure in
the field of electrical engineering for the past thirty
years, Herbert V. Brown has long been president of
the Brown-Fayro Company of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and this organization, dealing in the manufacture of mining equipment of all kinds and in the fabrication of structural steel, is the only concern of its
kind in this section of Pennsylvania. Mr. Brown was
born in Niagara County, New York, August I2, I887,
the son of George C. and Mary Jane (Booth) Brown.
George C. Brown, a native of County Clare, Ireland,
was engaged in farming at the time of his death in
I9I8.  His wife, born in Lockport, New York, died
in I933.
Herbert V. Brown enrolled at Syracuse University
upon completion of his high school education, and
graduated with the degree of Electrical Engineer in
I90o8. He then began his business career in Syracuse,
New York, in the sales department of a large concern
dealing in the manufacture of mining machinery, and
continued here until I916, when he, together with John
Cosgrove and Harry Meehan organized the Cherry
Tree Machine Company, for the purpose of manufacturing mine cars and mining equipment. In 1922 all the
activities of this concern were transferred to Johnstown, and the name of the business was changed to the
Brown Equipment Company. In November, 1925, a
merger was effected with the Fayro Machine and Engineering Company, and the present business title, The
Brown-Fayro Company was adopted, with Mr. Brown
as president, Benjamin F. Faunce, secretary and Carl
C. Hipp, treasurer. This company has furnished strucs 1,5lJlN rAl NN bYLVAN1 A                      33I
tural steel for many of the largest buildings in Cambria
and adjoining counties, two of the more outstanding,
being the beautiful State Theatre in Johnstown and
the Jaffa Temple Shrine in Altoona, and with factory
space of more than forty thousand square feet, and
an employment roll of more than one hundred and
eighty men. The Brown-Fayro Company is nationally
known, distributing its products to all parts of the
United States. In addition to the unsparing contribution of his time and knowledge towards the growth
and development of this company, Mr. Brown is also
the inventor and patentee of the Brownie Hoist, which
is now in use in all parts of the world.
He is a member of the Sunnehanna Country Club,
and is active in the affairs of the Johnstown Chamber
of Commerce. He was married, in I9II, to Maude A.
Sherwood, a native of Niagara County, New York.
CHARLES  J.  HANNIGAN-Southwestern
Pennsylvania owes a genuine debt of gratitude to its
large number of foreign-born citizens who have been
such important factors in its development and prosperity. Of this group in Bakerton is Charles J.
Hannigan, who is not only an important executive in
a large coal company, but has been to the fore in the
cause of education and of local affairs.
He was born on June 29, I886, in County Roscommon, Ireland, of which section his parents, Charles
and Mary (Gibbons) Hannigan, were also natives. The
father was interested in farming to the time of his
death, at the age of ninety-two years. Mrs. Hannigan
is still living. The son, when young, came to the
United States where he learned the trade of steam
engineering, and was employed at Windber, Pennsylvania, for about ten years.  Then he went to
Wehrum  as a master mechanic, and later to Bakerton, in I9I4, remaining for only a year at this time.
In I9I5, Mr. Hannigan became associated with the
Cambria Steel Company, but in 1918 returned to Bakerton, which his previous stay had won his liking. In
this place, during the past twenty years, he has been
successively master mechanic, superintendent of electrical engineering, and superintendent of the Sterling
Coal Company, his present executive position.
Mr. Hannigan has always found, or made, time for
the practice of good citizenship, believing that every
man owes the municipality something for the advantages he secures. He has served in a number of local
offices, and his work, since 1924 as a member of the
School Board has been particularly valuable to the
community. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the
Knights of Columbus, and he is a popular figure in the
Z-VIN N txjl    kir Zlkj   I ti     klANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sportsmen Association. He is a devout Catholic, and
a generous supporter of religious and philanthropic endeavors.
In I915, Charles J. Hannigan married Mary McCombie, a Pennsylvanian, and they are the parents of
seven children: I. Cornelius, born in I915, attending
Pennsylvania State College. 2. Bernetta, who married
Ernest Resnito. 3. Robert, born in I9I7. 4. Charles
J., Jr., born in I9I9. 5. Paul, born in I92o. 6. Mary,
born in I924. 7. Alice, born in I93I.
THOMAS WILLIAM McCREARY-As a fitting climax to a noteworthy career of fifty-six years
continuous association with the Phoenix Glass Company, Thomas William McCreary was appointed vicepresident, general manager and a director of this nationally known industrial organization, and has, since
that time complete supervision over the activities of almost seven hundred employees, and the management
of a business whose products are known throughout
the United States and many foreign countries.
Thomas William McCreary was born in Pittsburgh,
April 24, I870, the son of Robert, who was a veteran
of the Civil War, and who died November I, I895, and
Mary A. (Hester) McCreary, a native of England,
vho departed this life January I6, I914. Thomas William McCreary received his early education in the
Pittsburgh public schools, and at the early age of
nine years was engaged in the selling of newspapers
on the streets of Pittsburgh. He has since studied at
Beaver College and the University of Pennsylvania. In;882 the family moved to Monaca, and Mr. McCreary
entered the employ of the Phoenix Glass Company, and
has at the present day a record of fifty-six years of
steady association with this industry. The Phoenix
Glass Company traces its beginning to I88o, when
it was established on a small scale by the late Andrew
Howard. In the beginning only lamp chimneys were
produced but, steadily advancing and expanding, this
company later entered a new field-the manufacture
of etched glass-and today the great plant at Monaca,
(covering 318,000 square feet of floor space and employing approximately seven hundred workers, whose
welfare has at all times been a major consideration) is
engaged in the manufacture of gas shades, special
globes for street lamps, and glass for practically every
illuminating purpose. Mr. McCreary became plant
superintendent in I913, and in I935 was promoted to
his present post, being recognized today as one of the
leading authorities in the United States on the manufacture of glass. He is a member of the executive
board of the American Glass Manufacturers Association, and has been a delegate to several conventions,
and on one occasion, when he made a trip to Europe,
he had the opportunity of visiting and inspecting several of the leading glass factories in the Old World.
Mr. McCreary's knowledge of the glass industry was
r lso known to the late Warren G. Harding, President of the United States, from whom he received
personal commendation. During the World War, Mr.
McCreary was actively engaged on several local boards
and committees to which he at all times devoted his
tireless energy.  Throughout this locality he is esteemed as a man who, from a humble beginning, has
through his own efforts arisen to a conspicuous position in the industrial, civic and official life of this borough, and one who is most devoted to his family, and
ever loyal to his large number of friends and associates.
Mr. McCreary is a communicant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and was at one time, affiliated
with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and
the local Kiwanis Club; also was Grand Knight of
Council No. 6o4, Knights of Columbus, and until recently was a member of the Pittsburgh Athletic Club.
He was married (first), in 1894, to Mary Rose Ganley, and they became the parents of five children: I.
Mary Agnes. 2. Robert Emmett (q. v.).  3. John
Charles. 4. Thomas William, Jr. 5. Marcella V.
Mrs. Mary Rose (Ganley) McCreary died May I4,
1919, and Thomas William McCreary married (second) Kathryn Werner, of Germany, and they are the
parents of four children: I. William Thomas. 2.
Eugene Charles.  3. Leo Francis.  4. Anna Kathryn. Mr. McCreary also has ten grandchildren, of
whom he is very proud, and to whom he is greatly
devoted.
ROBERT EMMETT McCREARY-As District
Attorney and an outstanding member of the Beaver
legal profession, Robert Emmett McCreary is recognized as one who has attained his present prominence
largely through his own individual efforts, and is indeed, a typical self-made man.
Mr. McCreary was born August 24, I897, at Monaca,
the son of Thomas William and Mary Rose (Ganley)
McCreary. Thomas William McCreary (q. v.), whose
own father, Robert McCreary, came to America from
Ireland when a boy and who fought in the Civil War,
was a native of Allegheny County, and at the present
time is vice-president and general manager and a director of the Phoenix Glass Company.
Robert Emmett McCreary received his early education in the Monaca schools, being graduated from
high school in I9I4. During his high schools days he
was very active athletically, being a member of the
football, baseball, and track teams. He then enrolled
at Allegheny College, and in addition to his strict ad332ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
United States. He was honorably discharged with the
rank of second lieutenant, and is now a major in the
Reserve Corps.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and an
affiliate of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Woodmen of the World, and the Free and Accepted Masons.
He is also a member of the American, Pennsylvania
and Cambria County Bar associations, American Legion, "40 and 8" society, and the Sunnehanna Country
Club.
He was married, in I929, to Mary E. Robertson,
daughter of H. F. and Cora (Altemus) Robertson,
and a descendant of Colonel Dill, a prominent figure
in Revolutionary days. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the
parents of two children: I. Ernest R., born August 6,
I931. 2. Mary E., born May 30, I937.
DR. WALTER L. DUNFORD-A member of
the Johnstown dental profession for the past twelve
years, Dr. Walter L. Dunford, was born here October
13, I901, the son of John and Abigail (Brawley) Dunford. John Dunford, also a native of Johnstown was
a pioneer in the manufacture of open hearths in this
section, and he invented the system of working bottoms now used in open hearths.
After completing his high school education in the
Johnstown High School, Dr. Dunford entered the
University of Pennsylvania for a pre-medical course,
and then matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh,
graduating in 1925 with the degree of Doctor of Dental
Surgery. After fulfilling his State requirements he
established offices in Johnstown where he has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his
profession to the present day. He has also interested
himself in all matters pertaining to the improvement of
conditions in organized dentistry, and is, at present,
president of the Cambria County Dental Society. He
is also a member of the Central Pennsylvania, and
Pennsylvania  Dental societies and  the  American
Dental Association.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, a Republican in politics, and an affiliate of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is also an associate member
of the American Legion and the Vigilantes. Dr. Dunford is unmarried.
ELMER J. HALBERG-A member of the legal
profession for the past sixteen years, Elmer J. Halberg
has conducted offices in Kittanning, Pennsylvania since
1931, and in addition to his extensive private practice
he also serves as counsel for the Pittsburgh and Shawmut Railroad Company. He was born in Warren,
Pennsylvania, December I3, I896, the son of John
Frederic and Hilda (Nelson) Halberg, both deceased.
John Frederic Halberg, also born in Warren, Pennsylvania, was long engaged in the lumber business and
was an ardent supporter of the Republican party.
Elmer J. Halberg received his early education in the
Warren public schools, and then entered Cleveland
Preparatory School, graduating in I917. He next enrolled at Baldwin Wallace University, where he received his degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1922. Subsequently he studied at the John Marshall School of
Law and secured the degree of Master of Laws in 1924.
He was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1922 and was engaged in the general practice of his profession in
Cleveland, Ohio, for the next nine years, coming to
Kittanning, Pennsylvania, in May, I931, upon his admission to the Pennsylvania State bar. He was also
admitted to practice in the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court in I93I, and the following year in the Superior
Court. During the World War he was a master engineer, juniior grade, and served overseas as a member
of the IIgth Engineers.
He is a member of the Congregational Church of
Cleveland, Ohio, a supporter of the Republican party,
and a member of the American Bar Association, and
the State and County Bar associations, serving as secretary of the latter organization. He is also affiliated
with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Delta Theta Phi Fraternity, and the American Legion,
and is president of the local Rotary Club, and an active
member of the Kittanning Country Club.
He was married in Cleveland, Ohio, February 2I,
I923, to Myrl Chester Ray, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 2I, I9OI, the daughter of Arthur
Morgan and Myrtle (Chester) Ray.
RICHARD KIRK McCONNELL-The blood
of Scottish chiefs runs through the Clan McConnell
which, through the centuries, has figured prominently
in the life of its surroundings, whether the Highlands
of Scotland, the lake country of Ireland or the mountain land of Western Pennsylvania, where the first
members of the American branch of the family settled
during the early part of the eighteenth century. Many
of the descendants still reside here, among them Richard Kirk McConnell, prominent member of the bar in
Westmoreland County, where he has practiced at
Greensburg as a member of the firm of Gaither, Portser and McConnell for a number of years and been an
active leader in civic, social and political affairs.
According to a family history written by Mr. McConnell the family name is derived from the Gaelic
appellation spelled "MacDhomhnuill," meaning son of
Brown-eye. It is further stated that the "D" after the
prefix "Mac," is not pronounced in that ancient lan32ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
herence to his studies, he was also identified with many   Westmoreland County farmer for years.  Later he
extra curricular activities. He was a member of the   became interested in the lumber business and, finally,
debating team, participated in many oratorical con-  concerned himself with the coke and coal trade. In
tests, and was president of the student senate for one   June of 1892, he, together with his sons, William W.,
year. He always managed to secure employment dur-  John M., and Thomas S. Jamison, founded the Jamison
ing summer vacations in order to assist himself finan-   Coal and Coke Company, a successful organization
cially at college, working at various times for the   which has prospered through the present time. Robert
Colonial Steel Company, the Pittsburgh and Lake   S. Jamison was an elder for many years of the Second
Erie Railroad and the Phoenix Glass Company. On   Reformed Church and an active Republican. His wife,
April 30, I918, he enlisted in the United States Navy,  who was born near Greensburg, in 1837, died in
but was permitted to graduate from college before be-  Greensburg in May, I905. He was the son of Hugh
ing transferred to officers' training schools, first at  and Jane (Stewart) Jamison.  (See index for a septhe Municipal Pier, Chicago, later the Great Lakes  arate history of the Jamison family.)
Station at Cleveland and finally, Pelham  Bay, New'rhomas S. Jamison was educated at the KiskimineYork. He was commissioned an ensign and assigned  tas Spring School at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, although
to deck duty at South Ferry, New York.  He was  the school proper was in Westmoreland County. He
honorably discharged on May 9, I919, and then entered   spent his early youth on his father's farm.   Then
the University of Pittsburgh Law School, receiving his  entering the coal and coke business, he was for several
Bachelor of Laws degree in I922. He gained admis-  years superintendent for the H. C. Frick Coal and
sion to the Allegheny and Beaver County bars, and   Coke Company, at their Sewickley branch (a Frick
began his practice in Monaca, becoming associated with  subsidiary) of the Mutual Coke Company, in Westthe law firm  of Shields and Agney.  He is now a   moreland County.
nember of the firm of Bradshaw, McCreary and Reed      Then, when his father and brothers united with him
in the citv of Beaver.                              in forming the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, he
He is a member of the Roman Catholic faith, a trus-  became the organization's superintendent, and is now a
tee of St. John's Church in Monaca, and a past District  member of the board of directors. Other business inDeputy of the Knights of Columbus. He is also a   terests have led him to become vice-president of the
member of the Delta Tau Delta and Delta Sigma Rho   First National Bank of Greensburg  He is a member
fraternities, Phi Delta Phi, legal fraternity and the   of the Second Reformed Church and a charter memOrder of the Coif.  He has been city solicitor of  ber of Greensburg Lodge, No. 5I, Benevolent and
Monaca for fourteen years, and of the school district   Protective Order of Elks. His devotion to golfing has
for three years. He was elected District Attorney of  led him to become a member of several country and
-eaver County In 1935, and has conducted the mani- led him to become a member of several country and
Beaver County in I935, and has conducted the mani-   glf clubs. Interested in civic affairs, he was a memfold and intricate duties of this office in an efficient  ber of the Greensburg City Council for four years.
and    *,tisfactory manner.  He is a director of th   ber of the Greensburg City Council for four years.
and satisfactory manner.  He is a director of the    Thomas S. Jamison, Sr., married Margaret P. Welty,
First National Bank of Monaca, and the Cammar   daughter of James Welty, of Greensburg. Mrs. JamiBuilding and Loan Association, and holds membership
in the Pennsylvania State, Allegheny and Beaver.                * I   
in the Pennsylvania  State, Allegheny and Beaver  children: I. Priscilla, born on June 28, I9o8, and died
County Bar associations.
Robert Emmett McCreary married Ellen Cain on   December 27, 1924. 2. Elizabeth, born in October,
Robert Emmett*McCreary  niarried  EllenCaiti on.rgio' she graduated from  Baldwin Normal School and
July 8, I935, a native of Monaca, and they are the   f9ro;  she graduated from Baldwin Normal School and
paet  ftor, Jr.,~'a               ~ ~from Byrn Mawr College and is now the wife of Rush
Charlents of two sons: Robert EmmetCain McCreary, the latter born September Jr., and   W. Brisbine, who is associated with the First National
Charles Cain McCreary, the latter born September 4,  Bank of Greensburg. 3. Thomas S., Jr., born on June
I938.'  Bank of Greensburg. 3. Thomas S., Jr., born on June
1938.                                                 T2, 1912.  In I936, he graduated from  Franklin and
THOMAS S. JAMISON, Sr.-Vice-president of  -Marshall College with a degree of Bachelor of Science
the First National Bank of Greensburg, director of the   and is now associated with the Jamison Coal and Coke
Jamison Coal and Coke Company, and still interested  Company of Greensburg
in operating the family farm, Thomas S. Jamison is
one of the leading citizens of Greensburg.             DR. DAVID  HIBBS SANGSTON-Following
Thomas S. Jamison, Sr., was born near Greensburg,  in the footsteps of his father, Dr. David Hibbs SangsMarch Io, i866, the son of Robert S. and Caroline  ton of Uniontown has been engaged in the practice of
(Wible) Jamison. Robert S. Jamison, who was born  medicine since I898, and has upheld the traditions for
on July 13, 1835, and died on March 14, 1903, was a  kind and efficiefit service maintained by his father
333ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
throughout a notable career of forty-three years in
the medical profession.
Dr. David Hibbs Sangston was born in Masontown, September I3, I874, the son of Dr. James P.
and Elizabeth (Hibbs) Sangston, both deceased.'Dr.
James P. Sangston, who was born March 24, 1845,
in Masontown, graduated from Western Reserve Medical School in I869 with the degree of Medical Doctor, and was engaged in the general practice of medicine in Masontown and McClellandtown until his death,
August I7, I912.
Dr. David Hibbs Sangston received his early education in the public schools of McClellandtown, and afterwards attended California State Normal School at
California, Pennsylvania. He later enrolled at Waynesburg College, and from here, went to the University
of Pittsburgh, from which institution he received his
degree of Doctor of Medicine in I897. After his interneship period, he established offices in McClellandtown for the general practice of medicine, and remained there until 1927, when he changed the sphere
of his activities to Uniontown where he has established himself as a physician of high merit.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church
of Uniontown, and ardent follower of the Republican
party and an enthusiastic part of local civic life, having been school director of German Township for two
terms. He is also a well-known figure in Masonic
circles, being affiliated with Valley Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons at Masontown, the Uniontown Lodge
of Perfection, the Chapter and Commandery Knights
Templar, the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh.
He is also a member of the County and State Medical
associations.
He was married January 22, 19oo, to Bertha Taylor
of Uniontown, and they became the parents of five
children, four of whom are living: I. Jefferson Sangston, born in I912, a graduate, Bachelor of Arts of
Bucknell University. 2. Dr. Russell E. Sangston, a
graduate of Bucknell University, Bachelor of Arts in
1926, and Rochester University, Doctor of Medicine
in I933. He spent a one year period of interneship at
Strong Memorial Hospital at Rochester, New York,
and the following year at the Children's Hospital at
Cincinnati, Ohio, and then one year at Mercy Hospital
in Pittsburgh. He has been engaged in the practice of
Pediatrics in Uniontown since I936, and is a member
of the County, State and American Medical associations, and the local Kiwanis Club. He is married to
Virginia Bomm of Evansville, Indiana, and they are
the parents of one daughter, Barbara Jean, born August 3, I934. 3. Betty, married to Dr. Howard B.
Slavin of Rochester, New York. 4. Robert Boyd
Sangston, a graduate with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts of Penn State College in I937, and now associated with the Second National Bank in Uniontown.
WILBUR DARWIN HOCKENSMITH--Becoming associated in I903 with the Hockensmith Wheel
and Mine Car Company, a business established more
than sixty years ago by his father, Wilbur Darwin
Hockensmith of Irwin, Pennsylvania, began as an engineer, and served in various other capacities until
I920, when he became president and general manager.
He was born here, August I7, I878, the son of Franklin Cramer and Caroline (Davis) Hockensmith.
Franklin Cramer Hockensmith who was born near
Waynesboro, Franklin County in I853 began the present business in a small way about I870, employing one
helper, as a blacksmith. The business flourished and
at the present time it requires about five acres for its
reeds, and employs normally, about three hundred and
fifty men, manufacturing mine cars and parts, and
truck bodies. The elder Mr. Hockensmith retired
in I920 after fifty years in the business, and he died
March I6, I935. His wife, a native of Indiana County,
died April 2, I935, at the age of eighty-one years.
Wilbur Darwin Hockensmith attended the public
schools at Irwin, and later attended Allegheny College Preparatory School. He then enrolled at the
University of Pittsburgh, where he was awarded the
degree of Mechanical Engineer in I9OI. He was
then employed as engineer for the Mesta Machine
Company at Homestead, but after two years became
Identified with his father's business. He assumed the
presidency of the firm upon the retirement of his
father. In addition to his multiple duties as the head
of the Hockensmith Wheel and Mine Car Company,
Mr. Hockensmith acts as a director and vice-president
of the Penn Electric Company, and he has been a
trustee of the University of Pittsburgh since I935.
He is also treasurer of the Irwin Library Association.
During the Spanish-A!merican War, he served for
eleven months as a member of Company A, I4th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Although his recreational
diversion is now chiefly confined to fishing and golfing,
he was at one time known for his football ability,
having played for four years on his college football
team, and later he became the first graduate coach of
the University of Pittsburgh team.
He is a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and an independent in politics. He has always been
334ANNTAT.  f CYP qCTTPT-JATL'-CRTQ     nT  -TUhTXTTTCO'  T 7 A -KT A
actively interested in civic affairs, and is well known in
fraternal circles, being affiliated with Lodge No. 6oI,
Free and Accepted Masons at Irwin, Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
at Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite. He holds life membership
in all these bodies and is also a member of the Tall
Cedars.
He was married September I4, I905, to Mable Cornelia Elderkin, of Pittsburgh, daughter of Walker W.
and Mary (Stanton) Elderkin. Mr. and Mrs. Hockensmith are the parents of five children: I. Wilbur, Jr.,
a graduate of Culver Military Academy, Harvard
School of Business and the University of Pittsburgh
with the degree of Mechanical Engineer, now chief
engineer in his father's firm, married Theo. Locke of
Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of two children:
i. Athea. ii. Harvey. 2. Mary Louise, a graduate of
Pennsylvania College with the degree of Bachelor of
Science, also postgraduate work at the University of
Pittsburgh, married Charles Murdock of Irwin. 3.
Franklin C., a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh
with the degree of Mechanical Engineer, now in the
employ of the Hockensmith Wheel and Mine Car
Company, Penn, Pennsylvania. 4. Cornelia Jane, at
present, a student at the Pennsylvania College for
Women. 5. Stanton Elderkin.
JAMES BERNARD JONES-For the past
fourteen years James Bernard Jones has been a funeral
director in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. He was born
in Monongahela, April I9, I894, the son of David
George and Mary Ann (Feehan) Jones. David George
Jones, born in Greenock, Allegheny County was a
coal operator with the Pittsburgh-Buffalo Coal Company for many years prior to his death, January i6,
I9I5. His wife, a native of Wishaw, Scotland, is
still living.
James Bernard Jones received his early education in
the public schools of Pittsburgh, and was graduated
from Canonsburg High School in g9Io. He then attended Shadyside Academy in Pittsburgh, and upon
completion of his studies there, matriculated at Notre
Dame University, and was a member of the class of
1914. He then entered the employ of the Flannery
Bros. Funeral Home in Pittsburgh, and remained
here until I917, when he entered his country's service,
and became a member of Company C, I5th United
States Engineers. He was overseas for twenty-two
inonths and saw service at St. Mihiel and on the Argonne Front. He was honorably discharged, May I5,
I919, and resumed his work with Flannery Bros.,
remaining until 192I, when he established his own
~1 JIL1c N  rflA N1NXYLVA1N1L\A                  335
business at Charleroi. Two years later he came to
Canonsburg, and has been a well-known figure in the
undertaking business here, to the present day. He
was elected justice of the peace in 1932, and held this
position until I936, when he resigned to take office as
coroner of Washington County, to which post he had
been elected in I935 for a four-year term.
He is a communicant of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, and is active in the affairs of the Democratic party. He is past commander of Post No. 253,
American Legion, and is also Chef de Gare Passe,
Voiture No. 676, of the "Forty and Eight" Society.
HIe is also affiliated with Lodge No. 86I, Fraternal
Order of Eagles, and Lodge No. I27, Loyal Order of
Moose, and is Past Exalted Ruler of Lodge No. 846,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He was married September I4, I925, to Julia Rifgon of Canonsburg, daughter of Onufer and Tillie
(Kirr) Rifgon. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are the parents
of four children: I. David George, born July ii,
1926. 2. Julia, born July 22, 1927. 3. James Bernard,
Jr., born December 3, I929. 4. Gerald, born June 6,
I934.
FRENCH FOX-French Fox, of Charleroi, was
born in Newberne, Gilmer County, West Virginia,
June I4, I9oo, the son of Isaac M. and Alice M. (Ballentine) Fox. Isaac M. Fox, born in Lewis County,
West Virginia, in I856, is a retired farmer. His wife,
also a native of Lewis County, West Virginia, was born
in I865.
French Fox attended the public schools of Weston,
West Virginia, and the Weston High School, then
became associated with his brother, B. Blaine Fox
(q. v.) in the wholesale grocery business in Charleroi.
He began as a salesman and served in various capacities until I92I, when he returned to West Virginia
to enter the retail hardware business in Weston, as
a partner with Harold H. Kane in the operation of the
E. J. Kane Hardware Company, where he remained
in business until 1925, when he went to Uniontown to
become manager and part owner of the Quality Oil
and Gas Company. When this business was sold to
the Standard Oil' Company in I929, Mr. Fox returned
to Charleroi and became an assistant to his brother,
continuing in this capacity until the death of his
brother, October 30, I933, at which time he assumed
his present duties as general manager and treasurer
of the company. The Fox Grocery Company was established in I9I6 by B. Blaine Fox and associates,
with Mr. Fox serving as general manager and treasurer, and holding these posts until his death. The
company operates the Clover Farm Plan, a national
-L           %,J-U'D~J   _j    JV    I   VV rANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
voluntary chain of retail grocery stores, now having
approximately two hundred stores in their Southwestern Pennsylvania territory, and was one of the
first wholesale grocery companies in Pennsylvania to
operate under this plan.
Mr. Fox is a member of the Methodist Church, a
Republican and a leader in civic life. He is a director
and a former vice-president of the Charleroi Chamber
of Commerce, and president of the Rotary Club (I9371938). He was married September Io, I92I, to Josephine Hale of Weston, West Virginia, daughter of
Curtis P. and Margaret (Tierney) Hale. Mr. and
Mrs. Fox are the parents of a son, John French, born
August 2o, I922, now a student in the Kentucky Military Academy at Lyndon, Kentucky, and Venice, Florida.
B. BLAINE FOX, Sr.-Self-made men, men
who have achieved success because of their personal
qualities, always command the admiration and respect
of those who know them. The world today needs men
of action and accomplishment who are not afraid to
risk their all on the strength of their faith and judgment. Among the business men of Charleroi who succeeded in the face of discouraging conditions, simply
by force of their own energy and vitality, the subject
of this sketch is entitled to specific mention.
B. Blaine Fox, Sr., was born at Newberne, West
Virginia, July I2, I884, son of Isaac M. and Alice M.
(Ballentine) Fox, the former of whom is a retired
farmer, a member of the Methodist Protestant Church
and a Republican in politics. He is the son of Benjanmin and Rhue (Hinzman) Fox, the former of whom
was of English descent, followed the vocation of farming, gave his political support to the Republican party
and died at Weston, West Virginia, in I886. The
subject's mother is the daughter of John and Mary
(Nichols) Ballentine. Her father, who died at Ripley,
West Virginia, in I924, was a veteran of the Civil War
and was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.
B. Blaine Fox, Sr., attended the public schools of
Newberne and then took a course in the Mountain
State Business College at Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Following this he became a clerk in the freight department of the Baltimore  Ohio Railroad, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he remained until I9o3.
He then returned home and worked on his father's
farm for two years, at the end of which time he
obtained a position as warehouse man for the Burnsville Grocery Company, Burnsville, West Virginia. On
August I, I9o6, he was promoted to the position of
traveling salesman for that company, continuing on
the road until November I, I907, when he became a
salesman for the Pugh  Beavers Grocery Company,
of Elkins, West Virginia. At the end of a year he
became manager for that company, continuing in that
capacity until I9I7, when he came to Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and organized the Fox Grocery Company, of
which he became treasurer and manager. He devoted
himself very closely to the promotion of the interests
cf this enterprise, in which he met with a very gratifying measure of success. The Fox Grocery Company,
now employing about sixty people, is numbered
among the substantial and successful concerns of this
city. The company had a branch house at Uniontown,
Pennsylvania, which likewise was under the supervision of Mr. Fox until closed in I932. He was also interested in other institutions of this locality, serving as
director of the National Bank and Trust Company of
Charleroi. In I932, he became president of the Clover
Farms Stores Corporation at Cleveland, Ohio, and
was instrumental in the development and growth of
that organization. He was president of the Community
Savings  Loan Company, and of the Quality Oil 
Gas Company, both of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. The
latter company also operated a branch at Uniontown, where they did an extensive wholesale oil and
gasoline business. This business was sold to Standard
Oil Company of Pennsylvania in Ig929. Mr. Fox was
a man of progressive tendencies, courageous and determined in carrying out his well formed plans and
whose business judgment was considered sound and
reliable.
Politically Mr. Fox was an earnest supporter of
the Republican party and took a commendable interest
in all public affairs affecting in any way the prosperity
and welfare of this community. He was past president
of the local Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally he
was a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, in which he attained the thirty-second degree of
the Scottish Rite and the Knights Templar degree of
the York Rite. He was also a member of Charleroi
Lodge, No. 494, Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, belonged to the Charleroi Rotary Club and
served as its president, and was a member of the
Nemacolin Country Club and the Monongahela Valley
Country Club. He was a member and liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleroi.
A genial and interesting companion, he was fond of the
society of his friends, and throughout the circles in
which he moved he was held in very high regard.
On June 9, I9o9, at Elkins, West Virginia, Ml
Fox was married to Alice Leona Bos'worth, born at
Chester, Pennsylvania, June 2, I889, the daughter of
336ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
C. C. Bosworth, who was division superintendent for
the West Penn Power Company at Elkins, West Virginia. Mrs. Fox was educated in the public schools
of Elkins, West Virginia, and the Randolph-Macon
Institute, at Danville, Virginia. She was a member of
the Order of the Eastern Star, gave her support to
the Republican party, and was an earnest member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Fox died in
I93I. Mr. and Mrs. Fox were the parents of three
children, namely: I. Ruth Bosworth, born June 7,
I9Io, married Harwood Ritter. 2. Alice Leona, born
July 23, 1915; married a Mr. Bush. 3. B. Blaine, Jr.,
born March 2, I923.
B. Blaine Fox, Sr., was highly esteemed by his
employees and other members of the community and
his death, October 30, 1933, occasioned genuine sorrow throughout this section.
DR. IRVING C. MILLER-Beginning the practice of medicine in April, I916, Dr. Irving C. Miller has
been steadily engaged to the present day in Berlin,
Pennsylvania, and he is highly regarded in this section
for his proven ability and conscientious devotion to.his professional duties. He was born in Northampton
Township, Somerset County, May I8, I884, the son of
John H. and Mary A. (Trimpe) Miller. John H.
Miller, also a native of Northampton Township, devoted his lifetime to farming and mercantile operations.
Dr. Miller received his public school education in
the township schools, then attended Normal School and
after being certified, devoted four years to teaching
school. He then graduated from Franklin and Marshall Academy in I9o8 and studied for two years at
Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Miller then enrolled at Medico Chirurgical College in Philadelphia,
where he was graduated with the degree of Doctor
of Medicine, in I9I4. After an interneship at the
Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, he inaugurated his practice in Berlin, Pennsylvania, where he
has acquired an enviable reputation in medical circles.  In addition to his private practice, Dr. Miller
has spent much time in the further study of many
phases of the medical science, and although he has not
as yet written any articles for publication, he is regarded as being well versed in his field.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and an
active Republican, and has been a school director for
eight years; is active in all school affairs, and very
active in the school building program-the BerlinBrothers Valley High School having been completed
in I937. He has been president of the Berlin School
Board since 1932 and of the Berlin-Brothers Valley
joint school board, since I937. He is a member of the
Somerset County and Pennsylvania Medical societies
and the American Medical Association, and is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married July 12, I9I6, to Violet C. Clark,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Clark. Dr. and
Mrs. Miller are the parents of two children: I. Irving C., Jr., born April 28, 1918, a graduate of Berlin
High School, now a senior at Franklin and Marshall
College, pursuing a pre-medical career, but showing
expert ability in electrical work. 2. Mary Louise, born
April 25, I92I, now in the senior class at Berlin High
School.
EWART GLADSTONE ROWLAND-Since
i92o, Ewart Gladstone Rowland has been a wellknown figure in the oil industry in Washington, Pennsylvania, and surrounding territory, and he is also an
outstanding member of the official life of this town,
serving as mayor for the balance of the unexpired
term of the late Mayor Hoyt.
Mr. Rowland was born at Pittsburgh, December 29,
I897, the son of- Walter and Kate (Phillips) Rowland,
Loth deceased.  Walter Rowland, born in Swindon,
England, in I859, came to the United States in 1887,
and was engaged as a toolmaker at the time of his
death, December 3, I925. His wife, born in Bristol,
England, May 8, I865, died November 23, I919.
Ewart Gladstone Rowland attended the Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, schools, and upon graduating from
the high school in I9I5, accepted a position in the
accounting department of the Manufacturer's Light
and Heat Company in Pittsburgh. He remained with
this company until his enlistment for service in the
\Vorld War. He was a member of Company L, IIIth
Infantry, 28th Division, and was overseas for one
year, seeing active service at the St. Mihiel, MeuseArgonne and Aisne-Marne fronts. He was honorably
discharged May i6, I9I9, and then came to Washington, Pennsylvania, reentering the employ of the
Manufacturer's Light and Heat Company. After one
y,ear, he became associated with W. McK. Smith, a
pioneer in the oil industry of this section, and is still
actively engaged in this work. He was elected to the
Washington City Council in I933 and assumed office
in 1934 being in charge of finance and accounts. Upcn the death of Mayor Hoyt, April 3, I937, Mr.
Rowland was elected by the Council to fill the vacancy
until the municipal election, November 2, 1937, when
he was elected to complete the remaining two years
of the term.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has
been a vestryman for the past ten years. He has always
been an ardent Republican, and is also widely known in
fraternal circles, being affiliated with the Free and
337ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
guage, hence the pronunciation of the present name.
Mr. McConnell goes on to state in this work that the
founder of this family was one Iain Mhoir, or John
Mor in English, who hailed from Dunnyveg and was
one of the outstanding leaders of the Clan Cholla,
which was famous in both the Scottish Highlands and
Ireland. Through marriage the progenitor of the family was the son of Princess Margaret Stewart of Scotland, daughter of King Robert the Second. The history
of the ensuing generations and the chiefs who led the
clan is one of high adventure and romance. Its members suffered the fortunes of war and the attendant
privations. Eventually many fled to distant lands to
escape persecution, some going to Ireland, others to
Spain and a number, to America where they are first
said to have sought haven in I700, though they did not
officially come here until the invitation of the Proprietor, which was extended in I7I5. Commenting upon
the migration Mr. McConnell, in his family history,
traces their movements in this country in the following
manner: "They pushed past the Quaker, Mennonite and
Huguenot settlements and located early on Chikis
Creek, Donegal Township, along the Octorara in Sadsburry and Drumore townships, and in Colerain Township in what was then Chester County, but which on
May Io, I729, became part of Lancaster County. In
1720 they established in Sadsburry Township what
later became known as Upper Octorara Presbyterian
Church which served Drumore Township as well..... These Scots and so-called Scotch-Irish who
were mostly of the same race, were encouraged by the
authorities to settle so near to the disputed boundary
line between Maryland and Pennsylvania because it
was believed they would be more disposed and better
able to defend the settlement against the aggressions of
Catholic Marylanders than the Friends, Huguenots or
Mennonites. These people brought with them decided
religious and political opinions and their intelligent
character fostered in their children the sentiment which
led to the Revolutionary War. These early settlers
were all Presbyterians and today the old stone Upper
Octorara Church, built in 1769, is maintained as a
shrine for the descendants of these early parishioners."
Since its establishment in America representatives of
the family have settled in practically every section of
the country.
The McConnells were among the very earliest settlers along the Octorara. In Vol. XIX of the Second
Series of the "Pennsylvania Archives," page 720,
where is reprinted the "Minute Book of Property I.,"
there appears the following entry: "2/2 mo/I723 Abraham Emmit recommends Alex'r Miller, Alex'r McConnel and John Scott as sober, industrious persons
who request about 3 or 400oo acres for Settlement near;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                               33
Octorara Creek adjoining Tho. Reid." This is the first
mention of the founder of the branch of the McConnell
family we are interested in, that we find in any public
records in America. We do not know when he came
to this country. Tradition has it that he came from
the vicinity of Dumfries, Scotland, and that the branch
of the McConnells he canme from had merged with the
Gordons. Galloway, which is near Dumfries, is where
we find McConnells merged with Gordons, and it is
likely he came from Galloway.
He did not live long after the entry of the minute in
the "Book of Property" and, unfortunately for the
historian, he died intestate. Among the Chester County
Orphans' Court Records in "Administration Docket
I," page Io04, we find it noted that on May I9, I729, in
the estate of Alexander McConnell, letters of administration were granted to Elizabeth McConnell, who
was probably his wife, upon entering bond in the sum
of Ioo pounds with Adam McConnell, probably the son,
and Houlden McGee as sureties. Having left no will
we have no recorded evidence of the names of his
children. Tradition, however, tells us that among them
were Alexander, John. James, William, Adam and,
probably, Thomas. Tradition is supported by the fact
that we find persons so named owning real estate in
that vicinity shortly after the death of Alexander.
The ancestor we are most concerned with in this
review is one John McConnell, progenitor of the immediate family, who is recorded to have come to this
country during the early part of the eighteenth century
and settled on a six hundred acre farm at Colerain
Township, located in that part of Chester County
which was formerly embodied by Lancaster County.
He died here in I754, and the lineage is carried on
through his son, Daniel, who was born in Scotland in
17I0, and came with him to this country, where he
married Peggie Kirkpatrick, of Scotch-Irish parentage. They were the parents of seven children, among
them David, who was born in Lancaster County, December 25, 1764, and died May 12, 1829. On January
Io, I788, he married Martha Whiteside, and they had
twelve children, most of whom settled in Western
Pennsylvania, where they were active in business,
farming, mechanical and professional pursuits. Their
eldest son, Daniel, was born in Lancaster County,
April I9, I794, and removed to Westmoreland County
with his parents in I8oo00, residing there until his death
on March 8, I865. He married, on January I6, II87,
Hannah McBride, daughter of James McBride, who
settled in Loyalhanna some years before the Revolutionary War, a conflict in which he and his father
served with the Continental forces. Daniel and Hannah (McBride) McConnell had seven children, and the
lineage is traced through their son, David Kirkpatrick,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Accepted Masons at Wilkinsburg, Loyal Order of
Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He also holds memLership in the American Legion and the "Forty and
Eight" Society.
He was married April 8, I924, to Agnes Stover of
Salina, Pennsylvania, daughter of Isiah and Alice
(Burns) Stover. Mr. and Mrs. Rowland are the parents of three children: I. Walter Burton, born March
8, I925. 2. Nancy Lee, born March 6, I927. 3.
Agnes Joanne, born October I, I930.
WARD McCULLOUGH Admitted to the bar
in I9I5, Ward McCullough has followed in the footsteps of his father who was a well-known member
of the legal profession in Kittanning for more than
twenty-eight years. He was born in Kittanning, May
I2, 1892, the son of Reuben A. and Sue (Heeter) McCullough.  Reuben A. McCullough, born in Mahoning Township in I858, was admitted to the bar in
I888 and was actively engaged in legal practice until
nis death, June 26, I916. He was also a prominent
Democrat, and served as a delegate to the National
Convention in 1896 when William Jennings Bryan was
nominated to represent his party in the presidential
election of that year.
Ward McCullough completed his elementary and
high school education in the local schools, and then
entered his father's office to read law. In March,
I915, he was admitted to the bar, and has since been
admitted to practice in all State and Federal courts.
In May, 1917, during the World War, he enlisted in
Company C, Io3d Field Signal Battalion, 28th Division, and was overseas from May, I9I8, to May, i919,
during which period, while attached to the IIoth Infantry, he saw service in the Second Battle of the Marne,
also in the Meuse-Argonne and Thiacourt sectors. He
received his honorable discharge May 19, 1919. From
192I- to I925 he served as burgess of the Borough of
Kittanning, and in I936 he was elected to the State
Legislature for the I937 and 1938 sessions.
He was baptized in St. Luke's German Reformed
Church, and at present is a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Kittanning. He is an ardent
supporter of the Democratic party, and is an active
member of the Arthur Ashe Post No. 634, Veterans
of Foreign Wars and Armstrong Post No. I22, American Legion. He is widely known in Masonic circles,
being affiliated with Kittanning Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Kittanning Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Duquesne Commandery, Knights Templar, and
Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite. He is also a member of Lodge No. 203, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the County Bar
Association.
WADE EMERSON HEILMAN-Since 1925,
when he began to practice in Kittanning, Wade Emerson Heilman, member of a family which has long been
prominent in the affairs of Armstrong County, has been
ranked as one of the most successful attorneys of this
community where he is also widely known in social
and civic circles.
Mr. Heilman was born in Kittanning, June 29, I90I,
the son of Cyrus Marlin and Rebecca M. (Schaeffer)
Heilman, both natives of his birthplace. His father,
who was born here September I8, 1872, and educated
at the Clarion State Teachers College and Grove City
College, served as superintendent of schools in Armstrong County from I914 to 1934. Prior to that time
he taught in the grade and high schools of Kittanning.
He represents the third generation of this family in
this country, American descent being traced to Peter
Heilman who came here from Germany in 1790 and
settled in that part of Armstrong County now known
as Heilman Church.
Wade Emerson Heilman received a general education in the public schools of his native community and
after completing this part of his studies in I919, matriculated at the Pennsylvania State College from
which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts in the class of I923. He then enrolled at the
law school of the University of Pittsburgh, taking his
Bachelor of Laws degree from this institution in
1925. The same year he was admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar and the Federal courts, and for about
one year, or until October, I926, was assistant legal
advisor at Federal Prohibition Headquarters in Pittsburgh, and then returned to Kittanning to establish
himself in a practice which in each succeeding year
has enhanced his professional prestige and placed him
among the foremost attorneys of the county. From
the outset he has practiced independently and during
the course of his career has represented a number
of important clients.  He is at present solicitor of
West Kittanning Borough, Manorville Borough, North
Buffalo Township Supervisors, Sugarcreek Township
Supervisors, of Dayton Borough, and has also represented the Rayburn Township School District, Ford
Cliff Borough School District, and various other municipalities. He has been solicitor in various outstanding
bond issues for municipal improvements, principally for
Manorville in road improvements; Ford Cliff, in a
new and modern school building, and in West Kittan338ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ning Borough, where the only P. W. A. grant awarded
in the county was made, and a municipal water works
built which is a model, for its size, throughout the
State. In a professional capacity he belongs to the
Armstrong County Bar Association for which he has
served as secretary.
Mr. Heilman has taken a keen interest in the social
and civic affairs of the community and since I938 has
headed the Kittanning Kiwanis Club as president. He
also is a member of several other organizations in
this vicinity and retains an interest in the Phi Delta
Phi Fraternity to which he was elected as an undergraduate.
In I925, Mr. Heilman married Betty Massingham,
of Crafton, Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Sherman and Agnes (Boyce) Massingham. Mr. and Mrs.
Heilman are the parents of two children: I. Shirley
Katherine, born March I, 1926. 2. Betty Ann, born
December 27, I928.
HARRY EDGAR CLARK-Few men have been
more successful in the business life of Glen Campbell,
Pennsylvania, than Harry Edgar Clark, for years one
of the most highly esteemed and respected executives
in this section.
Mr. Clark was born in Montgomery Township, Indiana County, February I6, I869, the son of John Willard and Adah (Hiddleson) Clark, both of this State
where his father engaged in the coal and lumber business. After a general education Mr. Clark attended
the Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, and then began a career which was to be marked for its distinction
and success. Like his father he started in the coal and
lumber business. He enjoyed success from the outset and in time was able to expand his interests, entering the real estate field and engaging as a producer
and refiner of oil. In his accomplishments he won
wide recognition as an astute business leader and was
frequently sought for advice by a number of the
larger industrial and commercial organizations of this
part of the State.
Though a Republican in his political affiliations and
civic-minded in his support of public projects, Mr.
Clark never sought or held public office. Business was
really his outstanding interest and hobby and his social activities were confined to a select number of organizations which included the Manufacturers Club
of Philadelphia. In religion he worshipped at the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
On August 20, I889, at Hillsdale, Mr. Clark married Verna Darr, daughter of Absalom Woodward
and Jane Elizabeth (Reed) Darr. Mr. and Mrs.
339
Clark were the parents of the following children: I.
John Watson, born July 28, I891. 2. Martha Bernice
(Clark) Wilmoth, born October 6, I893. 3. Mary
(Clark) Kinsey, born October 6, I893 (twins). 4. Ruth
(Clark) Wright, born September 22, 1895. 5. Woodward Darr, born September 5, I897.
DAVID J. McMONIGAL-Much of the success of the Dale National Bank in Johnstown can be
attributed to David J. McMonigal, cashier and one of
the founders of this institution which was founded
nearly twenty years ago and is now regarded as one of
the most outstanding banking houses in Cambria
County. In his accomplishments Mr. McMonigal has
become recognized as one of the prominent financiers
of this region, where he is also active in social and civic
affairs.
Mr. McMonigal was born in Clearfield County, December 15, I885, the son of Joseph and Mary (Davis)
McMonigal, the former a native of his son's birthplace and the latter of Huntingdon County. His father,
who died in I935, engaged in the lumber business. His
mother passed away in I9o8. Mr. Monigal received
a general education in the public schools and from practically the beginning of his business career was to be
identified with banking. Up to the time the Dale Bank
was organized he had worked for the First National
Bank of Portage, and similar institutions in Portage
and Sharon. It was in the spring of I92I that he came
to Johnstown to help in organizing the Dale Deposit
Bank, which opened for business on June 22, of that
year with a capitalization of $5o,o00o. He was named
to his present post at that time, with Dr. J. P. Keiper
as president and Mr. Lohr and Mr. Ditzler as vicepresidents. Under this executive staff, the bank, which
was converted into the National system as the Dale
National Bank on July 27, 1926, has had a sound and
substantial development which has earned it a rating
among the strongest institutions of its type in the
State.
In a social and civic capacity Mr. McMonigal has
also contributed generously to the welfare of his surroundings. He served as a member of the Dale School
Board for thirteen years and during his residence here
has been a member of a number of the leading local
clubs, as well as fraternizing with the Order of Free
and Accepted Masons, in which he is a Knight Templar and a member of the Jaffa Shrine. In his religious
convictions he worships at the Evangelical Church.
In I908 Mr. McMonigal married Susana Richards,
native of this State, and they are the parents of two
sons: I. Richard C., born February 9, I9IO, associatedANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
with his father in banking and married to Thelma
Varner. 2. Wesley, born September I5, I912, a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, and now employed in the county treasurer's office of Cambria
County.
ALBERT M. SWANK--Throughout his business career, Albert M. Swank has been connected wth
the brick manufacturing company of Hiram Swank
Sons, Inc., and since 1928 has held the office of vicepresident. He was born in Johnstown, October 6,
189o, the son of Charles M. and Charlotte (Oppey)
Swank, both deceased. Charles M. Swank, son of
Hiram Swank (q. v.), the founder of Hiram Swank
Sons, Inc., was a partner in this business at the time
of his death in I895. His wife died in 1892.
Albert M. Swank received his early education in
the Johnstown public schools, and then prepared for
college at Mercersburg Preparatory School. He next
matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania, where
he was graduated in 1915 with the degree of Bachelor
of Science in Geology. He then became associated
with the Hiram Swank Sons, Inc., and in 1928, became vice-president, which office he still holds, the
other present members of the executive personnel being Ralph L. Swank (q. v.) president, George J. Geiser,
secretary. This company, with its main plant in the
Woodvale section of Johnstown, and branch establishments at Clymer, Irvona and Pittsburgh, manufacture
more than fifty million special bricks annually, and
distribute them throughout the United States and in
several foreign countries.
Albert M. Swank is a member of the First English
Lutheran Church, and is affilated with the Free and
Accepted Masons and the Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
He is also an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, and is prominently identified with the affairs
of the Sunnehanna and North Fork Country clubs
and the Bachelor's Club.
Albert M. Swank was married in 1917 to Helen F.
Young of Johnstown.
CHARLES D. COSTLOW-The community of
South Fork has substantially benefited from the work
of Charles D. Costlow as secretary-treasurer of the
South Fork Water Company, and his contribution to
the life of this district has won wide appreciation.
Mr. Costlow was born July I, I875, in-Adams Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, son of Peter
and Matilda (Topper) Costlow, both of the same
county. His father, who was long a succesful farmer,
died in 1905. The mother died in x936, aged eightysix years.
The public schools provided the early education of
Charles D. Costlow, who became an instructor in
Cambria County and so continued for five years. At
the conclusion of that period he undertook some civil
engineering and construction work with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, carrying on that activity until I9Io. In 191 he became connected with the South
Fork Water Company, at South Fork, of which he
became secretary-treasurer. This company was founded
in I892 by a group of prominent local citizens and
some people from nearby communities who were interested in the project. At first they had only two dams,
the Flenner and Crozle dams. Then, as the population
increased, they obtained the Sandy Run Reservoir,
with a capacity of I5,000,000 gallons. More than 5,000
families are supplied with water from this company's
facilities, not only in South Fork but throughout adjoining territories. The water is thoroughly purified,
being treated with chlorine, and no epidemics have
ever been known to occur in South Fork through
water defects or impurities. The president of the
South Fork Water Company is O. M. Stineman, and
Bart Leonard is vice-president.
In addition to his other activities, Mr. Costlow has
served for years as a member of the School Board of
Adams Township. He has taken a lively interest in
town affairs, and has come to be known practically
throughout the residential district of the community.
He has devoted most of his spare time to his family,
and is especially proud of his children, who have distinguished themselves in different ways.
In I905 Charles D. Costlow married Augusta Beaufort, of Bolivar, Pennsylvania. The following children were born to this marriage: I. Mildred, wife
of Jerry Church. 2. Grace, a teacher. 3. Rose, wife
of Fred Cekalla; they have two children. 4. Ruth, wife
of Charles Connors; they have three children.  5.
Louise. 6. Charles D., Jr., associated with the State
House at Harrisburg. 7. Clare, with the United States
Army, stationed in Hawaii.
C. H. SIPE--As president and general manager
of the Brighton Electric Steel Casting Company, C.
H. Sipe directs the oldest organization in Beaver
County devoted to the manufacture of pointing products for the seamless tubing industry. He succeeded
his father as head of the company and has continued
its record of steady progress and growth.
Mr. Sipe was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on July 24, I899, a son of D. T. Sipe, who died
in I936, and Alletta Pearl (Bowman) Sipe, who died
in I915, both of Pennsylvania families. His father,
a manufacturer, was prominent in the life of Latrobe
340ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for many years and later came to Beaver Falls, where
he assumed control of the Brighton Electric Steel Casting Company in I924. He continued as its president
until his death.
C. H. Sipe was educated in Pennsylvania public
schools and at Mercersburg Academy. The early years
of his active career were devoted to the steel and coal
industry at Apollo, in Armstrong County, where he became general manager of his dompany and served until
1927. In the latter year he joined his father as an
executive of the Brighton Electric Steel Casting Company at Beaver Falls. The history of this organization
dates back to July 20, 1922, when the company was
established at Beaver Falls by a group of Pennsylvanians. D. T. Sipe assumed control in I924 and incorporated the business, having as associates W. F.
Waxenfetter and Francis Gillen. Throughout its existence the company has been engaged in the manufacture of pointing products for the seamless tube business.
It has been responsible for many developments in this
field, and the consistent, normal growth of the organization reflects the value placed upon its products and
the strength of its management. The company now employs some fifty workers and distributes its products
throughout the United States.  Its plant at Beaver
Falls consists of four buildings, with a total floor
space of approximately 7,500 square feet. C. H. Sipe,
who assumed the presidency of the company at his
father's death in January, I936, is thoroughly qualified for the responsibilities devolving upon him both
as an experienced executive and as a technician of
sound training and inventive gifts. He has made important contributions to the greater efficiency of the
company's factory operations and the improvement
of its products and has developed and patented two
pointers, embodying new principles, which are now
manufactured by his organization. While exercising
general supervisory control, he has been especially interested in the problems arising from the development
of machinery suitable to the company's needs and his
efforts in this direction have made possible much of
its recent growth. He has as his present associates in
the executive personnel of the company Mr. Gillen and
Harold A. Stewart.
Mr. Sipe is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Manufacturers Association of Beaver
County. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free
and Accepted Masons and is a member in this order of
the higher Scottish Rite bodies, including New Castle
Consistory, thirty-second degree. By virtue of'his position he is influential in the life of Beaver Falls and the
county and has given effective support to all sound
projects in the public interest. Mr. Sipe is a member
of the Presbyterian Church.
He married, in 1923, Ethel B. Eisaman, of this State,
and has one daughter, Nancy Anne, born August I,
I924.
HENRY SMITH COSHEY-Carrying on the
family funeral directing establishment, which was
founded in Greensburg in 1852, Henry Smith Coshey
has also wide business and civic interests, as well as
being prominent in fraternal and veteran organizations.
Mr. Coshey was born in Greensburg on August 9,
I891, a son of Harry D. and Carrie E. (Smith) Coshey. Harry D. Coshey, who was born in Greensburg,
June 3, I86I, and died there February II, I929, at
the age of sixty-eight years, was a funeral director and
a Democratic member of the Greensburg City Council for a number of years. His wife, now living in
Greensburg, was born in Greensburg on August ig,
I866. Harry D. Coshey was a son of Henry S. and
Elizabeth (Smith) Coshey. Henry S. Coshey, who
was born in Westmoreland County on February I8,
I836, and died in Greensburg on October I8, 1924,
founded the family business of H. S. Coshey and Sons,
in I852. He was a Democrat and a member of the
First Reformed Church. His wife was a native of
Westmoreland County.
Henry Smith Coshey graduated from the Greensburg High School and the Greensburg Business
School. For several years, he was employed by the
Pennsylvania Railroad in Greensburg and in Johnstown. A member of the Ist Pennsylvania Field Artillery, he was ordered to the Mexican border in June
of 1916 and served there for six months. When the
World War developed, his outfit was changed to the
Io7th Field Artillery of the 28th Division. After
training at Fort Hancock, Augusta, Georgia, in May of
1918, the Division was sent to France and plunged into
action. During the year Mr. Coshey served in France
with the American Expeditionary Forces, he fought
in several major battles, including the Marne, the
Vesle, the Meuse, the Argonne, the Ypres and the
Lyes. When mustered out of the service, Mr. Coshey
held the rank of sergeant. Returning home, he became associated with his father in the family business,
which included funeral direction, a garage and an auto
livery. In civic affairs, Mr. Coshey, who is a Democrat, like his father before him, has always been keenly
interested. For the past fourteen years, he has been
a member of the Greensburg City Council and, he is,
as well, director of accounts and finance for the city.
Mr. Coshey is also a director of the Greensburg
34IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Thrift Corporation. He is a member of the First
Reformed Church. An active member of the Masonic
fraternity, Mr. Coshey holds thirty-second degree rank.
He is a member of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, Free
and Accepted Masons; Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple in Pittsburgh. Mr. Coshey also belongs to Greensburg Lodge,
No. 511, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
the Greensburg Rotary Club and the Greensburg
Country Club. His war comradeship is reflected in his
membership in the American Legion. He is a past commander of Robert G. Kotouch Post, No. 318, of Greensburg, and past vice-commander of the Pennsylvania
State organization of the Legion. Mr. Coshey is also
a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors' Association. He is devoted to golfing.
On September 20, I9II, Henry,Smith Coshey married Mable Estella Blansett of Greensburg, a daughter of David F. and Rebecca (Nace) Blansett. Mr.
and Mrs. Coshey have a daughter, Elizabeth, who was
born on January 2, I9I3. She is the wife of Jay Linhart, an automobile dealer in Jeannette.
JOHN A. ELLIOTT-Down the years of a long
and eminently useful career many honors have come to
John A. Elliott, Beaver Falls attorney and civic leader.
He is dean of the city and county lawyers in point of
service, having initiated his practice here in I889. He
has been active in municipal affairs for nearly half a
century, filling a number of public offices without ever
seeking political preferment although over a lengthy
period he has wielded a potent influence in party politics. Few men are held in such high esteem, nor are
possessed of a finer reputation.
As is peculiarly fitting, Mr. Elliott comes from one
of the pioneer families of this section of Pennsylvania,
his mother's ancestors being associated with the very
first group to settle in the Braden district where, at
one time, they were the owners of thousands of acres
of land. He was born in Beaver County, September
26, I862, son of William and Margaret P. (Braden)
Elliott.  His mother was also a native of Beaver
County; his father, a well-known business man who
died in I917, was born in West Virginia. John A.
Elliott was educated in the public grammar and high
schools and Geneva College. When he decided to make
a career of the law, he entered the offices of John M.
Buchanan and there began the study of law that never
has been brought to a complete stop. His care in the
preparation of cases is proverbial, and his handling of
any legal matter is based upon a solid knowledge of
facts and principles of the law, combined with a broad
experience with human nature.
Mr. Elliott is a member of the Beaver County Bar
Association, which he has served in various official
capacities. He was city solicitor for Beaver Falls, at
one time, and held a number of other offices, but his
interest in the community is not along the line of
personal award but is directed toward the progress and
betterment of the city and its people. Fraternally, he
is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons; the
Knights Templar, of which he is a Past Commander;
and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. If there is one thing more than
another of which Mr. Elliott is proud and in which he
finds the keenest happiness, it is his children and
grandchildren.
In I893 John A. Elliott married Jennie M. Mitchell,
a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of two daughters: I. Gladys, a graduate of
Wellesley College, who married James A. Cook, and
is the mother of two sons: i. Richard A. ii. James A.,
Jr. 2. Kathleen, also a graduate of Wellesley College, Massachusetts, and now recorder of Wellesley
College.
WILLIAM WAKEFIELD DOUDS-Practically the whole of the career of William Wakefield
Douds has been identified with the Farmers National
Bank, of Beaver Falls. It is a noteworthy characteristic of this institution that, since its organization in
I893, it has had few changes of executives. Only
Frank F. Brierly and J. Rankin Martin, preceded Dr.
J. S. Louthan, in the presidency; only George W.
Morrison and Walter G. Bert have been cashiers. It
is one of the largest and strongest banks in Western
Pennsylvania, with total assets of above five million
dollars, and a record of never having missed the payments of an annual dividend. Mr. Douds is assistant
cashier of the Farmers National Bank, having risen to
his present position from messenger, gaining experience down the years in nearly every post of the bank.
Mr. Douds was born in Beaver Falls on October 8,
I88o, son of John and Gertrude (Wakefield) Douds,
and the grandson of one of the early settlers of this
part of Pennsylvania. On both the paternal and maternal sides, Mr. Douds is eligible for membership in
the Sons of the Revolution or similar ancestral and
patriotic societies. John Douds, a native of Beaver
County, died March 17, I925; Mrs. Douds was born in
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
William  Wakefield Douds was educated in local
public schools, Geneva College and the Iron City
Business College. His first employment of note was
with the Farmers National Bank, with which he has
since continued with the results already mentioned.
342ANNAI S  OFli   flT; nT'T-TWXTTcm7rT    T ThD-UT-KTC--X7-T 7 A XTT A....-%-L.-, ". I/.l _J %..i. V V V1.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Free and Accepted
Masons, a fourteenth degree Mason in the Lodge of
Perfection, New Castle. He is of the Presbyterian
faith, a trustee of the Beaver Falls Church for the past
twenty-eight years, and long a supporter of religious
and philanthropic activities.
In I9o8 William Wakefield Douds married Mary
Alcorn, of County Donegal, Ireland, and they are the
parents of a son, John A., born February 24, I913,
who is a graduate of Geneva College.
REUBEN OSCAR WALDRON-The exceptionally high place that Reuben Oscar Waldron holds
in the respect and affection of the people of Evans City
is not the simple result of fine abilities as a former
educator and long-time business man and investor. His
career has been marked by an altruism, a genuine love
of his fellowmen, and a devotion to useful service of
the community that have compelled recognition and
appreciation. Everybody knows him; his life is an
open book which all may read to their advantage.
Mr. Waldron was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, August I4, I858, son of W. S. Waldron, also a
native of Butler County who died August I3, I907,
and Eliza M. (Kline) Waldron, a Pennsylvanian, who
died February 26, I904. Reuben Oscar Waldron began teaching school even while he was acquiring his
own education and, before he retired to private life,
had been active in a wide variety of phases of his profession. When he started, in Cherry Township, it
was in the days when the school teacher still boarded
around, each family taking care of him for a proportional period. His next post was near Evans City,
with which he was eventually to become identified as
a permanent resident. After three years he became
principal of the Fairview schools; then for one year
was with the Petrolia schools, and he then went to
Kilbuck, Allegheny County, where he taught in the
public schools. During all his teaching career he conducted classes in penmanship at night.
This was before the typewriter had come to make
writing legible, and good penmanship was highly important to everyone. Mr. Waldron was not only a
successful teacher of the art, but won fame in this field
that extended far into the United States. He received
numerous diplomas and certifications of his skill, and
was sought for special work of all kinds. He also
taught in the Emsworth schools for nearly three years;
was at Swissvale as supervising principal for a slightly
longer period, and then practiced his profession at
Bellevue for two years. He attended Duff's Business
College, and, always the student, he pursued courses
in the Pittsburgh College of Pharmacy. The end of
his career as an educator came after a decade as superJ -1TJXN rN\llAN        Y XLVVAN1A              343
visor of writing and commercial work in the McKeesport schools, I89I-I90I.  His personal interests had
become so large that he retired as an educator and
since has remained in Evans City, where he has found
many things to do during the past third of a century.
L ike his parents and ancestors, he is a lover of the
land and has shown his faith in its possibilities and
future by the purchase of local real estate.
What might be termed the third phase of Mr. VValdron's career has consisted mainly of cultural, humanitarian and public contributions to community progress
and welfare. There are few movements undertaken
to promote the best interests of Evans City in which
he has not been active, and many have benefited
through the constructive influence of his endeavors.
Hundreds seek his wide counsel and guidance, his help
in times of stress and misfortune. His affection for
the young is especially noteworthy and helpful as is
evidenced by his interest in the work of the Boy
Scouts, and similar youth organizations.
JOHN WALKER FAIRING, M. D., F. A.
C. S.-Dr. Fairing was born in Glasgow, Scotland,
on June 13, 1872, the son of Henry and Catherine
(Paterson) Fairing. His father, who was also a native of Glasgow, was a cabinet-maker and a member
of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his early
life was a member of the 3d Lanarkshire Volunteer
Regiment of Scotland. The doctor's mother was a
native of Cincinnati, Ohio. Both Dr. Fairing's parents
died in Greensburg.
Dr. John Walker Fairing received his early education in the public schools of Glasgow and at the Free
Church Training College, Glasgow. Coming to America, in I888, he was graduated from the University of
Maryland (Baltimore Medical College) at Baltimore,
in I898. Then followed a period of postgraduate work
at the New York Post Graduate School and Hospital.
From November Io, I9oI, until September I, I9o9, he
practiced general medicine in Massachusetts, relinquishing that field for graduate work at Bartholomew's Clinic, 42d Street, New York City, until December 3I, I909. On January I, I9IO, he became house
svrgeon at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital,
New York City, where he remained until July I,
I912. He came to Greensburg, on December 2, I9I2,
and became a member of the staff of Westmoreland
Hospital, as an eye, ear and throat surgeon and bronchoscopist. Early in I922 he attended the University
of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Bronchoscopy.
Dr. Fairing is a Fellow of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology, the American
Medical Association, American College of Surgeons;
member of the Greensburg Academy of Medicine,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
who was born November I8, I8I9, died December 5,
I9OO, and married Harriet Sloan, October 3I, I844.
She was a member of the distinguished Westmoreland
Sloan family, who count among their ancestors one
William Sloan, first husband of Ann Wasson, who
later was captured by the Indians, after her second
husband had been killed, and was held for three and a
half years. The incident is one of the most adventurous and gruesome in Pennsylvania history. David
Kirkpatrick McConnell, who engaged in farming, and
his wife were the parents of nine children, among them
Judge Alexander D. McConnell, prominent educator
and jurist, who served as judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Tenth Judicial District from I895
until his passing on September 6, I92I. He was one
of the most prominent and influential figures of his
generation, being a member of leading clubs and societies in this section of the State and a recipient of an
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, conferred upon
him by Westminster College in I902. He also was
one of the outstanding leaders of the local Republican
party and in 1920 was elected a member of the Electoral College for Pennsylvania. On March 24, I876,
Judge McConnell married Ella J. Turney, eldest
daughter of Adam J. and Emma (Eyster) Turney, of
Greensburg, and great-granddaughter of the Rev. John
William Weber, pioneer minister of the Reformed
Church, who established many churches in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Judge and Mrs. McConnell
were the parents of five children: I. Richard K. (R.
Kirk), of whom further. 2. A. Turney, deceased, who
was secretary and treasurer of the Irwin Gas and
Coal Company of Greensburg. 3. Alexander, who attended Washington and Jefferson College, was graduated from the law department of the University of
Pennsylvania, and is now an attorney associated with
the firm of Gaither, Portser and McConnell, of Greensburg. 4. Emma E., graduate of the Wralnut I.ane
Seminary, and now superintendent of the public schools
and secretary of the Board of Education in Greensburg. 5. Robert Sloan, who served with the Aviation
Corps of the United States Army and is now city editor of the "Latrobe Bulletin" in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Richard K. (R. Kirk) McConnell was born at
Greensburg, January 8, I879, and received a general
education in the public schools of his native community. After completing this part of his studies he
matriculated at Washington and Jefferson College,
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Science in I903, and received the degree
of Master of Arts in I9o5. During this period he read
law in his father's office and was admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar in I905. The same year he established himself in a general practice which he conducted
independently for a few years. Eventually, however,
he joined the law firm of Gaither and Whitten, and
later became a partner in the firm of Gaither, Portser
and McConnell, which he has been associated with
since May I6, I92I. Though Mr. Gaither is deceased
the firm continues to operate under its original title.
Mr. McConnell's practice has largely been devoted
to corporation work, in which he has represented some
of the largest industrial and commercial organizations
of this vicinity. He was counsel in a case between the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company and the Sagamore
Coal Company, reported in 28I, Pennsylvania State
Reports, page 233, which is considered the outstanding
case involving the pollution of water appropriated to
public use. His firm won the contest, establishing the
fact that water so appropriated must not be contaminated. In his professional affiliations Mr. McCont_ell
is a member of the Westmoreland Bar Association.
Emulating his distinguished father, he has also been
an active leader in the local Republican organization
and has been prominent politically, serving at one time
as secretary of the Republican County Committee, and
as secretary to the president pro tern. of the Pennsylvania State Senate in I907. During the World War
he made numerous speeches on behalf of the Liberty
Loan and Red Cross campaigns.
Fraternally, Mr. McConnell is a member and Past
Master of the Philanthropy Lodge, No. 225, of the
Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is also a
member of the Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights
Templar; the Pittsburgh Consistory, thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and the Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine of Pittsburgh. In addition he belongs to and
is Past Exalted Ruler of Greensburg Lodge, No. 5TI,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. McConnell is fond of outdoor sports and finds his main
diversion in fishing.
THE REV. J. PAUL HARMAN, A. B., B. D.As pastor of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Greensburg, the Rev. J. Paul Harman, A. B., B. D.,
has taken an important place in the life of Greensburg.
The Rev. Mr. Harman was born in Williamsport,
Pennsylvania, on November 6, I894, the son of Hervey
E. and Cora May (Jarrett) Harman. Mr. Harman's
father, who was born on April I8, I865, in Muncy
Hills, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, was both an
educator and a Lutheran pastor. He held pastorates
in Espy, New Castle, and Pittsburgh, all in Pennsylvania. The Rev. Hervey E. Harman's mother was
Margaret Yeagle, before her marriage, and was descended from Hans Heinrich Jackel, who came to
Pennsylvania from Germany in I734. The Rev. Hervey E. Harman was himself also descended from Revolutionary stock, one of his ancestors being John
34ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Westmoreland County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Medical Society; and has the certificate of the
American Board for Ophthalmic Examinations, and
of the American Board of Oto-Laryngology. He is
also a member of the Pennsylvania Governing Committee of the Gorgas Memorial Institute of Tropical and
Preventive Medicine.
Dr. Fairing is a member of Thomas Lodge, Ancient
Free and Accepted Masons, and of Hampden Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons, in Massachusetts; Olivet Council, No. I3, Royal and Select Masters; Greensburg
Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar; Caravan No.
8, Syria Temple; thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Pittsburgh;
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and a
member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 511, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He is a past president of
the Greensburg Kiwanis Club, a member of the Hannastown Golf Association, and of the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg.
On January 9, I9oI, Dr. John Walker Fairing married
Lora Lewis, of Portsmouth, Ohio, daughter of Rev.
Charles Byron and Eunice Kendall (Wyeth) Lewis.
Mrs. Fairing's father, Rev. Mr. Lewis, was born near
Johnstown, Ohio, October I8, I839, and died in Newark, Ohio, February 3, I892. During the Civil War
he served as a lieutenant in the Union Army, an officer
of Company H, 87th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. At first a member of the Troy, New York,
Methodist Conference, he became a member of the
Methodist Conference in Ohio. Mrs. Fairing's mother,
Eunice Kendall (Wyeth) Lewis, was born in Ohio,
January 9, I839, and died in Bloomfield, New Jersey,
November I8, I927. The Lewis family traces its
descent back to Colonial days.  Rev. Mr. Lewis
was the son of Jabis York Lewis, who was a drummer boy in the War of I812 in the Light Infantry of
New Jersey." Jabis York Lewis was the son of Zebu-!on Lewis, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, being a private in Colonel John Topham's Rhode
Island Militia Regiment. Mrs. Fairing attended the
Troy Conference Academy at Poultney, Vermont, and
the Fine Arts Department of Syracuse University.
After completing her studies, she was a piano teacher.
She is past regent of Phoebe Bayard Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; organizing regent of
Major General Arthur St. Clair Chapter, Daughters
of I812; member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, Society of Colonial Dames, Emilie E.
Woodley Tent, Daughters of Union Veterans, and is
past patron of William E. Gelstrom Chapter, Order
of the Eastern Star, of Greensburg. Mrs. Fairing is
the unopposed I939 nominee for State president of the
Pennsylvania Society of the Daughters of I8I2 for a
three years term.
Dr. and Mrs. Fairing are the parents of two children: I. Lora, born March I9, I905, a graduate from
the Greensburg High School in I923, and from Bishopthorpe Manor, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in I936. She
married Eugene Arter Myers, of Shaker Heights, Ohio.
2. Robert Lewis, born October 30, 1907; he received his
degree of Bachelor of Arts from Allegheny College,
in I931, Master of Arts from Pennsylvania State College in I932, and was awarded the Master of Education degree January 28, 1938, and is a candidate for the
Doctor of Philosophy degree, from the University of
Pittsburgh. He is now engaged as an educator.
GEORGE A. BALDWIN has served on the
bench, in the State Legislature and in other offices of
public trust and today continues his extensive practice
as one of the leading members of the local bar.
Judge Baldwin was born in Venango County, Pennsylvania, on December I2, I874, son of Robert B.
Baldwin, who died in I9I9, and Jane E. (Breckenridge) Baldwin, who died in I9I7. Both were natives
of Pennsylvania, and his father, throughout his career, was associated with the oil industry in this State.
George A. Baldwin was educated in Pennsylvania
public schools and at Geneva College, from which he
was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in
I897. He began preparations for his chosen career at
the University of Pittsburgh and completed his law
studies in the office of the late Judge R. S. Holt. In
I9OI he was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar and in
the same year entered practice in Beaver County.
From 19II to 1913 he served in the Pennsylvania State
Legislature and added to his stature by his effective
performance of the duties of that office. In I916 he
was chosen president judge of Beaver County and
continued on the bench for a term of ten years. As
judge his administration was in keeping with the high
traditions of the bench and was marked by abundant
legal scholarship, strict impartiality and unwavering
concern for the public interest. Upon his retirement
in I926, Judge Baldwin resumed the practice of law,
with -offices in Beaver. During the course of years he
has appeared successfully in a number of conspicuous
cases and has represented many important interests.
Recently, his son, George A. Baldwin, Jr., has become
associated with him in practice.
Judge Baldwin is a member and past president of
the Beaver County Bar Association and a member of
the Pennsylvania and American Bar associations. In
addition to his professional connections, he is president
of the Rochester Deposit Bank, at Rochester, where
he makes his home, and is a director of several cor344ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
porations. In the World War he was a member of the
Legal Advisory Board and of several other boards and
committees formed to further'various aspects of the
Nation's war effort, and acted as a "four-minute"
speaker.
Judge Baldwin is a member and past president of
the Rochester Rotary Club and is affiliated fraternally
with the Free and Accepted Masons. In this order he
is active, being affiliated with all higher bodies of the
Scottish Rite, including the thirty-second degree of
New Castle Consistory. He is a Lutheran in religious
faith and serves as a member of the board of trustees
of his church.
In I904 Judge Baldwin married Anna Elizabeth
Speyer, who was born in this State. They are the
parents of three sons: I. Richard S., born September
6, 90o6, a graduate of Geneva College and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 2. George A., Jr., born
April 24, I9II, a graduate of Geneva College and a
graduate in law of the University of Pittsburgh. 3.
Paul H., born July 14, I915, a graduate of Carnegie
Institute of Technology.
REV. NOBLE GARVIN MILLER, D. D.-At
Blairsville, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Noble Garvin Miller was born April I, I837. He received the
early part of his general education in the public school
at Blairsville, which had been erected in I838, four
years after the public school law had been passed in
Pennsylvania. He also attended subscription schools
during the summer and later was a pupil at Elder's
Ridge Academy, under the preceptorship of Dr. Alexander Donaldson, which school is still in existence.
Prior to entering college he prepared at Blairsville
Academy, which his father had helped to found in
1846, and in I858 entered Allegheny College, as a
member of the sophomore class. He was graduated in
I86I with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, received his
degree of Master of Arts from this institution in I878,
was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in I885, and was elected a member of the board of
trustees in I903, and served as such until his death.
As a student he was elected a member of the Beta
Chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity on February
28, I86o, and became a member of the Allegheny
Literary Society, June I6, I86o.
Like his forebears, Dr. Miller was a Presbyterian,
but in I858, was converted to the Methodist faith and
December 20 of that year, was granted an exhorter's
license by the Rev. R. Cunningham, Blairsville
preacher. It was renewed by the Rev. E. A. Johnson,
pastor at Meadville, on June 13, I86o. Actually he
was a licensed preacher while still a student in college
and after being graduated was recommended to the
345
Pittsburgh conference by the Blairsville Quarterly
Conference. He traveled under an elder in I862. In
March, I863, he was received on trial by the conference
at Coshocton, Ohio, and was junior preacher on the
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, circuit, with Rev. John
C. High.' He was stationed on Marchand circuit in
I864, and was admitted to deacon's orders by Bishop
E. R. Ames, at Canton, Ohio, March 20, I865. In
I866 he preached on the Red Stone circuit, with the
Rev. A. H. Norcross, junior preacher; and March Io,
I867, at Massillon, Ohio, was ordained elder by Bishop
E. Thompson. From then on he was successively
stationed at Irwin, Kittanning, Mansfield Valley (now
Carnegie), Union Centenary, at Sharpsburg, returned
to Irwin, and then preached at the Oakland Church in
Pittsburgh, and at Wilkinsburg. The next four years
he served as presiding elder of the McKeesport district, and during this period was elected a delegate to
the General Conference of I888, which was held in
New York City. He returned to pastoral work at
Indiana, Latrobe, and Apollo, and while there organized the Methodist Episcopal Church at Vandergrift,
Pennsylvania, in I898, and then served Wilmerding,
and Ligonier. He was granted a superannuated relation at his own request, in I903, and returned to
Blairsville where he resided until his passing on February 23, I918. The above dates embrace the period
of his ministerial career and life.
As a preacher, Dr. Miller was regarded as among
the ablei men of the Conference. His delivery was
clear and often impassioned; free from mannerisms;
his sermons were analytical, scriptural and edifying.
He preached with very little attention to notes, of
which he used few in the pulpit. He believed and
preached the great essentials of the gospel-sin, repentance, faith and the new birth-giving emphasis to the
doctrine of future blessedness for the righteous, and
retribution for the wicked. His preaching was "in
demonstration of the Spirit and with power." The
sole aim of his ministry was to build up the church in
its spiritual life and save sinners, and as a logical
sequence he witnessed many gracious revivals and had
large accessions. As a pastor he excelled in his ministry to the sick and the sorrowing. His apt quotation
of Scripture, sympathetic words and earnest prayers
brought a sense of God's nearness and comfort to the
suffering and distressed.  His prayer meeting addresses were clear and interesting explanations of the
Scripture used. His knowledge of music and a well
modulated voice enabled him to lead his congregation
in singing, when few organs were in churches, and at
the camp meetings, where he regularly attended, it was
also helpful. During his six years in the district, he
was wise and capable in solving the knotty problems
which arose in his charges. He was the friend andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
brother of every worthy preacher, and especially helpful to the younger men, who profited by his advice and
suggestions. His genial smile, cordial greeting, sparkling wit and versatile conversation added greatly to
the pleasure of his conference sessions and he was
sorely missed by his brethren at their annual sessions.
He had been for years on the conference secretarial
staff.
He belonged to the old Pittsburgh Conference, and
had a conspicuous part in its development into the
larger and newer conference. He came into it in the
days of circuits, which were served by ministers who
rode horseback over rough roads, in all weathers, to
serve their appointments; and he has now joined the
heroes, who by hardship and self-denying service made
for Methodism an enviable name, and place, throughout Western Pennsylvania. He closed his life as he
desired, without a pain or struggle, a breath of God
released his spirit and bore it home.
On March 29, I864, at Blairsville, Dr. Noble Garvin
Miller married Sarah Jane Johnston, daughter of
Robert and Anna Maria (Rahm) Johnston, who was
born in Pittsburgh, February I2, I84I, and died at her
home in Blairsville, November 23, 1926, and was laid
to rest in the Blairsville Cemetery.
Mrs. Miller, with her family, lived for a time in
Greenville, Mercer County, in Pittsburgh, and in
Armagh, and in I853 came to Blairsville. Mrs. Miller
was a member of the Children's Class in South Common Methodist Episcopal Church in I85I,'and was
considered a member of the church, but later at her
request was received into full membership in the
Blairsville Methodist Episcopal Church January I,
I854, by Rev. James Beacom. She continued a member till her death. After her marriage to Rev. Noble
Garvin Miller, D. D., she shared thirty-eight years in
the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She
was a member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in its early
years and organized auxiliaries in all -their charges
where there were none. At the time of his retirement
from active service, they returned to Blairsville, where
he died in I918, and where Mrs. Miller continued to
reside.
Mrs. Miller was a gentlewoman of the old school,
and conducted all the affairs of her life and home with
the dignity becoming a mistress of the manse. She was
of a quiet, but deep piety, disclaiming credit for the
good she wrought. Her pleasing personality, her fine
mind and wise decisions were appreciated by those who
knew her. For many years an invalid and confined to
her home, yet she held great influence over a large
circle of friends and neighbors'by the real strength and
beauty of her life. She accepted calmly and uncomplainingly her complete helplessness. The community
that she had known for almost three-fourths of a century does homage to her memory.
Dr. and Mrs. Noble Garvin Miller were the parents
of three children: I. Maria Louisa Miller, born at
Marion Center, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, March
9, I865. She was educated in various schools in the
towns where her father was the Methodist Episcopal
minister, at academy, normal school and private
schools; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and its various organizations; is a Republican. 2. James Francis Miller, born at Irwin, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, November 12, I867;
was educated in schools in towns where his father was
stationed, also attended the Western University (now
the University of Pittsburgh), left before completing
the course; was first employed in the Pennsylvania
Railroad station at Wilkinsburg. He resigned in I887
to take a position as clearing house clerk for Tradesmen's National Bank in Pittsburgh. In I9oo he resigned as teller in Tradesmen's Bank to become cashier
in the newly organized Central National Bank of
Wilkinsburg, where he remained until I912, when he
resigned as acting vice-president, and was National
Bank Examiner under Laurence A. Murray, Comptroller of the Currency. Resigned his commission in
1922. He has always been a Republican and is Past
Master Mason by service, Orient Lodge, No. 590;
Past High Priest, Shiloh Chapter No. 257, member
of the Consistory, Knights Templar, Mt. Moriah
Council and Shrine. On October 27, 1892, at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, James Francis Miller married
Alice M. Potter, daughter of Newton and Margaret
Howard Potter. They live in Franklin Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and are members
of the Presbyterian Church of Export, Pennsylvania.
3. Robert Johnston Miller, born at Mansfield Valley
(now Carnegie), March I3, I874. Attended schools
in towns where his father preached, including Indiana
Normal School. Died as the result of an accident,
July I5, I893.
Dr. Miller's background is rooted in eighteenth century America. Of Irish stock on his paternal side,
Dr. Miller's ancestry in this country is traced to his
grandfather, Samuel Miller, who was born near Londonderry, County Down, Ireland, in I772. He married
(first) Margaret Garvin, in I792, and came with her
and their three children to Baltimore in 1798. They
were three months at sea and his property had been
confiscated because of the Irish Rebellion. During his
life in this country he lived successively in Baltimore,
Maryland; Easton, Pennsylvania; Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania; and near Salem Church, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, where his wife died in I828 and
346ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
347
is buried in Salem Church Cemetery, leaving fifteen
children. In I839 Samuel Miller married (second)
Isabel or Elizabeth Bell, and lived at Louisville, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, where he passed away in
I858, and is buried in the cemetery of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in that town. He was a Presbyterian
and his family were brought up in that faith.
The Rev. Noble G. Miller's father, Dr. Martin L.
Miller, a physician, was born near Chambersburg,
Franklin County, August Io, I8Io, the tenth child
of Samuel and Margaret (Garvin) Miller, who came
to Westmoreland County after the War of I812. As
a young man, Martin L. Miller taught school, serving
as the fifth teacher in the community of Blairsville
before the public school law was passed. He also practiced the weaving trade, which he had learned under
the tutelage of his older brother (the coverlets he
made are intricate and beautiful, table linen and cloth
also), and he later operated a grocery store and drug
store successively. As a physician, he got his first
training under Dr. Edward P. Emerson, first physician
in Blairsville, and then matriculated at the Franklin
Medical College in Philadelphia, from which he was
graduated in 1848. He originally established himself
in practice at Centerville, but after remaining there a
year returned to Blairsville, where he continued for
the rest of his life. As a useful citizen, his activities
were many and varied. He was among the founders
of the Blairsville Academy in I846, served as a member of the Borough Council for several terms, was an
organizer of the Blairsville National Bank, and was
one of the incorporators of the Blairsville Cemetery.
Though he had been a member of the Presbyterian
Church, he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in I856, in which he was granted an
exhortor's license in I867, and served as trustee for
many years. He died January 3, I895, and at that
time thirty-two of his immediate family were professional men: ministers, physicians, lawyers and teachers.
On June 25, 1832, Dr. Martin L. Miller married
Hannah Simpson, born in Centre Township, Indiana
County, August 5, I8Io, the daughter of Andrew and
Jane (Rankin) Simpson.  Dr. and Mrs. Martin L.
Miller were the parents of two sons: I. Dr. James
Simpson Miller, born April Io, I833, died at Derry,
on April 7, I890o. As a physician he was a graduate
of the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. On
December 25, I855, he married Emily Spicer, born
October 5, I837, and died June 5, 1923. They had six
children. 2. Rev. Noble Garvin Miller, D. D. (whose
line has been given first).
Maternally, Dr. Noble Garvin Miller was the greatgrandson of James Simpson, whose ancestors came to
America in T730, and who came to this section from
Roxbury Township, which is now part of Franklin
County, Pennsylvania, in the I760's.  On his trip
westward the elder Simpson was accompanied by his
brothers, Andrew and Thomas, and his sister, Nancy.
They came to Wallace Fort where their aunt, Mrs.
Mary (Simpson) Wallace, wife of Richard Wallace,
was living. The party originally settled at Wallace
Fort on the Conemaugh River. James Simpson was
married to Hannah White, daughter of Andrew White,
who came to America in 1745, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and her brothers came with James Simpson
to Western Pennsylvania.  They were all noted as
Indian fighters, scouts and rangers, and their duty
was to protect the frontier.
They erected a blockhouse on the Conemaugh opposite the fort on a plot of land which now forms part
of the site of Blairsville. During the ensuing years,
Andrew, an ensign in the Ist Battalion of the Westmoreland Associators, was killed by Indians at Blanket
Hill in 1777, scalped and left beside the path and his
companion taken prisoner. James removed to Cherry
Run, Indiana County, where he aided in erecting McConaughey's old fort. He went to the rescue, after the
battle of Hannastown in I782, and saved some of the
people.
James and Hannah (White) Simpson had applications and warrants and took up all the land they could
pay redemption on. They carried on all the avocations
of those times. They raised flax, spun and wove linen;
they raised sheep and spun and wove the wool: they
were carpenters, coopers, and stonemasons. An inventory of James Simpson's possessions gave a list of
almost any tool used in the trades. The store records
of that time, in the vicinity, list him as buying powder,
lead, tools and books. All other things were evidently
manufactured at home. James Simpson and others
purchased one of the oldest cemeteries in Indiana
County for his church, Centre U. P. Church, Centre
Township, in I804 from Moses Thompson, the old
"Man-of-War's Man"-[deed at Greensburg, Pennsylvania].
He and his wife were probably buried there, as they
died in I813 and I815, but no stones are visible. His
son, Andrew Simpson, and wife, Jane (Rankin) Simpson, and two grandchildren are also buried there, with
stones at their graves.
He was a Royal Arch Mason and from his regalia
were made silver spoons for his daughters. His fourth
child and oldest son was Andrew Simpson, born near
Wallace Fort, in February, I785. He was a farmer, a
Republican, and managed a station of the Underground
Railroad. He was married to Jane Rankin, daughter
of William and Isabella (Potter) Rankin, members of
Bethel Presbyterian Church, in Indiana County, whereANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
they are buried. Isabella Potter's mother's name was
Noble, for whom Noble Garvin Miller was named.
Isabella was a native of Inniskillen, Ireland, where she
was born in I790. The Rankins came to this country
during her childhood. She married Andrew Simpson,
February 3, I807, who died November I9, I862, and
she died August 30, 1858. Her daughter, Hannah
(Simpson) Miller, mother of Rev. Noble Garvin
Miller, D. D., lived to the advanced age of nearly
ninety-two years, passing away January I4, I902, in
Blairsville, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Noble Garvin Miller also claimed an old and
honorable Pennsylvania ancestry, tracing her paternal
descent from her great-grandfather, William Johnston, Sr., who was born near Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1752, and came to this country with
his wife, Sarah Mathews, and five children landing in
New York, in I796, aboard the "Cleopatra," after nine
weeks at sea.
The Johnson family had gone to Ireland from Scotland because of religious persecution, and suffered
during the siege of Londonderry and the battle of the
Boyne and their property was confiscated. His wife,
Sarah Mathews, also a native of Ireland, born on
Derby Island in I750, was of Norman descent, through
William the Conqueror. They originally went up the
North River, later to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania,
and in I805, settled on a three-hundred-acre patent of
land called "Flowertown," located along the Penn
Treaty lands, along the Proprietary Manor in that
section of Westmoreland County that later became
Indiana County. William Johnston was an Orangeman, had the uniform and brought it with him. THe
died here on May 22, 1822; his wife having passed
away before him on April I5, I815; buried in Harmony
churchyard, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Descent
is carried on by their second son, William Johnston,
Jr., Mrs. Noble Garvin Miller's grandfather, who was
born in County Tyrone, Ireland, on June 3, 1782, and
came to this country with his parents when he was
fourteen. He married, September I, I807, Jane Parker,
born near Belfast, Ireland, August I2, 1783, the daughter of William and Margaret Jane (Tomb) Parker, and
granddaughter of Lord Parker. On July 21, 1792, she
came to Baltimore, Maryland, with her widowed
mother and three brothers. Her mother, Mrs. ParkerGraham, bought horses, wagons, and cattle, and cut
her way through to Armagh, Pennsylvania, near where
her brother, John Tomb, had settled; and bought the
Patent "Plainfield." She laid out the town of Armagh,
called for the Irish home; which is the oldest existing
town in Indiana County. [Deeds in Greensburg, in the
name of James Graham, her second husband.] She had
belonged to the Carnmony Church, near Belfast, Ireland, and married William Parker about I777. After
his death, and on her removal to America she married
James Graham. She was born about 1752, died May
9, I827, buried in Mathews Grave Yard, near Armagh,
Pennsylvania. She brought with her, her brother,
David Tomb, wife and family, her sister, Elizabeth
Tomb and husband, Alexander Carnahan, and two
sisters, Catherine and Mary Tomb, also four Irish
families who had worked on her estate in Ireland
(Lukes', Fees', Junkins', Awls', and perhaps Leslies').
They all belonged to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
and brought their certificates with them.
William Johnston, Jr., and his wife lived in Armagh.
He was in charge of one section of the Philadelphia
Turnpike, which is now the William Penn Highway
and still follows the original route through Armagh.
William Johnston, Jr., and Jane (Parker) Johnston
had nine children. He died on May I, I844, and his
wife, on April 8, I849.
Robert Johnston, their second son and father of
Mrs. Noble G. Miller, was born in Armagh, September
20, I809. He spent his boyhood in Halifax, North
Carolina, with a bachelor uncle, also named Robert
Johnston. In young manhood, he returned to Pennsylvania, attended Washington and Jefferson College,
later learned the cabinet-making trade and then was
associated in business with J. C. Davitt. J. W. Baxter,
and E. Asper of the firm Davitt, Johnston and Company, makers of fine furniture. One of their apprentices was George H. Dauler, Sr., the well-known furniture dealer of Pittsburgh, and the head of the firm of
Dauler, Close and Johns. He continued here until he
joined Samuel Johnston, one of his brothers in a coal
mining business at Greenville, Pennsylvania, and mercantile business at Armagh, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. He came to Blairsville in I853 in order that
his daughters might attend the Blairsville Seminary.
Here he bought a farm which he managed until his
death on March 9, I888. Mr. Johnston was a substantial citizen, one of the organizers of the First National
Bank of Blairsville, now the Blairsville Savings and
Trust Company, and a director of the same until his
death. He was brought up in the Presbyterian Church,
but after conversion, he joined the Fifth Street Methoodist Protestant Church, in Pittsburgh. In Blairsville,
he and his wife connected themselves with the Methodist Episcopal Church (which he had joined in
Armagh in I84I), of which he was a trustee and class
leader for many years. On March 22, 1838, Robert
Johnston married, at Pittsburgh, Anna Maria Rahm,
and they became the parents of seven children, of
whom Mrs. Noble Garvin Miller was the second.
Anna Maria Rahm, daughter of Martin and Anna
Maria Dorothy (Anshutz) Rahm, of Pittsburgh, was
348ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
349
born at Armitage's Mill, Huntingdon County, October
25, I813, and died at Blairsville, September I8, I894.
Her father, who had been a clerk and manager of departments in the Huntingdon Iron Works, was from
I8I4 a member of the iron commission firm of Anshutz
and Rahm, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was also
an agent for the Economite Society, an early councilman of the city and as such was on the committee to
receive General Lafayette in I825. He was Consul for
the Swiss and German governments in Pittsburgh. He
was a member of the First German United Evangelical
Protestant Church, a member of its council, its secretary for years and its president for some years, and at
the time of his death.
Through her maternal lineage, Mrs. Noble Garvin
Miller was a great-granddaughter of Conrad de Rahm,
native of Metz, Lorraine, who came to this country
aboard the "Europa" with a group of Palatinates and
settled on a farm near Philadelphia in I74I. Through
his abhorrence of class distinction he is said to have
dropped the prefix "de" from his name. Brothers and
at least one sister also came to America; one
brother was killed by Indians in Eastern Pennsylvania.
They were Moravians. One brother had a plantation
in Dauphin County, and had slaves (will I794 in
Dauphin County, recorder's office).  Prior to the
Revolutionary War, Conrad Rahm sold his farm and
removed to a section near Harrisburg. When the war
broke out he became a corporal in Captain Benjamin
Weiser's Company and saw action in the battles of
Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey. He also fought
against the Indians as a member of Sullivan's Expedition; and as captain of the Huntingdon Dragoons in
I780, helped protect the frontiers of Northumberland
County. Three of his sons, John Michael Rahm, of
Hummelstown, Pennsylvania; John Jacob Rahm, of
Shippensburg, Pennsylvania; and Melchoir Rahm, of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, fought in the Revolutionary
War; and a grandson, John Rahm, son of Melchoir
Rahm, was brevetted for bravery while serving under
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the battle
of Lake Erie in I813. He was father of General
Greene B. Rahm, of the Civil War and Pension Agent
in Washington, District of Columbia. Conrad Rahm
married Maria Catherine Weiser, in I754; all his children were born in Pennsylvania, yet Martin Rahm,
born October 4, I776, was the only one born a citizen
of the United States. Maria Catherine Weiser, born in
Pennsylvania, January 29, 1733, confirmed in I748,
married to Conrad Rahm by Rev. George Weiser in
I754, was a daughter of Christopher Frederick Weiser,
born February 24, I699, died June i6, I768, and his
wife was Elizabeth who was born in 1702; and granddaughter of John Conrad Weiser, who was sent to this
country by Queen Anne in charge of a company of
Palatines in I709. There were three thousand persons in ten vessels. They were sent, passage paid, to
a grant of land in New York State, but when they
arrived, they were enslaved by Robert Livingston and
Robert Hunter, who took them to Livingston Manor
to work out their passage (which had been promised
them free by Queen Anne). John Conrad Weiser, Sr.,
got consent of Mohawk Indians to let them have the
grants promised by Queen Anne, but Governor Hunter
interfered and took this from them. So Weiser and
two others were sent to England to obtain redress for
their sufferings. Finally in I723 he brought a party
of these Palatines to Heidelburg Township, in Pennsylvania. John Conrad Weiser, Sr., served as the
captain of Queensbury Company of Palatines in the
British Army assembled at Albany for a proposed
expedition against Montreal in the summer and fall
of I711, in the regiment of Colonel Ingoldsby.
Conrad Rahm, who worshipped in the Moravian
Church, died in 1782. His youngest son, Martin
Rahm, maternal grandfather of Mrs. Noble Garvin
Miller, was only six years of age at the time. He was
born near Harrisburg, October 4, I776, and died in
Pittsburgh, May 6, I836. On January 20, I8o6, in
Huntingdon County, Martin Rahm married Anna
Maria Dorothy Anshutz, daughter of George Ludwig
and Catherine Elizabeth (Gerber) Anshutz. There
were eleven children by this marriage, the fifth of
whom was Anna Maria Rahm, mother of Mrs. N. G.
Miller. The latter's maternal grandmother, Mrs. A.
M. D. (Anshutz) Rahm, was born at Zinsweiller, Germany, in 1788, and came to this country with her parents, brothers and sisters and uncle John Philip Anshutz
on the ship "Fair American," Captain Benjamin Lee,
from Amsterdam, docking at Philadelphia, September
I2, I791. Her father, native of her birthplace, was
born in I753, and died in Pittsburgh, in 1837. He was
a member of a wealthy burgher family in Alsace, who
had been engaged in the manufacture of iron for generations.  He married Catherine Elizabeth Gerber,
April II, I78o, at Niederbronn, Germany, and she had
been born June 22, T757. She died December 14, I835.
He had letters of endorsement from John Von Deitrich, Peer in the Holy Roman Empire, Count of
Steinthal, Sovereign of the City of Reichshoffen, and
honorary mayor of the city of Strasburg, April 27,
I79I. Mr. Anshutz came to the city of Pittsburgh and
built the first blast furnace in the Pittsburgh district,
near Shadyside, East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was
supposed there was iron ore in the neighborhood sufficient for the purpose, but as it had to be brought down
the Allegheny River from near Kiskiminetas, this
proved too expensive. It was abandoned after theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
"Whiskey Insurrection," when the soldiers camped
nearby and burned his supply of wood used for charcoal. He then went to Westmoreland County and ran
the Probst furnace for its owners. Poor iron ore again
caused him to search further. He finally found better
ore in Huntingdon County and moved there in I795
and built the first furnace, in the then undeveloped
Juniata iron region. About I795 he became a partner
with Judge John Gloninger and Mordecai Massey in
the Huntingdon Furnace and remained there as manager and part owner until he retired in 1832 on account of old age. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, was naturalized in Huntingdon County, August 24, I802, as a former subject of
the King of France. Mrs. Miller's maternal greatgrandparents, Mr. and Mrs. George Ludwig Anshutz,
were the parents of eight children, the fifth of whom
was Anna Maria Dorothy Anshutz, who married Martin Rahm. Their fifth child, Anna Maria Rahm, married Robert Johnston and the second of seven children
born to the latter couple, Sarah Jane Johnston, married
the Rev. Noble Garvin Miller, D. D.
It has seemed proper to give something of the ancestry of Dr. Miller and his wife, since they were of
pioneer stock, Pennsylvania citizens, and God-fearing,
law-abiding, church men of the various Protestant
faiths: Movarian, Presbyterian, United Presbyterian,
Methodist Protestant and Methodist Episcopal and
Lutheran. All were faithful members of their churches,
all helped to build in their various communities,
staunch, religious characters, and were helpful in organizing schools, manufacturing institutions and business houses. Many were professional men and women:
ministers, physicians, lawyers, teachers, bankers, merchants, missionaries to foreign lands; some were farmers, and business men. They did not fail in their allegiance to the State and country in coming to her aid
when needed in war. They served the Colonies in the
Revolutionary War, and also in the Indian wars. They
also protected the frontiers as rangers and scouts. In
the Civil War were many of the family, and in the
World War, the descendants also served. They do
not believe in war, prefer peace; which is why they
originally came to America.
HARRY BLAINE SPEICHER-One of the
leading educators of Somerset County, Harry Blaine
Speicher, supervising principal of the public schools in
Boswell, is director and operator of Camp Harmony
Training School of the Church of the Brethren.
Harry Blaine Speicher was born in Lincoln Township, Somerset County, April 4, I884, son of Peter and
Jane (Sipes) Speicher. Jacob Speicher, the father of
Peter Speicher, was the founder of the family in Somerset County, a farmer and, also, a preacher.
After passing through the public schools, Harry
Blaine Speicher prepared for college at Juniata College and then, entering the University of Pittsburgh,
graduated in 1929 with his Bachelor of Science degree,
and continuing in the same institution, received his
Master of Arts degree in I93i. Meanwhile, Mr.
Speicher had been following his career as a teacher, beginning his life work in 1902 in Southampton Township, where he spent a year, going on to Somerset
Township where he spent a year teaching in the grade
school, two years teaching in Somerset High School,
after which he organized the Somerset Township High
School and remained as its supervising principal for
five years. Then, after three years as supervising
principal at Rockwood, Mr. Speicher was appointed to
the Boswell schools, the position which he has filled
through the present time. In addition to his extra
responsibilities in operating the Camp Harmony Training School for the Church of the Brethren, he takes
an active part in extra-mural activities of his profession, having served as president of the Somerset
County Branch of the Pennsylvania State Education
Association and being a life member of the National
Education Association. Keenly interested in civic affairs as a member of the Republican party, Mr.
Speicher has for years been active in civic affairs in
Boswell. He is a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows and gives generously of himself to the
affairs of the Boswell Lutheran Church, having been
for thirteen years president of the Somerset County
Sunday School Association and, for a year was a
teacher of the Men's Bible Class in the Walnut Grove
Church, Church of the Brethren, of Johnstown.
Harry Blaine Speicher married, August 8, 1912,
Ada Brumbaugh of Martinsburg, Blair County. Mr.
and Mrs. Speicher are the parents of four children:
I. Dorothy, a graduate (Bachelor of Arts) of Juniata
College, married to Ralph Murray of New York City.
2. Frances, attended Indiana State Teachers' College,
married J. L. Richards, of Somerset. 3. Harry Brumbaugh, attending California State Teachers' College.
4. Wilma E., a student in the local schools.
HARRY BEECHER NEAL, M. D.-As a
founder of the first hospital in Indiana, member of the
medical staff of the present establishment and member
and officer of the leading medical organizations of this
section, Dr. Harry Beecher Neal is one of the most
respected and esteemed members of the profession in
this county, where he has practiced for over thirty
years.
350ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
A native of Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Neal
was born here May I7, I882, the son of Thomas Sharp
and Nancy Ann (Oberlin) Neal, who both passed
away in I921. During his life his father was a successful lumber merchant in this community and a gentleman farmer. After completing his studies at the
public schools of Indiana, and graduating at the State
Teachers College at Indiana, Pennsylvania, he took a
postgraduate course at the same institution. Dr. Neal
matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, attending
the medical department of this institution from which
he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9o6. The same year he returned to his birthplace and established himself in a general practice
which he has since been conducting with outstanding
distinction and success. Early in his career he, with
Dr. George Simpson, established the first hospital in
Indiana, which they operated for approximately six
years. At the expiration of this period the present
modern hospital was erected and Dr. Neal was elected
a member of the staff, which he has since been identified with. He is treasurer and for the past thirty
years has served in some official capacity for the
Indiana County Medical Society. In addition, Dr.
Neal belongs to the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and is a Fellow of the American Medical Association. Socially he holds membership in the Indiana
Country Club and in religion worships at the Lutheran
Church, for which he is a member of the council.
In I9II, at Indiana, Dr. Neal married Roxy Louisa
Widdisson, and they are the parents of two children:
I. Harry Beecher, Jr., who is a member of the senior
class at Princeton University. 2. Ruth Louisa, who is
a student at the Harcum Junior College, of Bryn
Mawr, Pennsylvania.
FREDERIC J. KELLAM, M. D.-Engaged in
the practice of surgery in the community of Indiana
since 1926, Dr. Frederic J. Kellam has performed a
valuable work in his chosen profession and won the
esteem and respect of his medical colleagues as well
as the confidence of his fellow-citizens.
Dr. Kellam was born July 2I, I89I, the son of
Albert E. and Clara O. (Eaton) Kellam. His father,
who passed away in 1926, was clerk of the court of
Princess Anne County in Virginia for over twenty
years. Dr. Kellam attended the schools of Princess
Anne County and after completing his studies here
entered Randolph College where he took a pre-medical
course. He then matriculated at the Medical College
of Virginia from which he was graduated with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in I915. Since that time
he has supplemented his early professional training
with several postgraduate courses in surgery.  He
established himself in a general practice of medicine
at Mineral, Virginia, in I915, removed to Ernest,
Pennsylvania, in I92I, and five years later came to
Indiana, where he has remained since, specializing in
surgery and serving as a member of the staff of the
Indiana Hospital. He is a Fellow in the American
College of Surgeons and holds membership in  the
Indiana County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania
State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association. Through his accomplishments he has
become widely known throughout Western Pennsylvania where he is ranked among the most prominent
and successful surgeons.
Aside from his professional affiliations he has taken
a keen interest in community affairs and is identified
with several organizations here, including the local
lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Indiana
Country Club and the Indiana Hunt Club. He is a
Presbyterian in his religious convictions and during the
World War was a volunteer in the Medical Service
Corps.
In I9I5, at Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Kellam married
Dorothy Minter, and they are the parents of two children: I. Frederic J., Jr., who is twenty years of age
and now a student at Yale University. 2. Margarete,
who is fourteen years of age.
THOMAS WATKINS KREDEL, M. D.Though one of the younger members of the medical
fraternity in Indiana County, Thomas Watkins Kredel
has already demonstrated an aptitude and ability as a
surgeon that has gone to establish him as one of the
most prominent and promising young members of the
profession in this section.  Since I936 he has been
associated with Dr. Kellam, of Indiana, devoting his
energies strictly to his specialized field.
Dr. Kredel was born at Johnstown, June 30, I908,
the son of William H. and Nina (Watkins) Kredel.
His father, who died in I937, was one of the first
licensed pharmacists in the State and for over fiftyfive years operated a drug store in Johnstown. After
receiving a general education in the public schools of
his native community Dr. Kredel attended Bucknell
University, where he took a pre-medical course and
later matriculated at the Jefferson Medical College
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I932. He devoted the next two
years serving as an interne at the Germantown Hospital, where he became resident surgeon, a post which
he occupied between 1934 and I935. The following
year he came to Indiana where he has since been
associated in the practice of surgery with Dr. Kellam.
Professionally he is a member of the Indiana County
Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical So35IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
George Hermann, a native of Germany, who was a
sergeant in the PennsyIvania Regiment of Colonel
Hazen, which served under Washington. The Rev.
J. Paul Harman's mother was the daughter of William Isaac and Caroline (Seitzer) Jarrett, natives of
Lycoming County. Mr. Jarrett, who was a blacksmith,
was born August 9, I846, the son of John and Anna
Mary (Wolfe) Jarrett, in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. John Jarrett was born May 9, I797, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the son of Isaac and Susanah
(Price) Jarrett. Isaac Jarrett was the son of Jacob
and Kate (Ott) Jarrett.
J. Paul Harman graduated from the Berwick High
School in 1912, and from Susquehanna University in
I9I6, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In 1921,
Mr. Harman graduated from the Susquehanna Theological Seminary and Selinsgrove, with the degree of
Bachelor of Divinity. He served pastorates at Holy
Trinity, Salem, Ohio, and at Bethany Church, Braddock, Pennsylvania. On September I5, I932, he came
to Zion's Lutheran Church, in Greensburg, where he
has held the pastorate until the present time.
Mr. Harman's preparation for the ministry was interrupted by the call to arms during the World War.
He was assigned to Headquarters Battery of the I49th
Field Artillery, of the Rainbow Division, when that
outfit was organized, and was later placed on detached
service with the Air Corps. He served for twenty-one
months in France, and was honorably discharged as a
first lieutenant of Field Artillery on August I5, I9T9.
At once, he resumed his theological studies.
His military training has served to keep him concerned with the welfare of both veterans and members
of the present National Guard. He is a member of
the Robert G. Kotouch Post, No. 3I8, American Legion, and chaplain of the I76th Field Artillery of the
Pennsylvania National Guard. Mr. Harman is a member of the Masonic Order, belongs to the Greensburg
Country Club and the Greensburg Rotary Club.
On October 29, 1924, the Rev. J. Paul Harman married Mary Elizabeth Holderman. Mrs. Harman is a
descendant of Edward Black, who served in the Revolutionary War as a private in Colonel Thomas Ball's
Regiment. Mrs. Harman was graduated from Kingston High School, Kingston, Ohio, in I913, and from
Ohio Wesleyan, in I917, with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts. She is a member of Phoebe Bayard Chapter,
Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs.
Harman have a son, John Paul, born August 26, I935.
THOMAS  SMITH  CONNOR-Identified for
most of his life with business and civic activities in
Greensburg, Thomas Smith Connor is the local manager for Moore, Leonard and Lynch, stock brokers of
Pittsburgh.
Thomas Smith Connor was born in Wheeling, West
Virginia, on June IO, I892, a son of Thomas and Jane
(Smith) Connor. Mr. Connor's father, who was born
in Liverpool, England, on April 5, I857, came to this
country with his parents when about eleven years of
age. Settling first in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the family later moved to Greensburg. At first a railroad
tunnel contractor, Mr. Connor's father became a general contractor, establishing his business with the aid
of his sons. The firm of Thomas Connor and Sons
became very well known in Greensburg and vicinity.
The elder Mr. Connor died in Greensburg, May 28,
I923. Thomas Smith Connor's mother, Jane (Smith)
Connor, was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, May I5,
I859. She died in Greensburg, December 28, 1907.
She was the daughter of Patrick and Mary (McCabe)
Smith, who were both natives of Ireland. Mr. Smith
was engaged in the railroad construction business in
Altoona.
Thomas Smith Connor, after passing through the
Greensburg public schools, attended the St. Vincent
Preparatory School at Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Then
he studied at Catholic University of America, in WVashington, District of Columbia, receiving his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I917. Soon thereafter, he enlisted
in the United States Army Ambulance service with the
French Army, under Major Deveraux. After training
at Camp Crane, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Connor
sailed for France, Christmas Day in I9I7. Following
more than a year's service, he returned home April
Io, I919. Then, after working with his father for a
year in the general contracting business, Mr. Connor
went to Pittsburgh as a bond salesman with the stock
brokerage firm of Moore, Leonard and L,ynch. In
I929, when the firm opened a branch office in Greensburg, Mr. Connor was appointed branch manager, the
position which he holds at the present time.
Mr. Connor has continued his military service interests by being active in American Legion affairs. A
member of Robert G. Kotouch Post, No. 318, American
Legion, of Greensburg, he is also a Past Commander
of the post. A member of the local lodge of the Elks,
Mr. Connor is one of the founders of the Concord
Club and belongs to the Greensburg Country Club. A
member of the Democratic party, Mr. Connor has always been an independent voter. He is one of the
directors of the Greensburg Public Library.
On January 29, 1923, Thomas Smith Connor married
Collotte Sarah Head, daughter of Raymond C. and
Gertrude (Brannock) Head. Mrs. Connor, who is a
graduate of St. Xavier Academy and Seton Hill Academy, also attended Latrohe Parochial School. Mr. and
35ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ciety and the American Medical Association. He is a
junior member of the American College of Surgeons.
He belongs to the Indiana Country Club, the Indiana
Lions Club and worships at the German Lutheran
Church. As a student in college he served in the
Reserve Officers Training Corps.
In I932, at Philadelphia, Dr. Kredel married Mary
Slattery, a native of that community.
REV. JAMES BRADY-For the better part of
seventeen years the Rev. James Brady has nobly advanced the ideals of his faith as assistant pastor and
pastor of the St. Bernard Church of Indiana, the oldest
Catholic Church in Western Pennsylvania. As a
cleric he has exerted a powerful influence over his
parishioners and co6perated to a generous and substantial degree in advancing the general welfare of the
community.
Father Brady was born in County Cavan, Ireland,
January I, I895, the son of Patrick and Catherine
(O'Reilly) Brady, both of his birthplace where they
now reside and his father engages in farming. He
attended the local schools of County Cavan and later
came to this country to enter St. Vincent's College at
Latrobe, where he was ordained in 1920. The same
year he came to Indiana as assistant pastor of the St.
Bernard Roman Catholic Church, which was established here in 1846. He assumed the post of pastor
for the same church in I932, and has since continued
in this capacity, exhibiting gifts as a fine preacher of
great spiritual strength, which he combines with an
uncommon executive ability. Aside from his clerical
duties he has taken a keen and active interest in the
affairs of his surroundings and belongs to the local
council of the Knights of Columbus.
DR. FRANKLIN EDGAR SASS-Dr. Franklin
Edgar Sass has been engaged in the general practice
of medicine and surgery in Boswell since I9I5, and in
addition to the numerous duties entailed in the practice of his profession, he has always taken an active
part in local civic affairs. He was born in Greenville
Township, Somerset County, October 7, 1884, the son
of Augustus and Savilla  (Baer) Sass.  Augustus
Sass was engaged during his lifetime in farming, and
he was the son of Valentine Sass, who came from
Germany at the age of twenty-one years and settled
in Somerset County, where he engaged in farming
until his death on December 25, I936. Savilla (Baer)
Sass, daughter of Elisha Baer, a member of Company
K, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the Civil War, is at
present eighty-one years of age.
Dr. Sass received his early education in the Township
schools and then engaged in teaching for five years,
after which he entered Valparaiso University, where he
was able to complete a three-year course in two years.
He next enrolled at Jefferson Medical College, from
which he was graduated in I9IO, with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. After a period of interneship at
Howard Hospital, he began the practice of his profession in I9I1, as surgeon for the John B. Carter Construction Company, during the building of the Western
Maryland Railroad. In I915 he transferred his activ-;ties to the present site in Boswell, where he has distinguished himself as a physician and surgeon of unquestioned ability. From I924 to I928 he served as
County Medical Director, and at the present time is
coroner of Somerset County. He has also been an
interested student of American history, and is the possessor of a fine private library on this subject.
He is a member of the Reformed Church and a
prominent member of the Republican party. He was
married January I2, I911, to Clara Agnes Shockey,
daughter of Herman and Susan (Werner) Shockey.
Herman Shockey was the son of Eli Shockey who
fought in the Mexican and Civil Wars, and the grandson of Henry Shockey, whose father, Christian, settled in Brothers Valley Township in I772, and later
participated in the Revolutionary War. Dr. and Mrs.
Sass are the parents of two children: I. Robert Eugene, born April I3, I923. 2. Donald Keiper, born
January 28, 1928.
LUCIUS WATERMAN ROBINSON, Jr.Assistant to the president of the Rochester  Pittsburgh Coal and Iron Company, an official in a number
of industrial and financial organizations in both this
State and New York, Lucius Waterman Robinson,
Jr., who has resided in Indiana for over fifteen years
is ranked among the most successful and prominent
business leaders of this region.
Mr. Robinson was born in Punxsutawney, Jefferson
County, March 22, I893, the son of Lucius Waterman
and Ruth (De Moss) Robinson. He received the
early part of his general education in the public schools
of Rochester, New York, later attended the Hoosic
School at Hoosic, New York, and completed his
studies at Andover Academy, from which he was graduated in the class of I914. The same year he began
his career in the coal and iron business, securing a
position in the offices of the Rochester and Pittsburgh
Iron and Coal Company at Rochester. Eventually he
spent two years in the mines acquiring a well-rounded
and practical experience and then resumed executive
work as general manager of the Coal Run iMining
Company, and of the Tide Coal Mining Company. He
was made vice-president in several affiliated companies
and in I922 was appointed assistant to the president
352ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
353
of the Rochester  Pittsburgh Coal and Iron Company, with headquarters at Indiana, a post he has since
occupied with distinction and success. His prominence
in business is further evidenced by the fact that he is
a member of the board of directors of the Savings and
Trust Company of Indiana, the George Hall and
Shipping Corporation of Montreal, Canada, and the
Hall Company of Ogdensburg, New York.
Aside from his business connections, Mr. Robinson
is also active socially. He is a member of the Cosmopolitan Club, the Rochester Country Club of Rochester, New York, the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh,
and the Transportation Club of New York. He is a
Republican in politics and in his religious convictions
worships at the Episcopalian Church.
On June 28, I917, Mr. Robinson married Harriet
Overton, of Nashville, Tennessee. They have one
daughter, Virginia.
DR. HOWARD B. BUTERBAUGH-Engaged
in the practice of medicine and surgery for almost
forty-five years, Dr. Howard B. Buterbaugh, of Indiana, has won wide renown as an eye, ear, nose and
throat specialist, and has long been identified with
productive movements in this community as a publicspirited leader. He is the second oldest practicing
physician in this county and is identified officially with
a number of leading professional organizations.
Dr. Buterbaugh was born at Cookport, Indiana
County, May 12, I87I, the son of Elias L. and Sarah
(Barbor) Buterbaugh. His father, who died in I898,
was a pioneer in the lumber industry of this section of
the State, where he is credited with being the first to
employ a steam engine for sawing wood. The elder
Buterbaugh, one of the most prominent men of his
generation in Cookport, also operated a general store.
Dr. Buterbaugh's grandfather was one of the first
settlers in this community and established the lumber
business which was later carried on by his son with
such success. Completing a general education in the
public schools of Indiana County, Dr. Buterbaugh
entered Western Reserve University and was graduated from that institution with the degree of Doctor
of Medicine in the class of I895. He then served as
an interne at the Lakeside Hospital for one year and
later took postgraduate courses at the Mayo Clinic,
Murphy's Clinic, the Harvard Clinic and the New
York Post-Graduate Hospital from which he was also
graduated. Soon after establishing himself in a general practice he began specializing in surgery, devoting his energies to eye, ear, nose and throat ailments
and has since continued in this capacity attaining wide
distinction for his accomplishments.
His status in the profession is not only evident in
the large and lucrative practice he has built up, but
also in the position he has attained in a number of
medical and surgical organizations. At present he is
the only physician in Indiana County who has a life
membership in the American College of Surgeons, and
is a former president and member of the Indiana
County Medical Society. He also belongs to the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, the American
Medical Association, the New York and New England Railway Surgeons Association and for the past
thirty years has been surgeon for the Pennsylvania
Railroad in this community, where he is also a former
president and member of the staff of the Indiana Hospital. In addition to these distinctions he is a life
member of the Surgical Club of Mayo's Clinic, and a
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Buterbaugh is a versatile man who has contributed his talents and been interested in many phases
of community life. In this connection he is a director
of the First National Bank of Indiana, Indiana City
Council, a representative for this district and chairman
of the crippled children's committee of the Indiana
Rotary Club. He fraternizes with the Masonic Order,
in which he is a member of all bodies including the
thirty-second degree and the Shrine, and is also identified with the local lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Dr. Buterbaugh is a member
of the Indiana Fish and Game Association, the Indiana
Automobile Club and the Indiana Country Club. During the World War he enlisted in the Medical Corps
of the United States Army, was commissioned a first
lieutenant, promoted to the rank of captain, and placed
in charge of a unit as surgeon of a field hospital in
France. After the war he was elevated to the rank of
major in the Pennsylvania National Guard and retained that office until his recent retirement from that
organization. Through his military service he is a
member of the American Legion, the Veterans of
Foreign Wars and the Forty and Eight Club. In his
religious convictions he worships at the First Presbyterian Church of Indiana.
In 1922, at Indiana, Dr. Buterbaugh married Anna
C., Brown, an only living daughter of Thomas C.
Brown, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and one of the
pioneer families of that community. Her mother and
sister died a number of years ago.
CHARLES HOWARD BEE, M. D.-In the
profession of medicine, Dr. Charles Howard Bee is
well established in the community of Indiana where he
has practiced for the past sixteen years and is recognized as one of the outstanding physicians. Prior toANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
coming here he had engaged in the general practice of
medicine in the State of Ohio for eleven years, and
later spent five years at his birthplace, Marion Center,
in this county.
Dr. Bee was born at Marion Center, February 7,
1875, the son of Daniel H. and Elizabeth (McChesney)
Bee, both deceased, the former in I915 and the latter in
1925. His father, who was wounded and lost a leg
during the Civil War, followed his trade of shoemaker
and lived in retirement for the last five years of his
life. The elder Bee was a son of a pioneer who was
one of the earliest settlers in Indiana County. Dr.
Bee attended the local schools of his birthplace and
after completing this part of his studies entered the
Indiana State Normal School, from which he was graduated in 900oo. During this time he taught school for
seven years, the last year of which followed his graduation from Indiana State Normal School. He then
took a medical course at the University of Michigan
and after two years, transferred to the Medical Chirurgical School of Pennsylvania, from which he was
awarded a degree of Doctor of Medicine in I905. That
year he established himself in a general practice in the
State of Ohio, continued there until 1916 and then returned to his birthplace, where he practiced for five
years. His career in Indiana dates back to I92I. Since
that time he has built up an extensive clientele and
enjoys the confidence and respect of his colleagues and
the general public. Dr. Bee is now president of the
Indiana Hospital Staff and a former president of the
Indiana County Medical Society, in which he holds
membership. He also belongs to the Pennsylvania
State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association.
Though professional duties have commanded most
of his attention he has found time to devote to the
social and civic life of his surroundings. He has contributed substantially to the welfare of his community
and at present is president of the Indiana Board of
Education. In I936 Dr. Bee was elected a delegate to
the Republican National Convention, at Cleveland,
Ohio, from the Thirty-seventh Congressional District,
and received a very flattering vote. In religion he
worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
On October 24, 1907, at Marcellus, Michigan, Charles
Howard Bee, M. D., married Clare Poorman, a teacher
in the Michigan schools and a graduate of the Ypsilanti Normal College. Dr. and Mrs. Bee are the parents of two children: I. Dr. Daniel Harold, a graduate
of the University of Pittsburgh, from which he received a degree of Bachelor of Science in the class of
I933. He then entered Temple University, Philadelphia, for the study of medicine, where he received his
medical degree in I937. He is now serving an interneship at the Columbia Hospital in Wilkinsburg. 2.
Mary T., who was graduated from  the Carnegie
Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree, is now doing social service work for the government.
HARRY W. PHARAOH-Early experience and
training eminently equipped Harry W. Pharaoh for
his present position as manager of the Clymer Water
Service Company of Indiana, where he has resided
and worked since 1928, and won distinction as a leading
business figure and civic worker
Mr. Pharaoh was born in the city of Philadelphia,
November I, I885, the son of William T. and Bertha
(Postel) Pharaoh, the former of whom passed away
in I937. Throughout his career his father engaged
in the plumbing trade as a contractor. After completing his schooling in Philadelphia, Mr. Pharaoh,
like his father, entered the plumbing trade which he
pursued for several years. He then secured a position
with the Springfield Water Company and during the
ensuing years worked his way up to the post of superintendent, an office from which he retired in 1928 to
come to Indiana and become manager of the Clymer
WVater Service Company here. He is a recognized
expert in his field and has enjoyed outstanding success.
As a resident of Indiana he has also gained a reputation for the useful and generous contributions he has
made to the civc welfare and advancement of the community. He is a member and former president of the
Indiana Kiwanis Club, was treasurer of the William
Penn Council' of the Boy Scouts of America which
office he resigned and belongs to the Delaware County
and Pennsylvania State Firemen's Association.  In
his fraternal affiliations he is a member of the local
lodge of Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  Mr. Pharaoh worships
at the Baptist Church.
In 1909, at Lansdowne, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Mr. Pharaoh married Alma Johnson. He;s the father of three children: Ruth, Anna and
Henry.
MORRIS STERN-Since he was twenty-one
years of age Morris Stern has been associated with
the management of the Moore Hotel in Indiana, oldest
hostelry of this section of the State and one of the
most widely patronized by business, civic and political
leaders. At the age of twenty-one he acquired ownership and continues to conduct the establishment according to policies that have made it famous during
354ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
its existence of over a century.  During his career
in Indiana he has been among the most active and
prominent leaders in community affairs and is widely
known and highly thought of by his fellow-citizens.
Mr. Stern was born in Austria, June 7, I897, the
son of Joseph H. and Jennie (Weiss) Stern, both natives of his birthplace. His father, who died in I918,
engaged in the hotel business throughout his life. Mr.
Stern was brought to this country by his parents as a
young boy and received a general education in the public schools of Indiana. After completing this part of
his studies he attended business college and, upon reaching his majority, began his career as the owner and
manager of the Moore Hotel in this community. This
hostelry, which is over one hundred years old, has
one hundred and twenty rooms for guests and caters
to a select clientele made up of business men and
leaders in other walks of life who travel through
the southwestern part of the State. Full credit for
the position it now enjoys can be attributed directly
to the efforts of Mr. Stern, who maintains a standard
of excellence that has attracted wide patronage.
Active in different branches of social and civic life
here, Mr. Stern is a member of the Indiana Chamber
of Commerce, the Indiana Kiwanis Club, serves as
president of the Fish and Game Association, occupies
the same position in the Indiana Liquor Dealers Association, and fraternizes with the local lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In his religious convictions he adheres to the Hebrew faith.
In I923, at Indiana, Mr. Stern married Louise Gilbert.
REV. DR. J. STEWART KUNKLE-Rev. Dr.
J. Stewart Kunkle of Saltsburg has devoted his life to
advancing the principles of the Presbyterian faith. He
has gone far afield on his mission and won wide renown for the work he has accomplished in the missionary schools of Canton, China, the permanen'
scene of his activities. As a native of Saltsburg, he
spends his sabbatical year in this community, in which
his forebears are listed among the earliest settlers.
Mr. Kunkle was born in Saltsburg, March 23, I880,
the son of Michael and Sarah (Hine) Kunkle, both
of his native community where his father, now deceased, was a business man. After a general education in the public schools of Saltsburg, Mr. Kunkle
completed this part of his studies at the Kiskiminetas
Spring School and then matriculated at the Washington and Jefferson College from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later he attended Western Seminary, and then supplemented this
training with special courses at Yale University, Oxford University in England, and Leipsic University in
Germany. He received his Doctor of Divinity degree
from Washington and Jefferson University.
Directly after leaving school he was sent to Canton, China, by the Presbyterian Mission and began a
career that he has since pursued with notable success.
In the years that have followed he has been delegated
increasing responsibility until today he is president
of the Union Theological Seminary in Canton, a director of the Lingnan University, the Pui Ying Middle
School and the True Light Middle School, all of that
city. This roster of positions indicates the prominence
he has attained as one of the outstanding leaders of
the Presbyterian faith in both this country and abroad.
In I916, at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, Dr. Kunkle
married Julia Mitchell.
DR. CARL WELFLEY FRANTZ-Among the
prominent members of the medical profession in Somerset County, is Dr. Carl Welfley Frantz who has
been a successful practicing physician in Confluence
for the past twenty-eight years. He is a native of this
town, having been born here July 4, I884, the son of
Hiram and Martha (Welfley) Frantz. Hiram Frantz,
also a native of Confluence, and son of Jonathan Frantz
was a corporal in the Union Army during the Civil
War, and was engaged during his lifetime as a farmer
in Somerset County.
Dr. Frantz attended the Somerset schools and later
was graduated from Southwestern State Normal College. He then taught school for two years, after which
he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where
he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in I907.
He then began the practice of medicine in Swissvale,
Pennsylvania, and the following year transferred to
Finleyville, Washington County, where he was engaged for three years. In 1911 he returned to his native town and has been actively engaged here to the
present day. In I914 he pursued a postgraduate course
at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and upon returning to Confluence, established a private hospital, this being the
first hospital to be established in Somerset County.
This hospital, which he still operates, is fully equipped
with all the modern conveniences known to medical
science and has a capacity of fifteen beds. Dr. Frantz
is also one of the large farming operators in Somerset
County, holding an area of twelve hundred acres, fully
cultivated. He has a large herd of cows and, in conjunction with his farming, operates a modern dairy.
He has also served as president of the First National
Bank since I926.
He is an active member of the Lutheran Church,
having acted as church treasurer for the past twenty
years, he has also served on the church council since
355ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I912. He is well known in the affairs of the Republican party; has been a member of the school board for
ten years, and physician for the board of health for the
past twenty-five years. He is a past president of the
Somerset County Medical Society and has been treasurer of this body for twenty years. In Masonic circles he is affiliated with the Somerset Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He also
holds membership in the Grange.
He was married March 31, 19o8, to Clara Brackemeyer of Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of two
children: I. Howard Welfley; he attended the University of West Virginia and operates the Builders
and Farmers Supply Company of Confluence; married Mary Fletcher and they are the parents of a
daughter, Martha. 2. Louise, a graduate of Hood
College; married John M. Ritter, and they are the
parents of three children: i. Carl. ii. John. iii. Jane
Ritter.
MOORHEAD  B. HOLLAND-During a distinguished business and professional career, which
spans well over a quarter of a century the name of
Moorhead B. Holland has occupied a prominent place
in the financial, legal and industrial life of the city
of Pittsburgh, where he is now vice-president and a
member of the board of directors of the People's Savings and Trust Company. Throughout this period
he has also been an active figure in social and civic
affairs, supporting all worthy public projects and
holding membership in a number of leading clubs
here.
Mr. Moorhead B. Holland was born in Pittsburgh,
September 3, I884, the son of Dr. William J. and Caroline T. (Moorhead) Holland. His father, a famous
scientist and educator, was born at Bethany, a Moravian mission station on the Island of Jamaica, West Indies, where his father, the Rev. Francis Raymond Holland, was a missionary.
English ancestry of the family is traced to Philemon
Holland, translator of Pliny and other classic authors,
and William Holland, close friend of Whitehead and
Wesley. The first member of this family to come to
the New World was John Holland, listed among the
early settlers of Salem, North Carolina, native State
of the Rev. Francis R. Holland. On his maternal side
Mr. Holland is a descendant of Jacob and Eliza (Horsfield) Wolle, whose heirs were some of the earliest
settlers of New York and Philadelphia. His mother,
Caroline T. Moorhead was the daughter of John Moorhead, Pittsburgh iron manufacturer.
With his father one of the most distinguished educators of his time, Mr. Holland enjoyed unusual educational opportunities.  His early training was under
private tutors and later he attended the Hill School
in Pottstown, where he completed this part of his
studies in i9Oi. He then matriculated at Princeton
University, from which he was graduated with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in the class of I9o5, and later
attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he was
awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws in I9Io.
The same year he was admitted to the Pittsburgh bar
and established himself in a general practice which
1he was to conduct until 1914, when he was appointed
assistant trust officer of the People's Savings and Trust
Company, which he has been associated with in various
capacities ever since. Shortly after he joined the bank
he was named trust officer and later vice-president
and a member of the board of directors, positions which
he has since occupied with distinction and success. He
has gained further prominence serving in an official advisory capacity for several large organizations, among
them the Union Storage Company and the Pittsburgh
Incline Plane Company, for which he is a member
of the board of directors. He is trustee of Carnegie
Institution and Carnegie Institute of Technology, and
a member of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
Mr. Holland is a member of the American Banking
Association, the American Bar Association and the
Allegheny Bar Association. He belongs to the Duquesne, Pittsburgh Golf, the Allegheny Country and
the Fox Chapel Golf clubs. He is a Republican in
politics and worships at the Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM HERMAN KNOCH-Since boyhood William Herman Knoch has been a vital factor
in the industrial, commercial and financial life of
Saxonburg and Butler County, where his ancestors
settled over a century ago after coming to this country from Germany. As one of the outstanding leaders
of the aforementioned community he has organized
and served as an official for a number of highly successful business concerns, including the Saxonburg
Heat and Light Company, Inc., for which he has been
secretary and treasurer since its foundation over thirt.
years ago. While he is primarily known for his
business achievements he also has gained recognition in
social and civic affairs here, serving as justice of the
peace for three decades.
Mr. Knoch was born in Saxonburg, June 2I, i866,
the son of Herman and Amelia (Roebling) Knoch,
the former a native of G6ttingen, Germany, an i the
latter of Saxonburg, which her father, Carl Roebling, founded with his brother John A. Roebling,
shortly after arriving here from Saxony, Germany, in
1831. The father of William Herman Knoch was born
356ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in 1835, and was brought to this country by his parents at the age of two years, died in Saxonburg in
1908. His wife, Amelia Roebling, survived him twenty-five years, passing away in I933, at the advanced age
of ninety-six years.
On his paternal side Mr. Knoch was the grandson
of John and Johanna (Hartman) Knoch, among the
earliest settlers of Saxonburg. As previously mentioned he is also a descendant of Carl and John A.
Roebling, who are said to have practically founded
Saxonburg, where they purchased a six thousand acre
farm on August I8, I83I, and later engaged in real
estate, thereby attracting numerous of their countrymen to this point. Carl Roebling died in I837, and
his brother, John A., sorely grieved, looked about for
some activity other than the one he had engaged in.
It was during this period that he hit upon an idea
which was to give rise to a great American industry
and attach world-wide significance to the family name.
Listless and discouraged, his time was taken up watching waterway traffic in the vicinity of the city of
Philadelphia. He was a very observant person and
noticed the trouble hemp hawsers, when they became
wet and swelled, gave boat crews. Recalling the "iron
rope" that was made for such purposes in his native
Germany, he returned to Saxonburg and began making
cables by hand, first for barges, later for small foot
bridges and finally for great suspension bridges, including the one that spanned the Monongahela at Pittsburgh River, the Ohio River at Cincinnati, Ohio, and
at Covington, Kentucky. What is of particular interest
in this connection is that all of these cables were made
by hand in John A. Roebling's home machine shop in
Saxonburg, which still stands here in good repair. By
I850 the business had grown to such an extent that the
plant was moved to New Jersey, where it continues to
operate as the largest organization of its type, under
the name of the Roebling Wire Rope Company. It has
furnished cable for some historic engineering structures
throughout the world, among them the Brooklyn
Bridge and the more recent George Washington
Bridge which spans the Hudson River.
Such is the background of William Herman Knoch
who has become a man of substance on his own account. He attended the public schools and after completing his studies embarked upon his career in the
retail meat business before he reached his majority.
A year and a half later he was clerking for local
stores and in I888 entered the oil business, first as a
tool dresser then as a driller, contractor and operator.
In I9o6 he organized the Saxonburg Heat and Light
Company, which began operation on January 4 of that
year and is headed by Joseph Bachman as president,
Henry Fruth, vice-president and Mr. Knoch, as secre357
lary and treasurer. Two years later he was instrumental in forming Bachman, Rudert and Company, an oil
drilling concern which, like its forerunner, is still in
existence. Aside from these business affiliations Mr.
Knoch is a member of the board of directors of the
Butler County National Bank, treasurer of the Saxonburg Telephone Company which he helped to organize in I907; operator of a large hardware, gas and oil
business, and a banker.
He has served as justice of the peace in Saxonburg for thirty years and in his fraternal activities is
a member of Saxonburg Lodge, No. 496, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has gone
through all the chairs, and the Victory Lodge, No.
694, of the Free and Accepted Masons in Butler, in
1vhich he also belongs to the New Castle Consistory
and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine. He is an independent in his political views and in his religious convictions worships
at the Lutheran Church.
In I892, at Saxonburg, Mr. Knoch married (first)
Hattie Ray, and they were the parents of one son,
Harold, born April, I893, and now in the oil business
in Texas. He married (second), February 7, I9o6,
Eva Myrtle Ekas, daughter of William and Sadie
(Fleming) Ekas. Mr. and Mrs. Knoch spend their
winters in St. Petersburg, Florida, having built a very
fine winter home in that city.
JAMES HOBART ALLPORT-Born at Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, April I3, I874, James Hobart Allport is the son of Dr. Hobart Allport, who was an eminent physician and surgeon and founder of the Cottage State Hospital of Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, and
Edith (Nevling) Allport, both parents of English ancestry.
James Hobart Allport received a public school education at Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, which was afterward supplemented by special college courses in Pennsylvania and New York. After completing his common
school course at the age of fourteen years he was employed on the engineer corps of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company under the chief engineer of construction
and served until the completion of the Cambria and
Clearfield Railroad in the latter part of I893, when he
resigned his position to become mining engineer for
the Benton Coal Company at Hastings, Pennsylvania.
In I894 he organized the Allport Coal Company, operating mines near Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, becoming
president of the company until gog9, when the property
was sold to the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke Company.
In I9Io, he organized the Rich Hill Coal Company
of Hastings, Pennsylvania, and was its general manager until I9I6, when he was made president. Mr. AllANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mrs. Connor have had two children: I. Marion Gertrude, born February I7, I924, who won a four-year
scholarship at the Seton Hill Academy as the leader of
her class. 2. Thomas Smith, Jr., born January I9,
I926, attending the Greensburg public school.
JOHN EDWARD KUNKLE, Jr.-Son of a
Pennsylvania State Senator and a distinguished Greensburg attorney, John Edward Kunkle, Jr., followed his
father's example and has devoted his life to the practice of the law, first in his father's office and lately, as
a member of the firm of Kunkle, Walthour and
Trescher.
John Edward Kunkle, Jr., was born in Greensburg
on October 13, i895, a son of John Edward (Sr.)
and Alice Grant (Walthour) Kunkle. John Edward
Kunkle, Sr., was born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, August i7, I862, the son of Amos
and Sarah (Kepple) Kunkle. Both were natives of
Hempfield Township and spent their lives there. IMr.
Kunkle, Sr., became an attorney-at-law and practiced
for many years in Greensburg. He entered political
life as a young man and served in the State I,egislature, being a State Senator at the time of his death,
December 20, I929. Mrs. Kunkle, Sr., was the daughter of Michael and Cordelia (Miller) Walthour, and
was born May 8, I865. Michael Walthour was born
at Fort Walthour and both Mr. and Mrs. Walthour
died at Adamsburg, Pennsylvania.
John Edward  Kunkle, Jr., attended  the public
schools of Greensburg and was graduated from Mercersburg Academy in I9I5. He then attended Dartmouth College, at Hanover, New Hampshire, being
graduated in I9I9 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
For a year he studied law at Pittsburgh Law School
and then, after reading in his father's office, was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1922. Until his
death he was in partnership with his father. In I930
Mr. Kunkle, Jr., became a member of the present firm
of Kunkle, Walthour and Trescher. Mr. Kunkle is a
member of the Bar Association of Pennsylvania and of
the Westmoreland County Bar Association. In political life he is a Republican.
For twenty months, during the World War, Mr.
Kunkle, Jr., served in the United States Navy. After
enlisting on April I6, I917, he was sent to the Training Station at Newport, Rhode Island, where he was
commissioned an ensign. Then followed service on
detached duty in the Caribbean Sea on the converted
yacht, "Dorothea." Later, Ensign Kunkle served on
the U. S. S. "Mississippi" and the U. S. S. "Indiana."
He was discharged from the service on January 21,
I919.
Mr. Kunkle has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518,
Free and Accepted Masons, and is now of the thirtysecond degree in the Scottish Rite. He is a deacon in
the First Reformed Church of Greensburg, of which
his father was elder for thirty years. Mr. Kunkle is
a member and past president of Greensburg Rotary
Club, and, for the past six years, he has been president
of the Westmoreland County Council of the Boy
Scouts of America, an office which is very highly regarded by Mr. Kunkle. He is also a member of the
Greensburg Country Club, the Latrobe Country Club,
the University Club of Pittsburgh, Psi Sigma Kappa
and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, the American Legion,
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A bachelor, Mr. Kunkle has a brother and four sisters: Lucien C. Kunkle of Greensburg, Pennsylvania;
Mrs. O. W. Sheets, of Oak Park, Illinois; Mrs. Paul
H. George, of Greensburg; Mrs. James H. Fiscus, of
Greensburg, and Mrs. Wallace D. Guthrie, of Indiana,
Pennsylvania.
CHRISTIAN MARTIN BOMBERGER-As
president of the Jeannette Publishing Company and editor of the "Jeannette Daily News-D!ispatch," Christian
Martin Bomberger is perpetuating the illustrious traditions of a family which for generations has rendered
useful and public-spirited service in city, county and
State affairs.
The history of the family in America dates back to
1722, when Christian Bomberger, came to this country
from his native Switzerland and settled with his family in what is now Warwick Township, Lancaster
County. He was a Mennonite in his religious convictions and hailed from the farming district of Eschelbronn, Baden. After establishing himself here he continued his agricultural activities and eventually acquired a large tract of land which he was granted by
the sons of William Penn. When he arrived here he
brought with him a document written on parchment
which testified that he was a man of excellent character and worthy of sympathy and cooperation. This
recommendation, still in an excellent state of preservation, is in the possession of Henry H. Bomberger of
Lititz. The letter written by the "Honorable and
Well-born Lord, Lord Philip Anthony, Baron von der
Fels, dean of the honorable chapter of knights at
Bruchsal and Capitulary at Wimpfen, Lord of the
lordships at Contre, Heffingen and Chief Magistrate at
Waibstatt, John George Lamperet," says in part that
the family were "trustworthy, industrious, and courteous towards residents and neighbors," and went on to
request that all "exalted and inferior officials, civil and
36ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
port's activities in business have not been entirely colnfined to the coal industry. He was one of the organizers of the Burley Heater Company of Tyrone, Pennsylvania, which was one of the first companies to manufacture domestic steam and hot water apparatus. He
was actively engaged in the construction of the Huntingdon and Clearfield Telephone Company and was
one of its directors from I9o4 until I928, when it was
consolidated with the Bell Telephone Company. He
was one of the construction engineers of the Northern Cambria Street Railway Company, was its,secretary from I905 until I9I9, when he became its president until 1927. He was extensively engaged in the
refractories brick industry, being interested in the
Geo. F. Good Fire Brick Company of Lumber City,
Pennsylvania, the Clearfield Clay Manufacturing
Company of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, and the Crescent
Refractories Company, of Curwensville, Pennsylvania.
These companies were consolidated with several other
refractories companies, forming the North American
Refractories Company, in I929, and he is one of its
board of directors. In 19I5 Mr. Aillport became associated with the organization of the Titan Metal
Manufacturing Company, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania,
manufacturers of bronze forgings and brass products;
he is its vice-president and a director. He assisted
in the organization of the First National Bank of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania, in I9oi and, for some years,
was one of its directors. He also was active in the
organization of the First National Bank of Barnesboro, Pennsylvania; in I9OI was a director; and in
1903 was made vice-president until I927, when he
was made president.
For over thirty-five years he has been prominently
and actively engaged in the mining and metallurgical
field and is consulting mining engineer for a large
number of industrial companies and banking institutions throughout the United States, and is considered
one of the leading consultants in his profession, which
has required his presence in countries all over Ihe
world.
Mr. Allport's service in the World War marks him
as one of the few men in Cambria County whose work
for the Government was of outstanding National and
international importance. He actively served as field
aid on the Naval consulting board of the United
States and on the War Preparedness Board Committee, the Pennsylvania Committee of Public Safety,
American Protective League Committee, the Department of Publicity and Public Information, American
Red Cross Committee, Young Men's Christian Association War Work Fund Committee, (he sent two field
workers overseas, at his own expense), was chairman of the Barnesboro, Pennsylvania Four Minute
Men, the Liberty Loan Board and Agent of the
United States Treasury Department. In addition to
the active participation in other Governmental Boards,
he was Engineer for the United States Fuel Administration at Washington, District of Columbia, and
was specially commissioned by President Wilson as
the representative of the Chief Executive to investigate
the coal situation of the world, then of the most vital
importance to the winning of the war by the Allies,
and in this capacity he served under the Department of
National Security and Defense.  Before returning
from overseas he was special representative of the
French Government on reparations and reconstruction
and his work, throughout, in the service of the Gov.
ernment for a period of over two years, was as a
volunteer at one dollar per year.
Recognized internationally as an authority on mining problems, Mr. Allport, after the United States
Coal Commission in I920 had failed to settle serious
labor difficulties in the State of Washington, was appointed by President Wilson, a referee in the matter
and accomplished a satisfactory settlement. He was
also consulted by the United States Treasury Department in compiling the tax regulations for wasting industries; was a member of Bituminous Coal Code Authority, Eastern Sub-Division of Division No. I, N.
R. A.; is a member of the Bituminous Coal Producers
Board, District No. I, N.B.C. Commission, and a
member of the Board of Directors Central of the
Pennsylvania Coal Operators Association; he also
participated as a member of various governmental
boards whose work was of international scope. He is
a member of the American Institute of Mining and
Metallurgical Engineers, American Society of Civil
Engineers, American Mining Congress, American Arbitrators Association, together with several other Electrical, Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineering Societies.
Mr. Allport's principal recreations are big game
hunting and fishing, at which he has been most successful. He is a member of the Camp Fire Club of
America, The Union League Club of Philadelphia, the
Pennsylvania Society, Nittany Country Club, Philipsburg Country Club and several other recreation and
country clubs. He belongs to the Masonic Fraternity,
being a member of the Knights Templar, Consistory
and the Shrine; also is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loyal Order of
Moose. Mr. Allport is interested in art and does some
pen sketching for his own amusement.
Always actively identified with Republican politics,
he served as a member of the Hastings School Board
for a number of years; was treasurer of Barnesboro
Borough for over twenty-five years, serving without
358ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
compensation. He was elected a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Kansas City in I928,
and was again elected a delegate to the National Convention in Chicago in I932. Mr. Allport has been
frequently urged to be a candidate for State and national offices, which he has consistently declined owing
to his numerous other interests, although he has alxvays been solicitous for the promotion of Cambria
County's public welfare and industry.  He is unmarried, and his residence is at Barnesboro, Pennsylvania.
GEORGE W. TANNER, Jr.-Carrying on a
practice of law in Uniontown, his native city, George
W. Tanner, Jr., was born June I6, I9II, son of George
W. and Mamie (Messmer) Tanner. His family is an
old one of Greene County, where it has been traced
back about four generations to Isaac Tanner. The
grandfather of George W. Tanner, Jr., was a farmer
in Greene County. George W. Tanner, Sr., was born
in 1870 at Mapletown, Greene County, and he later
removed to Uniontown, where he is now engaged in
business as a painting contractor. The mother was
born in Pittsburgh.
The public schools of Uniontown, his birthplace, provided the first formal schooling of George W. Tanner,
Jr., who completed his high school studies in I929. He
then became a student at the University of Pittsburgh,
remaining there for three years, and in I933 he took
the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the University of
West Virginia. In I936 he was graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Laws from the University of
Michigan. Admitted to the bar in January, I937, he
formed a partnership with Alfred E. Jones, Jr., under
the firm style, Jones  Tanner; this association continued until November, 1938, after which time he practiced independently for several months, then became
associated with the firm of Higbee, Lewellyn, and
Higbee, with offices in the Union Trust Building.
Mr. Tanner is a member of the Fayette County Bar
Association and the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, and is affiliated with the Republican party. He
is a member of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church.
He is unmarried.
GEORGE HAY, M. D.-Like his distinguished
forebears, who have been prominent in Pennsylvania
history for generations, Dr. George Hay, of Johnstown, has come to be ranked among the influential
leaders of this community where he has maintained a
general medical and surgical practice for over thirtyfive years and been active in social and civic affairs.
Dr. Hay was born in Johnstown, April 6, I88o, the
son of John Barnitz and Anna Margaret (Suppes)
TERN PENNSYLVANIA                              359
Hay, both natives of his birthplace. The father, who
was born here March 25, I842, and died November
28, I883, served with the Union forces during the Civil
War and saw action in some of the major engagements
of that conflict. While he had been deprived of the
opportunity of going with the Johnstown Zouave Cadets at the outbreak of the war, due to the death of his
father, Dr. Michael Hay, he was able to answer the
call in I862, and became first sergeant of a company in
a regiment which was part of Humphrey's Division
of the 5th Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
He was later commissioned a second lieutenant and in
this capacity distinguished himself at the battle of
Fredericksburg, leading one of the numerous charges
in that encounter. He was severely wounded by a
bursting shell at this time, and carried off the field for
dead. His injuries kept him outt of action for more
than a year, at Washington, District of Columbia,
where he was nursed by his brother, Frank W. Hay.
In September, I864, he reenlisted as first lieutenant in
Battery D, 5th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery and was
sent to Washington, District of Columbia, and later to
the Shenandoah Valley, where he and a detachment of
men were captured by the enemy. He was confined in
the famous Libby Prison at Richmond, Virginia, from
October 9 to October 17, I864, and was exchanged
during the latter part of December of that year. He
rejoined his regiment and on June 30, I865, was honorably discharged from the service, the war being
over. He then entered the tin, stove and hardware
business with his brother, George M. Hay, in Johnstown, later formed a partnership with his father-in-law,
Conrad Suppes, in a wholesale grocery business, then
went to Braddock where he became associated with
Captain William R. Jones in the Edgar Thompson
Steel Works in a clerical capacity. He rose to become
superintendent of special steel, but in I879 returned
to Johnstown to form a partnership with the brother
previously mentioned, Frank W. Hay, in a wholesale
and retail stove, tin and hardware business, known
under the name of Hay Brothers, which he was to be
associated with until his passing. Throughout his life
he maintained an interest in the affairs of his native
community, supporting the Republican party in politics,
fraternizing with the Order of Free and Accepted
Masons, and worshipping at the Lutheran Church. THis
wife, Anna Margaret Suppes, whom he married Mav
I I,  87I, was the daughter of Conrad and Alice
(Andrews) Suppes.
According to record the Hay family is of great antiquity in Scotland and counts among its ancestors
men who have distinguished themselves on the field of
battle and in the royal court. The first member to
come to this country was one John Hay, son of aANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Scotch soldier and descendant of the Earl of Erroll,
who was driven out of his homeland by religious persecution, sought haven in the province of Alsace, and
later came to America with his four sons, settling in
Virginia before I748. It was after the aforementioned
date that he came to Pennsylvania with two brothers,
the three settling in York, Northampton and Philadelphia counties. Since that time his descendants have
distinguished themselves in Pennsylvania history. His
son, Adam Hay, was the father of John Hay, who was
the father of Dr. Charles Hay, of Salem, Indiana, who
in turn was the father of the Hon. John Hay, assistant
private secretary to President Lincoln, Ambassador to
England in I897, and Secretary of State under Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt. Other prominent figures include Lieutenant-Colonel John Hay, who served
with the American forces during the Revolutionary
War, was a commissioner of York County, represented
the district at the Provincial Convention for the Province of Pennsylvania, held at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, January 23, I775, and also was a member of
the Provincial Conference held in the same city during
June, I776. He likewise served in many other important positions and was one of the largest landowners in this region. He was emulated by his son,
Colonel George Hay, who served during the War of
I8I2, was at one time chief burgess of York, and engaged in the hotel business. He was the father of
Dr. Michael Hay, a physician and grandfather of the
present Dr. 1George Hay whose name heads this review. Dr. Michael Hay was the first member of the
family to settle in Johnstown, in November, I836, and
was one of the earliest practitioners in this community,
being one of the founders of the Cambria County Medical Society in 1852.
Dr. George Hay attended the public schools of
Johnstown until the latter part of his senior year in
high school, when he left to take a position with the
Citizens' National Bank. He soon discovered that
finance was not to his liking and consequently made
arrangements to enter the Jefferson Medical College of
Philadelphia during the fall of I899. Four years later,
in May, 19o3, he was graduated from this institution
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and the following October established himself in a general practice
at Johnstown which he has since conducted with distinction and success. As a medical student he devoted
his vacation periods in attending the surgical service
at the Memorial Hospital, where he assisted Dr. A.
N. Wakefield, chief, and his assistant, Dr. J. B. McAneny. In this way he got two years of hospital
experience before he received his degree. He did postgraduate work at Johns Hopkins Medical School and
attended many clinics.
Dr. Hay is a former health officer, city physician
and physician-in-charge of the Municipal Hospital for
Contagious Diseases in Johnstown, which position he
held from February, I9O6, to February, I9I4. He
served for over twenty years on the surgical staff of
the Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital, of which
he was a member of the board of incorporators; has
lectured before the Training School for Nurses there;
was a member of the advisory board and the medical
and surgical staff of the Christian Home; and since
1915 has been the examining physician for the Lorain
Steel Company of Johnstown. Dr. Hay is surgeon to
the National Radiator Corporation (two plants); the
Century Specialty Company; the De Frehn Chair
Factory and others. He has also been chief of the
medical staff of the Young Men's Christian Association in Johnstown, and is a member of its board of
directors. In his professional affiliations, he belongs
to the Cambria County Medical Society, was its president in 1932, has been a trustee since 1920, is editor of
its official publication, "The Medical Comment," and
in the organization of the "Physicians' and Dentists'
Service Bureau," was its temporary president. He
is a member of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the American
Public Health Association, the Phi Alpha Sigma Fraternity of the Jefferson Medical College and is a
former member of the Philadelphia Society for the
Study and Prevention of Social Diseases.
During the World War he served as first lieutenant
in the Medical Corps, stationed at Camp Greenleaf,
Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and Evacuation Hospital
No. 57. He was honorably discharged on January
6, I919, with the rank of captain in the Medical Reserve Corps. He is a former member of the American
Legion.
Dr. Hay is president of the Pennigan Oil Syndicate.
He was vice-president of the Community Chest in 1935
and is first vice-president of Admiral Robert E. Peary
Council Boy Scouts of America.
Throughout his long and distinguished career he has
been active in the social and fraternal affairs of the
city, being a charter member in Conemaugh Valley
Lodge, No. 692, of the Free and Accepted Masons. He
is also a member of Chapter No. I95; Council No. 32;
Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar No. 6I; Williamsport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
and the Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine. He is vice-president of the Masonic Temple Association. Like his forebears he is a
Republican in politics and was raised in the Lutheran
faith.
On April I2, I913, at Rosemont, Dr. George Hay
married Mary Louise Austin, of Philadelphia, daugh36oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ter of Eugene Howard and Clara Rachel (Philips)   party. Rosanna (Minesinger) Barnum was born at
Austin. Mrs. Hay's mother was born July 23, I854.  Smiths Ferry, Beaver County, and died at New Geneva,
Her father, who was born in Philadelphia September  in I866. Samuel Barnum was a son of Captain Justus
30, I846, and died June 28, I905, was associated with  and Mary (Benedict) Barnum, of Connecticut. Capthe Farmers' and Mechanics' National Bank of Phila-  tain Justus Barnum, who was a tailor and a merchant,
delphia as assistant cashier for over forty years. Dr.  was a prominent figure in Connecticut late in the
Hay's wife was a native of North Wales, Pennsyl-  eighteenth century, serving as a soldier and an officer
vania, and was educated at the Chelten Hills School,  in the Continental Army and, later, being active as a
from which she was graduated in June, I895. She   member of the Connecticut Legislature. Captain Bartook postgraduate work there in English, painting and   num was a son of Joseph Barnum and one of five
music and later continued her studies under Leefson  brothers who, with their father, all served in the
in piano and at the Academy of Fine Arts, Philadel-  American Army. Joseph Barnum was a son of Joseph
phia, under Anshutz, Breckenridge, Cecelia Beaux and   Barnum, a son of Richard Barnum, who was a member
William M. Chase and in Paris under Moszkowski and   of the Connecticut Provincial Assembly, and a son of
Falkenberg in piano.                                 Thomas Barnum, the founder of the Barnum family
Dr. and Mrs. Hay are the parents of two children:  in America, who came from England to Connecticut
I. George Austin, born at Johnstown, December 25,  in I640. One of the fifteen sons of the Barnum family
19I5, and graduated from the Johnstown High School  in England, members of the English nobility, Thomas
in I933 and from the University of Pittsburgh with a   Barnum  was one of several Englishmen who purdegree of Bachelor of Science on June 8, I938. 2.  chased from the Indians a large area of land where the
Mariana Philips, born in Philadelphia, December 9, --cty of Danbury, Connecticut, now stands. On this
I918, graduated from the Johnstown High School in  tract the Barnums and their associates established a
I936. After one year of postgraduate work she became   colony of their own, founding a church and school, and
a freshman in the I937-38 class of Wilson College,  for a time having a town government of their own-one
Chambersburg.                                        which was said to be independent of the British Crown
and the Colonial charters as well. Elizabeth Ann
SAMUEL  ARRISON   BARNUM-President  Biles, mother of Samuel Arrison Barnum, was born in
and manager of the California Department Store Com-  Allen Township, Washington County, January 17,
pany, an outstanding mercantile establishment in Cali-  I839, and died in Allenport, September, I92I. She was
fornia, Pennsylvania, Samuel Arrison Barnum is one  a daughter of John and Mary Ann (Curry) Biles,
of the leading citizens of Southwestern Pennsylvania,  both natives of Washington County. John Biles, a
not only as an active and successful business man,  member of the Universalist Church and a Democrat,
banker and coal and oil operator, but also as a civic-  was a son of Henry Biles, who married a Miss Flemminded citizen always interested in all enterprises for  ming. Henry Biles was a descendant of William Biles,
the welfare of the community, county and State and  the founder of the family in America, who came to
supporting all public and private activities of such   Pennsylvania before William Penn acquired that area.
nature generously.                                   As a prominent Quaker (being English although of
Samuel Arrison Barnum  was born in Allenport,  Irish descent), William Biles became one of William
Washington County, September 20, I864, son of Jesse  Penn's advisers, being a member of Penn's famous
Duncan and Elizabeth Ann (Biles) Barnum, both de-  council and serving as a member of the Pennsylvania
scendants of old Colonial families.  Jesse Duncan
Barnum, born August io, 1835, at Smithfield, Fayette
County, followed coal mining all his life, passing away
at Allenport, April I9, I897. A son of Samuel and
Rosanna (Minesinger) Barnum, he took an active part
in local public affairs, being a justice of the peace for
many years and filling practically every public office
in the township. Samuel Barnum, who was born in
I787, at Danbury, Connecticut, died at New Geneva,
Pennsylvania, in I86o, after a busy 1ife spent partly
as superintendent of iron  furnaces at Brownfield
and partly as a coal operator at New  Geneva. A
veteran of the War of 1812, he, like his son, was a
member of the Baptist Church and of the Democratic
Colonial Assembly.
Samuel Arrison Barnum, after passing through the
Allenport public schools, attended the Iron City Business College in Pittsburgh, graduating in I884. Then,
after five years as an employee of T. J. Wood's store
in Wood Run, Mr. Barnum, having saved a large part
of his salary, acquired an interest in the Allenport
Coal Company and became manager of the company.
Later, Mr. Barnum became a stockholder and a director in the Diamond Coal and Coke Company and also
the president and general manager of the company's
store. This position Mr. Barnum retained until September of I924, when the company was sold. Shortly
before that time, in June, 1924, Mr. Barnum became
36iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
interested in organizing a store of his own and he then
launched the California Department Store, a company
in which he retained an active leadership through to
I934. In addition to this department store, he has
many other business interests and activities which
include: a directorate in the People's Bank and Trust
Company; a similar position in a number of gas and
coal companies; and owns a large and successful peach
orchard at Southern Pines, North Carolina-this latter enterprise being shared with his son, P. T. Barnum.
During the World War period, Mr. Barnum was very
active in all local activities, supporting the Liberty
Loan and the Red Cross drives, being a member of
the Home Guard, and also serving on the Washington
County Safety Committee. Always deeply concerned
with civic affairs, and as a member of the Democratic
party, Mr. Barnum has been a member of school
boards in East Pike Run Township, and in the Borough of California, burgess of Elco, Pennsylvania, and
standing for Congress in I914, as well as being his
county's delegate to the Democratic National Convention in I912, I9I6, I920 and as alternate delegate
in I924. He was a Roosevelt Presidential Elector for
his Congressional District in I932. A member of
Gummert Lodge, No. 252, Free and Accepted Masons,
of Fayette City, and of Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh,
Mr. Barnum is also a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association and the Nemacolin Country Club of Beallsville.
In religious faith, Mr. Barnum is connected with the
California Presbyterian Church, in which organization
he was member of the board and superintendent of the
Sunday school for many years.
Samuel Arrison Barnum married, at Roscoe, on
June 26, I888, Sarah Jane Anderson, daughter of
James Nelson and Hannah (Flemming) Anderson.
James Nelson Anderson, a native of Ireland. became
a miner after coming to the United States; his wife
was a native of England. Sarah Jane (Anderson)
Barnum was born in West Elizabeth, Allegheny
County, Pennsylvania, June 20, I866, and died in
California in I919. Mr. and Mrs. Barnum were the
parents of four children: I. Ruth Cleveland, now Mrs.
Harry S. Alexander, of Akron, Ohio, where Mr.
Alexander, a mechanical engineer, is in charge of construction for the Sieberling Rubber Company. Mrs.
Alexander, after attending the local public schools,
graduated from Southwestern State Normal School at
California, and then attended Emerson College in
Boston, Massachusetts, and Goucher College, Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are the
parents of a daughter: i. Ruth Ann. 2. Paul Thurman, now engaged in fruit-growing and a partner in a
general insurance and real estate business at Southern
Pines, North Carolina. After passing through the
local schools and Kiskiminetas Springs School at
Saltsburg, he entered Princeton University, graduating from this institution. Mr. Barnum married Bessie
George, of California, Pennsylvania, and they are the
parents of three daughters: i. Sarah Jane. ii. Grace
Bonnelle. iii. Elizabeth St. George. 3. Grace Marie,
now Mrs. Wilbur F. Galbraith, of Pittsburgh, where
Mr. Galbraith is an attorney. She graduated from
Southwestern State Normal School at California, the
Birmingham School for Girls and from Wellesley
College, Wellesley, Massachusetts.  4. Hilda Gail,
now Mrs. Raymond S. Sparks, of Indian Head, Fayette
County, where Mr. Sparks is a merchant. She graduated from the Southwestern State Normal School
and from the Birmingham School for Girls. Mr. and
Mrs. Sparks are the parents of two daughters: i.
Sarah Jane. ii. Elizabeth Ann.
JOHN  WILLIAM  CONSIDINE-Since I9Io,
John William Considine has served as chief engineer
of the Pennsylvania Training School at Morganza,
Pennsylvania, an institution which has, during that
period grown in size until today it cares for more
than seven hundred boys and girls. He was born in
Washington, District of Columbia, October 27, I879,
the son of James W. and Margaret (Duggan) Considine, both deceased. The elder Mr. Considine, a native
of Baltimore, Maryland, lived for many years in Washington, District of Columbia, where he was engaged
in the heating and sheet metal contracting business.
In his political belief, he was an ardent supporter of
the Democratic party.
John William Considine attended private schools in
Washington, District of Columbia, and later enrolled
at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. From 1902
to I9IO he was engaged in the electrical construction
field, being located at Pittsburgh. He remained there
until the latter part of I9IO, when he assumed his
present responsible duties at the Pennsylvania Training School, where he has to the present day served in
a most capable manner, having direct supervision over
all maintenance and construction work.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
a Democrat, and a well-known Mason, being affiliated
with the local lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Royal
Arch Chapter, Royal and Select Masters, Knights
Templar, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He was married in Pittsburgh, June 28, I9o6, to
Mary E. Dickson, a native of West Virginia. born
December 25, I88i, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John G. Dickson. Mr. and Mrs. Considine are the
362ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
parents of a daughter, Mary D., born in Pittsburgh,
November I8, I9o8, a graduate of State Teachers College and Ohio Wesleyan University, now engaged as a
school teacher.
JOSEPH  F. PIPER-For years recognized as
one of Saltsburg's outstanding citizens, Joseph F.
Piper has concerned himself with many projects for
the benefit of his native community. Conducting a
large general store and serving effectively as its president and head officer, he has earned the respect and
confidence of all classes and groups of people in his
community. The business that he conducts still retains
the name of the J. C. Moore Supply Company, Inc.,
which it took from the name of its first president.
Mr. Piper was born July 22, 1875, at Conemaugh
Township (Scrubgrass), Indiana County, Pennsylvania, son of Wilson McDowell and Maria J. (Kahney) Piper, both of whom were native Pennsylvanians
and both of whom are now deceased. His father was a
farmer by occupation and for fifteen years was in
charge of a State project at Poke, Pennsylvania. He
fought for the Union in the Civil War, achieving a
splendid military record.
The public schools of Conemaugh Township provided the early education of Joseph F. Piper, who at
the age of fourteen turned his attention to business
affairs of magnitude. In I889 he became associated
with the J. C. Moore Hardware Company, in this
city, an enterprise whose history dates back to I86I,
the year in which William Moore started the business.
The enterprise at the outset handled tinware, roofing,
hardware, stoves, harness and a related line of products. Gradually it developed into a general store, being today known as the J. C. Moore Supply Company,
Inc., and handling, in addition to the itemns mentioned
above, an extensive line of lamps, trunks, luggage,
toys, house furnishings, carpeting, wallpaper, jewelry,
china and glassware, gas engines, pumps, building
materials, paints, farm machinery, electrical and automobile supplies, washing supplies and machines, and
hot-air furnaces. The original firm was somewhat
altered when Ira C. Ewing became a partner with Mr.
Moore and the firm name was changed to the W. M.
Moore and Son Company. Tinning business and hardware were still the main items handled. Later others
entered the firm-Frank E. Shupe and Logan R.
Moore and Joseph F. Piper. The business was incorporated in 192I, with J. C. Moore as president and
L. R. Moore, J. F. Piper, F. E. Shupe and Olive
Ewing as the executive officers. J. C. Moore died in
1929, and the reorganization that followed placed Mr.
Piper as president; Mr. Shupe as vice-president; Mrs.
Olive (Ewing) Robinson as secretary-treasurer; and
Harry H. Lemon and Benton T. Shupe as the remaining officers of the company.
The oldest firm of its kind in this part of the country, it describes its policy in part in the following
words: "Fair dealing with no misrepresentation and
attention to the wants of our customers, with rock
bottom prices, has had its reward in building us a large
trade which gives us the advantage of buying goods in
large quantities for cash and in paying cash for our
goods enables us to sell at exceedingly small margins."
In addition to his service as president of the J. C.
Moore Supply Company, Inc., Mr. Piper is a director
of the First National Bank of Saltsburg, president of
the Volunteer Firemen and other corporations, and a
director of the Cemetery Board. During the World
War period he served on many boards and committees.
For a number of years he was a member of the Saltsburg School Board. He is active in the Lions International, being a charter member of the local groups.
Fraternally he is connected with the Free and Accepted
Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In the Masonic Order he is affiliated with many
branches, including the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite
at Pittsburgh, Syria Temple, and holds the thirtysecond degree. He worships in the faith of the Presbyterian Church.
In I898 Mr. Piper married Myrtle M. McNeil, of
Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, daughter of R. B. and Jennie E. McNeil. They are the parents of the following
children: I. Mary McNeil Piper. 2. Martha Piper,
wife of Walter King; they have one child, Judith Ann
King.
E. W. OVERBERGER-For many years the
public schools of Cresson have been under the supervision of E. W. Overberger, who in his capacity as
supervising principal of all local public schools, has
been instrumental in elevating the standards of the
educational system in this locality.
Mr. Overberger was born in East Carroll Township, May 6, I89I, the son of John B. and Helena
(Huber) Overberger, natives of this district. John
B. Overberger, one of the pioneer teachers of Cambria
County who later was engaged in the farming industry, died in 1929. E. W. Overberger received his
early education in the Cambria County public schools,
and is a graduate of the West Chester State Teachers
College, of the class of I917. He later enrolled at the
University of Pittsburgh, and was graduated with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts in I928. He received his
degree of Master of Education from the same institution in I936. He has had numerous assignments in
the public school system, and in scholastic circles is
recognized as one who is conversant with the princi363ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ples, practices, and trends of modern educational
methods.
He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the
American Association of School Administrators, the
National Education Association, and the local Rotary
Club. He was married, in I930, to Bertha E. Christoff,
a former teacher in the Patton public schools. Mr. and
Mrs. Overberger are the parents of one child, John
Edward, born June 4, I935.
JOSEPH W. HUMPHREY-A legal practitioner in all courts of the State of Pennsylvania and a
public official of Ellwood City, in which he is one of
the pioneer residents, and a man whose reputation was
added to a hundred fold by his work during the World
War in behalf of the government, Joseph W. Humphrey is one of the prominent lawyers of the State.
One of the first lawyers in Ellwood City, which was
established about I890o or thereabouts, Mr. Humphrey
is the town's leading lawyer at the present time, and
he has been on Ellwood City's School Board, on other
public and official bodies, and been its solicitor. He is
preeminent as a veteran of the bar in all of Lawrence
County, and holds the honor, esteem and respect of his
fellow-citizens and his fellow-attorneys.
Joseph W. Humphrey was born in Worth Township,
Butler County, Pennsylvania, July 3I, I868, the son of
James Humphrey, a native of that county, who was a
wealthy building contractor and for some years before
his death a farmer, and who died in 1907. He was a
Democrat, and represented the county in the Legislature. For many years he was a justice of the peace.
He was a man of poise, good character, and good judgment. His opinion and advice were sought and followed
by his fellow-townsmen for many years. His wife,
Ruth (Studebaker) Humphrey, was a native of Butler County, who died in I912.
Mr. Humphrey was educated in the common schools
of his native county and in Grove City College, from
which he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. His legal training and education
he obtained in the law office of the late John D. Marshall, Esq., in Butler. In I896 he was admitted to the
bar of the State and of the county, and he moved to
Ellwood City, then but an infant among municipalities,
and established himself as one of its first lawyers. IHe
is now its leading legal man, and a prominent financier.
Mr. Humphrey is attorney for the First National
Bank of Ellwood City, a director in and attorney for
the Ellwood City Building and TLoan Association. He
is a prominent Democrat: and he is a member of the
Ellwood City Rotary Club, of which he was first
president and is now a director of the Ellwood City
Chamber of Commerce.  He is also a prominent
churchman, for he is elder and a member of the board
of sessions of the First Presbyterian Church in Ellwood City. He has been a member of this ecclesiastical institution for many years and has always been
active in all its affairs. During the World War, Mr.
Humphrey took vigorous part in home war work,
serving in important capacities on many boards and
committees and performing much valuable work as a
speaker.
Mr. Humphrey married, in I896, Elda C. Hugus,
born in Venango County, Pennsylvania, the daughter
of George B. and Eleanor E. (Weikal) Hugus, and
there are four children of this union: I. Gladys P.,
married Frank Newman. 2. Raymond Wayne (q. v.).
3. Josephine W., a graduate in I927 of Grove City
College, now married to Frank B. Crawford, of
Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. 4. Eleanor H., who attended
Geneva College and Grove City College; now the wife
of J. Bert Wallace, of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.
RAYMOND WAYNE HUMPHREY-In his
activities as an attorney and citizen of Ellwood City,
Raymond Wayne Humphrey is contributing richly to
the tradition and accomplishment of a family which
has long been identified with the development of Pennsylvania. He is a native of Ellwood City, born in I9oI,
son of Joseph W. and Elda C. (Hugus) Humphrey.
The preceding biographical record of his father, also
a lawyer, outlines something of the family background
of the younger man.
After attending local public schools and Kiskiminetas
Preparatory  School, Raymond  Wayne  Humphrey
completed his formrial education in Wooster College
and was graduated from Geneva College in I926 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Matriculating at the
Law School of the University of Pittsburgh, he was
graduated with the class of I929, a Bachelor of Laws.
That same year he was admitted to the Lawrence
County bar and began the practice of his profession
here in association with his father, Joseph W. Humphrey.
Raymond Wayne Humphrey is a member of the
Lawrence County Bar Society, of the Rotary Club and
of several other Ellwood City organizations. He is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and is of the Presbyterian faith.
On December 9, I937, he was appointed Assistant
Attorney-General of Pennsylvania, and assigned to the
Workmen's Compensation Fund.
In I926 Raymond Wayne Humphrey married Dorothy H. Sewall, of Pennsylvania, and they are the
parents of a son, Joseph William Hugus, born November 24, I930.
364  ANNALS OF SOUTHWE2
MILES ANTHONY VARNER-Long associated with the Farmers' National Bank, of Somerset, of
which he was for a time president and at other periods
vice-president, Miles Anthony Varner made a notable
contribution to the life of his community. His achievements were many-sided and constructive, and earned
for him the respect and admiration of his fellowcitizens in all walks of life. At the same time he was
kind, thoughtful of others and friendly in all his relationships, and the results of his life and works were
such as to justify the high regard in which he was held.
Mr. Varner was born April I5, I87I, in Jackson
Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, son of
Henry and Susannah (Hunt) Varner and a descendant
on the paternal side of the house of Nicholas Varner,
who came to America in early Colonial times. Henry
Varner was a farmer, and he and his wife were the
parents of fourteen children.
One of these children was Miles Anthony Varner,
who attended the rural grammar school in his native
district. Early he turned his thoughts to the lumber
trade, leaving the home farm of his family to go to
Johnstown, where he connected himself with the
Thomas Marshall Lumber Yard in I89I. Later he
obtained an interest in the Johnstown Planing Mill,
which was an outgrowth of the old Marshall company.
In I896 Mr. Varner and his brother, Harry Varner,
together came to Somerset to open a branch of the
Johnstown mill, forming an association with Dan P.
Statler, of Somerset, and so bringing about the establishment of the Somerset Lumber Company. Afterward Mr. Statler disposed of his interest in this enterprise. Harry Varner died in I9o6, whereupon another
brother, Samuel S. Varner, a resident of Johnstown
up to that time, removed to Somerset so that he might
assume an interest in the Somerset Lumber Company.
The lumber business set up by Miles A. Varner and
conducted by him attained to considerable prominence,
its rating being very high in business circles. Not only
was he active in the Somerset Lumber Company's
affairs, but also was connected with the County Lumber Yard, at Greensburg. He was president of the
Somerset Door and Sash Company, the Somerset
Filling Station, and later, of course, of the Farmers'
National Bank. He was also a founder of the Service
Oil Company, of Somerset. His banking interests
included also the People's National Bank. It was on
September 8, I913, that he became a director of the
Farmers' National Bank, continuing as a director until
October io, I929, when he was elected vice-president.
On August 3, I93I, he became president, but on January i, 1932, declined nomination for the presidency
and was again elected vice-president of the bank. During the bank holiday of I933, the Farmers' National
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                               365
Bank closed and reopened as the People's National
Bank, of which Mr. Varner became vice-president, so
serving for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, he carried
forward his lumber trade activities, admitting his son,
Forrest Varner, and son-in-law, Carl Hoffman, into
the business in I928.
One of the organizers and original members of the
board of trustees of the Somerset Community Hospital,
Mr. Varner was also active in organizing the Children's Aid Society of Somerset. Mr. Varner was also
prominent in many organizations of a civic and social
nature, among them the Rotary Club, of Somerset, of
which he was a charter member. He also belonged to
the Chamber of Commerce and to its earlier counterpart, the board of trade of Somerset. He worshipped
in the faith of Grace Evangelical Church, in whose
affairs he was more than ordinarily active. At the
time of his death he was referred to by the pastor, Dr.
Herman W. Kaebnick, as "undoubtedly one of the
most prominent laymen." Dr. Kaebnick went on to
say: "In problems of church union, educational institutions of the church and benevolent institutions, he
was one of the most ardent leaders and supporters in
the entire denomination. He was a man of wisdom,
good judgment, keen insight, and the place he leaves
will be very difficult to fill."
Miles Anthony Varner married, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on December I I, I895, Rosamond Wright,
of Pleasantville, Bedford County, this State, daughter
of Samuel and Jennie (Walker) Wright. The children of this marriage were: I. Ruth Alice Varner,
who became the wife of Carl H. Hoffman, son of J. N.
and Mary (Lehr) Hoffman, of Bangor, Pennsylvania.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Hoffman are the parents of:
Jane Varner and Sallie Anne Hoffman. 2. Forrest
Miles Varner, a stockholder in the Somerset Lumber
Company, married Elizabeth Miller, daughter of
Joseph M. and Bessie (Veil) Miller and they have
three children: Ann, Julia, and Susan Varner.  3.
Sarah Rosamond Varner, wife of Alvin M. Shoemaker,
son of Maurice G. and Norma (Moore) Shoemaker,
of Somerset, to which union was born one son, Alvin
Varner Shoemaker, on October 4, I938.
The death of Miles Anthony Varner occurred on
December II, 1935, on his fortieth wedding anniversary, at his residence, No. I5I East Church Street,
Somerset. His passing occasioned deep sorrow in
every circle in which he was known, and many glowing tributes were paid him by associates and friends.
Charles F. Uhl, a lawyer, said:
Somerset can ill afford to lose a man like Mr. Varner. Not only has he been one of the outstanding
business men in the community but he also has been
one of the most active citizens in charitable, churchANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and community work. Those interested in and active
in connection with anything that was for the betterment of conditions could always depend upon the
active support of Mr. Varner as well as his financial
assistance.
Robert S. Scull, a neighbor, referred to Mr. Varner
as "a good citizen and a fine neighbor." The Rev. Dr.
I. Hess Wagner said that "his was the strength of
quietness." The "Somerset Herald" quoted a banker
and merchant, John H. Beerits, as saying:
Miles Varner's appreciation of the better things of
life was manifested in the practical application he made
of his religion to civic affairs in our community. He
was religious and exhibited his love of God by his
kindly attitudes toward his fellowmen. For twenty
years my associations with him enabled me to know
him and the contribution he has made to the true
values in Somerset are beyond computation. Perhaps
in no one instance in his business career did Mr. Varner exhibit his thought for Somerset better than in
the tenacity with which he held fast to what at times
seemed hope amid despair until there were freed for
the good of the entire community hundreds of thousands of dollars of the frozen assets of the Farmers'
National Bank.
As the paper went on to comment:
Mr. Varner was always a good citizen of the community in which, by his living, he honored Him in
whose image he was created.
CARL H. HOFFMAN-Combining his duties
as active head of the Somerset Lumber Company, and
owner of the Service Oil Company, Carl H. Hoffman
is one of the prominent business men of the progressive
city of Somerset. He was born in Northampton
County, August 12, I896, the son of J. N. and Mary
(Lehr) Hoffman. He attended the local public schools
at Bangor, Pennsylvania and attended Lafayette College and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts from
Juniata College, and was on the'varsity teams of football, baseball and basketball during his entire college
career. He distinguished himself for the next few
years as a teacher and athletic coach in Pennsylvania
schools, and during seven years of this time played professional baseball, but in 1922 came to Somerset, to
accept a position with the Somerset Lumber Company.
He has been most successful in this undertaking, and
eventually became one of the partners in the business,
taking over the management thereof. In 1935 he purchased the Service Oil Company.
He is a prominent member of the Evangelical
Church, being superintendent of the Sunday school, and
treasurer of the church. He was attached to the 8oth
Division during the World War, and was stationed at
the Officers Training School at the close of hostilities.
He has since been an active member of the American
Legion, having held all local offices and the vice-commandership of the State. He is also identified with the
"Forty and Eight." He is a Republican in his political
beliefs, a director and vice-president of the Peoples
National Bank and secretary of the Somerset Chamber
of Commerce. He is also a member of the Country
Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Club and the Rotary
Club.
He was married to Ruth A. Varner, daughter of
Miles A. and Rosamond (Wright) Varner, on August
24, I922. The record of Miles A. Varner precedes
that of Mr. Hoffman. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are the
parents of two children: I. Jane Varner, born March
I0, 1924. 2. Sallie Anne, born August 23, 193I. Both
are students at the local schools.
CLARK  MONROE  SMITH, M. D.-Thirtyfour years of distinguished achievement mark the
medical career of Dr. Clark Monroe Smith, outstanding physician and surgeon in Plumville and a prominient member of the profession in Indiana County.
Throughout his career he has also been active in the
social and civic affairs of his surroundings and contributed substantially to the general welfare.
Dr. Smith was born near Punxsutawney February
25, I878, the son of William J. and Anna E. (Engelbach) Smith, both deceased, the former in I920, and
the latter in I928. His father, member of a pioneer
family in Jefferson County, engaged in farming
throughout his life. Upon completing a general education in the Indiana State Normal School, now Indiana State Teachers' College at Indiana, Pennsylvania. Dr. Smith matriculated at the Ohio Medical
University at Columbus, Ohio, and was graduated
from this institution with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in the class of I903. In I9o4 he came to
Plumville and established himself in a general practice of medicine, which he has since conducted. During this period he has enjoyed the confidence of the
general public and built up a large and lucrative clientele. As a medical man he is associated with the Indiana County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
Aside from  the aforementioned phase of his life,
which has commanded most of his attention, he has
found time to take an active part in community affairs. He fraternizes with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons in which he holds a thirty-second degree and is a member of the Shrine, and also belongs
to the local encampment of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. When the United States entered the
World War he enlisted in the Medical Corps, was com366ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
missioned a first lieutenant and later promoted to a
captaincy and served overseas with the American
Expeditionary Forces for the duration of the conflict.
As a former soldier he is a member of the local
post of the American Legion and the "Forty and
Eight" society. In his religious convictions he worships at the German Reformed Church.
In I903, at Plumville, Dr. Smith married Myrtle I.
Henry, and they are the parents of two sons: I. William H., who is now teaching. 2. Ernest, who is in
business in Harrisburg.
JAMES S. GILHOUSEN-During the space of
a quarter of a century James S. Gilhousen has risen
to become one of the most successful and prominent
merchants of Home and vicinity, where he operates
a general store which caters to the wants of the farming community within a radius of ten miles. He began
his career as a clerk, later taught for a period and
then established himself in the business which he has
conducted so successfully since.
Mr. Gilhousen was born in Rayne Township April
25, I890, the son of John and Marguerite (Kirkland)
Gilhousen.  His father, who engaged  in  farming
throughout his life, died in I92o; his mother passed
away in I935. After a general education in the country schools of Indiana County Mr. Gilhousen secured
employment as a clerk in a country store in Indiana
County. After working in this capacity for some time
he decided to give it up in favor of teaching and for
the next three years engaged in this occupation. It
was in 1913 that he came to Home and founded his
present general store, one of the most popular and
completely equipped establishments of its type in Indiana County. Under his able direction the venture
has grown and prospered, yielding him a return that
has indeed been gratifying. The nature of his success has led him to be recognized as one of the prominent business figures of his surroundings, a fact which
is evidenced in his position as a member of the board
of directors of the Marion Center National Bank. He
fraternizes with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons in which he holds a thirty-second degree and is a
member of the Shrine, and in his religious convictions
worships at the Lutheran Church.
In I913, at Home, Mr. Gilhousen married Mary
Fyock, and they are the parents of one daughter,
Martha, a graduate of the Indiana State Teachers'
College.
ELLIOTT CHARLES FLICK, M. D.-As the
sole practicing physician and surgeon of the town of
Loretto, Pennsylvania, Dr. Elliott Charles Flick is
busily engaged tending to the requirements of his
fellow-citizens who are in need of medical advice and
assistance.
Dr. Flick was born March 14, I90I, at Patton, the
son of Joseph E. and Irene (Illig) Flick. Joseph E.
Flick, a member of a family which has dwelt in
Pennsylvania for the past four generations, is employed
as a machinist for the Pennsylvania Railroad at Altoona.
Dr. Flick attended the Altoona parochial schools, and
then matriculated at St. Francis College, where he was
awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in I925.
He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from
the same institution in 1928, and then entered Pittsburgh Hospital for his period of interneship. He
commenced his practice of medicine and surgery at
Ashville in I929, and remained until I932, when he
came to Loretta. He is affiliated with the Spangler
Hospital, and is a member of the faculty of St. Francis
College, Loretto, Pennsylvania.
He is a member of the Roman Catholic faith, and
a communicant of St. Michael's Church, and is active
in local political circles, being a member of the District Council. He is a member of the Knights of St.
George, and the County, State and American Medical
associations.
He married Anna Gertrude Casey, in June, I930,
and they are the parents of three children: Marilyn,
Elliott Charles, Jr., and Barbara Ann Flick.
LEE F. HOFFMAN-Having been identified
with the hotel and restaurant business since I9I4,
Lee F. Hoffman of Cresson has a national reputation
for the excellence of his cuisine, and in his long career,
which has made him a well-known figure along the
Lincoln Highway and the William Penn Highway,
he has entertained as guests in his various establishments many of the most famous people of the United
States and Canada.
He was born in Meyersdale, March I4, I883, the
son of Frank and Sarah (Hocking) Hoffman. Frank
Hoffman, who was a mining operator, died in I889.
Lee F. Hoffman received his education in the Meyersdale schools, and in 1914, established his first hotel and
restaurant in Bedford. Shortly afterwards he established similar enterprises in Ligonier and Gettysburg.
He sold all these holdings in I929, and later bought the
Hoffman Hotel and Restaurant at Cresson, and in
I936 he bought another hotel in Blairsville, and is now
conducting these two establishments, which enjoy a
large and select clientele. The pleasant atmosphere of
these hostelries, plus the quality of the service furnished, have made Mr. Hoffman a most popular host,
367ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and he is generally credited as the originator of a
number of advertising slogans that are copied nationally. His hotels have the reputation of being among
the best advertised hotels in the country.
Mr. Hoffman is a member of the Bedford Episcopal
Church, and is active in all civic affairs. He was married in I914 to Mildred Shuck of Ligonier, and they
are the parents of two children: I. Sally, age twentyone years. 2. Peggy, age twenty years.
CLAUDE  W. KIRBY, M. D.-Beginning his
general practice of medicine and surgery in Cresson in
I933, and with an office equipped with all the modern
appliances known to the medical profession, Dr. Claude
W. Kirby has built up a most extensive practice and
enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire community.
Dr. Kirby was born February 23, I907, in Cresson,
the son of William  Robert and Lenora (Plummer)
Kirby. William Robert Kirby is a well-known figure in
the general merchandising field of Summerhill, Pennsylvania. Dr. Kirby was graduated from the local
schools and received the degree of Bachelor of Science
from St. Vincent's College in I928. He then entered
Georgetown University, and graduated in 1932 with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He served an interneship of one year at Altoona General Hospital and
was house physician and a member of the surgical
staff of Mercy Hospital in Johnstown for one year,
and then opened his office at its present site in Cresson. He quickly achieved an excellent reputation in
his chosen profession, as he has been most successful in ministering to the physical cares of his patients.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
a member of the local Rotary Club, and the County,
State and American Medical associations. He was
married to Bridgit O'Toole of Altoona, June 23, I937.
RALPH H. MOORE-As president of C. A.
Hughes and Company, one of the larger mining enterprises conducted in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Ralph
H. Moore of Cresson is one of the leading citizens
and prominent businessmen of this locality.
Mr. Moore was born in Berkley, Maryland, March
3, I894, the son of Harry W. and Iola (James) Moore.
Harry W. Moore, who was engaged in the general
insurance business in Philadelphia, died in I932. His
wife is still living.  Ralph H. Moore attended the
Philadelphia schools, and after graduation from the
high school, enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, receiving the degree of Civil Engineer in 19I5.
He began his business career with the C. A. Hughes
Coal Company, and acted in various capacities until
193I, when the firm's name was changed to C. A.
Hughes  Company. He was elected president, and
manages the operations of the two large mines owned
by this company, which produce a total of one-half
a million tons of selected steam and smithing coals annually, and serve a market throughout the United
States. The general offices, formerly in Altoona, were
transferred to Cresson in I930.
Mr. Moore is known for his civic pride, and is interested in all movements beneficial to the welfare of
the community. He is a member of the Racket Club
of Philadelphia. In I9I6 he was married to Rachel
Longaker of Philadelphia, and they are the parents
of two children: I. Ralph, age sixteen, and a student at Phillips Exeter Academy.  2. Daniel, age
eighteen, now attending Amherst College.
CHARLES E. OVERBERGER, D. D. S.-Dr.
Charles E. Overberger has been engaged in the general practice of dentistry in Barnesboro for more than
twenty years and is regarded as an outstanding member of his profession in this locality. He was born
in Patton, October I3, I888, the son of John B. and
Helena (Huber) Overberger.  John B. Overberger,
who was engaged as a farmer, died in I929.
Dr. Overberger attended the Patton schools and
also taught school there. He later attended the University of Pittsburgh, receiving the degree of Doctor
of Dental Surgery in I915. He immediately began his
practice in Barnesboro, and has gained a high reputation for the efficiency of his work.
He is a member of St. Edward's Roman Catholic
Church and is well known and popular in the field of
politics, having been a member of the school board of
the town for two years. He is also a member of the
County D. P. A. board. He is affiliated with the
Knights of Columbus and the local Kiwanis Club, and
is a member of the American and State Dental associations, and past president of the Cambria County
Dental Society. He is also a director of the First
National Bank, and active in all community affairs.
During the World War, Dr. Overberger served as a
first lieutenant in the Dental Corps.
He was married, in I919, to Beatrice McNulty, of
Barnesboro, and they are the parents of three children:
I. Charles E., Jr. 2. William. 3. James.
GEORGE F. WILDEMAN-George F. Wildeman of Barnesboro, has been associated with the First
National Bank in various capacities since I903, and is
considered one of the leading citizens of this locality.
He was born June 7, I879, at Evansville, Indiana,, the
38ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
son of John and Elizabeth (Zoeller) Wildeman, both
deceased. John Wildeman, a native of Indiana, was
engaged in farming and at the time of his death, was
living retired in Evansville.
George F. Wildeman was educated in the Evansville schools and Jasper College, Jasper Township, and
later attended a New York business school. He
then entered the employ of the First National Bank
as an assistant cashier, and was promoted first to
cashier, and then vice-president. At the present time
he is vice-president and cashier in charge, and is also
a director. This bank, which was organized as a National bank in I9oI, has been a rapidly growing institution, and with its present surplus of more than $250,ooo, it is regarded as a stronghold of the banking industry in North Cambria County.
Mr. Wildeman is a communicant of St. Edward's
Roman Catholic Church, an active member of the
Holy Name Society, and honorary member of the
American Legion, and an affiliate of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He holds the fourth
degree, Knights of Columbus. He has been secretary of the Barnesboro Building and Loan Association
for the past thirty-two years, and treasurer of Barnesboro since I925.
Mr. Wildeman was first married in I903 to Della
Bearer, who died in I912. They were the parents of
three children:  I. Imogene.  2. Quintin, associated
with his father in the First National Bank. 3. John,
a member of the Liquor Control Board. Mr. Wildeman was married (second), in I916, to Nora Horan of
Barnesboro and they were the parents of four children:
4. James, a student at St. Francis. 5. Betty, who died
at the age of seven. 6. Rita, age nine. 7. George,
age five.
AUGUSTINE A. LIEB-After a few years in
the teaching profession, Augustine A. Lieb of Carrolltown entered the business field, and has been associated in business with C. A. Sharbaugh since I9oo.
He was born in Nicktown, Tune 20, I878, the son of
Adam J. and Mary (Luther) Lieb, the former deceased. The elder Mr. Lieb was born in Pennsylvania in 1853, was a justice of the peace and a blacksmith in Nicktown at the time of his death in Igi6.
Augustine A. Lieb studied at the local public schools
and later at St. Vincent's Catholic school. He then
was engaged in teaching school, but after three years
he entered the employ of an Ebensburg hardware
store as a clerk. He remained there until 900oo when
he was engaged as a clerk by C. A. Sharbaugh at
Carrolltown. He became a partner in the operation of
their store at Barnesboro in I9II, and has continued at
this post ever since. He is also engaged individually
in the hardware business in Carrolltown, and the Lieb
Hardware Store is one of the largest institutions of
its kind in this vicinity.
He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, active in the affairs of the Knights of Columbus, and a
director of the First National Bank of Carrolltown.
He has always interested himself in local affairs and
is a highly respected member of this community. He
was married in IgoI to Clare Williams of Carrolltown,
and they are the parents of ten children: I. Arthur.
2. Blanche. 3. Alfred. 4. Edgar. 5. Gertrude. 6.
Robert.  7. David.  8. Leo.  g and io. Paul and
Pauline (twins), born in I92I.
JOHN F. RHODES-Since entering the wholesale lumber business in I899, John F. Rhodes has been
steadily engaged in this field and for the past twentythree years has owned and operated his own business
in Jennerstown. He was born in Jenner Township,
Somerset County, April II, I878, the son of Frank
and Adeline (Leibert) Rhodes. Frank Rhodes has
been engaged in farming for many years. His wife,
born in Somerset County, daughter of John Leibert,.a native of Germany, came to the United States at
the age of sixteen and has since resided in this locality.
John F. Rhodes was educated in the township schools,
and then engaged in farming until he was twentyone years old, whereupon he secured employment in
the lumber firm operated by Seger Bros. in Ligonier.
He remained here for fourteen years and then in I914
went into business for himself, and has been thus
engaged to the present day. He has also been occupied
in the operation of a farm which he has owned since
I920. In I935 he built a large garage, but although
he is still the owner of this building, he does not participate in its operation.
He is a trustee of the Evangelical Church, and has
been a teacher in the Sunday school for many years.
He is an active Republican, having served on the town
council, and is prominent in fraternal circles, being
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
for the past thirty-three years, and also affiliated with
Ligonier Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine.
He was married February I3, I912, to Maude
Weyand of Westmoreland County. Mr. and Mrs.
Rhodes have no children of their own but they have
reared two children who use the Rhodes family name.
They are: Eugeue and May Rhodes.
369ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
DR. BENNETT A. BRAUDE-Dr. Bennett A.
Braude, for many years a well-known Johnstown surgeon, was born at Shamokin, November 2I, I889, the
son of Abner and Reba (Morningstar) Braude. Abner
Braude, also a native of Shamokin, is now retired from
business, and with his wife is a resident of Atlantic
City, New Jersey.
Dr. Braude received his early education in the local
public schools, and later attended Bucknell and Penn
State colleges.  He then matriculated at Jefferson
Medical College, where he was graduated in I914 with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After an interneship of one year at the Philadelphia General Hospital
and eight months at the Atlantic City Hospital, he
came to Johnstown as chief resident physician at
the Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital where he
Iemained for one year. He then became associated in
the general practice of his profession with Dr. Hannan
and continued until August, I917, when he enlisted
for war service and was appointed first lieutenant in
the United States Army Medical Corps. He was sent
overseas and was attached to the 3d Pioneer Infantry
Regiment which was attached to a French Army Division at Verdun and later to the first army of the
United States, when it was formed. He served overseas for fifteen months, and was promotei to the rank
of captain, September 23, I918. He received his honorable discharge in September, I919, and renewed his
association with Dr. Hannan, meanwhile becoming a
member of the medical staff of Memorial Hospital and
khe surgical staff of Mercy Hospital. In I922 he resigned these posts to become an associate on the
Memorial staff in Gynecology, and at the same time
he established his own offices, limiting his private
practice to surgical work. In I923 he was appointed
associate chief of surgery at Memorial Hospital, and
in October, I934, was made chief surgeon, and president of the staff at Memorial Hospital in I937, which
posts he has most capably filled to the present day.
Dr. Braude is also greatly interested in goitre, andi
attends the association for the study of this ailment.
He is a member of the First Lutheran Church, an
active Republican, and a well-known Mason, being a
charter member of Sunnehanna Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of Johnstown Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons, Johnstown Council, Royal and
Select Masters, Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He is also
a member of the Knights of Constantine and was president of the local Shrine Club. In the medical fraternity he is affiliated with the Cambria County Medical Society, Pennsylvania Medical Society. American
Medical Association, is president and one of the
fcounders of the Johnstown Surgical Society, and a
Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He
is also prominent in the affairs of the American Legion, being a member of the executive committee, a
member of the "Forty and Eight" society, and together with George Foster, the organizers of the
local Women's Auxiliary of the Legion. In addition,
he holds membership in the Lions Club and the Sunnehanna Country Club.
He was married April 5, I917, to Rita S. Mills, a
native of Nova Scotia, Canada, and they are the parents of two children: I. Susan Patricia, born March
23, 1924. 2. Bennett A., 2d, born November I, I929.
WILLIAM  V. CONN, M. D.-A Fellow of the
American Medical Association, and a member of the
Pennsylvania State and Westmoreland County Medical
societies, William V. Conn, M. D., has established himself in general practice in Greensburg.
Dr. Conn was born in Monongahela on October 25,
I9o8, the son of Benjamin and Anna (Rosenbloom)
Conn. Benjamin Conn, who was born in New York
City and died in Pittsburgh, was a merchant in the
latter city. He was a thirty-second degree member
of the Masonic fraternity and a member of the Reformed Jewish congregation.  Anna (Rosenbloom)
Conn, was a native of Philadelphia and makes her
home in Pittsburgh. She is the daughter of William
and Hannah (Weller) Rosenbloom. William Rosenbloom, a native of Germany, was a merchant in Windher. His wife, who was a native of Russia, died in
Plainfield, New Jersey.
Dr. Conn passed through the public schools of
Monongahela and graduated from high school at
Beaver Falls in I927. Then, after four years at the
University of Pittsburgh, he won his Bachelor of
Science degree in I93I. Determining to follow the
medical profession, he studied at the Long Island College of Medicine in Brooklyn, graduated in I935 with
his Doctor's degree in medicine. A year of interneship followed, served at Kings County Hospital and St.
Peter's Hospital in Brooklyn. While Dr. Conn was
still an interne, he established himself in general
practice in Brooklyn. In October of I936, Dr. Conn
moved home to Pennsylvania and opened his office in
Greensburg. A member of the Phi Delta Epsilon
Fraternity, Dr. Conn belongs to the Reformed Jewish
congregation. He is also a member of the Lions Club
of Greensburg.
On July 13, 1932, William V. Conn married Pearle
Goldberg, a daughter of Charles and Rose (Ziff) Goldberg of Greensburg. Mr. Goldberg is a merchant in
37oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
37I
Greensburg. Mrs. Conn graduated from the Greensburg High School, from Margaret'Morrison Col!ege
of the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh.
From the last institution, she received the degree of
Bachelor of Science in social work. For five years,
she worked for the Red Cross in Pittsburgh and in
Brooklyn, New York. She is a member of the Reformed Jewish congregation. Dr. and Mrs. Conn
have two daughters. I. Barbara Ellen, born on December 3, I936. 2. Marjorie Sue, born August 2,
1938.
GUY N. HARTMAN-As county superintendent of schools of Somerset County, Guy N. Hartman
directs the operation of a school system which has
responded notably to his leadership during the years of
his incumbency. He has devoted his entire career to
education and brings to his present tasks the breadth
of experience and vision, the balanced judgment clearly
indicated by his record.
Mr. Hartman was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on August 30, I890, son of John H. and Mary
(Brindle) Hartman. His father, a native of Franklin
County, engaged in farming and stock raising. The
mother, Mary (Brindle) Hartman, was born in Cumberland County.
Guy N. Hartman received his preliminary education
in the public schools of Franklin County and afterward attended Blue Ridge Academy, from which he
was graduated. He spent the following two years as
a teacher in the rural schools of Franklin County,
acquiring in these smaller institutions a sound insight
into a classroom method and a clear perception of the
fundamental purposes of education which have proved
very helpful to him in later years. In I9I9 Mr. Hartman was graduated from Bridgewater College with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts and two years later took
the degree of Master of Arts at the University of
Pennsylvania. In 1921 he also, received the degree of
Bachelor of Divinity from Crozier Theological Seminary. He has always remained a student of professional literature, science and the cultural curriculum
and is now pursuing work at the University of Pittsburgh leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
Meanwhile, his professional activities continued. Embarking upon his career as a teacher in the Somerset
County schools in I92I, he served with characteristic
zeal and success for ten years and in I93I was advanced to the post of assistant county superintendent of
schools. In I934 he was elected county superintendent
of schools, in which capacity he has since served.
Mr. Hartman has devoted profound thought and
extraordinary care to the effective administration of
his duties.  Conceiving the problems of his office
broadly, he has explored them with an open mind,
settled the principles upon which-he planned to operate
and carried them through in great detail. His ability
to see and understand and plan has been matched by
his executive ability and the rare force of his leadership, which has enabled him to secure invaluable cooperation. Upon coming into office, Mr. Hartman
attacked his problems directly. He went into every
local district and into each local school to study and
learn their individual needs and help the local boards
find a solution for their difficulties. The directors in
turn, as a result of these personal contacts, learned to
rely upon his leadership and judgment. Larger organizations resulted and eventually the secondary schools
were entirely reorganized and finally the same step was
applied to the elementary schools throughout the
county. It was through his efforts that the standard
county course of study was established for all elementary schools and this improvement of the curriculum led to a notable elevation in the standards of
instruction. Such special courses of study as vocal
and instrumental music were also established for both
elementary and high schools in the entire county. The
resulting interest in music has found further expression in the Somerset County School Music Festival,
held initially at Somerset in May, I938. Hundreds of
students from the grade and high schools of the cotunty
participated in programs of vocal and instrumental
music covering several days. Folk songs and classical
selections were featured, and the standards of proficiency and taste revealed, reflected the greatest credit
upon the music supervisors and teachers of the county
as well as their charges. The music festival was sponsored by the Somerset County Principals' Association
and the Somerset Music Boosters' Club, with the
endorsement of the Department of Public Education
of the county and the county superintendent of schools.
The development of the curriculum of the Somerset
County schools has been supplemented by Mr. Hartman's efforts to improve the personnel of his school
faculties and engender a vigorous and co6perative
spirit among them. An important step in this direction
is the functioning, under his leadership, of an active
High School Principals' Association, whose monthly
meetings constitute a forum for the discussion of all
school problems of the county. Here important decisions are often arrived at or conclusions reached which
have received the benefit of splendid contributions
offered by the various members of the association. The
physical development of the schools has not been
neglected and during Mr. Hartman's administration a
number of outstanding consolidations have developed.
Conemaugh and Berlin, perhaps, represent the larger
ones.  Springs, Boynton, Greenville, Kantner, andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Shade represent smaller projects in the consolidation
program.
As Mr. Hartman conceives the school, it constitutes
but one unit in what is or ought to be an integrated
system for developing and preparing the child to take
its place in life. This task properly requires the combined efforts of the home, the church, the school, the
business and professional world and those in public
life. In accordance with this belief, Mr. Hartman has
held meetings with the farmers, the business men, the
bankers, the professional men and the ministry to lay
before them school problems and seek their counsel,
co6peration and help. He has thus been able to awaken
their keen and understanding interest and has secured
their confidence and cod6peration to an unusual degree
in the task which is their common concern--the building of stalwart and useful citizenship in the rising
generation.
Mr. Hartman is a member of the National Education
Association and its Department of Superintendence;
the Progressive Educational Association; and the
Pennsylvania State* Educational Association. He is
affiliated with the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity. In
addition to these connections, Mr. Hartman is a member of the Grange. He owns a spacious farm at Somerset, on which he lives, and specializes in the cultivation of a large potato crop and in the production of
dairy products.
On June Io, 1917, Guy N. Hartman married Edna
Walker of Somerset County. They are the parents of
two children: I. John H., born July 30, I920, a student
in the Berlin High School. 2. Anna C., born October
i6, 1925, a student in the Berlin High School.
Despite the continued demands which his administrative duties make upon his time, Mr. Hartman has
found it possible to contribute a number of articles on
educational subjects to various professional magazines
and periodicals. Writing with authority on the subjects
which engage his pen, he has added to his acknowledged stature in the world of education. In I935, in
recognition of his distinguished career, Bridgewater
College conferred upon him the honorary degree of
Doctor of Literature.
CORNELIUS GILL WATT-Cornelius Gill
Watt was a member of the firm of Watt and McDowell, one of the leading insurance agencies of
Greensburg.
Cornelius G. (C. Gill) Watt was born in Allegheny
Township, Westmoreland County, on May 2, 1877, a
son of James H. and Katherine (Gill) Watt. James
H. Watt, who was born in Allegheny Township on
August I2, I849, and died in Greensburg in November
of I93I, was a farmer in his early life and later a
traveling salesman for the Greensburg Produce Company. A Republican in politics, he was an elder in
the United Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. He
was a son of Alexander Wilson and Martha (McKee)
Watt. Alexander Watt and his wife were both natives
of Allegheny Township and spent their lives there.
Mr. Watt, a farmer, was born in I819 and died in I9I0.
Katherine (Gill) Watt, mother of Cornelius Gill
Watt, was born in Allegheny County in I852 and
died in Greensburg in December of I916. She was a
daughter of Cornelius Gill, a native of Westmoreland
County, who was a lumberman in his early manhood
and later, a farmer.
Cornelius Gill Watt, after passing through the public
schools of Greensburg, and the Greensburg Seminary,
taught school for three years in Hempfield and in
South Greensburg. Then, electing to follow a business
career, he formed an association with Simon F. Maxwell and John M. Dom to establish an insurance and
real estate business in Greensburg. This firm, known
as the Greensburg Realty Corporation, occupied Mr.
Watt's attention as treasurer until 1903, when Mr.
Watt sold out his interest in the business and, for several years, he was secretary and special agent of the
Allegheny Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh.
And then, in I907, Mr. Watt and G. A. TMcDowell
formed the insurance and real estate firm of Watt and
McDowell-which is one of Greensburg's leading
business offices. A Republican in politics, Mr. Watt
served Southwest Greensburg as a burgess and as a
school director, and was a member of the United
Presbyterian Church, a director of the Greensburg
Kiwanis Club, and also a member of Greensburg
Lodge, No. 511, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks. During the World War, Mr. Watt was chairman of the Third Ward Registration Board. Always
keenly interested in fox hunting, Mr. Watt not only
enjoyed riding over the hills but also kept his own
kennel of hounds. Out of this interest in dogs, he
developed a wide reputation as a judge of good dogs.
He was chairman of the bench committee of the
Greensburg Kennel Club and also a member of tht
club's board of directors. Mr. Watt was licensed as a
judge of bench shows by the American Kennel Club
and in demand as an official in dog shows.
On November 5, I905, Cornelius Gill Watt married,
in Greensburg, Miriam K. McIntyre, a daughter of
Henry Swartz and Emma May (Turney) McIntyre.
Mr. McIntyre, who was born in Hempfield on January
8, I85o, and died in Greensburg on May 25, I927, was
a locomotive engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad.
During the World War, he was a Young Men's Christian Association secretary at Fort Hancock, Georgia.
He was a Republican and served Greensburg in sev372ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
eral official capacities. Mrs. McIntyre, who was born
in Greensburg on July 6, 1854, died there in April of
I930.  Mrs. Watt is a direct descendant of John
McIntyre and of Daniel Turney and Daniel Turney,
Jr., all three, Revolutionary soldiers. She is a member
of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the
Order of the Eastern Star, the United Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg, and various women's organizations.  Mr. and Mrs. Watt were parents of eight
children: I. Charles Edward, born on September 4,
I9O6. He is associated with the West Penn Power
Company and is married to Elizabeth Eidemiller, of
Greensburg. They have a son: James Gill. 2. John
Cornelius, born on October 30, 1907. He is a merchant
and is married to Lillie Mae Saxman, of Latrobe.
They have two children: John, Jr., and Janet Saxman.
3. Emma Katherine, born August I8, I909, of Greensburg. 4. Mary Virginia, born on September i8, I90o,
and the wife of Richard Clyde Rial, of Greensburg.
They have a daughter: Carol Virginia. 5. Carolyn,
born September 27, 1911, and now of Greensburg. 6.
Daniel Harvey, born September I2, I9I3. Living in
Monessen, he is associated with his brother, John, in
the employ of the G. C. Murphy Five and Ten Cent
Store system. 7. Miriam McIntyre, born on July 20,
I9I8. 8. Elizabeth Anne, born on July I3, I929.
Cornelius Gill Watt died the early part of May, 1938.
HON. DANIEL J. SNYDER-Judge of the
Orphans' Court of Westmoreland County, Hon. Daniel
J. Snyder was born in Penn Township, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, where his great-grandfather,
Mathias Snyder, had migrated from Northampton
County. Mathias Snyder had served previous to this
in the Continental Army, and was with General Washington at Valley Forge. Mathias Snyder's son, Daniel,
married Elizabeth Rowe, and their son, David L., the
father of Judge Snyder, was born in I833. He spent
his entire life in Penn Township as a teacher and
farmer, and died there in 1896. Mary A. (Kline)
Snyder, the mother of Judge Snyder, was born in
Penn Township in 1838 and died there at the age of
eighty-nine. Her parents, John and Elizabeth (Knappenberger) Kline, spent their entire lives in Penn
Township on a farm. John died in 1855 and his wife,
in 1890.
Judge Snyder received his early education in the
public schools of Penn Township and at the Greensburg Seminary. He graduated from Heidelberg University, Tiffin, Ohio, in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and from the Law School of Yale University in I895 with the degree of Bachelor of ILaws.
Later he received an honorary degree of Master of
Arts from  Heidelberg University, and in 1938 was
given the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by
Franklin and Marshall College.
In the year I896 he was admitted to the Westmoreland County bar and practiced law in Greensburg. In
I907 he formed a partnership with J. R. Smith which
continued until I9I9, when he was appointed judge of
the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County.
In 192I he was elected president judge of the Orphans'
Court of Westmoreland County for a term  of ten
years, and in I931 he was relected for another term of
ten years.
In line with his profession, he is a member of the
Westmoreland County Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He has always been an
active member of the Republican party, and represented his district in the State Legislature from I9I5
to I9I9.
He was married to Winifred Fowles on October 22,
I9Io. Judge and Mrs. Snyder have two children: I.
Eleanor G. Snyder. 2. Daniel J. Snyder, Jr.
Judge Snyder has been a lifelong member of the
Reformed Church in the United States and, as such,
became deeply interested in the movement to unite this
church with the Evangelical Synod of North America.
From the inception of these negotiations to their final
consummation in 1934, under the name of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, he was a member of the
Committee of Church Union, and chairman of the
Legal Committee, and was quite active in bringing
about this union of churches. He has been three times
elected vice-president of the United Church. This is
the highest office to which a layman can be elected by
this denomination. He is also a member of the executive board of the Churchmen's Brotherhood, and an
elder in the First Reformed Church of Greensburg.
For many years he has been the teacher of a very large
adult Bible class. He is also a member of the Kiwanis
Club, a thirty-second degree Mason, and an officer in
the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Derry, Pennsylvania.
WALLACE MILLER--Fifty-five years of distinctive service to the business advancement of the
city of Uniontown comprises the career of Wallace
Miller, who has owned and operated the jewelry firm
of Wallace Miller and Brother for over three decades.
During this period he has also attained prominence as
a realtor and financier and been active in social and
civic affairs.
Mr. Miller, a member of an old Pennsylvania family,
was born in Somerset, February 22, I866, the son of
Daniel S. and Mary (Lichty) Miller, both natives of
his birthplace, where his father, who was born in 1832,
and died in 1915, engaged in farming. His mother,
born in 1835, passed away in I923. Mr. Miller re373ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ceived a general education in the public schools of
Somerset and Uniontown. As a boy he began his
career clerking in a local grocery store and after engaging in this work for about three years, became an
apprentice in the watchmakers trade, working with
General S. M. Daily, a jeweler in Uniontown and at
that time, I883, treasurer of the State. Mr. AMiller
continued with this firm and in I9oo was able to purchase the business which had been in existence since
about I866. He changed the title to Wallace Miller
and continued to operate under this style until 1912,
when his brother, Marling C. Miller, who had worked
with him for ten years, became a partner. At this time
the establishment became known as Wallace Miller
and Brother and has continued to operate under this
name since. The firm carries a full line of the finest
jewelry and conducts an optical department.  The
original store was located at No. 6 West Main Street,
the present site of the Second National Bank, and in
1923 it was removed to its present location at No. 26
Main Street. Aware of the value of realty, Mr. Miller
has acquired and owns extensive property holdings
which he has developed for both residential and industrial purposes. In this connection he erected the
Montgomery Ward and National Biscuit Company
buildings, especially designed for their requirements.
He also was the former owner of Baily Park, a tenacre property which was recently sold to the city. As
one of the city's business leaders he has served as a
member of the board of directors of the Second National Bank of Uniontown for the past twenty-five
years.
Mr. Miller is a member of the Uniontown Chamber
of Commerce, is a Republican in politics and belongs
to the Uniontown Kiwanis Club and the Uniontown
Country Club. Fraternally, he is a member of Fayette
Lodge, No. 228, belongs to the Chapter, Commandery,
Consistory and the Syria Temple, Ancient Arab!c
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Miller is the father of two children: I. Allen,
who is a practicing attorney in Los Angeles, California. 2. Virginia Lee, a student in the Uniontown
High School.
MERVIN CURTIS SHOWALTER-Qualified
through his experience gained in more than thirty
years' service in various branches of the mining industry, Mervin Curtis Showalter of Smithfield is superintending operations at the Shoaf-Collier and Yorkrun
mines for the H. C. Frick Coke Company.
He was born in Landisburg. Perry County, September I5, I882, the son of Curtis and Mary Alice
(Kennedy) Showalter, both natives of L andisburg.
Curtis Showalter, who was employed as a millwright,
died July 5, I934. His wife had died on October I,
I932.
Mervin Curtis Showalter attended the Landisburg
public schools, and later studied at the Peterson Business College in Scottdale. Finishing school, he entered
the farming business, operating a large farm in Perry
County for Joseph C. Waggoner. He continued in this
work for four years, and on February 3, I9o6, entered
the employ of the H. C. Frick Coke Company, starting
as a shipping clerk at the Lambert Mine, where he
was stationed until January 28, I907. Transferred to
the Shoaf Mine, he assumed the duties of payroll clerk,
and on May I5, 1922, was promoted to the superintendency of this mine, and later, of the Collier Mine
and Yorkrun Mine, where he has proven himself a
most capable leader, and one, noted for his considerate
treatment of those under his supervision.
He is a Republican, and has always been associated
with all movements tending to enhance the welfare of
the community. He was president of the Georges
Township School Board during I928 and I929, and
had been auditor of this township, by appointment,
from 1920 to I925. He is widely known in Masonic
circles, being affiliated with the Fayette Lodge, No.
228, Free and Accepted Masons, the Lodge of Perfection, the Union Chapter Royal Arch Masons,
Uniontown Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar,
and the Pittsburgh Consistory.
In I909 he married Grace Kyle, of Shoaf Works,
Smithfield, daughter of William and Sarah Kyle. Mr.
and Mrs. Showalter are the parents of two children:
Gladys Viola, born October I9, I909, and Robert Kyle
Showalter, born April 30, I9I4.
KENNETH HENRY BAIR-As owner of K.
H. Bair and Company, general insurance, Kenneth
Henry Bair is now, as for years, conducting the business which was founded by his father in Greensburg
in i882.
Kenneth Henry Bair was born in Greensburg on
June 25, I889, the son of Edward H. and Esther
(Suydam) Bair. Mr. Bair's father was born in Congruity, Westmoreland County, on March 6, I859, and
died in Greensburg, July 28, 1925. Mr. Bair's mother
was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, August I3, I864,
and died in Greensburg, February I3, 1932.
Kenneth Henry Bair, after passing through the
Greensburg public schools, graduated from  Mercersburg Academy in 1907 and, in 1912, graduated from
Pennsylvania State College with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After graduation he was employed by
the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, as a special agent. Then, a year later, he
became associated w-ith his father's insurance firm in
374ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
375
Greensburg. This insurance firm was founded in I882
as Gay and Bair and continued under that name until
I892, when the firm was changed to Gay, Bair and
Lane, and in I9o00 was changed to Bair and Lane. In
I925 Kenneth Henry Bair bought out the complete
business and is now sole owner, conducting the business as K. H. Bair and Company. Mr. Bair conducts
a general insurance business.
His business career was interrupted during the
World War by his service in the United States Army.
In I917 he enlisted in the Second Officers Training
Corps and, after being commissioned a second lieutenant, was assigned to the ioth Field Artillery and
sent to Douglas, Arizona. In December, 1917, he was
ordered to France and he served there until February,
1919, when he was honorably discharged. During his
tour of duty in France he was assigned to the United
States Air Force as a balloon observer, with the same
commissioned rank as in the field artillery.
Mr. Bair's business interest is reflected in his association with insurance associations. He is a member of
the Pennsylvania Association of Insurance Agents,
being the president of the organization in 1924-25 and,
again, in I930-32. He is also a member of the National Association of Insurance Agents, serving as its
president in I935-36. Other business associations include membership in the Greensburg Chamber of Commerce, of which he was vice-president, and directorships in the Pennsylvania Central Air Lines Corporation of Pittsburgh and the Pace Chemical Corporation
of Greensburg. Mr. Bair is also chairman of the
Westmoreland County Chapter of the American Red
Cross, an office which he has held for the past ten
years. He is a member and treasurer of the board of
trustees of the Second Evangelical and Reformed
Church of Greensburg, a member of Westmoreland
Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted Masons; member
of Greensburg Lodge, No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Greensburg Country Club,
the Pike Run Country Club, the Westmoreland Polo
Club, and of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
On March 3, I919. Kenneth Henry Bair married, at
Douglas, Arizona, Willetta Sparks, daughter of NMr.
and Mrs. Henry Clay Sparks, of Phoenix, Arizona.
Mr. Sparks is a building contractor in that city. Mr.
and Mrs. Bair have three children: I. Edward Hart,
born May 4, 1920. 2. Kenneth Henry, Jr., horn April
I6, 1923. 3. Esther Suydam, born April 30, 1924. Mrs.
Bair graduated from Bishop School, San Diego, California, after attending the San Diego High School.
DOUGLAS GRAYSON BUCHANAN-During
the fifteen years he has been associated with the
Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation at Vandergrift,
Douglas Grayson Buchanan has worked his way from
a comparatively modest position to that of general
superintendent of the plant, which he has occupied
since October I, I936. This industrial unit, a subsidiary of the United States Steel Corporation, is one
of the most important in the State and hence demands
the services of executives who are thoroughly trained
and equipped to supervise production. On the basis
of his experience and achievements one can readily
appreciate Mr. Buchanan's fitness for this present responsibilities.
Mr. Buchanan, of Scottish ancestry, was born in
Pittsburgh, May 8, I892, the son of Douglas and Sarah
(Grayson) Buchanan, the former a native of Hamilton,
Ontario, Canada, and the latter of Washington, Pennsylvania. His father, son of Isaac Buchanan, who came
to this country from Scotland, has engaged in the
cold storage and warehouse business in Pittsburgh for
a number of years.
Mr. Buchanan attended the public schools of Pittsburgh, the Shady Side Academy in this city and later
completed this part of his studies at the St. George's
Boarding School in Newport, Rhode Island. Hie then
matriculated at Yale University, from which he was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy
in I9I7. The same year he enlisted in the United
States Army for World War service, attended the
First Officers Training Camp at Fort Niagara, was
commissioned a lieutenant in the Field Artillery and
went to France, where he remained until May, I919,
when he was honorably discharged. He served with
the 3Ioth F. A., 304th T. M. Battery and Headquarters, I54th F. A. Brigade.
Returning to this country he secured a position with
the National Tube Company of Lorraine, Ohio, and
remained with this organization until I923, when he
joined the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation plant in
Vandergrift as turn foreman of the open hearth. In
the years that followed he rose successively to the post
of assistant open hearth superintendent, open hearth
superintendent and assistant general superintendent of
the plant, the position he held when he was appointed
general superintendent on October I, I936. In the
various positions he has held he has won the esteem
and respect of his subordinates and superiors alike,
who recognize in him a man of ability, who knows his
job and knows how to execute it.
The Vandergrift works are among the most modern
steel mills in the country. Thousands of tons of metal
are manufactured here annually and marketed throughout the world. Approximately thirty-two hundred
people are employed and the annual payroll is estimated about $4,500,000. In addition to the numerous
processing departments, which include chemical andANNALS OF SOU'ItlWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
metallurgical laboratories, the mill operates a company restaurant, capable of serving three thousand
meals every twenty-four hours, and a hospital manned
by qualified nurses, who are there to assist in the prevention of accidents and to assist injured.
In conjunction with his business prominence, Mr.
Buchanan has also taken a leading part in social and
civic affairs. He is a member of the Vandergrift
Chamber of Commerce, the Kiwanis Club, the local
chapter of the American Red Cross and belongs to the
Hillcrest Country Club, the University Club of Pittsburgh and the Yale Club of that city. In his fraternal
affiliations he is a member of St. John's Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons, No. 319, of Pittsburgh, and
belongs to the Pittsburgh Consistory. He worships at
the Episcopalian Church, and as an engineer is a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania, and the
American Society for Testing Materials. In politics
he is a Republican.
On February II, I926, at Greensburg, Mr. Buchanan
married Sarah Alice Maier, daughter of Lewis and
Ida (Shank) Maier, and they are the parents of three
children: I. Douglas Grayson, Jr., born December 8,
I926. 2. Lewis Maier, born November 15, 1927. 3.
Sarah Alice, born February 8, I937.
JOSEPH C. STAHLMAN, M. D.; CALLA L.
STAHLMAN-Member of a family which has
been established in Pennsylvania for nearly two hundred years, Joseph C. Stahlman, M. D., has been in
general medical practice for over fifty years, spending
nearly forty years of this time in Vandergrift, where
he is at present one of the leading physicians of Westmoreland County.
Calla L. Stahlman, his daughter, who is a teacher
of foreign languages in the Vandergrift High School,
has not only traveled widely in Asia as well as in
Europe and America, but is keenly interested in genealogical research and is also an authority on church
history, her particular specialty being the translation
of church records from German into English for the
Daughters of the American Revolution, of which organization she is a member.
Dr. Joseph C. Stahlman was born September 20,
1858, in Armstrong County, son of Solomon and Catherine (Keck) Stahlman. The Stahlman family was
founded in America by Jacob Stahlmann (original
spelling of the name) who arrived at Philadelphia
from Germany on October I6, I75I. His son, John
Stahlman, who died in 1823, was a farmer of considerable means, adding to his agricultural properties,
several gristmills, two of which are still in operation.
During the Revolution, he served in the Militia Battalion of Lancaster, commanded by Colonel Alex
Lowrey, his particular organization being Captain
Arlhort's Company of the 5th Class. John Stahlman
married Eleanor McCorry and they became the parents of ten children: I. Solomon. 2. Jeremiah, who
married Catherine Young. 3. John. 4. Samuel, who
married Margaret Reed. 5. Jacob, who married Anna
Maria Reed. 6. Gabriel. 7. Nancy, who married
Henry Schuckers. 8. Rebecca, who married George
Herbe. 9. Katherine, who married George Deitrich.
io. Salome, who married George Dinger. Of these
children, Solomon and three of his sisters remained in
Schuylkill County, while the others moved into Clarion
and Jefferson counties. John Stahlman's son, Jacob,
who was born August 22, I805, settled in Clarion
County about I835 and died September I, I876. A
farmer, he married Anna Maria Reed (I804-7I), and
they were parents of six children: I. Solomon. 2. Felix.
3. Isaac. 4. Angeline, who married Ruben Rinard. 5.
Maria, who married John Furlong. 6. Catherine Ann,
who married Jacob Schaeffer. Solomon Stahlman,
born January 20, I832, in Lower Mahantongo Township, Schuylkill County, died January 3, I899, at Limestone, Clarion County. Always a farmer, his enterprise was richly rewarded and he was the owner of
several farms before his death. Always attentive to
his church, he was very active in civic concerns as a
Democrat although he declined to aspire to any public
office. Solomon Stahlman married Catherine Keck,
born August 20, 1836, in Red Bank Township, died
December 29, I930, at Limestone. She was a daughter
of Conrad and Magdalena (Moni) (Mohney) Keck.
Conrad Keck was born in the old Keck homestead in
Westmoreland County, October I5, I807, and died
April 8, I896. A true pioneer, he was a very successful farmer, civic leader and business man, being a
director of the First National Bank in New Bethlehem
for eighteen years. He was the youngest son of Phillip
and Catherine Keck. Phillip Keck was a son of George
Keck, and a grandson of Henry Keck, the first of the
family in America, who arrived in Philadelphia in
1732. Phillip Keck, after the Revolutionary War,
migrated with his parents from Northampton County
to Westmoreland County, where he married Anna
Catherine Klingensmith, daughter of Andrew Klingensmith, and niece of Phillip Klingensmith, whose family
was massacred by the Indians near Hannastown in
June, I78I. Phillip and Anna (Klingensmith) Keck
were the parents of seven children: I. Elizabeth. 2.
Joseph. 3. Phillip. 4. Solomon. 5. George. 6. David.
7. Conrad. Phillip died May 27, i8o8, leaving his
widow with seven small children. She picked up her
possessions soon after and, braving the perils and hardships of the wilderness, marched on foot with her
376ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
377
brood, seventy miles into the forests to Redbank Township, in what is now Clarion County. One pack horse
transported the family's meagre belongings and the
children had the duty of driving the family pigs
through the tangle of trees and rocks. Conrad, by the
time he was fifteen, had already become an adult in
hardship and toil and, dressed in a home-made suit of
homespun, walked seventy-five miles back to Brush
Creek Church in Westmoreland County to receive
catechetical instruction and to become a member of the
Brush Creek Lutheran Church. The pastor, Rev. John
Michael Steck, shortly visited the family and returned
again and again, eventually organizing a congregation
at Red Bank and later building a church at Shannondale. Conrad Keck married, September 4, 1835, Magdalena Moni, daughter of a prosperous Red Bank
farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Keck were the parents of nine
children: I. Catherine. 2. Rachel. 3. Solomon. 4.
Abraham. 5. Benjamin. 6. Jacob. 7. Lydia. 8.
Philip.  9. Maria.  Catherine, the oldest, married
Solomon Stahlman and had six children: i. Aaron.
ii. Conrad. iii. Dr. Joseph C. iv. Dr. Frederick C.
v. Benjamin. vi. Ida R., who married W. H. Fleming.
Dr. Joseph C. Stahlman, after attending the Clarion
County public schools, went to Rimersburg Academy,
Reed Institute and Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh. Then, determining to become a doctor, he
entered the Western Reserve Medical College at
Cleveland and graduated in 1887 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine. During his period of study, he
advanced himself by teaching school for seven years in
Clarion County districts. Dr. Stahlman's first practice
was in Richardsville, Jefferson County, where he established himself in I887 and where he remained until
I899. That year, having meanwhile taken postgraduate
work at the Philadelphia Polyclinic Hospital, Dr.
Stahlman moved to Vandergrift, where he has been in
active general practice ever since. A member of the
American Medical Association and the Pennsylvania
State  Medical Society, Dr. Stahlman  is also  a
member of several Masonic bodies, among them being
Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 6I7, Free and Accepted Masons, of Vandergrift, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite and Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Pittsburgh. A member of the Presbyterian Church, Dr.
Stahlman is also interested in civic concerns and, nonpartisan in politics, has served as a member of the
Jefferson County School Board. Dr. Stahlman is
keenly interested in photography as a hobby.
Dr. Stahlman has been twice married. He married
(first), on March I5, 1882, Mary Elizabeth McElhoes,
who died February 29, 1920. She was a daughter of
Irad and Martha (Warnick) McElhoes. Irad McElhoes, a native of Mifflin County, served during the
Civil War as a sergeant in Company I, 62d Regular
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, i86i-65. His paternal great-grandfather, Robert McElhoes, served
during the Revolution and was engaged in the battle of
Brandywine as a member of the 3d Battalion of (hester County Militia, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel
John Hannam. His maternal great-grandfather, Cornelius Shehan, was also a soldier of the Revolution,
serving in Captain Matthew McCoy's Company of the
Cumberland County regiment. Dr. and Mrs. Stahlman
were the parents of two children: I. Merna, who married J. C. Painter, of Springdale, and died in I925.
2. Calla L., previously mentioned. In 1925 Dr. Stahlman married (second) Nellie McCleary, of Strong,
Maine.
EDWARD HILL WELSH-For many years
prominent in the life of Vandergrift, Edward Hill
Welsh was particularly esteemed as a newspaper
owner and publisher and as a real estate development
expert.  He participated for many years in many
enterprises designed to improve conditions in his community, and was successful in his many-sided undertakings. He earned the warm respect and admiration
of all with whom he was associated, and his friends
admired him and trusted him.
Mr. Welsh was born July 26, 1876. in Allegheny
Township, Westmoreland County, son of William and
Kathryn (McCracken) Welsh, members of old and
well-established families. The Welshes have lived in
this region of Pennsylvania since early in the nineteenth century. The paternal grandfather of Edward
Hill Welsh was John Welsh, Sr., who was born December 24, I815, and died in September, I887. His
wife was Martha (Bollinger) Welsh, born June 19,
I8i8, died July 9, 1875, a daughter of Peter Bollinger,
who lived from November 28, I790, to February I6,
r875, and Christina (Yingst) Bollinger (I798-I875),
the latter a daughter of Peter Yingst (I758-I847) and
Catharine (Rolan) Yingst (I762-I839). Peter Yingst
came from Switzerland and was a soldier in the War
of the American Revolution. Nothing further is known
about Catharine. William Welsh, son of John Welsh,
Sr., and father of Edward Hill Welsh, lived from
February 5, 1847, to October I, I926, was a prosperous
farmer and stockman of Allegheny Township through
most of the years of his life. He served a term as poor
director for Westmoreland County, and in I9oo removed to Vandergrift, where he became interested in
real estate. He helped to organize the Citizens' National Bank, serving as a director and as vice-president
at the time of his death.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
military rulers, government servants and minor officers, as well as other Christian-loving people...
grant them kind, sympathetic, serviceable, genial and
favorable assistance and co6peration; more especially
as the aforesaid persons now depart from a place which
is healthy and free from disease, and have been declared free and absolved from even the smallest obligations."
The progenitor of the Bomberger family more than
lived up to these recommendations. He became a successful and prosperous farmer in the limestone country of this State, where he and his wife, Mary, reared
a family of seven children. This is the background of
Christian Martin Bomberger, son of Christian H. and
Elizabeth (Hess) Bomberger, and grandson of Christian H. Bomberger, who was a bishop of the Mennonite Church. His father, who engaged in farming,
as many of his forebears had done, passed away in
I917.
Mr. Bomberger received the early part of his gentral education in the public schools of Warwick Township and in I9o2, completed this part of his education
at the Lititz High School. During the two years that
followed he taught school in Warwick Township and
then matriculated at Franklin and Marshall College,
from which he was graduated with the class of I9o8.
It was at this time that he decided to pursue a jourralistic career and consequently went to Philadelphia
where he secured a position as a reporter with the
"Public Ledger."  Later he served in this capacity
for the "Pittsburgh Press" and eventually became manager of the Pittsburgh office of the United Press,
which he was to be associated with until I914, when
he resigned to become part owner of the "Jeannette
News" and president of the Jeannette Publishing Company. At the time the "News" merged with the "Dispatch" he maintained this position and has since continued in this capacity with outstanding distinction and
success.  He has built the paper up into one of the
most influential organs of its type in southwestern
Pennsylvania. At the time he came here the paper
was issued on a semi-weekly basis, later it was published as a tri-weekly and in I92I, was made a daily,
a status it has maintained ever since. In conjunction
with the publication of the "News-Dispatch" the Jeannette Publishing Company also conducts a large and
successful printing establishment.
The nature of his work, his background and the keen
interest he has displayed in the affairs of his surroundings have been prominent factors in the leadership he has assumed in community and county activities. He was instrumental, as secretary of the Bushy
Run Battle Field Commission and, later, as president
of the Commission appointed by Governor John S.
Fisher, in establishing The Bushy Run Battle Field
State Park, near Jeannette. He is the author of several historical papers, also of the following books:
"The Battle of Bushy Run" (I928) and "The Twelfth
Colony Plus" (1934) the latter book deals with the
Colonial History of Pennsylvania, and includes the
biography of James Buchanan. He also compiled a
history of the Industrial City of Jeannette. He is a
member of the board of directors of the First Jeannette Savings and Trust Company, a member and
former president of the Jeannette Chamber of Commerce, and holds membership among several fraternal
societies and clubs, among them the local Kiwanis
chapter, which he founded and headed as first president.
As a descendant of the first Bomberger family in
this country, Mr. Bomberger has been active in preserving records and promoting gatherings among its heirs,
the most notable of which took place on August 29,
1922, at Lititz Springs Park. It marked the first annual reunion of the family. He was made historian
ct this time and in I925 headed the Bomberger family
association as president.
In I915, Christian Martin Bomberger married Edith
M. Graff, of Pittsburgh, and daughter of Jacob and
Emma (McFarland) Graff. They have two sons: I.
Jacob Graff, born August I3, I919. 2. Amos Hess,
born November 9, I92I.
HON. CHARLES E. WHITTEN-A member
of the oldest firm of attorneys-at-law in Westmoreland
County and judge of the Court of Common Pleas since
1921, of which he became president judge in May, I937,
succeeding President Judge Charles D. Copeland, who
had resigned in May, 1937, and who died in October,
I937, Judge Charles E. Whitten is not only an able
lawyer and respected jurist, but also a widely known
civic leader and outstanding Christian gentleman.
He was born and brought up on a farm in Upper
Burrell Township, Westmoreland County, the son of
Alexander and Elizabeth (Martin) Whitten. His parents were of Scotch-Irish ancestry. After attending
the public schools of the county, Judge Whitten was a
student at Markel Academy and at the Academy of
North Washington. Then, entering the Indiana State
Normal School, he graduated from that institution and
took postgraduate work at Slippery Rock State Normal School. Following a brief term as a public school
teacher, Judge Whitten taught at Rice Collegiate Institute at Paxton, Illinois, and at Markel Normal
Academy. From teaching, Judge Whitten turned to
the law. After reading in the office of Judge A. D.
37ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
On the McCracken side of the house, Edward Hill
Welsh's mother's line, he was descended from a family
who came from Path Valley, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, where his mother's forebears, John
Mears, and John's father, Samuel Mears, had served
in the Revolution. James McCracken, Mr. Welsh's
maternal grandfather, who lived from March I8, I809,
to March Io, I874, was a son of John McCracken, Sr.,
who was born in I763, and died April 6, 1826, and his
wife, Catharine, who was born in I769 and died April
i6, I846. The mother of Mrs. Welsh was Ann Mears
McCauley, born October 22, I8Io, in Huntingdon
County, and died August I9, 900oo, daughter of James
Mears, born July I6, 1787, died in 1872, and Mary
(Steel) Mears, who died in I86o. James Mears was a
son of John and Ann (Baldridge) Mears, the latter
born in 1762, died August 22, 1838. John Mears'
father was Samuel Mears, who died in 1793, and who
married Molly Blair. Samuel and several sons, including John, served in the Revolution as well as holding
other public office in Path Valley. It was at the death
of John Mears, about I812, that his widow, Ann,
brought her family west of the mountains to be near a
twin brother, Joseph, both children of John Baldridge,
born in 1716, died July 15, I766, and Rebecca (Clark)
Baldridge. John Baldridge came to America in 1737
in the "Village Belle." He was a son of William
Baldridge, born in I689, died on November 25. 1722, a
son of Richard Baldridge. John's mother was Janet
(Holmes) Baldridge, born July 2, I694, died July 28,
I768. Janet's parents were Sir James Holmes. of
Belfast, who died in 1727, and Lady Jane Jennings.
Sir Tames had been one of the principal stockholders
in the South Sea Company.
Mrs. Edward Hill Welsh's family came to Washington Township, Westmoreland County, about iToo,
settling on land a part of which was later given by her
great-grandfather, Jesse Miller, for the site of Poke
Run Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Welsh's father, Alexander William Miller, born May 15, 1848, died September 26, I921, was a son of Benjamin Miller (I802I890), of Lancaster, England, and Mary Ann Stout,
born November 28, I8I6, died March 28, I892, daughter of William Stout and Rachael Catherine Ayers.
Mrs. Edward Welsh's mother's line goes back to the
Warners and Wynnes of England through her mother,
Amanda (Iddings) Miller, born February 8, I832, died
September 8, 1913, daughter of William Iddings, born
in 1802, died February Io, 1872, who married Ann
Miller, daughter of Jesse Miller, born in I767, died
October 12, 1853, who was a soldier of the War of
1812. His wife, Elizabeth Weister, who lived from
1777 to 1871, was a daughter of Jacob Weister, a Revolutionary soldier, of York County. Mrs. Welsh's
grandfather, William Iddings, was a son of a Revolutionary soldier, William Iddings, born in 1757, died in
October, I833. This William Iddings was a second
cousin of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne, and his
father was Henry Iddings, who lived from 1727 to
1819. His mother was Mary Wynne. Henry's father
was also a William Iddings, who died in I753. and his
mother was named Mary (I673-I755). This William's
parents were Richard Iddings, who died in I726, and
Sarah, who died in 1728. Mary's father was Jonathon
Wynne, who died April I7, I788. who married Ann
Warner, June I6, I730. She died March 9, I786. She
was a daughter of Isaac and Ann (Craven) Warner.
Jonathon's father was also named Jonathon Wynne
(died in I72I), and his mother was Sara (Graves)
Wynne. Jonathon Wynne's father was Dr. Thomas
Wynne, who came to Pennsylvania with William Penn
in I682 on the "Welcome." Dr. Wynne was the first
practicing physician in Pennsylvania, and also was
president of the First Pennsylvania Assembly. The
Wynne family has been traced back to the year 466,
being descended from the ancient kings of Britain.
The Warner and Craven lines likewise can be traced
back through many interesting historical episodes.
Edward Hill Welsh attended the old AMarkel Academy, later becoming a student at Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio. He was graduated from the State
Normal School, at Indiana, Pennsylvania, in 1898, and
then began his active work as an educator. In this
realm of activity he distinguished himself, even as his
ancestors had established themselves in generations
gone by in their different occupations. Serving as
principal of the East Vandergrift schools and the
Claysville public schools, Mr. Welsh performed a work
of importance and value. In I904 he turned his attention to other spheres, becoming owner and publisher
of the "Vandergrift Citizen" and so continuing in the
years that ensued until the "Citizen" was consolidated
with the "News" in 1927. By this time he was becoming more and more interested in real estate. He began
development of what was known as West Vandergrift
on land adjacent to Vandergrift Borough, in Allegheny
Township. He was also secretary of the borough during the period of construction of the Municipal Buildling.
While attending Normal School, at Indiana, Mr.
Welsh met Jane Bush Miller, who became his wife
on September 24, 1901, at the home of her parents,
Alexander William and Amanda (Iddings) Miller.
Mrs. Welsh was born February I8, 1876. and was a
graduate of the Indiana State Normal School, class
of I898, later becoming a teacher for three years in
the Leechburg and Vandergrift schools. Mr. and Mrs.
Welsh are the parents of two daughters, as follows:
378ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
379
I. Helen Mar Welsh, born February 4, 1903, in Claysville. a graduate of Wilson College, class of I924, and
of Columbia University, class of I925, with the degree
of Master of Arts in political science; on April 13,
1925, she was married to Dr. Samuel Graham Henderson (q. v.), a graduate of the Medical School of the
University of Pennsylvania, class of 1925, the Hendersons live in Vandergrift, where Dr. Henderson practiced until I935, returning thereafter to the University
of Pennsylvania as a Fellow in Radiology; in June,
1937, he was examined and certified by the American
Board of Radiology under the supervision of the
American Medical Association, and on October I,
I937, he became associate radiologist at the Elizabeth
Steel Magee Hospital, in Pittsburgh; they have two
children: i. Mary Wynne, born January 25, I93I. ii.
Samuel Graham, born August I2, I933. 2. Meredith
Jane Welsh, born April 21, I910, a graduate of the
Pennsylvania College for Women, class of I932; after
teaching in the schools of Allegheny Township and of
Vandergrift, she became the wife of Dr. John M.
Garrett, a graduate of the School of Dentistry, University of Pittsburgh, now living in Vandergrift.
DR. SAMUEL GRAHAM HENDERSONFor many years Dr. Samuel Graham Henderson has
made a very distinctive contribution to the scientific
life of his times, particularly in the community of Vandergrift, where he was born and where he has done
most of his work.
Dr. Henderson was born November I6, 1899, in
Vandergrift, son of Samuel Joseph and Augusta (McCandless) Henderson.  His family, on the paternal
side, came to Western Pennsylvania from Spruce
Creek, Huntingdon County, and can be traced back
to Dr. Henderson's great-great-grandfather, Robert
Henderson, who came with his wife, Isabelle Lindsay,
from County Derry, Ireland, during the Revolution.
Robert Henderson came from Chester County about
I8oo and settled on Bald Eagle Ridge, Center County,
where he died in I804.  Joseph Henderson, was born
Tuly 26. i8oo, at Spruce Creek and died April 5, I864,
at Elderton.  Joseph Henderson married Christina
Evy (the name is sometimes spelled Eby and Avy),
who was born August I5, I795, and died November
I2, I8v5, daunhter of John Evy, who died in 1828 in
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Elizabeth
Evy. Their son, Thomas Henderson, the grandfather
of Dr. Henderson, was born January 23, 1837, and
died February I0, I9I6; he married Sara Elizabeth
Frantz, born January 8, 1843, died August I3, I934.
Their son, Samuel Joseph Henderson, father of Dr.
Samuel Graham Henderson, was born October 4,
1870, and his wife, August (McCandless) Henderson, was born on January 26, I870. For many years
Samuel Joseph Henderson farmed part of the McCandless homestead in Armstrong County, and during his
latter years lived on a farm in Westmoreland County
near Vandergrift.
The family of Sara Elizabeth Frantz, Dr. Henderson's paternal grandmother, is an old one in Pennsylvania.  The Frantz forebears came to the Brush
Creek district, in Hempfield Township, from  Northampton County. Her parents were Samuel Frantz
(I808-I855) and Catharine (Smith) Frantz (I812I887). Catharine was evidently of German descent,
for her parents, Michael Smith and Catharina (Rupert) Smith, were married in Germany. Samuel
Frantz's parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Otterman) Frantz, while Jacob's father was Abraham
Frantz, of Germany, who came from Northampton
County, where he had served in the Revolution, to
Hannastown, where he was killed during one of the
Indian raids in I782, leaving his wife, Catharine, and
several children. Jacob Frantz came to the South
Bend district from Brush Creek, settling on land that
belonged to his father. He was born in July, I763,
before the move to Westmoreland County, and died
at South Bend in July, I786, being buried at the church
for which he gave the land, near South Bend. His
wife, Elizabeth (Otterman) Frantz, was born in I766,
and died October I2, I852, daughter of Ludwig Otterman and Franzina Otterman, also of the Brush Creek
district.
Mrs. Augusta (McCandless) Henderson was a
daughter of Hugh McCandless, a Civil War veteran,
who was born February I6, I835, and died January i6,
I882, and Mary Ann (Frantz) McCandless, born Feb~ruary 17, I83i, died March 28, I9o7. Mary Ann's
father was John Frantz, who lived from October 4,
I790 to June 5, I854, son of Jacob and Elizabeth
(Otterman)  Frantz, previously  mentioned.  John
Frantz's wife, Mary (Klingensmith) Frantz, was born
August I9, I792, and died April I6, I85I, daughter
of John Philip Klingensmith, born July 5, 1760, died
November 29, I832, buried in Brush Creek Cemetery,
and his wife, Barbara. Hugh McCandless served for
years as head of the Soldiers' Orphan School, at Dayton, Pennsylvania, and also was county superintendent
of schools in Armstrong County. He was a son of
Jared McCandless, born in 1804, died November I5,
I882, probably from Washington County, and Elizabeth (Ford) McCandless, born in I8O5, died October
x, I882, originally of Gettysburg, both of them buried
at South Bend.
Dr. Samuel Graham Henderson spent most of his
childhood on the McCandless family homestead, near
South Bend. He attended Elder's Ridge VocationalANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
School and Vandergrift High School. In May, I917,
he enlisted for service in the World War, and was
the only member of his class unable to return to the
graduation exercises of the class of I9I7. After spending twenty-five months in the army, Mr. Henderson
resumed his studies, and was graduated from the Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania as a
member of the 1925 class.
In that same year he was married to Helen Mar
Welsh, daughter of Edward Hill Welsh (q. v.), and
began his professional career. After serving an interneship at Allegheny General Hospital, in Pittsburgh, he
practiced in Vandergrift until 1935, when he returned
to the University of Pennsylvania as a Fellow in Radiology. In June, 1937, he was certified by the American Board of Radiology organized under the supervision of the American  Medical Association.  On
October I, 1937, he became associate radiologist at the
Elizabeth Steel Magee Hospital, in Pittsburgh, and
on July I, 1938, he was appointed director of the department of Radiology in the same hospital.  Dr.
Henderson's work has been an important one in the
Vandergrift community, and he holds a deserved place
of distinction in his profession.
Dr. and Mrs. Henderson are the parents of one
daughter, Mary Wynne, born January 25, 1931, and
one son, Samuel Graham, born August 12, I933.
FRANK   P.  BARNHART-A   distinguished
member of the Johnstown legal profession for the
past thirty-three years, Frank P. Barnhart was born
here September 6, 1873, the son of Henry and Amanda
(Bowman) Barnhart, both deceased. Henry Barnhart was engaged in the lumber industry for many
years, and was a sawmill operator at the time of his
death in 1927. His wife, a native of Pennsylvania,
died in I930.
Frank P. Barnhart received his early education in
the Johnstown schools and later graduated from Indiana State Normal School.  He then enrolled at
Princeton University, and was graduated in I902 with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He next enrolled at
Dickinson Law School, where he received his degree
of Bachelor of Laws in 1905, and meanwhile he was
studying for his degree of Master of Arts, which he
received from Dickinson College in the same year.
Upon his admission to the bar in 1905, he immediately
inaugurated the practice of his profession in Johnstown,
where he has built up a large and appreciative clientele. From I907 to I909 he was a member of the
State Legislature, and on April I7, 1929, he was appointed to the bench by Governor John S. Fisher,
assuming his duties as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and is
affiliated with the Yale, Harvard and Princeton Club
of Pittsburgh, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, and several
local clubs.
He was married, in I907, to Gertrude H. Haller,
of Hazleton, and they are the parents of a daughter,
Gertrude D., who married Howard J. Hohman. Mr.
and Mrs. Hohman are the parents of a son, Howard
J. Hohman III.
EDGAR WADE MAHAN, M. D.-Dr. Edgar
Wade Mahan, a practicing physician and surgeon in
West Alexander, was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, May 17, I905, the son of John and Mary
(Richey) Mahan. John Mahan, born in Donegal
Township January 7, I870, is employed as a salesman.
His wife was born in West Finley, August 22, i880.
Dr. Mahan received his public and high school education in the Washington County schools, and then
matriculated at Bethany College, graduating in I927
with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He next entered the University of Maryland Medical College,
and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in
I93I. After a one year interneship at Washington
Hospital, he opened offices in West Alexander for
the general practice of medicine and surgery, and has
been engaged here to the present day, enjoying an extensive and well satisfied clientele. He is also a member of the surgical staff of North Wheeling Hospital
at Wheeling, West Virginia.
He is a member of the Second Christian Church of
Washington, and is an independent in his political beliefs. He is affiliated with the Washington County
Medical Society, Pennsylvania State and American
Medical Associations, and also the Phi Rho Sigma
Fraternity.
He was married in Washington, Pennsylvania, August 27, I932, to Margaret Spillane of Houston, Pennsylvania, born July 5, I9o9, the daughter of Patrick
John and Anna (McElwee) Spillane, both natives of
Ireland. Dr. and Mrs. Mahan are the parents of a son,
John Charles, born in West Alexander, September
II, 1933.
J. L. HACKENBERG-J. L. Hackenberg, superintendent of the Windber schools, has been associated
with the field of education since I920. He was born
in Snyder County, December 19, I896, the son of
Waldo and Amanda (Steffen) Hackenberg. Waldo
Hackenberg, also a native of Snyder County, was engaged during his lifetime as a farmer.
J. L. Hackenberg graduated from the Snyder schools,
and then taught school for a year in the rural schools.
380ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He enlisted for war service, June 8, I917, and was
assigned to Section 574, United States Army Ambulance Corps. He received his honorable discharge,
May 27, I919. The following year he was appointed
a teacher in the Hooversville schools, and two years
later he transferred to the schools of Millheim, Centre
County. Meanwhile, he had enrolled at Susquehanna
College, where he received his degree of Bachelor of
Arts in I92o. Afterwards, he studied at Penn State
College, and earned tne degree of Master of Arts in
I929. After a period of five years teaching in Centre
County, Mr. Hackenberg went to Sandy Township,
near DuBois, Pennsylvania, and he remained at this
post for eight years, coming to Windber in I935 to
assume his present duties. He is recognized as an outstanding educator and is a life member of the National Education Association. He also holds membership in the Public School Education Association, National Association of School Administrators, and the
Progressive Education Association.
He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and is also
superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a Republican and past president of the DuBois Kiwanis Club,
and a member of Johnstown Lodge No. 742, Free and
Accepted Masons, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the
American Legion, of which he has been post commander for three terms.
He was married December 27, I922, to Beulah Keim
of Hooversville, and they are the parents of three
children: I. Shirley Mae. 2. Nona Elizabeth. 3.
Charles Roy.
JUDGE A. A. NELSON-A well-known member of the Pennsylvania bar for the past twenty-three
years, Judge A. A. Nelson was elected in I935 to the
Judiciary, and on January 2, I936, took office as presiding Judge of the Orphans Court of Cambria County,
the numerous and various duties of which office he has
performed to the present date in a most creditable manner. He was born in Lilly, Pennsylvania, January 23,
I89I, the son of John, a native of Scotland, and Catherine (McCann) Nelson.
After attending the local public schools, Judge Nelson began his working career in the Beaverdale mines
as a mule driver. He later took a commercial course
at Saint Francis College, studying typing and shorthand, and then went to Ebensburg, where he registered
as a law student and entered the office of William A.
McGuire, where he studied law in return for his services as a stenographer. Two years later he went with
the firm of Kittell and Shettig, where he remained until his admission to the bar, January 4, I915. He then
established his own office for the general practice of
law, and continued with a fair degree of success, until
his enlistment for war service, during which period
he was a sergeant, attached to the Advocate General's
Office. After receiving his honorable discharge he became associated with Philip N. Shettig in the firm of
Shettig and Nelson, and continued here until his election to the Bench. Previously, from I932 to I935, he
iad served as assistant district attorney of Cambria
County, and in all his relationships with others, both
as lawyer, prosecuting attorney and jurist his reputation for honesty, efficiency and unbiased treatment of
all legal matters, is of the highest degree.
He is a parishioner of Holy Name Roman Catholic
Church, a staunch Democrat, and an active member of
the Holy Name Society, and an affiliate of the Knights
of Columbus, in which he has held all offices, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Loyal
Order of Moose.
He was married January I4, I926, to Agnes J. Wilkinson of Ebensburg, daughter of O. E. and Annie J.
(Blair) Wilkinson. Judge and Mrs. Nelson are the
parents of three children: I. James A. 2. Jane Ann.
3. Thomas W., students in the local schools.
ROBERT D. WEBRECK-For the past seventeen years, Robert D. Webreck has been closely associated with the farming industry, and since I928 he
has been engaged in the cultivation of a two hundred
and eighteen-acre farm in Brothers Valley, owned
jointly by himself and his wife. He was born in
North Hampton Township, Somerset County, December II, I897, the son of Fannon and Annie (Leydig)
Webreck, both deceased. Fannon Webreck, a native
of Glencoe, was also engaged in farming in this section for many years prior to his death.
Robert D. Webreck received his education in the
township schools, and then worked with his father until
May 28, I9I7, when he enlisted in Company C of the
Somerset National' Guard. He later went overseas,
and was wounded and severely gassed in the second
battle of the Marne. He was taken prisoner and was
confined to a German prison camp for five months,
half of which time was spent in the Prison Hospital.
He was advanced to the rank of corporal, and upon
receiving his honorable discharge, May 23, I919, was
advised by the government doctors that he had only
about five years to live, due to the effects of gas poisoning. However, he has won the fight against the
ravages of this poison gas, and now enjoys comparatively good health. A short time after his discharge
from the army, he became a fireman on the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad, but after two years returned to
farming, assisting his mother, until I928, at which time
he purchased the present farm in Brothers Valley.
38iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Webreck produces a general crop, including about
two thousand bushels of potatoes annually and, in
addition, he breeds both saddle and work horses. He
also has a herd of eighteen milk cows and approximately fifty head of Poland-China and Berkshire hogs,
and in I937 raised a Berkshire hog which weighed
eight hundred pounds. He is also a well-known breeder
of Collie dogs and is one of the most active participants in the farming industry in this locality.
A member of the Reformed Church, he served as
deacon of the Glencoe Church for ten years. He is a
Republican and a former constable of North Hampton
Township, which post he held for six years. He is
also a member of the American Legion.
He was married, December ii, I927, to Lula L.
Leydig of Newton, Kansas, daughter of J. V. and
Grace (Guinty) Leydig. J. V. Leydig also owns a
large farm in Kansas, and oil has been discovered
on his land, several wells being in operation at the
present time. Mr. and Mrs. Webreck are the parents
of three children: James Robert, Richard Milton and
William Frederick, all students in the local schools.
S. LLOYD BEALL-S. Lloyd Beall, a resident
of Washington, and a registered architect of Pennsylvania, is a member of one of the oldest families of
Pennsylvania and Maryland and is of Scotch ancestry.
He was born in Pittsburgh, June I6, I897, and the
eldest son of John Merwin and Agnes (Bayley) Beall.
The Beall family migrated to America in April of
I666 and has been identified with this section for more
than two centuries. S. Lloyd Beall has been very
active since the death of his father, in the genealogical
and personal history of the Beall family from the
time of their migration to America, up to the present
time. Public service has been one of the outstanding
qualifications of this old family and they have been
prominently identified with many public offices throughout the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Samuel Beall, Jr., was born in I713 in Prince Georges
County, Maryland (now Montgomery County), was
educated in Virginia and Scotland and was graduated
a physician. In May, I734, he married Eleanor Brooke,
a granddaughter of Governor Brooke, of Maryland,
and later purchased large areas of land throughout
Maryland and Pennsylvania. He was the originator of
the Iron Forge and he is credited with creating the first
iron forge in the United States, and records show that
under his management, the casting of cannon was
accomplished for the Continental Army.
Another prominent member of this family was
Thomas Beall, who was the founder of Cumberland,
Maryland, and was a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary Army.
John Merwin Beall, father of S. Lloyd Beall, was a
graduate of the Pittsburgh schools, began his architectural practice in Pittsburgh in I895 and two years
later transferred his activities to Monessen for the
development of that town and designed and erected
the first building there, and continued with a successful
architectural career in the Monongahela Valley until
his death, April 5, I930. He was the eldest son of
John Beall, Sr., also a native of Pittsburgh, and who
was engaged in contracting and building work and is
credited with erecting some of the first public schools
and public buildings of that city, and then entered the
field of politics, being instrumental in the development
of Monessen and Charleroi and serving as first burgess
of each of these towns. He died December 20, 1923,
at the age of 89 and his wife, Frances (Tustin) Beall
died November I4, I934, at the age of 96.
Agnes (Bayley) Beall, wife of John Merwin Beall,
a native of Butler, Pennsylvania, was born January
II, I873; married August 30, I893, and died January
29, 1912, at Monessen. John Merwin Beall married
(second), on December 6, 1915, Sadie Claypool, of
Kittanning. Three children of John Merwin and
Agnes (Bayley) Beall survive their parents and are
located in this section: S. Lloyd Beall, of Washington,
Pennsylvania, Lula Frances (Beall) Glasgow, of
Monessen, Pennsylvania, and Merwin Beall, of Washington, Pennsylvania.
S. Lloyd Beall obtained his elementary education in
the public schools of Homewood (Pittsburgh) and
Monessen, and graduated from the Monessen High
School in I917 after which he enrolled at the.Carnegie
Institute of Technology and received his technical education in architecture at that institution, and his early
practical training with his father, who was also an
architect. He was taken into his father's firm in 192I
and the firm was known as J. Merwin Beall  Son
with offices in Monessen, and in I925 a branch office
was opened in Washington in charge of S. Lloyd Beall
and this expansion greatly enlarged their field of practice and many prominent public buildings were designed
by this firm, together with many fine examples of
churches, apartments, homes, and commercial buildings,
but they specialized in the design of public schools.
Since the death of his father, Mr. Beall has successfully continued this practice of architecture but has
discontinued the Monessen office, and his work has
been extended into many counties of this State and into
Ohio where he has designed many fine buildings of
the monumental type. He is one of the outstanding
architects of Southwest Pennsylvania and is highly
382ANNALS OF SOUTHWE'
respected in his profession by public officials and private citizens. Mr. Beall lives in East Washington,
with his offices in the Washington Trust Company
Building, is a member of the board of stewards of the
First Methodist Church, a charter member of the local
Lions Club, is independent in political affairs of county
and State. He was married, June 23, I919, to Beatrice
Allene Williams, of Charleroi, daughter of John Edward and Anna B. (Printz) Williams. Mr. and Mrs.
Beall are the parents of two daughters: I. Elsie Louise,
born July 22, I920, in Pittsburgh, who received her
elementary education in East Washington schools and
graduated from that high school in I938, and will continue her education at the Indiana State Teachers
College and has enrolled in the vocational home economics department. 2. Florence Miriam, born January
I0, I924, in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, is now a
student in East Washington High School.
ROY CARNEGIE McKENNA-Representing
the fourth generation of a family who has been active
in the industrial life of the city of Pittsburgh and the
State of Pennsylvania for over one hundred and five
years, Roy C. McKenna, president of the VanadiumAlloys Steel Company, the Colonial Steel Company,
the Anchor Drawn Steel Company, is ranked among
the most prominent business leaders and financiers in
the city of Pittsburgh.
The various McKenna enterprises were initiated by
Robert McKenna, a coppersmith, who came to this
country from his native Ireland in I832 and settled in
Pittsburgh, where he practiced his trade until he removed to Beaver. Eventually he returned to this city
and resided here until his passing in 1851. He was the
father of three sons: Alexander, John, and Thomas,
each of whom received a twelve-hundred-dollar legacy
upon reaching their respective majorities. Each in
turn invested the money in a brass and bronze business
founded by Alexander, the eldest. In I856 it began
operations as the A. and J. McKenna Company. Two
years later Thomas became a member and the venture
was conducted by the three brothers until the death of
John in I874. The firm name was then changed to
A. and T. McKenna, and later, to the McKenna Brass
and Manufacturing Company. During the early history of the organization, the management limited
operations to the casting and manufacture of articles
made of non-ferrous metals. This, however, did not
prevent the founders from devising and designing numerous highly useful articles, including patented metal
beer and whiskey spigots, which found wide acceptance
throughout the country.
Management of the business was carried on by the
seven sons of Thomas McKenna, who are credited with
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                               383
pioneering the manufacture of bottling machinery,
fillers, washers, carbonators, filters and other equipment patented by Patrick Shields and developed by the
McKenna interests. According to an article in a
recent issue of the McKenna Brass house organ, this
company is one of the oldest and largest manufacturers
of high pressure automatic bottle filling machinery in
the world, and has more machines of this type in
operation than all other companies combined. While
this has been an important part of the business it has
by no means supplanted the brass, bronze and aluminum departments which still form the bulk of the
enterprise. A year ago the McKenna family sold all
financial interest in this company; and its successor,
the McKenna Brass and Manufacturing Corporation,
is continuing the business in Millersburg, although the
McKennas, as above stated, now have no financial
interest in it.
Roy Carnegie McKenna, former president of the
McKenna Brass and Manufacturing Company and
still officer in a number of other industrial and financial organizations, was born in Allegheny (now the
north side of Pittsburgh) on March 7, I883, the son
of Thomas and Anna (Hogan) McKenna, both residents of his birthplace, where his father was one of the
most prominent and successful brass manufacturers of
his generation. After a general education in the public
schools of his native community, Mr. McKenna matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, from which
he was graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering in the class of I903. Upon finishing his training he joined his brothers in business and during ensuing years assumed increasing responsibility in the
management of the family firm. His accomplishments
attracted recognition of business leaders in this section
and in I915 he was elected president of the VanadiumAlloys Steel Company, which he has since headed. His
stature in the business life of the community is further
evidenced by the fact that he also is a director and
president of the Colonial Steel Company, and the
Anchor Drawn Steel Company. In addition he is a
member of the board of directors of the Vulcan Mold
and Iron Company of Latrobe, the Latrobe Masonic
Corporation, the Keystone National Bank of Pittsburgh, and the Pomona Pump Company of Pomona,
California, which is largely owned by the McKenna
family.
While his business interests have necessarily been
of primary importance, Mr. McKenna has not neglected his social and civic obligations, contributing
generously and usefully to the welfare and progress of
his surroundings. In this connection he is a former
president of the Latrobe Library Association, a director of the Latrobe Hospital Association and a memberCopyright
LEWIS HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC.
I939ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
McConnell, he was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar
in I893. In partnership with Attorney J. R. Smith,
Judge Whitten formed the firm of Smith and Whitten
which endured for fourteen years, until I907. That
year, Judge Whitten entered into association with
Paul H. Gaither, organizing the firm of Gaither and
Whitten. This firm traces its origins back to Albert
Marchand, who opened the original office in I837-the
first legal firm in Westmoreland County. Judge Whitten has always been keenly interested in civic matters.
From I903 through I907 he served as a member of the
Pennsylvania State Legislature and, on May IO, I92I,
was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas
and has been regularly elected to the office ever since
-a popular testimony to Judge Whitten's fairness and
outstanding ability as a jurist. An elder in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, Judge Whitten is a
teacher of the Men's Bible Class in that church. lie is
a member of the Masonic Fraternity.
On April 6, I898, Judge Charles E. Whitten, married Bessie Purdue, daughter of William and Katherine Purdue and a grand-niece of John Purdue, the
founder of Purdue University, Indiana. Judge and
Mrs. Whitten have had two daughters: I. Mrs. Elizabeth Fales, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 2. Mrs.
Katherine Mellor, East End, Pittsburgh. Judge Whitten has a brother, Thomas, and two sisters, Ellen and
Sarah, who were students at Markel Normal Academy.
WILLIAM JENKINS LAUGHNER-One of
Greensburg's best known citizens and historical enthusiasts is William Jenkins Laughner, a member of
General Nathanael Greene Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and its registrar. He has also aided
greatly in assembling facts recorded in these annals.
His paternal ancestor, Christian Laughner, variously
spelled in the Pennsylvania Archives, LIaugenour,
Lauchner, Leuchner, and Longnor, came to America
from Germany in I75I and settled in Heidelburg
Township, Northampton County, which is now a part
of Lehigh County. He had four sons: George Peter,
Rudolph, Jacob, and Joseph, and by his will, dated
March I2, I796, and probated January 14, 1799, he
appointed his wife, Margaret, as executor, and devised
the farm of three hundred acres to his two sons, Jacob
and Joseph. The other children received bequests of
money, but the farm remained in the family even down
to the seventh generation and is now occupied by
them.
Christian Laughner, the pioneer, and his two sons,
George Peter and Rudolph, served in the Northampton County Associators and Militia during the Revolution. Northampton County was the scene of many
Indian massacres, and when, in 1755, they burned the
Moravian town of Gnaddenhutten, up the L,ehigh
River, Christian Laughner was one of a company of
neighbors who went to Gnaddenhutten to bury the
dead. Rudolph Laughner came West to Hempfield
Township, Westmoreland County, in I803, and bought
a farm in the present city of Jeannette on which the
glass works is located, which then lay between the
Harrison City Road and Brush Creek. His wife was
Christiann Carvell, and the issue of this marriage
were: Daniel; Phillip; Adam; Jonas; Nathaniel;
Christiann, married George Smith, moved to Zanesville, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Hebrank,
of Adamsburg; and Mary, who married Adam Smith,
of Hempfield Township. All the sons lived in Hempfield Township, except Daniel, who moved first to
Butler County and then to Clarion County. The grave
of Rudolph Laughner in Brudh Creek I,utheran and
Reformed Cemetery, near Adamsburg, is finely marked
with an enduring brown stone carved in German.
Nathaniel Laughner, grandfather, was born in I805,
and died in Greensburg in I86I. He married Catharine Bush, a daughter of Christian and Susan (Smith)
Bush, who was born in I8o6 and died in I88I, she and
her husband being buried in the German cemetery, in
Greensburg. The issue of this marriage were: Eva,
married Samuel Kistler; Lyphes; Daniel; Israel;
Amos; Elias, of further mention; Samuel; John; and
Catherine, who married B. F. Everett.
Elias Laughner, father, was born August 29, I840,
and died February 22, I9I4. He was a railroader, and
moved to Milton, Pennsylvania, in company with some
others when a young man. At the outbreak of the
Civil War he and his brother, Samuel, returned to
Greensburg to enlist in Company C, 4th Pennsylvania
Cavalry. After his war service he returned to Milton
and married Helen Kyle, a daughter of Samuel Kyle,
son of Matthew, grandson of James Kyle. Matthew
Kyle married Margaret McGlothan, daughter of Patrick McGlothan, a Revolutionary soldier, member of
the Chester County Militia. Elias Laughner moved
to Williamsport in I874, where he resided and raised
a family. Helen (Kyle) Laughner died January 2,
I9O8, and both are buried at Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
William Jenkins Laughner was born at Milton,
Pennsylvania, August 30, I872, the other members of
his family being: Catherine, married Henry Coons;
Maude, married George Alcott; William J.; Harry;
Samuel; Mattie, married (first) George Lupert, since
deceased, and (second) Samuel Bennett; and Thomas
Ross. Mr. Laughner is by occupation a painter. and
moved to Greensburg in I903. He entered the postal
service in the Greensburg office in I9O5, and served
several years under Postmaster R. A. Fulton Lyon,
38ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of the board of trustees of the University of Pittsburgh,
in which he has taken a keen and active interest
throughout his career. One of his principal hobbies
has been devoted to the advancement of this institution,
in which he is also a former president of the alumni
association. As an engineer he is a member of the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania, and the
American Society for Treating Steel. Mr. McKenna
belongs to the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and
fraternizes with Bellefield Lodge, No. 68o, of the Free
and Accepted Masons, in which he is a member of all
the York and Scottish Rite bodies, including the Pennsylvania Consistory, in which he holds the thirtysecond degree; the Commandery, Knights Templar,
and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Pittsburgh
Athletic Association and belongs to the Latrobe Country Club. Politically he subscribes to the principles of
the Republican party and in his religious views worships at the First Presbyterian Church of Latrobe, in
which he formerly served as a member of the board
of trustees.
Roy Carnegie McKenna married Mary Martin, of
Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of one daughter,
Jean, who was educated in Miss Bradshaw's School
in Pittsburgh, the Latrobe public schools and the National Park Seminary in Washington, District of
Columbia. She then attended the University of Pittsburgh, from which she was graduated with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts, and later received her degree of
Master of Arts from Columbia University in New
York City.
OBED K. PRICE-Ranked as one of the most
able and prominent corporation lawyers in the city of
Pittsburgh, Obed K. Price has come to serve as counsel and official for several industrial organizations in
this metropolis, where he has practiced for nearly
thirty years.
Mr. Price was born on a farm in Rock Island
County, Illinois, the son of Willson and Caroline
Eleanor (Sipes) Price. His father was a native of
New Jersey; some of his ancestors, which included
the Ayres and Pike families, having migrated to that
State from Massachusetts, whence they had journeyed
from England shortly after the arrival of the Pilgrim
Fathers. His mother was born in Pennsylvania. She
was the daughter of John Sipes, a general in the ITnited
States Army during the Mexican War, member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature for several terms and member of the Fulton County family of that name. George
Sipes, father of John, served in the Continental Army.
General John Sipes' mother was Mary Barton, whose
father Noah Barton, also served from Pennsylvania
in the Continental Army.
After a general education in public and private
schools of Illinois and Iowa, and service in the SpanishAmerican War as a member of the 5oth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Mr. Price came to Pittsburgh as a reporter for R. G. Dun and Company in I9oI. He
severed his connection with this concern to take up the
study of law at the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh) and was
graduated from this institution in I9o8, the last class to
attend the school under its original title. Prior to this
he had also studied at the University of Southern
California in Los Angeles. He was admitted to the
Allegheny County bar in I9O8, and the following year
became a member of the legal staff of the Pittsburgh
Coal Company, largest organization of its type in the
world, with which he is still associated. In addition
to this business affiliation he is a director of Baukite
Refractories, Inc., secretary and director of the American Baukite Company, and president and chairman of
the board of directors of James B. Sipe and Company.
Mr. Price fraternizes with the Order of Free and
Accepted Masons; in politics is a Republican; and
worships at Christ Church, Methodist Episcopal.
In September, I9I8, Mr. Price married Mazie Winnett Price, daughter of John M. and Helen (Dunbar)
Price. Mrs. Price's father was distantly related to the
New Jersey family from which Mr. Price is descended,
and was the great-grandson of Captain Peter Perchment, Revolutionary soldier, captain in the Pennsylvania Militia, Indian fighter of note and one of the
earliest settlers of the Pittsburgh district. Her mother
is a direct descendant of William Frampton who, having come from England with William Penn, served
as a member of the Provincial Council, and of Evan
Oliver, an early settler of Philadelphia. Their descendants (her great-grandfathers), Arthur Frampton and
John Oliver, both of whom served in the War for
Independence from England with the Cumberland
County Militia, later journeyed to Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where they and their children lived for over
forty years.
Mr. and Mrs. Price are the parents of two daughters: I. Ann Marshall. 2. Helen Eleanor.
DR. WILLIAM A. McHUGH, Jr.-With a
record of twenty-six years service in the medical profession, nineteen of which have been devoted to surgical work, Dr. William A. McHugh, Jr., of Uniontown, is numbered among the leading figures in the
field of medicine throughout this section of Pennsylvania. He was born in Connellsville, Fayette County,
November I2, I887, the son of William A. and Mar384ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
garet (McGrath) McHugh. The elder Mr. McHugh,
born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1849, died
March 28, 1928. His wife, a native of Cork, Ireland,
died April 29, 1890.
Dr. McHugh, Jr., received his elementary education
in the local public schools and afterwards attended St.
Vincent Preparatory School at Latrobe.  He then
matriculated at Villanova College, being graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1907. He completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania,
earning his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1911. The
following year was devoted to his interneship at St.
Agnes Hospital in Philadelphia, and in I912 he began
the general practice of medicine in Uniontown. He
has been specializing in surgical work since I919, and
has gained a notable reputation in this field. During
the World War he was overseas as captain of a United
States Army unit on the Western British Front, from
August, I9I7, to May, 1919.
He is a communicant of St. John's Roman Catholic
Church, a member of the Republican party, and is
affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, the Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks and the Uniontown Country Club. He
holds membership in the County and State Medical
societies and in the American Medical Association, and
a fellowship in the American College of Surgeons
since 1925, and is on the surgical staff of Uniontown
Hospital. He is also attached to American Legion
Post No. 5I of Uniontown.
He was married July Io, 1917, to Gwendolyn Barnes,
of Hopwood, Fayette County, daughter of James P.
and Martha (Frazee) Barnes, and they became the parents of four children: I. Martha Barnes, born May 2,
1920, now a student at Georgetown Visitation Convent,
Washington, District of Columbia. 2. Maria Jane, born
July 8, 1923, also attending Georgetown Visitation
Convent. 3. Barbara Ann, born May 20, 1926, now a
student at Benjamin Franklin High School. 4. Gwendolyn, born April 8, I93o. Dr. McHugh, Jr., suffered
the loss of his wife, January 8, I93I.
CHARLES E. DICKSON-Since the latter part
of the eighteenth century, when the first member of the
Dickson family came to Pennsylvania. its representatives have been prominent figures in the social, civic,
industrial and financial life of the city of Pittsburgh,
where Charles E. Dickson, representing the third generation, has engaged in various business pursuits for
the better part of four and a half decades. Most of his
career has been devoted to the management of oil property holdings in Washington and Butler counties.
Mr. Dickson was born in old Allegheny (now the
north side of Pittsburgh) November 22, T867, the
son of Thomas Bruce and Mary (McCory) Dickson.
His father, also a native of this State, where he was
born on August 30, 1823, and died November 5, I876,
was an executive in the Mechanics and Manufacturers
National Bank, listed as one of the oldest and most
important financial institutions of the city of Pittsburgh. On September 6, I864, he married Mary McCory, who died January I6, I869. They were the parents of two children: Charles' E., of whom further;
and Mary Bruce, who married William B. Dickson,
for years associated with the Carnegie and United
States Steel companies, and at present an executive of
the Midvale Steel Company. The elder Dickson was
the son of Thomas Dickson, who was born in County
Tyrone, Ireland, in I790, and came to this State during his youth, settling in Pittsburgh where he served
as collector of taxes in I836 and I837, engaged in the
wholesale and retail grocery business on Smithfield
Street, and was an elder in the First United Presbyterian Church from about 1838 until his passing in
1870.
Mr. Dickson, a child of two when his mother died,
was sent to the home of his grandparents in Swissvale,
where he was to pass his boyhood and attend the local
public schools. Later he studied at a private school
and eventually completed this part of his education at
the Sterritt School in Pittsburgh, after which he'enrolled at the Newell Institute. He was about twenty
years of age when he began his business career and,
for a period of approximately three years, worked for
the Union Switch and Signal Company in that community. Gaining enough experience to give him confidence to start on his own account, Mr. Dickson then
entered the mill supply business, which he was to engage in for a number of years. Enjoying continued
success he expanded his interests and before long was
also interested in a power manufacturing business. Then
came one of the most turbulent periods in Pennsylvania
industrial and business history-oil became a mighty
factor. The new field attracted many young and ambitious men, among them Mr. Dickson, who began
operations in this work in I893. The magnitude of
the new venture and its potential future, compelled
Mr. Dickson to gradually dispose of his other interests,
and it can safely be said that from that time to this
his major concern has been in this work, though he has
also been active in other business enterprises.
Along with his business success Mr. Dickson has
also been a good citizen, contributing usefully and substantially to the general welfare of the city. For years
he has been secretary and treasurer of the board of
directors of the Dixmont Hospital, and has also served
as a director and treasurer of the Pittsburgh Art Society, as well as serving in an official advisory capacity
385ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
for the Animal Rescue League of Pittsburgh, and the
Shady Side Academy. Mr. Dickson is a Republican
in politics and worships at the Shadyside Presbyterian
Church. He holds membership in the Pittsburgh
Country Club and is fond of outdoor sports of all
types, particularly hunting.
On December 7, I893, Mr. Dickson married Burd
Blair Edwards, daughter of the prominent Pittsburgh
citizen, George B. Edwards, and niece of Benjamin
Thaw. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson were the parents of the
following children: I. Mary Belle, graduate of the
Winchester School and Ogontz; married William
Metcalf Barker in August, 1922; they have three children: i. Rose Mary Barker. ii. William Dickson. iii.
Richard Edwards. 2. Eliza Thaw, also a graduate of
the Winchester School, who died April 6, I914. 3.
Burd Blair, who attended the Winchester School and
Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia; married, October I, I927, Frederick J. Stevenson; they
have three children: i. Burd Blair Stevenson.  ii.
Frederick Stevenson, Jr. iii. Thomas Bruce Stevenson.
4. George Edwards, who attended Shady Side Academy, and Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania; married, July 2, I932, Margaret Heckert; they have one child: George Edwards, Jr. 5.
Thomas Bruce, educated at Shady Side Academy,
Princeton University, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, now practicing physician in Riverton, New
Jersey. Thomas Bruce Dickson married Elizabeth
Harper on June 6, I936.
GEORGE WOODS, LL. D.-Seldom is the
combined genius of a business administrator and
academician to be found in a single personality. When
it is, a figure of unusual talent and usefulness emerges
upon the sceAe to lend his powers to the well being
and progress of his surroundings. George Woods was
such a man. He came to Pittsburgh during the middle
of the nineteenth century as an educator, commissioned
to correct mismanagement that had handicapped the
natural growth of the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh). It was a
task to frighten men of less courage and ability but
Dr. Woods assumed it with a confidence and determination that brooked no interference. The final analysis
of his experience is spelled in success. From the time
he took over his duties until the day he retired as
chancellor of the institution, it prospered and grew.
That the foundation was sound is evident in the continued prestige it has enjoyed as one of the outstanding
institutions of higher learning in the eastern part of the
United States. While this contribution in itself was
of tremendous import to the city and State it only tells
half the story of Dr. Woods' interesting career in the
netropolis and elsewhere. Abandoning the educational
realm, he plunged into business affairs with the same
zeal that had marked his scholarly pursuits and attained the same results. Today the Edward A. Woods
Agency, Inc., Pittsburgh, stands as a monument to his
outstanding business acumen. The foregoing partially
indicates the nature of the man and his accomplishments.
To fully appreciate the scope of his activities one
must delve into his background. A member of an old
and honorable New England family, whose ancestors
first settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in I630,
George Woods was born at Yarmouth, on Casco Bay,
eleven miles from Portland, Maine, on January 24,
I813, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Boston)
Woods. At that time that part of Maine was under
jurisdiction of the State of Massachusetts. Dr. Wroods'
father, Joseph Woods, was a cabinetmaker by trade
and one of the leading citizens of Yarmouth, where he
championed public education and was among the
earliest contributors to the endowment of Yarmouth
Academy.
Educational facilities in those days were limited.
Public schools were only open for two months during
the winter season. Dr. Woods took advantage of this
limited opportunity, supplementing this work through
private instruction and later attending Yarmouth Academy, where he worked to defray expenses. Successfully completing this part of his training he determined
to secure a college education and with twenty dollars
in his pocket entered Bowdoin College, working his
way through and being graduated in I837 among the
honor men of his class. The necessity of earning his
"board and keep" brought into play faculties that were
to prove of inestimable value in his later undertakings.
At this early date he learned to appreciate the value
of money and good management. While obviously
fitted to enter business, the young man chose to pursue
an educational career, feeling that his record of
achievement as a scholar best fitted him for this work.
Shortly after he made his intentions known he was
offered several positions and finally chose to serve as
a member of the faculty at Gorham Seminary, which
he was to be associated with until I839, when he resigned to accept the chair of mathematics and natural
philosophy at Jackson College in Columbia, Tennessee,
which was headed by a former preceptor, who had
aided him in preparing for college.
Due to primitive travel facilities the iourney from
his home to the southern institution took twenty-three
days, two weeks of which was consumed in travel between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. He took his place
at Jackson College but in I84I resigned, due to the
distressed financial condition of the school. He returned
386ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
to New England, taught at the Andover Seminary,
attended lectures in the city of Boston, and rested as a
means of improving his health, which had been impaired by overwork.
Up to this time he had been repeatedly prevailed
upon to take over the principalship of Yarmouth Academy and finally acceded, in I842. During his administration, we are told, the school became one of the
highest ranking academies in New England and attracted students from all parts of the United States,
as well as foreign countries. By the time he retired
from this institution his fame as an educator had become widespread. Offers came from all sections, proposing very attractive inducements, not the least of
which was one which guaranteed him absolute control
for a period of ten years of property, income and a
large endowment. Despite these attractive propositions he decided to teach in Auburn, Maine, and two
years later established himself in a business at Portland, which he conducted during 1857. At this time
he bought a fleet of boats and conducted a highlv
lucrative and successful trade with China and other
countries in the Orient.
As yet, however, he was not to be allowed to retire
definitely from the scholastic field for, in 1859, he was
unanimously elected principal of the Western University of Pennsylvania, entirely without solicitation. He
accepted and journeyed to Pittsburgh to take over his
new duties. As indicated previously, the task that confronted him was of such magnitude that it might well
have frightened a less resolute character.  To Dr.
Woods it was an assignment that called for expert
management and public support. The college had suffered two disastrous fires and inefficient administration.
At the time he arrived enrollment was confined to
thirty-five students and the teaching staff consisted of
two full teachers and two instructors. The property
itself was valued at $50,000.
From the outset Dr. Woods impressed the men
whose aid he sought. They recognized in him a man
of ability and purpose, a man who was at once an
educator and administrator, and they lent him  their
unqualified support, contributing generously to a large
endowment fund of $200,000. With this working canital
he was able to surround himself with capable teachers
and expand educational and physical facilities. UJnder
his leadership the preparatory, colleaiate, engineering
and  scientific  de)artments  were  introduced.  New
buildings were erected and many chairs were introducel, one of which was occupied by Professor T.angley, of aeronautical fame and one of the outstanding
astronomers of his generation. It was largely throuth
his efforts that the Allegheny Observatory was established. With the passage of years greater distinction
came to be attached to the name of Dr. Woods as
chancellor of the university. In I863 Jefferson College
gave him a degree of Doctor of Laws, which was also
conferred upon him later by his alma mater, Bowdoin
College, in recognition of his accomplishments as an
educator.
In I88o Dr. Woods, who had won such outstanding
laurels as one of the most prominent and successful
educational leaders of the country, resigned his chancellorship to establish himself in business. With his
son, Edward A. Woods, he founded the Pittsburgh
branch of the Equitable Life Assurance Society, which
has since become the largest agency of its type in the
world. He contributed substantially to the growth and
development of this organization until 1889, when
advancing years caused him to retire from all active
pursuits.
Much has been said in this review of his abilities as
an educator and administrator. The scope of his talents,
however, was not limited to these fields alone, for he
was also widely known as an author, orator and publicspirited citizen. His literary work was largely confined to educational subjects. As a progressive he
advocated technical training in college and wrote two
books on this phase of education which were widely
read, the first entitled "Practical Education," and the
second "Technical Education."  As a resident of
Pittsburgh he did much to advance the welfare of
the city and, during one of the militant temperance
crusades, was instrumental in bringing Francis Murphy
here to aid the cause.
On August 29, I843, Dr. Woods married (first)
Caroline Haynes, and they were the parents of five
children, all now deceased. On March 8, I864, he
married (second) Ellen C. Crane, of Fall River, Massachusetts, daughter of Joseph A. and Esther M.
(Goodrich) Crane, of that city. There were three
sons by this marriage: I. Edward A., president and
manager of the Edward A. Woods Agency, Inc., of
Pittsburgh, who died November 30, 1927. 2. Charles
A., an attorney and vice-president and general counsel
of the Edward A. Woods Company. 3. Lawrence C.,
vice-president and assistant manager of the Edward
A. Woods Agency, Inc.; now deceased.
Dr. George Woods passed away at his home in
Sewickley, where he had resided since 1877, on June
7, I899. In his passing the city and State were deprived of a gallant citizen whose contributions to the
social, civic and business life here proved of inestimable value. He exerted an influence of timeless proportions and can rightfully be listed among the great of
his era.
387ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
THOMAS M. BENNER-City solicitor of the
city of Pittsburgh and associated with that office for
nearly a quarter of a century, Thomas M. Benner,
member of one of the very old and distinguished
Pennsylvania families, has won distinction for the
valuable services he has rendered the city as an official
and attorney.  During his tenure of office he has
fostered numerous improvements, notably the zoning
law, which has served as a model for the State.
Thomas M. Benner was born in Allegheny County,
the son of Thomas McC. and Mary (Armstrong)
Benner, also the parents of the following children: I.
Margaret C. 2. Ada B. 3. Anna M. 4. Samuel A.,
former president of the Orford Copper Company,
general sales manager of the Carnegie Steel Company,
assistant to the president of the Pittsburgh Steel Company, general sales manager of the American Steel
Export Company, vice-president of the Federal Export
Company, and former president of the Empire Tube
and Steel Corp-oration. He died March 26, I92I. 5.
Jacob Wesley, superintendent of the Homestead Works
of the Carnegie Steel Company.
Mr. Benner's father, who was born in I839 and died
in I898, was a prominent figure in the iron industry of
Pittsburgh and during the Civil War served throughout the conflict with the IIoth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers. Later he was active in Allegheny Post,
No. 88, of the Grand Army of the Republic. His
wife, Mary (Armstrong) Benner, was a native of
Dundalk, Ireland, who came to Pittsburgh with her
parents during her childhood. The Benner family
have been established in the State of Pennsylvania for
over two hundred and fifty years. The original members settled in Bucks County, the section Jacob Benner,
grandfather of Thomas M. Benner, came from when he
settled in Pittsburgh in I855. He was a prosperous
miller and inventor and is credited with having produced a number of highly useful devices, among them
a long handled pruning fork used by orchardists, and a
smut machine employed generally in the milling industry.
Determined upon pursuing a legal career, Thomas
M. Benner matriculated at the University of Michigan,
after completing a general education in the public
schools of Allegheny City. He was graduated from
this institution with the degree of Bachelor of Laws
in the class of I896 and then returned to Pittsburgh to
clerk in the law office of Richard B. Scandrett. After
being admitted to the Pennsylvania State bar he rapidly won an enviable reputation as one of the most able
lawyers of Allegheny County as well as an outstanding corporation attorney.
His career in public office dates back to May I,
I9I4, when he was appointed assistant city solicitor.
For a number of years he served as chief trial attorney
of this department and eventually was made first assistant solicitor, serving in this capacity during the administrations of Mayors Armstrong, Babcock, Magee and
Kline. During this period he was elevated to the post
of city solicitor and at the time of Mayor Magee's
administration was also acting mayor on several
occasions. His long record of distinguished service
coupled with his accomplishments and ability in office,
graphically indicate the success he has enjoyed. He
was appointed by the United States District Court a
trustee of the Pittsburgh Railways Company.
Aside from his official activities Mr. Benner has also
been a prominent figure in social and civic affairs. He
fraternizes with the Masonic Order, in which he is a
member of all the higher bodies of both the York and
Scottish rites, including Crescent Lodge, No. 753;
Shiloh Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; Tancred Coinmandery, Knights Templar; and Pennsylvania Consistory, thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite. He also belongs to Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is a member
of Allegheny Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, the
Americus Republican Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic
Association, the Duquesne Club, and the Pittsburgh
Chamber of Commerce. In his religious convictions he
worships at the Christ Methodist Episcopal Church.
He is a musician of talent, an omniverous reader, and
finds his principal recreation in the game of golf.
On September 20, I9IO, Mr. Benner married Charlotte Consalus, daughter of John and Julia M. (MacDowell) Consalus, of Troy, New York. His wife is
descended from the Spanish nobleman, Don Emmanuel
Gonzalez, who settled in Saratoga County during the
early part of the eighteenth century. She also traces
her ancestry to Anneke Jans, one of the prominent
Dutch settlers of Manhattan, whose estate is now in
the possession of Trinity Church in New York City.
CHARLES ROBERT GLOCK-For many
years one of the outstanding merchants and business
men of Johnstown, Charles Robert Glock lived a life
of real usefulness to his fellow-citizens, participating in
many worth while enterprises and generally aiding in
the forward development of his community. He was
long connected with the hardware trade in this city,
where he was a resident from the time when he was
less than a year old, and he was respected and trusted
in every circle in which he was known. His many
friends were deeply appreciative of his splendid qualities of heart and mind, and their loyalty to him was
one further testimony to the character and personality
of the man.
388ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Glock was born November 2, I867, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, son of Christian and Fredericka (Heider) Glock. After completing his formal
schooling, he became an employee of the Cambria
Wire Mills, so forming his first contact with the hardware industry. Working for a time with the Cambria
organization, he was later transferred to the pattern
shop under the foremanship of the late Evan Lewis.
For three years he labored under the tutelage of Mr.
Lewis, attending the Cambria Library Free School at
night. In February, I890, he acquired an interest in
the Swank Hardware Company, one of the oldest business houses of the city. At once he began a steady rise
in this firm, of which he became general manager in
1892 and general manager and vice-president at the
time of incorporation in 1903. He held that dual office
for the rest of his life, capably serving the community
of his residence and holding the warm esteem and admiration of all who knew him.
Quite aside from his business activities, Mr. Glock
was a leading figure in social, civic and fraternal affairs. He was particularly interested in Masonry, belonging to Cambria Lodge, No. 278, of the Free and
Accepted Masons; Portage Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, of which he was at one time High Priest;
Cambria Council, No. 32, of Royal and Select Masters,
of which he was thrice Illustrious Master; and Oriental Commandery, No. 6I, of Knights Templar, in
which he was a trustee and at one time Commander.
He also was affiliated with Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
Pittsburgh. He belonged to Johnstown Lodge of the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and was
likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias. He
was president of the Acacia Club, of Johnstown. For
a long period he was a member of the First Lutheran
Church, serving as elder of the Vine Street parish
and as a member of the church council. When the
beautiful new church edifice was erected some years
ago, Mr. Glock was a member of the building committee.
On September 5, I889, Charles Robert Glock married
Elmaretta Fend Swank, daughter of the late Jacob and
Catherine (Border) Swank, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Glock: I. Earl F. Glock, of Johnstown. 2. Carl E.
Glock, of Pittsburgh, lawyer; a director of the South
Hills Trust Company, of the Monongahela Inclined
Plane Company, and of the Children's Aid Society of
Allegheny County; andj one of Pittsburgh's leading
citizens, being a member of the law firm of Reed,
Smith, Shaw and McClay, with offices in the Union
Trust Building. 3. Katharine Freda, wife of Todd
Cochran, of Washington, District of Columbia. 4.
Robert Jacob Glock, of Johnstown.
The death of Charles Robert Glock occurred on
November 28, 1924, and was an occasion of deep and
lasting sorrow. He performed a work of great usefulness and distinction in the business world in which
he was long so active, and his influence was a strongly
beneficial one. He will be affectionately remembered
through the years of the future, and his accomplishments and the memory of him will serve as a continuing power for good.
GENERAL EDWARD MARTIN-Distinguished
alike in military life, public affairs and in the various
interests of his legal and business career, General
Edward Martin, former State Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, comes of an old American
family early established in this State, and in his own
active life has worthily upheld the fine traditions which
he inherited by right of birth. General Martin is now
commanding officer of the 55th Infantry Brigade,
Pennsylvania National Guard. He served in his country's cause during both the Spanish-American and the
World War, and in the bitter campaigns in France was
promoted in the field for gallantry, receiving the high
commendation of his superiors and the Distinguished
Service Cross with oak leaf cluster, and the Purple
Heart with oak leaf cluster.
General Martin was born on a farm in Washington
Township, Greene County, on September i8, I879, a
son of Joseph Thomas and Hannah M. (Bristor) Martin, both of whom were born in that township. He is
a direct descendant in the tenth generation of John
and Esther (Roberts) Martin, the American progenitors, who joined the Colonists in the middle of the
seventeenth century at the little settlement of Dover,
established in I623 up the river from Portsmouth,
New Hampshire. John Martin lived at Dover from
I648 to I666; at Woodbridge, New Jersey, from i668
to I676; and at Piscataway, New Jersey, from I676 to
I678. Zephaniah Martin, a direct descendant of John
Martin, was a resident of Morris County, New Jersey. His son, James, emigrated to West Bethlehem
Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, in
I786, and married Anna McMyrtre, a native of New
Jersey. Among their children, Thomas, the eldest
child, married Mary Bradbury in 182I and died in I85I.
He established his home in Morgan Township, Greene
County, and was_buried in the cemetery at Amity,
Pennsylvania. John M. Martin, son of Thomas and
Mary (Bradbury) Martin, was born on August I2,
1823, died on August I, I903, at the age of eighty. He
established his home on a farm in Washington Town389ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
John M. Zimmerman and John T. Painter, later resuming the painting business.
On November 20, I907, William Jenkins Laughner
married Abbie S. Bair, daughter of Isaac and Susan
(Miller) Bair and granddaughter of Benjamin and
Catharine (Shuey) Bair. One daughter, Margaret
Perry, was born November 14, I9O8, and is now married to Frederick O. Fowler II, of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, they having one son, Frederick William
Fowler III, born September 6, I934.
Mr. Laughner has been a member of the Knights of
Malta since I895, and of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and General Nathanael Greene Chapter, Sons
of the American Revolution.
HENRY  EUGENE MARKER-Descended
from a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and a son of
a prominent merchant and civic leader in Ligonier,
Westmoreland County, Henry Eugene Marker, of
Greensburg has been a distinguished attorney in the
Pennsylvania courts ever since I896.
Mr. Marker was born in Ligonier, on July IO, I874,
the son of Charles Franklin and Anna Kate (McColly) Marker. Charles Franklin Marker was born
in Mechanicsburg, Westmoreland County, January 27,
I852, and died in Ligonier October 3, I927. He was
the son of Noah M. and Eliza (Graham) Marker.
Noah Marker was the son of Henry and Mary (Ambrose) Marker. Henry Marker was born in Virginia
in I779, the son of Matthias Marker, a farmer living
near Richmond, Virginia, who, after serving as a soldier in the Continental Army during the Revolution,
settled in the Ligonier Valley, sometime prior to I8oo00.
Farmers for generations, the family turned to mercantile pursuits when Noah M. Marker opened a store
in Mechanicsburg in I849. In 1852 the business was
moved to Oak Grove and, again in I854, to Ligonier,
where Noah continued in business until his death,
November 23, 1896. Noah Marker, besides operating
the store, served as a member of the local School
Board for many years and also represented his district
in the Pennsylvania Legislature. Charles Franklin
Marker, Noah Marker's son, continued his father's
business under the name of N. M. Marker and Son.
The establishment was destroyed by fire in December,
1926, but was rebuilt and continued with renewed life.
Charles Franklin Marker was an organizer and one of
the directors of the First National Bank of Ligonier
and a prominent citizen. His wife, Henry Eugene
Marker's mother, was a native of the Ligonier Valley,
a daughter of Bales McColly who was a son of Zachariah McColly. The family for generations has been
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Henry Eugene Marker attended the Ligonier public
schools and, after passing through Dickenson Academy
in that city, received his degree of Bachelor of Laws
from Dickenson Law School in 1895. A year later
Mr. Marker passed the bar and was shortly admitted
to practice in all courts. A thirty-second degree member of the Masonic Fraternity, Mr. Marker belongs to
Ligonier Lodge, No. 33I, Free and Accepted Masons;
the Olivet Council, No. 518, Royal and Select Masters;
the Kedron Commandery, No. i8, Knights Templar;
Uranian Chapter, No. 192, Syria Temple of Pittsburgh. Also, Mr. Marker is a member of other organizations, including the Greensburg Lodge, No. 5II,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Greensburg Country Club; is president of the Westmoreland
Bar Association (I938) and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association.  During the World War
Mr. Marker served as a member, among other activities, of the various Liberty Loan and Red Cross committees in Westmoreland County.
Henry Eugene Marker, on September 17, I9OI, married Ellen Bartholomew, daughter of A. H. and
Rachael (Kuns) Bartholomew, of Greensburg. Mrs.
Marker died on November 28, I929. Mr. Marker has
two children: I. Henry E., Jr., born on October I4,
I9o6; graduating from Yale University in I929, and
from the University of Pittsburgh Law School in
1932, with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, he associated himself with his father's law firm, Marker and
Rial. He married Mary Ruffner and has a daughter,
Eleanor Rose. 2. Rachael Katherine, born April T2,
1905; she is the wife of M. A. Wilson, a building contractor in Pittsburgh.
HARRY  WHITE-A  farmer and coal mine
proprietor in his younger days, then turning business
man, Harry White became interested in active politics
in I929 and is now chairman of the Board of County
Commissioners for Westmoreland, making his home
in Jacksonville, one mile west of Irwin. His eminence
is attested by the fact that in I937 Governor Earle
of Pennsylvania appointed Mr. White chairman of all
county committees for the celebration organized to observe the one hundredth and fiftieth anniversary of the
United States Constitutional Convention.
Harry White was born on August 7, I885, in Jacksonville, North Huntington Township, Westmoreland
County, the son of James and Harriet (Marchand)
White. James White was born and died in Westmoreland County. Early in life he was a farmer but he
developed a business concerned with the sale and operation of coal mines and coal-bearing lands. During the
Civil War he was an agent for the United States
Government in the purchase of horses for the army.
39ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ship, Greene County, was twice married, and became
the father of six children. His first wife was Martha Moor.
Joseph Thomas Martin, their eldest son, and father of
General Martin, was born on the home farm in Washington Township, Greene County, on January 27, I85I,
and passed away February 24, I938. After his marriage to Hannah M. Bristor, who was born in the
same township, August I, I855, he established his
residence on part of the old home place and there
continued farming operations until his retirement in
I9o2. At that time he removed to Waynesburg, which
was thereafter to be his home. In addition to their
son, General Martin, they were the parents of two
daughters, Maude E., born on June 13, I882, died
on July 12, 1924; and Martha Ann, born on June 25,
I886, died on April 24, I925. The wife and mother
of the family died on February 8, 1925.
General Martin was reared on the Greene County
farm where he was born, obtaining his early education
in the schools of this section. Subsequently, he entered Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, and while a
student there in April, 1898, volunteered for service
in the war against Spain. Although he was but
eighteen years of age at the time, Edward Martin
was enrolled on May II, I898, as a member of Company K, Ioth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with these troops in the Philippines for the duration of the war. He was promoted to
corporal on August I, I898, to sergeant on August I,
I899, and was mustered out on August 22, I899.
Upon the reorganization of the National Guard following this period of Federal service, General Martin
reenlisted in Company K, Ioth Infantry, on January
4, I9OO, and since that time has been connected with
the State's military forces. He became first lieutenant
on January I5, I9OI, captain on July II, I905, and
major on July 6, I9IO. Holding the rank of major he
served with the American forces under Pershing on the
Mexican border from June 22, I9I6, to October 27,
I9I6. In the following spring, when the United States
entered the World War, the National Guard was again
Federalized and mustered in for war service. It was
on July 15, I9I7, that he was called for service for the
World War and was soon sent overseas with his command. On July 30, I918, he was wounded, but remained on duty, and on September 5, I918, was promioted in the field to lieutenant-colonel for gallant and
meritorious service. On September 6, I918, he was
again wounded, but remained on duty. General Martin
commanded the Iogth Infantry from September 6 to
9, I9g8. He commanded the IIoth Infantry, 28th Division, during the fighting along the Ourcq River and
in the Argonne through some of the severest engagements that marked the action of that famous division.
On November 2, I918, he was relieved from duty and
returned to the United States to organize and command a new regiment to be ready for the proposed drive
vO I9I9. For this conspicuous service in France, Gencral Martin was decorated with the Distinguished
Service Cross with oak leaf cluster, and the Purple
Heart with oak leaf cluster, and received numerous
letters of high commendation from his superiors, including practically all of his commanders. General
Martin was mustered out of the Federal service on
April 25, I919, and with the reestablishment of the
National Guard was advanced to the rank of colonel,
which he received on October I6, I919.  He was directed to reorganize the old Ioth Regiment, and completed his task with the first Federally recognized unit
in the United States service. On April I, I921, the
ioth Regiment was again renamed the IIoth Infantry,
with General Martin in command, and in this position
he served until his promotion on August I7, I922, to the
grade of brigadier. General Martin was assigned to
command the 55th Infantry Brigade, which position
he now occupies. He was also placed on the first eligible list of the General Staff by general orders of
the War Department, dated December I6, 1920. After
the war, he was designated the historian of the 28th
Division, and his account of the service of this unit in
the World War has met with much favorable comment. January I7, I939, he was named by Governor
Arthur H. James as Adjutant-General of Pennsylvania.
In the meantime his career in private life was well
under way. Following his return from the SpanishAmerican War, General Martin resumed his studies at
Waynesburg College, and was there graduated in
19OI with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He had
now determined on a legal career and accordingly entered the law offices of Buchanan and Walton at
Waynesburg, where he received his legal training. In
19o6, he was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, and
began the practice of his profession at Waynesburg,
where he continued independently and successfully until June, I92I, when he accepted the position of trust
officer of the Citizens National Bank of Washington,
Pennsylvania, and removed to that place where he has
since made his home. General Martin continued as
trust officer of the Citizens National Bank until
1925, contributing through his services to its development and growth. In addition, with the passing
years, he acquired numerous other interests, serving
as president of the Dunn Mar Oil and Gas Company
of Waynesburg and as a director of the Consumers
Fuel Company of Wheeling, the Washington County
390ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Fire Insurance Company, the Citizens National Bank
cf Washington and the Union Trust Company of
Waynesburg.
From the early days of his career, General Martin
has taken an active interest in public life and civic
affairs of the State, and has long been recognized as
one of the leaders of the Republican party. For two
decades he has been either secretary or chairman of
his home county central committee or a member of the
State Republican Committee. In I928 and again in
I93O and I932 he was elected chairman of the Republican State Committee, playing a distinguished part
in councils of his party, both in this State and throughcut the East. For seven years, General Martin served
as solicitor of Greene County, and in I924, as the nominee of the Republican party, he was elected AuditorGeneral of the State by a majority of almost a million votes. General Martin was the' first officer connected with the State's military organization to hold
the position of comptroller since the days of General
John F. Hartranft, was the thirty-seventh person to fill
the office of Auditor-General of this State, and the second officer who saw service in France during the last
war to be honored with a State elective office. In I928;
while still serving as Auditor-General, he was elected
on the Republican ticket to the office o.f State Treasurer of Pennsylvania. In filling high State office,
General Martin has administered his responsible duties
with complete efficiency and success, fully justifying
the confidence reposed in him by his able conduct of
State affairs.
In addition to his other connections, General Martin
is a member of the board of trustees of Waynesburg College, and is associated with a number of
organizations, civic, social and  benevolent in this
State. He is affiliated fraternally with the Free and
Accepted Masons, in which he has taken many higher
degrees, being a thirty-third degree Mason, and with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Washington and Jefferson College honored him November I,
I938, with the degree of Doctor of Laws. He is a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, Legion of Valor and the Military Order of
the Carabao.
On December I, I9o8, at Waynesburg, Edward
Martin married Mary Charity Scott of that city, who
was born at Monongahela City on July 3I, 1879,
a daughter of James A. and Melissa (Dickey) Scott,
the former of whom passed away October 8, 1934,
and the latter August I9, 1938. Both paternally and
maternally, Mrs. Martin comes of old Pennsylvania
families, and through her mother can claim Revolutionary ancestors. On the maternal side, she is also connected with the Parkinson family, distinguished in
pioneer records throughout this region, while twc
of her mother's brothers were graduates of West
Point Military Academy, one of them rising to the
rank of colonel in the United States Army. General and Mrs. Martin are the parents of two children: T. Edward Scott, born on May 2, I914. 2. Mary
Charity, born on February I9, I9I6. Their daughter
married James B. W. Murphy on October I2, I935.
The residence of the family is maintained at Washington, Pennsylvania, and General and Mrs. Martin are
members of the First Presbyterian Church of this city.
He is an ordained Elder of the Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Martin, who is a skilled musician, is also a member of the music division of the Washington Current
Events Club.
HON. BENJAMIN HARVEY THOMPSON
-For many years the Hon. Benjamin Harvey Thompson has effectively and usefully served the community
of New Kensington, where he makes his home, and
the State of Pennsylvania. He has been particularly
prominent in connection with his work in the State
Senate, serving on many committees and other organizations and earning the respect and admiration
of his fellow-citizens in all walks of life.
Senator Thompson was born September 24, I873, in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, son of John A. and Sarah
M. (McLain) Thompson. His father, born in York
County, was for a half century a resident of Pittsburgh, where he was a manufacturer and where he
also served in many other capacities. During the Civil
War he was in the 76th Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry in the Union Army. He died in I9I3. The
mother, a Pittsburgh woman, died in I923. On both
the Thompson and McLain sides of his house, Senator Thompson is descended from ancestors who settled in Pennsylvania before the War of the American
Revolution. The Thompsons were York County pioneers, who served in the Revolutionary War.  Senator Thompson's maternal great-grandfather, John W.
Johnston, settled in Pittsburgh in I773, just a century
before the birth of the present State Senator.
Benjamin Harvey Thompson attended the public
and high schools of Pittsburgh, later spending a year
at Ohio Wesleyan University and then matriculating
at Princeton University. He was graduated from
Princeton in I897 with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. His next step was to study law in the offices of
D. D. Bruce and J. M. Shields, in Pittsburgh, and
in I90I he was admitted to the Allegheny County bar,.
In that same year he began his professional practice
under his own name.  Later, though continuing his
office in the First National Bank Building. in Pitts39IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
burgh, Senator Thompson removed to New Kensing-.
ton to make his home, and there opened an office for
the practice of law. His main office is now in New
Kensington, where he is recognized as an outstanding practitioner, especally in the realm of corporation
law.
Keenly interested in politics, Mr. Thompson is a
staunch Republican. Early in his career he became
borough solicitor of Parnassus, so continuing for fourteen years before that borough was merged with New
Kensington.  For a year after the consolidation he
acted as assistant solicitor for New Kensington. In
1926 he was made first assistant district attorney for
Westmoreland County, a post that he held continuously
thereafter until Ig929. His election to the office of
State.Senator took place on November 8, I932, and
he was sworn into office on January 3, I933. In the
Senate he became a member of the committees on
banking, building and loans, judiciary, special, forestry,
Congressional apportionment and public safety.  In
I937 he was the Republican nominee for the office of
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County.
Holding memberships in many outstanding professional groups, Senator Thompson is active in the
Westmoreland County Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association and the American Bar
Association. He is a charter member of the New
Kensington Kiwanis Club, of which he was at one time
vice-president, and is a member of the local Chamber
of Commerce. Among his other activities, Senator
Thompson has particularly concerned himself with
Red Cross work. The New Kensington chapter was
formed in 1917, with him as chairman, and he continued in that office until I93o. He was one of the
organizers and the first president of the Hillcrest
Country Club. During the World War he was also
head of the local legal advisory board in New Kensington, as well as a four-minute speaker. For years
he has been concerned with the work of the Free and
Accepted Masons, in which order he is affiliated with
Lodge No. 576; Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he holds the thirtysecond degree; and Syria Temple of the Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Knights of Malta. He has for years
taken a lively interest in the Parnassus Presbyterian
Church, in whch he is a deacon. He is a member of
the board of directors of the Community Chest Fund
and trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association.
Senator Thompson married, on November 3, I904,
Elizabeth F. Entwisle, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Edward B. and Anne (Fussell) Entwisle.
They became the parents of a daughter, Ann E.
Thompson, born December i6, I9o6, graduated in
1928 from Swarthmore College, now a teacher in the
New Kensington High School. On June 25, I938,
she became the wife of Mark H. Wainwright, an executive of the Iron City Electric Company of Pittsburgh.
FRANK WINSTON SHRONTZ-Frank Winston Shrontz was born in Amwell Township, Washington County, November i8, I883, the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Frank T. Shrontz. Frank T. Shrontz, also a
native of Amwell Township, had been engaged in
farming on the family tract throughout his active
career.
Frank Winston Shrontz graduated from the township schools, after which he entered Bethany College,
where he remained for two years. He has devoted
his lifetime to farming work. The Shrontz farm was
first operated by John Frederick Shrontz, greatgrandfather of Frank Winston Shrontz, and it has
been operated successfully by the following three generations. In the beginning the farm consisted of two
hundred and eighty acres, but now it embraces three
hundred and eighty acres, one hundred and seventy
of which are cultivated, producing a general crop,
and stock raising is carried on extensively.  Mr.
Shrontz has also served on the Amwell Township
School Board for twenty-two years, and has been
president of this body for nineteen years.
He is a member of the Christian Church, a Republican, and an affiliate of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He was married in Washington, Pennsylvania, March 28, I9II, to Elsie May Wilson, a native
of Somerset Township, born August 27, 1892, the
daughter of John T. and Lucy (Knestrick) Wilson,
both deceased. John T. Wilson, born in Washington,
Pennsylvania, October 23, 1864, died September 3,
1927. His wife, born in Vanceville, April 29, I863,
died April I7, I937. Mr. and Mrs. Shrontz are the
parents of two children: I. Sara Louise. 2. Mary
Virginia.
JOHN BRATTON FINLEY WYANT, M. D.
-Extensively engaged in the practice of medicine and
surgery, Dr. John Bratton Finley Wyant has earned
the respect and admiration of his fellow-citizens in
Kittanning.
Dr. Wyant was born August 7, I862, near Adrian,
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, son of Adam and
Sophia  (Bowser) Wyant.  His great-grandfather,
Henry Wyant, was born in Germany, and came early
in his career to the United States, landing at Philadel392ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
phia and later settling in Delaware in the German
settlement there, still later removing to Bedford
County, Pennsylvania. He was a soldier in the War
of the American Revolution. His son, Martin Wyant,
grandfather of Dr. J. B. F. Wyant, was born and
reared in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and married
Christeena Booher, also a native of that county, daughter of Bartholomew Booher.
Their son, Adam Wyant, father of Dr. Wyant, was
born July 4, 1813, in Bedford County, and came with
his father into Washington Township, Armstrong
County, in 1832. He married (first) Rachel Yerty,
who died in 1846, the mother of seven children: Christian Yerty, Martin, Andrew H., Archibald M., George,
Rachel and Elizabeth Wyant. Mr. Wyant married
(second), on March 25, 1847, Sophia Bowser, daughter of Abraham and Mary Bowser and a granddaughter of Valentine Bowser, a native of Germany, and his
wife, Elizabeth (Fluke) Bowser. Abraham Bowser
was born in I803 in Bedford County, and was killed
April IO, 1853, by a falling tree; and his wife was
Mary (Stevens) Bowser, a pioneer Baptist, cousin of
the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, a power in the organization of the free school system, and daughter of Benjamin and Sarah  (Milligan) Stevens.  Adam  and
Sophia (Bowser) Wyant were the parents of ten
children: Mary, Delilah S., Eli Fluke, Christena,
Benjamin Wyland, Emma Theresa, S. Katherine, John
Bratton Finley, Martha Margaret and Susanetta
Wyant.
Of these, John Bratton Finley Wyant attended the
public school in Washington Township, Armstrong
County, Pennsylvania, a little one-room schoolhouse,
later taking his academic course at Reid Institute, in
Clarion County. After graduation he taught for three
years at Reid Institute, acting also as assistant principal. During that period he took up the study of
medicine in the office of Dr. Frank Ross, of Clarion,
who served as his first preceptor in the profession.
Later came a course at West Penn Medical College,
which subsequently became the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, where he was graduated in
I889 a Doctor of Medicine. Beginning his practice of
medicine in the same year at Templeton, in Armstrong
County, he remained there for ten years, then removed
in I899 to Kittanning, where he has carried forward
his professional work to the time of writing.
His standing in Kittanning is one of leadership in
the professional realm, and his contribution to the
preservation of the general health of the community
has been a significant one. He is active in the Armstrong County Medical Society, of which he became
secretary in IgoI and so continued down to the time
of writing. For fifteen years he was a member of the
board of trustees of the Medical Society of Pennsylvania.  He also belongs to the American Medical
Association. In I896 he was president of the county
society.
In his political views Dr. Wyant is a staunch Republican. For twenty years he was a member of the
Board of Education of Kittanning. In I9I8 he was
made school physician, and he has since served in this
capacity. He belongs to a number of fraternal groups,
including Kittanning Lodge of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, the Heptasophs,
and Kittanning Lodge, No. 244, of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is also affiliated with the
Royal Arch Chapter. He is a member of the Coudersport Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is a
member of the Kittanning Kiwanis Club, and worships
in the faith of the First Baptist Church, of Kittanning.
He has served as an official board member, as deacon,
as financial secretary and as a trustee of his church.
Chiefly he has given his energies, however, to the work
of his chosen profession, endeavoring to live up to its
highest ideals and coming to be recognized as one of
its outstanding representatives.
On August 6, 1885, Dr. John Bratton Finley \Vyant
married Mary Louise Gilbert, born May ii, 1864,
daughter of Professor C. A. and Sarah Frances
(Evans) Gilbert, the ceremony being performed by
Dr. B. H. Thomas, Baptist clergyman, who was for
forty-five years connected with Reid Institute, where
Mrs. Wyant's father was a teacher. Dr. and Mrs.
Wyant became the parents of the following children:
I and 2 (twins). Sophia Irene \Vyant, born October
I2, I886, died October 8, I9o4; Sarah Alleine: she
became the wife of Dr. Edward Ellis Evans, and they
took up their residence at McKeesport, Pennsylvania,
and became the parents of the following children: i.
Finley Edward Evans, born January 15, I9I2. ii. Ann
Louise Evans, born August I6, I920. 3. Margaret C.,
born March I3, I89o; married (first) Will C. Kline,
born January 2, I88o, died in 1923; and they had one
child, Robert Wyant Kline; married (second) to
Roland B. Simpson in 1925. 4. Corbin Weyland (q.
v.). 5. Mary Louise Wyant, born July 20, I902;
married to Daniel E. Caulk, who was born February
IO, 1903. They had three children: i. Sallie Lou
Caulk, born May 5, 1934. ii. Daniel E. Caulk, Jr.,
born March 28, I936. iii. William P. Caulk, born
March I9, I938. 6. A child, who died in infancy.
CORBIN WEYLAND WYANT-The influential position the "Daily Leader-Times" of Kittanning
has occupied in the affairs of Armstrong County for
over sixty years is being perpetuated under the able
393ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
guidance of Corbin Weyland Wyant, owner and managing editor of the publication since I935.
The growth of this paper is allied wth the development of this section of the State. Its history is a
romantic recital of events that have spelled progress.
It has been privileged to witness this advance and
chronicle the ensuing transformation for posterity.
Let it be said to the everlasting credit of its founder,
the late John T. Simpson, that he builded on a healthy
foundation. During the years of struggle his paper
was strengthened by adversity and made the most of
the fortune that crossed its path. Returning to Kittanning, after an experience as a journeyman printer
with several publications in this section and the city
of Pittsburgh, Mr. Simpson began publication of "The
Valley Times," forerunner of the present paper. His
equipment consisted of a small printing outfit and a
large amount of courage. The first issue, which is
described as being about the size of a Sunday school
paper, appeared on the dust covered streets of Kittanning on May 6, I868. The young publisher, who was
twenty-four at the time, encountered sizable obstacles and problems that would frighten a less resolute
personality. Nevertheless he persisted. As a means
of identifying it more closely to the community the
name was eventually changed to "The Kittanning
Times." Mr. Simpson was editor, publisher, proofreader, type-setter and circulation manager and, while
it was a great burden the experience proved invaluable
to him. In time he acquired his own printing faciliLies and set up shop in the plant of the old "County
Light," later removing the mechanical department to
a building located at the corner of Patterson Way and
Jefferson Alley. In the meantime the editorial side
had occupied quarters in the Thompson Building and
when that was destroyed by fire, removed to the Safe
Deposit Building and thence to the second floor of
the Buffington Building on Market Street.
"The Kittanning Times" was now recognized as
the most successful and substantial publication of its
type in Armstrong County. Spurred on by hard won
success the progressive proprietor determined to transform it into a daily. It was a bold stroke, characteristic
of Mr. Simpson's courage. Experience of other daily
newspaper attempts only pointed to failure. He disregarded the past and with confidence set out to conquer the future. Happily, he possessed those qualities
and abilities that enabled him to succeed and bring
forth a newspaper which still remains the only daily
in Armstrong County. His method of introducing this
change was unique and worthy of mention. No fanfare of publicity or advertising ushered in the change:
on the contrary it was kept a secret until the date
of publication, January IO, I898, when the new edition
was distributed throughout the town by his son, R. B.
Simpson, and William Murphy, both of whom are
now deceased. The paper, which was given to prospective subscribers that day, did not carry a line of advertising, but in the weeks and years that followed was
to prosper by this form of support.
Mr. Simpson continued to conduct this property
until March I5, I909, when he sold his interest. On
May I, of that year, he founded "Simpson's Daily
Leader," which was conducted from the second floor
of the Neale Building. Nine years later the business
and editorial departments of the publication were
housed in the old William Gates' store building on
South Jefferson Street, where they continued until
I929, when they removed to their new home, a spacious and modern newspaper building.
R. B. Simpson, son of Mr. Simpson, was then interested in the management of the paper. Together,
father and son, directed its policies and in May, 1921,
acquired the "Times" property which was merged with
the "Simpson's Daily Leader" under the title of "Simpson's Daily Leader-Times." A year later, on January
I, 1922, John T. Simpson, R. B. Simpson and Frank
M. Shubert, who had been accountant and auditor of
the paper since I909, were granted a charter under the
name of Simpson's Publishing Company, a corporation
in which John T. Simpson was president and editor;
R. B. Simpson, vice-president and general manager;
and Frank M. Shubert, secretary and business manager. With the passing of the elder Simpson on May
9, 1925, R. B. Simpson became editor. In commenting
on the elder Simpson's career and leadership. an editorial printed shortly after his death, says in part:
From the day he began the printer's trade at the
age of sixteen until the day he was taken ill, a period
of fifty-seven years, Mr. Simpson engaged unflaggingly
and continuously in the printing and newspaper business. About fifty-five years of that period were spent
in Kittanning and his name became synonymous of the
newspaper business. He was a tireless worker, and
as an editor he was frank, forceful and fearless. He
believed sincerely that it was a newspaper's bounden
duty to the public to present all the news printable
fairly and accurately, without fear of favor, and did
not hesitate to challenge public opinion when he believed it to be wrong..... He loved newspaper
work and never grew weary in giving full support
with little thought of self, to those things which he
felt were for the public good and for the development
and progress of the community. Largely as a result
of his advocacy in the columns of his papers, the Kittanning-Ford City street car lines became a reality;
the streets of the town were paved; the First Baptist
Church, this place, was organized; the improvement
of the Kittanning-Rural Valley Road, the securing. of
a new post office, and other public projects were car394ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ried to successful conclusions. When the residence
suburb of Applewold was laid out, Mr. Simpson was
one of those who made the undertaking possible,
through the organization and incorporation of the
Applewold Land Company.
This tribute indicates the influence of its founder
and the influence of the publication itself. Under the
capable leadership of R. B. Simpson the paper continued to grow and prosper. New equipment was acquired and the present building erected in the summer
of I929 on North Grant Avenue. The mechanical features included a twenty-four-page Goss press, capable
of printing 25,000 papers per hour, and a stereotyping
department. Death was to intervene in the promising
career of R. B. Simpson, who was emulating his father
with such distinction and success. On May 8, I930,
he passed away in Pittsburgh.
It was at this juncture that Mr. Wyant became
managing editor and general manager of the corporation. He acquired controlling interest in I935.
Corbin Weyland Wyant was born in Templeton,
March 23, I896, son of Dr. John Bratton Finley and
Mary Louise (Gilbert) Wyant. For years his father
has been one of the most able physicians and civic
leaders of Armstrong County. The Wyant family, of
German origin, have been established in Pennsylvania
for generations, the first representative coming here
prior to the Revolutionary War in which he fought as
a member of the Continental forces. Since that time
its representatives have distinguished themselves in the
affairs of their surroundings, and patriotically served
their country in every major war.
Mr. Wyant received a general education in the
public schools of his native community and after completing his studies here matriculated at Bucknell University. His college studies were to be interrupted
when the United States entered the World War. At
that time he enlisted in the regular navy and served
overseas until January 2I, I919, when he was honorably discharged. He returned home at this time and
resumed his studies at Bucknell University, from which
he was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science
in the class of I920. Directly after leaving college he
entered the trust department of the Armstrong County
Trust Company, which he was to be associated with
for ten years, five of which he served as trust officer.
In I930 he severed his banking connections to become
general manager of the "Leader-Times," with which
he has since been associated and of which. as previously stated, he acquired controlling interest in I935.
Other executives include: Clarence F. Lindberg, advertising manager; and Fank M. Shubert, who is business
manager. Aside from being editor of this paper, which
he is conducting in accordance with the policies which
have made it so popular for so many years, Mr. Wyant
is also a member of the board of directors of the
Farmers National Bank of Kittanning and the Kittanning Thrift Bank. He fraternizes with Kittanning
Lodge, No. 244, of the Free and Accepted Masons, in
which he is also a member of the Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He belongs
to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the local post of
the American Legion, is a Republican in politics and
worships at the First Baptist Church.
The paper he directs is a member of the American
Newspaper Publishers Association, the Pennsylvania
Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Audit
Bureau of Circulations. It leases United Press Association wire service and also contracts for the complete
feature service of the Central Press Association. As
a leader in its field it was ranked first in its class in
the State for the amount of national lineage carried
in I930. Its net paid daily circulation is approximately
seven thousand, covering an area throughout Armstrong County.
Mr. Wyant married (first), in I924, at Kittanning,
Eleanor Jones, of Ebensburg, now deceased, the daughter of Cyrus W. and Hattie (Fish) Jones. There
were two children by this marriage: I. James Martin,
born March I, I926. 2. John Weyland, born March
26, I928. On November 29, I930, Mr. Wyant married
(second) Velma Turner, daughter of David H. and
Lulu (Adams) Turner, and they are the parents of
one son: Corbin Adam, born August 4, I936.
JAMES HARVEY BEAL-The nature of James
Harvey Beal's achievements as a member of the Pittsburgh and Allegheny County bar remains a source of
inspiration to his professional colleagues who look
upon him as one of the most able attorneys of his
time. His success is the more remarkable when we
discover that he attained it solely through his own
efforts, employing a diligence and intellect that mark
him as one of the most scholarly lawyers of this
section of the country. Nor were his talents limited
to this sphere. His accomplishments were national in
scope. He rose to become adviser to some of the
greatest corporations in the Nation and just before his
untimely passing was appointed chairman of the Tax
Simplification Board under President Harding.
Mr. Beal was born at Frankfort, Beaver County,
September I, I869, the son of William and Mary
(Livingston) Beal, both descendants of old and distinguished families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. His
father, who was physically incapacitated, took up
stenography and became one of the outstanding court
reporters of the city of Pittsburgh.
395ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
After a general education in the old South School
of Pittsburgh, Mr. Beal attended the Western University of Pennsylvania for a time. At the age of
seventeen, however, he abandoned further formal education and took up the study of stenography. He made
rapid progress and was soon appointed reporter for
the Courts of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.
He gained proficiency and soon enjoyed an enviable
reputation in the courts of this region. It was this
experience that prompted him to take up the study of
law. He resigned his court position and began to clerk
in the office of William B. Rodgers, cousin of his
mother. On March I8, I890o, he registered, having
reached his majority and two years later, on February
13, I892, was admitted to the bar. Shortly thereafter
he established himself in a general practice and in
I895 was appointed assistant city solicitor of Pittsburgh. A few years later he joined the law firm of
Knox and Reed. The senior partner was appointed
Attorney-General of the United States, under President McKinley, and the firm was reorganized as Reed,
Smith, Shaw and Beal, which Mr. Beal was to be
associated with until his passing. In commenting upon
his career here a memorial printed in the "Pittsburgh
Legal Journal" shortly after his passing, said:
As a member.of this firm, Mr. Beal was active in
the conduct of many cases, representing the UInited
States Seeel Company and kindred and affiliated companies, and large financial, manufacturing, transportation and business institutions of Western Pennsylvania
and surrounding business zones. He was a director
of many large manufacturing and financial companies
and was not a mere perfunctory director, but one of the
kind who was familiar with his duties and actively
directed.
As one of the outstanding corporation lawyers of
the country he became intimately associated with the
Mellon interests and was so highly regarded by
Andrew W. Mellon that when the latter was appointed
Secretary of the Treasury he requested that Mr. Beal
come to Washington as his confidential adviser.
The basis of his success is to be found in his methods
of procedure and temperament. He was a quiet, direct
personality, with a scholarly command of his profession. Every case was prepared with utmost care and
when he presented his arguments he relied solely on
logic, discarding any attempt at oratory or emotional
appeal. "He had," says one of his colleagues, "the
wonderful ability to immediately see the real point of
a matter, to immediately elucidate it in a few well
chosen words, and he touched nothing but that he
illuminated it by what he said. He was quick as a
flash in everything pertaining to his profession,
whether it was of a legal character or of a business
character. He immediately saw the heart of the matter and he immediately saw the position that would be
taken by the opposition and forestalled it, and he could
say in a few words something which would sweep
away any objections to the plan which he had in
mind."
Mr. Beal married Beatrice Littell, and they were
the parents of one son: James Harvey, Jr., also an
attorney.
James Harvey Beal's death occurred on September
22, 1922. He was fifty-three years of age. The following tribute is characteristic of the many paid to his
memory:
The life of Mr. Beal is a repetition of the lives of
many great lawyers of the country who, without collegiate training, by industry and perseverance to study,
became learned lawyers of the bar; and it exemplifies
that the young man with health and brains, without
wealth, can attain position in the front ranks of a profession, or wherever his inclination may lead him.
And so, in the prime of life, stricken down by
overwork-recently from altruistic motives in service
to the Government-we can but say: his life was
clean; his ideas high; his accomplishments the result
of his own efforts; and his honorable career an example for the young men who are to follow after in
our profession.
THE HON. ROBERT SELLERS FRAZERRobert Sellers Frazer, deceased, son of Caleb T. and
Sarah J. (Baker) Frazer, was Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania from I930 to I936.
He was born September I5, I849, in Fayette City,
Pennsylvania, and died July 3I, I936, in Pittsburgh.
Educated in the public and private schools, West
Chester Military Academy and the University of Pittsburgh, he prepared himself for the law and was admitted to the bar of Allegheny County on March 29,
I873. He began his practice in Pittsburgh after preparation under the preceptorship of Hill Burgwin. Turning early to public service, he was a member of the
State Legislature in I877, I878 and I879. He then
carried on his law practice until, in I896, he was elected
judge of the Court of Common Pleas, No. 2, Allegheny County. He was reelected in I9o6; and, from
the time of the death of the late President Judge J.
WV. F. White, on November I5, I9oo, he was president
judge of that tribunal. When the four Common Pleas
courts of Allegheny County were consolidated on
January I, I912, Robert Sellers Frazer became the
first president judge of the Common Pleas Court as
now constituted. In the fall of I914 friends offered
him as a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court.
Tn one of the closest elections in the history of the
State, he was elevated to the State's highest court.
Then he became Chief Justice in I930, after the retire396ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ment of the Hon. Robert von Moschzisker. In the
course of a busy and eventful career Judge Frazer was
variously honored. He received the honorary degree
of Doctor of Laws from the University of Pittsburgh,
the University of Pennsylvania, Lafayette College and
Temple University. He was president of Elizabeth
Steel Magee Hospital and a trustee of the Henry Buhl
Foundation at the time of his death, and belonged to
the Duquesne Club, the Pittsburgh Country Club and
the Pittsburgh Golf Club. He was a Presbyterian.
Politically he was a Republican. At his retirement
from the bench on January 6, 1936, he had completed
a constitutional term of twenty-one years on the State
Supreme Court and had accomplished much valuable
work. His decisions were marked by independence
and thoughtfulness, as well as a deep knowledge of the
law, and their influence was widely felt. He often
pointed out that changing conditions-discovery of
new uses for old materials, scientific developments,
social outgrowths of new facilities for transportation
and communication-must have their influence upon the
interpretation of law; and it was his belief that constitutions were susceptible to periodic amendment if
fundamental laws were to go forward and upward instead of backward and downward. The Hon. Robert
Sellers Frazer married, on September 25, 1879, in
Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Loretta Gilfillan, who died December i6,
I9o8. They became the parents of three children: I.
John G., of Pittsburgh. 2. Robert E., of Akron, Ohio.
3. Sarah, of Pittsburgh.
SIDNEY ALEXANDER CHALFANT, M. D.
-During a long and distinguished medical career,
which spans over thirty-five years, Dr. Sidney Alexander Chalfant, of Pittsburgh, has come to be recognized as one of the outstanding gynecologists of the
State, and today is associated with a number of the
leading medical institutions of this Commonwealth and
elsewhere.
Dr. Chalfant, who is a member of an old and distinguished Pennsylvania family which traces its American lineage back to an ancestor who came to this country with William Penn on his initial voyage, was born
at Wilkins Township, Allegheny County, July 7, 1875,
the son of Henry Richard and Evaline (Graham)
Chalfant. His father, who was born on July 25, I837,
and died September 30, I889, engaged in farming
throughout his life, and his mother was the daughter
of James Graham, a prominent educator, who taught
school at Beulah Church. It is on a portion of property which formerly formed part of the church site,
that Dr. Chalfant now makes his home.
Reverting to family genealogy we learn that John
Chalfant, who came to this country with Penn aboard
the "Welcome," was deeded six hundred and forty
acres of land in Chester County in I682 and later, in
1699, settled on a two-hundred-and-fifty-acre tract of
land at Rockland Manor in the same county. This
was the family home until the early part of the nineteenth century, when Henry Chalfant, born May I3,
I792, removed to Turtle Creek, Allegheny County,
settling here in 1827. He established a general store,
post office and relay station here for the old Pittsburgh
and Philadelphia stage. He married Isabella Campbell
Weakley and they were the parents of Henry Richard
Chalfant, father of Dr. Chalfant.
Dr. Chalfant received the early part of his general
education in the Franklin School of Wilkins Township
and later completed this part of his studies at the
Wilkinsburg High School. He then attended the
Kiskiminetas Preparatory School at Saltsburg for one
year and at the end of this period decided to give up
further formal education in favor of work. At this
time, in 1892, he went to Homestead and for the next
two years worked in that community. By 1894 he
was ready to resume his studies and entered Geneva
College, from which he was graduated in I897 with a
Bachelor of Science degree. Having determined on a
medical career he matriculated at the Medical School
of Western Pennsylvania University, now the University of Pittsburgh, and later transferred to the
University of Pennsylvania from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in iooI.
He then served as an interne in the Mercy Hospital
for one year and during this period began special study
in gynecology.
In January, 19o3, he established himself in a general
practice at Pittsburgh and two years later resumed his
training in gynecology, working with Dr. F. F. Simpson. He maintained this association until I9I5 when
he launched an independent practice as a gynecologist,
which he has since conducted with outstanding success.
With each year he has won increasing prestige in his
specialty and been invited to serve on the staffs of a
number of the larger hospitals in this city. In this
connection he is a former member of the staffs of the
South Side, and St. Margaret's hospitals of Pittsburgh,
and for a number of years has been staff gynecologist
of the Allegheny General Hospital as well as a staff
member of the Elizabeth Steel Magee Hospital and
the Columbia Hospital.
Dr. Chalfant is a member and former secretary and
chairman of the section of obstetrics, gynecology, and
abdominal surgery, of the American Medical Association, belongs to the Pennsylvania State Medical So397ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
A lifelong Democrat, he was a trustee and elder of
Long Run Presbyterian Church. His wife, who was
born in Jacksonville, died there in I917.  She was
the daughter of Abraham  and Rachael Marchand.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Marchand were of German descent, the family living at the old Marchand homestead
farm near Jacksonville. In Jacksonville, Mr. Marchand
operated a tannery.
Harry White graduated from the public schools of
Jacksonville and prepared for college at Conway Hall,
graduating in 1905. He then attended Dickinson College at Carlisle for two years but, in I907, when his
father died, he took over his father's farm and his
father's coal mine. This mine, the Scotch Hill Coal
Company, Mr. White owned and operated until I929.
That year he was elected tax collector of North Huntington Township, having the proud distinction of being
the first Democrat elected to the office in twenty-two
years. In I933 he was reelected and he served through
1935. That year he was elected Westmoreland County
Commissioner and made chairman of the board. Although he still operates the White homestead farm, he
has many other interests; among them being the presidency of the Sinking Fund Commission, the presidency
of the Salary Board and the vice-presidency of the
Federal Building and Loan Association of Irwin. He
is a member of the Long Run Presbyterian Church,
his father's old church. Mr. White is an active member of a number of societies and clubs. Among them
are: Jennett Lodge, No. 2353, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Irwin Lodge of the Royal
Order of Moose, the Veterans Home Association of
Greensburg, the American British Association of
Arnold, the Possum Hollow Gun Club of Lycippus, the
State Association of County Commissions, the Greensburg Motor Club, the William Penn Beneficial Association, the East Huntington Township Democratic
Association, the Trafford Sportsmen's Association, the
Citizens Club of Youngstown, the Pennsylvania Tax
Collectors Association, the Dutch Run Hunting Club
of Clinton, and the White Mountain Hunting Club of
Union County.
Harry White married Jean Eleanor Barnes, of
Irwin, the daughter of John S. and Agnes (McQuaid)
Barnes. Mr. Barnes is deceased. Mrs. Barnes lives
in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. White have
four children: I. Harry Barnes, born March I8, I916,
now a senior at Allegheny College. 2. Agnes Catherine, born November 29, I918, employed by the Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Corporation in Pittsburgh. 3. Julia Marchand, born May 29, 1920, now a
student at Irwin High School. 4. Emma Jane, born
July 4, 1925.
GEORGE EMERY BARRON-A veteran of
the "Fighting Tenth" Regiment in the Spanish-American War, George Emery Barron, of Greensburg, has
maintained his own law office for the past thirty-seven
years, ever since he was admitted to the Pennsylvania
bar in I9oI.
George Emery Barron was born in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, on February 5, I870, the
son of John S. and Mary (Moody) Barron. John S.
Barronc who was born in Ligonier Township, spent his
life in Westmoreland County as a farmer. A leading
Democrat of his township, he served for years as
school director. His wife, Mary (Moody) Barron,
was born in Donegal Township and spent her life
there. John S. Barron was the son of Abraham and
Catherine (Barkley) Barron. Abraham Barron, who
was also born in Ligonier Township, was a son of
Philip and Eve Barron. Philip Barron, who was killed
when thrown from a horse, was the son of Nicholas
Barron, a native of Germany, and one of the early
settlers of Somerset County. Most of the Barron family were farmers. Mary (Moody) Barron, mother of
George Emery Barron, was the daughter of William
and Christina (Freeman) Moody. Her mother and
father were natives and residents of Westmoreland
County. For generations, the Moody family also were
farmers.
George Emery Barron, after attending the public
schools of Donegal Township and Westmoreland
County, graduated from the Edinboro State Normal
School with the class of I891. Turning from a career
as a teacher, he embraced the legal profession. After
reading law in the office of Albert H. Bell in Greensburg, he was admitted to the bar November 9, I9OI.
He established his own office in Greensburg and has
practiced there alone ever since. During the SpanishAmerican War, Mr. Barron served as first sergeant in
Company E of the Ioth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, an outfit widely known as the "Fighting
Tenth." This military service is continued by Mr.
Barron's membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars
and in John Brady Post, No. 84, United Spanish War
Veterans. A Mason, Mr. Barron is a member and
Past Master of Ligonier Lodge, No. 33I, Free and
Accepted Masons. He is also a member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 505, Knights of Pythias. A member
of the Democratic party, Mr. Barron is an elder in the
United Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.
On May I4, I9oo, Mr. Barron married Mattie J.
Smith, a daughter of William and Sarah Smith, of
Parkwood, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Barron was born November 25, I87I, and died July 30,
1932. Mr. Barron has a daughter, Mary Lou Barron
40,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ciety and is a member and former secretary and president of the Allegheny County Medical Society. He
also holds membership in the American Gynecological
Society, is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the Pittsburgh Academy of
Medicine.
Aside from professional pursuits he has also been
active in a social and civic capacity and is a member
of a number of the leading clubs and societies in this
city, including the University Club and the Edgewood
Golf Club.  He fraternizes with Fellowship Lodge,
No. 279, of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons,
the Pennsylvania Consistory of the Scottish Rite, in
which he holds a thirty-second degree, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He is a Republican politically, and worships at the
Third Presbyterian Church.
On April 24, I905, in Philadelphia, Dr. Chalfant
married Edith List, daughter of William H. and Eleanor (Murdoch) List, and they are the parents of one
daughter, Evaline, educated in the Peabody High
School of Pittsburgh, and Wellesley College, in Massachusetts.
HON. ROBERT MURRAY GIBSON-For
over sixteen years Robert Murrav Gibson has served
as United States District Judge of the WTestern District
of Pennsylvania. Throughout this period he has enjoyed the esteem and respect of his colleagues and the
public at large, who admire him as a jurist of unusual
capabilities.
Judge Gibson was born in Dtmcansville, August 20,
I869, son of William  James Gibson, a cleric, and
Elizabeth (Murray) Gibson. After a general education in the public schools he enrolled as a student in
the Pennsylvania State College, later transferring to
W~ashington and Jefferson College, from which he was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I889.
He then took up the study of law and was admitted to
the Washington County bar in I894, and the Allegheny
County bar on March 22, I902. In the meantime he
had established himself in a general practice and won
increasing importance for his professional achievements. By I904 he had been appointed Assistant
United States Attorney and continued in that capacity
until I9I4. Two years prior to relinquishing this office
to asume the post of assistant district attorney of
Allegheny County, Judge Gibson served as Special
Assistant to the United States Attorney-General. He
was in the county office when President Warren G.
Harding appointed him to his present position as
United States District Judge of the W\estern District
of Pennsylvania on July 29, 1922. Judge Gibson
fraternizes with the Masonic Order, is a Republican
in politics and worships at the Presbyterian Church.
He maintains headquarters at the Federal Building in
Pittsburgh and resides at No. 6IOI Stanton Avenue
in that city.
On October 4, I897, Hon. Robert Murray Gibson
married Lorena G. Core, of Washington, Pennsylvania.
CARROLL P. DAVIS-Prominent financier and
member of the Pittsburgh bar, Carroll P. Davis, trust
officer of the Union Trust Company, has occupied a
distinctive place in the business life of his native community for over forty years. Although he began his
career as a lawyer and for many years conducted a
highly successful general practice, more recently he has
centered his energies in banking.
Mr. Davis was born in Pittsburgh, February I, I868,
the son of George C. and W. Estanna (Preston)
Davis, both of his birthplace, where his father was
engaged throughout his business career in the manufacture of white lead. After a general education in
the public schools of this city Mr. Davis completed
this part of his studies at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, in I887. He then matriculated
at Yale University, from which he was graduated with
a degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of I89I.
Determined to pursue a legal career he returned to
Pittsburgh and studied law under the late D. T.
Watson, Esq. Two years later, in December, 1893, he
was rewarded for his efforts by being admitted to the
Pittsburgh bar. For about a year he maintained his association with Mr. Watson and then struck out for himself, establishing an independent practice which he was
to develop with great success. His affiliation with the
Union Trust Company dates back to February, I904,
when he was appointed assistant trust officer. Shortly
thereafter he was elevated to the post of trust officer
and the increasing demands of this work compelled him
to give up much of his law practice, so that today he
is more widely known as a financier, though he still
maintains a private law office. As an officer of the
Union Trust Company he has contributed substantially
and usefully to the growth and management oif this
organization, which today is one of the most important
financial institutions of this metropolis
As a lawyer Mr. Davis is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, and in his social and
civic activities belongs to the Pittsburgh Chamber of
Commerce, the Duquesne Club, the Pittsburgh Club,
the Allegheny Club, the University Club, the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, the Fox Chapel Golf Club,
the Yale Club of Pittsburgh and the Yale Club of
New York. He is a Republican in politics and in his
398ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
religious convictions worships at the Presbyterian
Church.
In I907 Mr. Davis married (first) Matilda Clarkson, who died in I909. He married (second) in I915,
Susan Shields Williams, and they now reside at No.
846 Ridge Avenue, in this city, and maintain a summer home at Shields, Pennsylvania.
KARL S. VON SENDEN The Arthur Von
Senden Company of Pittsburgh, founded over fortythree years ago, is one of the oldest and most successful establishments of its type in this section of Pennsylvania. Since the death of its founder, Arthur Vron
Senden, the business has been conducted by his son,
Karl S. Von Senden, who in addition to this affiliation
is also an officer in several other large enterprises and
an active leader in the social and civic affairs of his
surroundings.
Karl S. Von Senden was born at Erie, September
4, I885, the son of Arthur and Sarah Drake (Strong)
Von Senden. His father, who came to this country in
I864, joined the Union forces and fought under General Custer during the Indian wars. Later the elder
Von Senden came to Pittsburgh and became associated
with the old "Dispatch," for which he was to serve as
business and general manager for many years. In
fact, he continued with the aforementioned paper until
I894, when he resigned to found the Arthur Von Senden Company, of which he was president until his
passing, July 8, I933. His wife, who survives him and
is now living in Pittsburgh, is a member of an old and
honorable American family, which numbers among its
ancestors men who have distinguished themselves in
various capacities, particularly as soldiers in the Revolutionary and Civil wars.
After a general education in the public schools of
Pittsburgh, Mr. Von Senden completed his preparatory
work at the East I,iberty Academy and then matriculated at the IUniversity of Pittsburgh from which he
was graduated in I9O4. During his collegiate career
he devoted his summer vacations to working as a reporter for the "Dispatch," and thereby gained an experience that was to be helpful to him later.
After leaving college he became associated with his
father in the advertising business and has continued in
this work since, becoming one of the foremost leaders
of the business in Allegheny County. Under his able
supervision the agency is modern in every respect and
has kept abreast of the times in a manner that has
commanded the confidence of its clients and associates.
It is unique in its completeness and thought to be one
of the few agencies in the United States which is
equipped to handle newspaper, periodical and trade
journal advertising, publicity and novelty advertising,
the former constituting a new departure in the business. Further indication of its importance and size is
evidenced by the fact that at present its offices occupy
half of the twelfth floor of the Commonwealth Trust
Building. Aside from this position Mr. Von Senden
is also a member of the board of directors for the
Booth Motor Company and the Von Broco Steel Plate
Engraving Company.
Mr. Von Senden is a member of the Pittsburgh
Chamber of Commerce, the Pittsburgh Rotary Club,
the Pittsburgh Advertising Club, the Athletic Club, the
Metropolitan Club and several of the larger country
clubs of this vicinity. Through his maternal ancestry
he is a member of the Pennsylvania Society, Sons of
the American Revolution and in politics has been an
active leader in the local Republican organizations,
serving as candidate for that party to the City Council.
He worships at the Point Breeze Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Von Senden married Elizabeth P. Booth, of
Pittsburgh, and the daughter of the late George Booth,
former poor director for the city, as well as sister of
Frank Booth, former city comptroller. Mr. and Mrs.
Von Senden are the parents of five children: I. Elizabeth Jane, married, September II, I937, Dr. Andrew
Jack McAdams. 2. Sarah Strong Smith. 3. Karl
S., Jr. 4. Martin. 5. Martha B.
HON. MARCUS WILSON ACHESON-Marcus Wilson Acheson, prominent jurist in Western
Pennsylvania during the latter half of the nineteenth
century, was born in Washington, Washington County,
June 7, I828, the son of David and Mary (Wilson)
Acheson.
The family, whose American ancestry dates back to
the Revolutionary period, is of Scottish origin and
counts among its forebears men who figured prominently in English history. The Achesons originally
came from Haddingtonshire, Scotland, where Archibald Acheson was born. Trained in law he became
Secretary of State for Scotland, was made a baron by
King James I of England, and received large land
grants in several counties of Ulster, Ireland, where
the family eventually settled. The forefather of the
Washington County branch was John, full cousin to
Sir Archibald Acheson, who accompanied the Gosford
family in a journey from Scotland to Ireland in I604,
and settled in Glassdrummond, where he resided until
passing.  The family seat was located in County
Armagh and embraced the castellated town of Market
Hill. Here, in I776, Sir Archibald, lineal descendant
of the first named Sir Archibald, was elevated to the
peerage as Baron Gosford and later became a viscount.
His successor became an earl in I806, and upon his
death was succeeded by his son, Archibald, Lord Gos399ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ford, one time Governor-General of Canada, who was
made a peer of England under the title of Baron
Warlingham, later Baron Acheson. George Acheson,
who was born in I724 and died on July i, 1812, was
an elder of Secession Church at Market Hill, and
married Elizabeth Weir, who was born in 1728 and
died July 29, I8o8. They were the parents of the following children: I. George. 2. John, who married
Mary Hogg in I782, and was the first of the family to
come to Washington County, Pennsylvania, where he
furnished supplies to the government during the Indian wars and later became a prosperous merchant.
He died in I791 at the age of thirty-five. 3. Thomas,
who came to Washington about 1786. He became
commissary general here, married in I812, and died in
18I5. 4. William, who remained in Ireland and died
before 1840. 5. Hannah, who married James Shields
in Ireland and became the mother of four children
before coming to the United States in I8oo. 6. Ellen,
who married James McCullough in Ireland, came to
America in I790 or I79I, first settled in Washington
and later went to the State of Kentucky. 7. David,
direct ancestor of Marcus Wilson Acheson, who was
born about 1770, and came to Washington in I788.
His brother, John, gave him an interest in his government contracts and the young man engaged in furnishing supplies and horses to the army. He engaged in
the mercantile business from I788 to I79I, and then
took up the study of law under James Ross, famous
attorney in Washington, Pennsylvania, and later a
United States Senator. He finally forsook law to reenter the mercantile business with his brother Thomas
and together they established a large chain of stores
throughout the western country. Their establishments
were located in Washington; Muddy Creek, Greene
County, Pennsylvania; Cincinnati, Ohio; and the then
Spanish Province of Natchez. In I805 David was appointed purchasing agent for the firm and established
himself in Philadelphia where he resided until I8Ig5,
when he retired and returned to make his home in
Washington. In the meantime he had served in the
State Legislature during the sessions of I795, I796,
1797, and 1804. David married (first), in I799, Elizabeth Young, daughter of Samuel Young, of Philadelphia; she died February 27, i8oo, leaving an infant
daughter, Elizabeth Young Acheson, who later married David Woodward. On October 31, I805, David
married (second) Mary Wilson, daughter of John
Wilson, native of Ireland and resident of Washington.
They were the parents of the following children: I.
John, died in Arkansas, I833. 2. Alexander W. 3.
Catherine, who married William Vanleer Davis, of
Lancaster County. 4. David, who died in I826. 5.
Mary Jane, who married Joseph McKnight, of Pittsburgh. 6. Margaret, who was the second wife of
Joseph McKnight. 7. William, who died in Armstrong
County in I873. 8. George, who died in I88I. 9.
James C., a prominent merchant in Washington. Io.
Ellen, who married the Rev. Dr. Brownson. II. Hon.
Marcus Wilson, of whom further. I2. David, married
Jennie Cavey, and died in I896.
After a general education, Judge Acheson attended
Washington College, now known as Washington and
Jefferson College, and was graduated from this institution in 1846. During the six years that followed he
read law in the Washington office of his brother,
Alexander W. Acheson, who later became judge of the
Court of Common Pleas of Washington and Beaver
counties, and was admitted to the Washington County
bar in I852. The same year he came to Pittsburgh,
was admitted to the Allegheny County bar on June I8,
and established himself in a general practice which he
was to conduct until I88o, when he was named to the
Federal bench. During this period he had formed, in
i86o, a professional partnership with George P. Hamilton and this firm, which operated under the name of
Hamilton and Acheson, continued to function until ill
health compelled Mr. Hamilton to retire several years
later.
President Hayes appointed Mr. Acheson judge of
the District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania on January 7, I88o. He
continued in this capacity until January 23, I891, when
President Harrison named him to succeed Judge William McKennan, as judge of the Third Federal Judicial
Circuit, which embraced the states of Pennsylvania,
New Jersey and Delaware. He thus became the sole
judge of this circuit and held court in Pittsburgh, Erie,
Scranton, Williamsport, Philadelphia, Trenton and
Wilmington.
With organization of the United States Circuit Court
of Appeals in I89I, Hon. Marcus Wilson Acheson
was appointed judge of the Third Circuit, which held
its sessions in Philadelphia. In addition he also discharged his duties as circuit judge but seldom was
called upon to travel extensively as he had been heretofore, two additional circuit judges having been named
for this district. Consequently his activities were
largely centered in Pittsburgh. Judge Acheson continued in the aforementioned capacities until his passing.
On June 9, I859, Judge Acheson married Sophie
Duff Reiter, daughter of Dr. William C. and Eliza
(Reynolds) Reiter, of Pittsburgh.
Judge Acheson passed away suddenly at his home
in Pittsburgh, on June 2I, I9o6. He was in his
seventy-ninth year.
4ooANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
JAMES ALEXANDER COWAN-For over
fifty years the name of James Alexander Cowan of
Mt. Pleasant, has been identified with the industrial
and commercial development of Southwestern Pennsylvania. During his long and distinguished career
he has been associated with some of the largest coal
properties of the State and only recently was retired,
after rounding out a half century with the H. C. Frick
Coke Company, for which he started in a modest capacity and rose to become one of the prominent executives. Throughout this period he has been honored
and esteemed by the public and business community
alike and since leaving the Frick organization, has
served as president of the Mt. Pleasant State Bank
which was organized in I934.
Mr. Cowan was born at East Huntington Township,
near Bethany, March 25, I852, the son of Asa and
Nancy (Sillaman) Cowan, the former a native of his
son's birthplace and the latter of Lancaster County.
ITis father, who was a farmer, was born September
24, I8Ii, and died April I9, I892, and his mother, born
September 9, I8ii, passed away June 24, I889. On
his paternal side Mr. Cowan is a grandson of James
Cowan, who served in the infantry of the United
States Army during the War of I812.
During his school days Mr. Cowan began to work
on farms in his native community. At the age of
eleven he was helping a Mr. Gongaware here. When
he finished his education he began to teach, serving- one
term at Mt. Pleasant Township, three terms at Sewickley Township, and one term at New Florence,
where he was principal for half that period.
In I879 he began his business career as weigh master for the Connellsville Coke Company, which he was
associated with until July I, I882, when he resigned to
L[ecome bookkeeper for Stanton Stoner and Company.
Two years later, on December I, 1884, he secured a
clerical position with the Union Supply Company at
Tarr, and in I889 took the position of pay roll clerk
ior the Southwest Connellsville Coke Company, working in that capacity until I893, when he became superintendent for this concern at Tarr. It was in I896,
that he was appointed general superintendent of the
Southwest Connellsville Coke Company by H. C.
Frick, an office he maintained until I9OI, when the
United States Steel took over all the properties of the
H. C. Frick Coke Company. Under the new organization he was retained as division superintendent and in
I9O7 was promoted to the post of assistant to the general superintendent, later assuming the office of superintendent for the company at Morewood, which he was
to occupy from I907, to May I, I930, when he was
retired from service. At this time he was awarded a
gold medal for his half century of continuous association with the company and honored in various other
manners by his colleagues, who still hold him in the
greatest affection and esteem and regard him as one
of the outstanding mining authorities in this section
of the State.
As a resident of Mt. Pleasant, since I896, Mr. Cowan
has also been active in other business interests, particularly finance. He is a former director of the First
National Bank, the People's National Bank and the
Citizens Savings and Trust Company, which came into
existence through the merger of the two aforementioned institutions. With this background of banking
experience he was the logical man to head the Mt.
Pleasant State Bank, which was organized in I934
and which he has directed as president since.
Mr. Cowan is a member of the American Bankers
Association, the Pennsylvania State Bankers Association, and the Westmoreland County Bankers Association, and the Pennsylvania Society of New York.
He subscribes to the principles of the Democratic
party in politics and fraternizes with the Blue Lodge,
No. 518, of the Free and Accepted Masons in Greensburg, an organization in which he is a life member
and holds the distinction of being the oldest Mason in
Westmoreland County. In religion he worships at the
Mt. Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church.
On January I5, I894, at Tarr, Mr. Cowan married
Elizabeth Ann Lakin, born in Masontown, Fayette
County, the daughter of Wesley Lakin, native of
Allegany County, Maryland, and Sarah Ann (Bruner)
Lakin, native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Mr.
and Mrs. Cowan are the parents of three children: I.
James Alexander, born at Tarr, May 25, I895, a physician and surgeon who practiced at Mt. Pleasant and
is now head of the plastic surgery department at the
Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. 2. Grace
(Cowan) Barnhart, born at Mt. Pleasant, December
23, 1900. 3. Elizabeth (Cowan) Burke, born November ii, I902.
JAY G. LINN, M. D.-During the course of his
active career, Dr. Jay G. Linn, of Pittsburgh, has risen
to a position of recognized leadership in his profession.
Dr. Linn was born in Avalon, Pennsylvania, on November 28, i886, a son of William J. and Martha B.
(Taylor) Linn and a descendant, both paternally and
maternally, of old American families. His ancestors
were among the earliest settlers of New England and
in later generations, served in the country's wars, including the Revolution.
Dr. Jay G. Linn received his preliminary education
in the public schools of Avalon and after completing
401ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the high school course, entered the University of Pittsburgh, from which he was graduated with the degree
of Graduate in Pharmacy in I907. Subsequently he
entered the School of Medicine of the University of
Pennsylvania, where he took the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I9II. He served his interneship at Pittsburgh Hospital and afterward carried on postgraduate
work in ophthalmology at the Graduate School of
Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. He was
licensed in Pennsylvania upon taking his medical degree and has since been engaged in practice at Pittsburgh. Dr. Linn has specialized in ophthalmology for
many years and carries on an extensive private practice.
Dr. Linn is a member of the staffs of St. Joseph's
Hospital at Pittsburgh, the Ohio Valley Hospital and
the Eye and Ear Hospital. In addition to his other
duties, he has been for many years a member of the
faculty of the School of Medicine of the University of
Pittsburgh and is now assistant professor of ophthalmology at this institution. He is a member of the
American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto-Laryngology, the Pittsburgh Ophthalmologists Society, the
Allegheny County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania
State Medical Society and the American Medical
Association. He is on the staff of the Tuberculosis
League. During the World War he entered the service
of his country and was stationed at Parris Island,
South Carolina, in the eye, ear, nose and throat section of the Army Medical Corps, functioning as eye
specialist.
Apart from his professional connections, Dr. Linn
is active in Masonry, having served as Past Master
of his Blue Lodge, and is a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution, the University of Pittsburgh
Alumni Association, the Pittsburgh Ship-Lamp, and
the Mt. Lebanon (Pittsburgh) Lions Club, of which
he served as president in I937. He is affiliated, in addition, with the Phi Beta Phi Fraternity.
Dr. Linn married Lelia L. Craven and they are the
parents of three children: I. Jay G., Jr. 2. Martha
Louise. 3. Jeanne Craven.
GEORGE S. DAVISON-One of Pennsylvania's
outstanding industrialists, George S. Davison, of Pittsburgh, has gained nation-wide recognition as a railroad builder, oil executive, coal operator and civic
leader, during his long and distingtiished career which
spans nearly six decades.
Mr. Davison was born in Lawrenceville, now part
of Pittsburgh, September 2I, I856, the son of Edward
and Isabella (Kennedy) Davison, and grandson of
William Davison, a native of England, who came to
this country in I8I6 with his three sons, William, Edward, and James. The family settled in Clarion
County where Edward received a general education
and began his career, which eventually brought him to
the city of Pittsburgh, where he was to become a
highly successful builder and contractor, as well as an
influential figure in social and civic affairs.
George S. Davison spent his boyhood in Lawrenceville, received the early part of his general education
in the public schools of this community and completed
this part of his studies at the Pittsburgh High School.
He then matriculated at the Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute in Troy, New York, and was graduated from
this institution with the degree of Civil Engineer in
I878. Nearly a half a century later he was honored
by his alma mater which conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Science.
Upon finishing his professional training Mr. Davison
secured employment with the engineering department
of the Pennsylvania Railroad, western division, and a
year later was a member of the United States Engineers Corps. In I88o he joined the engineering department of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad,
from which he resigned in I882 to become chief engineer of the Pittsburgh Chartiers and Youghiogheny
Railroad. He was elevated to the post of superintendent for this system in I883 and during the eight
years he was associated with this organization supervised the construction of its lines throughout this
area.
By I8go he was ready to enter business on his own
account and became a member of the firm of Wilkins
and Davison, of Pittsburgh, civil engineers. As a
partner he was called upon to plan, supervise and direct a number of important projects, among them the
construction of the Steubenville Water Works; the
location of the Pittsburgh, Bessemer and Lake Erie
Railroad, and the Monongahela Street Railway system
which connects the business portion of Pittsburgh with
Wilkinsburg, Braddock, Homestead, Duquesne, and
McKeesport. He also built the Pittsburgh and Charleroi Street Railway, and the Allegheny Valley Street
Railway. He constructed the Sixth Street Bridge
over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, and the West
Braddock Bridge over the Monongahela River.
He was thus occupied, in I9oo, when he was offered
the position of general manager for the Monongahela
and the Pittsburgh and Birmingham Railway lines,
which he accepted and held for two years. It was at
the expiration of this period, in I902, that Mr. Davison
assumed the general management of the Pennsylvania
Water Company. I-e finally became president of that
company, which office he still holds.
In August, I904, he was called into the service of
what is now known as the Gulf Oil Corporation and in
402ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I905 became assistant to the vice-president. Six years
later he became president of all subsidiaries of the
corporation and continued as the executive head until
I929, thus completing a twenty-five year connection
with the oil industry. With the years his interests
broadened and he won increasing recognition as a business leader of outstanding ability. He assumed his
present office as president of the Allen S. Davison
Company in I914, and in the interim has also been
named a member of the board of directors of the following organizations: Pittsburgh Aviation Industries
Corporation; Pittsburgh Coke and Iron Company;
Green Bag Cement Company of West Virginia, of
which he is also president. He is also a director of the
Bellefield Company; the Schenley Apartments Company; and the Schenley Hotel Company. He is president of the board of managers of the Homewood
Cemetery; and vice-president and director of the
Western Pennsylvania Hospital.
Mr. Davison has not limited his talents and abilities
to professional and business affairs alone. Throughout
his life he has contributed substantially and usefully to
the social and civic welfare of his surroundings. In this
connection he is a director of the Pittsburgh Chamber
of Commerce and president of the Flood Commission
of Pittsburgh. Just prior to, and during the World
War he was actively identified with numerous patriotic
movements, among them the Board of Industrial Preparedness, the Committee of Public Safety of Pennsylvania, the Oil Sub-Committee of the National Council of Defense, and the National Petroleum War Service Commission.
As an engineer, Mr. Davison is a member and
former president of the American Society of Civil
Engineers, the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania, and belongs to the American Institute of Consulting Engineers, the American Society of Military
Engineers. He is a member of the Delta Phi Fraternity, and of the board of trustees of the Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute. He belongs to the Duquesne
Club of Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, of which he was recently its president. In
politics he is a Republican.
On May I9, I88I, Mr. Davison married Clara Elizabeth Lape, of Troy, New York, and they are the parents of one son, Allen S., who is also a graduate of
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
FREDERICK DEXTER HUMPHREY-An
officer of two Greensburg manufacturing organizations,
Frederick Dexter Humphrey is also associated with
the Gulf Oil Corporation of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Humphrey was born in Denver, Colorado, on
April I, 19o2, a son of Arthur L. and Jennie (Field)
Humphrey. Arthur L. Humphrey was born in Holland,
New York, on June I2, I860, and is now residing at
Edgewood, Pennsylvania. He was a manufacturer in
Pittsburgh, being connected with the Westinghouse
Air Brake Company. A Republican in politics, he is
a member of the Episcopal Church of Edgewood. He
is a son of Arthur K. and Hulda (Orcutt) Humphrey.
They were citizens of Holland, New York, where
Arthur K. Humphrey was a farmer. Jennie (Field)
Humphrey, who was born on June I6, I869, is a
daughter of the late Dexter Field, an attorney of
Maquoketa, Iowa.
Frederick Dexter Humphrey attended public schools
in Edgewood and prepared for college at Mercersburg
Academy, graduating with the class of I920. Then,
attending Lafayette College at Easton, he graduated
in 1925 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Coming
to Greensburg, he became associated with the Keystone Clay Products Company. This organization, engaged in brick manufacturing, appointed Mr. Humphrey vice-president, an office he now holds. Also interested in the fabrication of steel, Mr. Humphrey became associated as a vice-president with the WittHumphrey Steel Company of Greensburg. He is also
associated with the Gulf Oil Corporation of Pittsburgh.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Humphrey is also a
member and a vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church
of Greensburg. He is a member, as well, of the Phi
Kappa Psi Fraternity, the Greensburg Country Club,
the Pike Run Country Club, and the University and
Duquesne clubs of Pittsburgh.
On April 30, I927, Frederick Dexter Humphrey
married Rose Jamison, a daughter of Richard H. and
Josephine (Latta) Jamison of Greensburg. Mr. Jamison, who is a retired coal operator, is a son of Robert
S. and Caroline (Wible) Jamison. Robert S. Jamison,
who was born in 1835 and died in March, I903, was a
farmer in his early life and then interested in the
lumber business, from which he entered the coal business, in association with his sons, forming the Jamison
Coal Company. The progenitor of the Jamison family
in the United States was Francis Jamison, who migrated to America from Ireland and, settling first in
Maryland, moved into Fulton County, Pennsylvania,
and from there, southward into Westmoreland County.
Mrs. Rose (Jamison) Humphrey was educated at
Seton Hill College in Greensburg, Arden School in
Lakewood, and Finch School in New York City. She
is a member of Christ Episcopal Church of Greensburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey have three children: I. Frederick Dexter, Jr., born on September Io, 1928. 2. John
Jamison, born on April 2, I93I. 3. Jane Field, born
February I6, I935.
403ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
REV. WILLIAM RUSSELL PANKEY-Long
a prominent figure in the Baptist ministry, the Rev.
William Russell Pankey is pastor of the Union Baptist
Church, of Pittsburgh, one of the leading congregations of Western Pennsylvania and the second largest
church of the denomination in the city.
The Rev. Mr. Pankey was born November 3, I902,
at Charlotte Court House, Virginia, eldest son of John
Wesley and Cora Smith (Daniel) Pankey. He had
seven brothers and sisters: George Edward Panlcey,
professor of English literature at the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute, Ruston, Louisiana; John Smith Pankey, engineer of the Virginia State Highway Department, Richmond, Virginia; Ruby Branch Pankey, now
deceased; Ernest Washington Pankey, also deceased;
Bessie May Pankey, deceased; Emma Elizabeth Pankey, of Charlotte Court House, Virginia; and Joseph
Calhoun Pankey, also of Charlotte Court House. The
Pankey family line has been traced back to Scottish
and English stock. Rev. Mr. Pankey's ancestors received land grants from kings of England over a period
of years prior to the Revolutionary War in America.
All of these grants were in the Virginia Colony.
Among Mr. Pankey's ancestors who served in the
Revolution was Captain Stephen Pankey, who enlisted
from Amelia County, Virginia. Both his grandfathers
served in the Confederate Army during the War Between the States, receiving body wounds. Joseph Russell Daniel, grandfather on the maternal side of the
house, was wounded in the battle of Drewrys Bluff,
Virginia. Captain William Calhoun Pankey,'grandfather on the paternal side of the house, suffered
wounds in several battles, by which his death was
hastened. Through intermarriage, the Pankeys are
connected with many of the leading families of Virginia, including those of Watkins, Moody, Scott, Binford, Branch, Cabell, Winston, Cannon, Daniel, Farrar,
Cary, Pamplin, Montague, Bagby, Pollard and others.
Fork Union Military Academy, at Fork Union, Virginia, provided the early education of William Russell
Pankey, who was graduated from that institution in
I92I. During his senior year he won the annual gold
medal for writing the best essay produced in the entire
student body, and he also served as chaplain of the
Cadet Corps. He was graduated in I925 from the
University of Richmond, at Richmond, Virginia, with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His college activities
included membership in the Dramatic Club, the NMinisterial Association, the Literary Club and the Alpha
Delta Fraternity. He was president of both the Alpha
Delta Fraternity and the Philologian Literary Society.
In his senior year he was also awarded the annual
orators' medal.
Ordained to the Baptist ministry by the Mount Nebo
Baptist Church, Appomattox Baptist Association, Virginia, on December 24, I924, Mr. Pankey soon received
several flattering calls from prominent Virginia
churches, but rejected them all in order to complete
his education. After graduating from the university,
in 1925, he entered Crozer Theological Seminary, at
Chester, Pennsylvania, where he was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Divinity in I930. In the
course of his years as a seminary student, he served
also as pastor of the South Chester Baptist Church,
at Chester. Then, when he was graduated from
Crozer, he spent a year in postgraduate work at the
University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
His appointment to the pastorate of Union Baptist
Church, in Pittsburgh, came on October I, I93I. Today
he continues his work at this same church, which under
his guidance has come to be recognized as an outstanding congregation in this part of Pennsylvania.
The city of Pittsburgh has benefited in countless
ways from the work of Rev. Mr. Pankey, whose services are in great demand as a speaker. Patriotic and
historical addresses are his specialty, and he has also
contributed articles to periodicals and magazines. He
has acted as first vice-president of the Pennsylvania
Baptist Pastors' Conference, president of the Pittsburgh Baptist Pastors' Conference and district chairman of the Pennsylvania Baptist Pastoral Commission. He is now a member of the board of directors
of the Ministers' Council of the Northern Baptist Convention, chairman of the planning committee of the
board of directors of the Pittsburgh Baptist Association, chairman of the centennial committee of the Pittsburgh Baptist Association and treasurer of the Pennsylvania Baptist Pastors' Conference.
HARRY RYERSON DECKER, M. D.-For
many years, Dr. Harry Ryerson Decker has been one
of Pittsburgh's most distinguished surgeons, carrying
on an important practice centering in this city. His
reputation in professional circles, however, extends far
beyond the Pittsburgh area and has brought him national recognition and honors.
Dr. Decker was born at Jackson, Michigan, on February 26, I883, a son of Joseph and Mary Adelaide
(Ryerson) Decker and a descendant of old American
families. Several of his ancestors served in the Revolution and other wars of the country. Josiah Decker,
the father, was born on July I, I854, and died on
March I, I926. He was a merchant. The mother,
Mary Adelaide (Ryerson) Decker, was born on
August 8, I853, and died on July 6, I935.
404ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Harry Ryerson Decker removed with his parents
from Michigan to New Jersey while he was still a boy
and attended the public schools of Montclair, where the
family home was established. Upon the completion of
his high school course, he entered Princeton University
as a member of the class of I903 and was graduated
with high honors, taking the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. He was elected to the honor scholastic society,
Phi Beta Kappa, and was active both in athletics and
general campus life. Dr. Decker prepared for his
professional career at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Columbia University, where he took the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in I907, and served his
interneship at Presbyterian Hospital, New York City,
specializing in surgery. Subsequently he became assistant surgeon at Sloane Hospital, New York City.
As a qualified specialist in surgery, he removed to
Pittsburgh to establish the practice which he has since
conducted with devotion and success. Shortly after
his arrival in this city, he was also appointed a member of the faculty of the School of Medicine of the
University of Pittsburgh, where he is assistant professor of surgery.  Subsequently he became visiting
surgeon at Presbyterian Hospital and the Pittsburgh
Free Dispensary (now the Falk Clinic), both of this
city; consulting surgeon to the Veterans Facility,
Aspinwall; and surgeon to the Tuberculosis League
Hospital.
Dr. Decker is a Fellow of the American College of
Surgeons, and of the American Association for
Thoracic Surgery; a member of the American Medical Association, the Medical Society of the State of
Pennsylvania, the Allegheny County Medical Society
and other medical associations. His place in the councils of these organizations reflects his high professional
standing. Dr. Decker has also made outstanding contributions to the progress of the work of the Tuberculosis L.eague, in which he has been interested for
many years. During the World War he enlisted and
was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps, serving for a time as chief surgeon at Camp Custer, Michigan, and later at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington,
District of Columbia, and the Rockefeller Institute of
Medical Research in New York City.
In addition to his professional associations, Dr.
Decker is a member of the Harvard-Yale-Princeton
Club of Pittsburgh and serves as chairman of the
East Liberty Branch of the Young Men's Christian
Association, a position he has filled for many years.
His activity in football and other sports in his youth
has been replaced by golf and exercises in the "Y"
gymnasium classes, and his knowledge of how to keep
fit has been invaluable to the physical directors of the
"Y" throughout much of Western Pennsylvania. Dr.
Decker has willingly made that knowledge available to
all who have consulted him. His interest in the
Young Men's Christian Association has been of long
duration, dating back to the time when he joined the
boys department of the "Y" at Montclair, later continuing in the organization at Princeton, the West Side
branch in New York City, the East Liberty branch in
Pittsburgh and the army branches during the war.
Recognizing the value of the organization in building
for manhood and citizenship, he has given his most
active support to the "Y" throughout his career and
has served on a-great number of its important committees. Dr. Decker is an elder of the Third Presbyterian Church in East Liberty, where he makes his
home, and for several years served as a teacher in its
Sunday school. He is deeply and sincerely religious
and has done much social service work in the spirit of
Christian brotherhood through the church and the
Young Men's Christian Association.
DANIEL BRODHEAD HEINER, Jr.-As a
member of one of the oldest and nlost distinguished
families in tthe State of Pennsylvania, Daniel Brodhead
Heiner, Jr., of Kittanning, has perpetuated the illustrious traditions of his forebears who attained fame
in the Colonial and Revolutionary history of the country as soldiers, statesmen and pioneers. A lawyer
by profession, Mr. Heiner has also lent his talents
to the development of business and financial enterprises and is widely known throughout the Commonwealth as one of the most able civic and political
figures of his generation. In the latter capacity he
has held many high positions of public trust, including
a place in the United States Congress for two terms
and the office of United States Internal Revenue Collector for the Twenty-third District of Pennsylvania.
Daniel Brodhead Heiner, Jr., was born in Kittanning,
December 30, I854, son of Daniel Brodhead Heiner,
Sr., and Mary (Graham) Heiner; the former a native
of Milford, Pike County, the latter of Butler County,
where her father, a pioneer, is said to have deeded a
hundred acres of land when the town of Butler was
formed. Mr. Heiner's father, who was born on September 24, I807, and died at Kittanning, December 29,
I882, came to the aforementioned community from
Charlestown, Virginia, with his parents in I8I4. He
was educated here and as a young man began his career
as a clerk in the store of the Hon. Philip Mechling.
Later he formed a partnership with Thomas McConnell, and when this was dissolved went into the dry
goods business and general merchandising with his
brother-in-law, John Mechling. That he was a civicminded and public-spirited citizen is evident in his rec405ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ord of accomplishments. For years he was justice of
the peace here and was among those devout persons
who organized the Methodist Episcopal Church of
Kittanning.
The family traces its Revolutionary ancestry to
General Daniel Brodhead, great-great-grandfather of
Mr. Heiner, whose name heads this review. General
Brodhead, also Surveyor-General of Pennsylvania,
was widely known as an Indian fighter and statesman.
He was born in Marbletown, Ulster County, New
York, September I7, I736, and brought to this State
by his parents while he was yet a babe in arms. The
distinguished military heritage he possessed indicated
the course of life he would pursue. His great-grandfather, Daniel Brodhead, came to this country in I664
as a member of Colonel Richard Nicolls' expedition,
which was formed to "capture of New Amsterdam
and make New Netherland once for all an English
province." The latter was a captain of Grenadiers
during the reign of King Charles II. He remained
in America, settling in Marbletown in I665. His son,
Richard, who was born here, was the father of Daniel Brodhead, who married Hester Wyngart and removed to this State with his family about I737, settling at Analomink (now Brodhead's) and McMichael's
Creek. This territory became Northampton and is now
Monroe County. Daniel called the community Dansbury, after his given name, but this was later changed
to Brodhead's Manor, which today forms part of the
site of the Borough of East Stroudsburg. Daniel,
who died in Bethlehem in I755, was the father of the
following five sons, each known for his prowess as
an Indian fighter: Charles, Garrett, General Daniel, of
further mention, John and Luke Brodhead.
General Daniel Brodhead gained his first military
experience as an Indian fighter on December II, 1755,
when roving and hostile Indians attacked the Brodhead
house at Dansbury. His knowledge of this type of
warfare was to make him invaluable to the American
forces later in his career. According to family records he removed to Reading from Lower Smithfield
Township, in I77I, and it was shortly thereafter that
he was appointed deputy surveyor under John Lukens,
Surveyor General of Pennsylvania at the time. He
served as a delegate from Berks County to the Provincial convention at Philadelphia, in I775, and during
the Revolutionary War was to attain distinction as an
officer of the Continental Army. From March to October, I776, he was lieutenant-colonel of the Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment; in March, I777, became colonel
of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, which he was identified with until January, 178I; and afterward became
colonel of the Ist Pennsylvania Regiment. Eventually
he was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general. He
served in numerous campaigns under General Washington, including the battle of Long Island, and in
I779, was put in command of the Western Department
with headquarters at Fort Pitt. On this occasion General Washington, who had become his warm personal
friend, wrote him the following note:
Congress, by a resolve of the 2oth February, granted
leave to General M'Intosh to retire from the command to the Westward, and directed me to appoint an
officer to succeed him. From my opinion of your
abilities, your former acquaintance with the back country, and the knowledge you must have acquired upon
this last tour of duty, I have appointed you to the
command; but if you quit the post, I apprehend there
will be no officer left of sufficient weight and ability.
This is an opinion which I would wish you to keep
to yourself, because, it might give offense to officers
in all other respects worthy of the stations they fill.
I must, therefore, desire you to remain at Fort Pitt,
and you shall from time to time be informed of everything necessary for your government.
General Brodhead's command extended over the
whole west, from Detroit in the north, to Louisiana in
the south. Numerous effective campaigns against the
Indians were planned under his supervision, the most
notable being the one carried out along the Allegheny
River as far as Salamanca, New York, where he joined
forces with General Sullivan's expedition. The campaign took place between August and September, I779,
and on October 27th, of that year Congress adopted
a resolution of thanks to General Brodhead and his
officers. In recognition of his brave deeds the Historical Societies of New York and Pennsylvania unveiled a tablet at Salamanca, in I929, honoring General
Brodhead.
When the war was over General Brodhead returned
to Reading and resumed an active career in public
affairs. He represented Berks County in the General
Assembly in I789, and voted for the alteration and
amendment of the State Constitution of I776, as well
as supporting a move to call a convention for that
purpose. He was commissioned Surveyor-General on
November 5, 1789, and continued in this office with
distinction and efficiency until April 23, i8oo. After
retiring from public life he removed to Milford, Pike
County, where he resided until his passing, November
I5, I809. As one of the high ranking officers of the
Continental Army General Brodhead was one of the
organizers of the Society of the Cincinnati, a membership which has been passed to the eldest male
member of each generation and is now in possession of
Brigadier-General Gordon Graham Heiner, retired
United States Army officer. A memorial to General
4Co6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
407
Brodhead's memory now stands in Milford, having been
dedicated by his descendants in 1872.
General Daniel Brodhead twice married; (first)
Elizabeth Depui of Northampton County, and (second)
Rebecca Mifflin, widow of General and Governor
Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania. General Brodhead
was the father of one daughter, Ann Garton Brodhead,
who married Casper Heiner of Reading.
Casper Heiner, paternal great-grandfather of Daniel
B. Heiner, Jr., fought with Colonel Thompson's Battalion of Riflemen, who saw action in Cambridge,
Massachusetts, and later in New York, during the
summer of I775. In I780 he was a member of Hiester's Battalion, formed to defend Philadelphia.  His
father, Craft Heiner, also served for a short period as
a member of the Berks County Militia. In civil life
Casper Heiner was a surveyor and teacher of mathematics, and one of his own books on the latter subject, written in long hand, is in possession of the family. Casper and Ann G. (Brodhead) Heiner were the
parents of four children: I. John, of whom further.
2. Rebecca J., married Samuel Johnson. 3. Margaret
H., married John Faulk, who was the father of Andrew J. Faulk, one time territorial governor of Dakota. 4. Cathrine, married Colonel John Brodhead,
a cousin.
John Heiner, grandfather of Daniel B. Heiner, was
born in I789, and died January 22, I833. On December 2, I812, he married Mary Haines of Shepherdstown, Virginia, and the daughter of Peter Haines, a
member of Captain Hugh Stevenson's Company in the
command of General Morgan of the Continental
Army. He was commissioned a captain during the
War of I812, and after the conflict removed from
Charlestown, Virginia, to Kittanning, to take possession
of several thousand acres of land which he and his
sisters had inherited from their grandfather, General
Brodhead, in Armstrong, Allegheny, Indiana, Beaver
and Venango counties. He was a prominent Mason
and Lutheran and lies buried in the Lutheran Churchyard of Indiana, where he was visiting temporarily at
the time of his demise.
After a general education Daniel Brodhead Heiner,
Jr., matriculated at Allegheny College, in Meadville,
from which he was graduated with the class of I879.
He then took up the study of law under the Hon. Edward S. Golden of Kittanning and in I882 was admitted to the bar. Shortly thereafter he began to
practice and three years later was elected district attorney of Armstrong County, a post to which he was
reelected in I888. He already loomed as a prominent
figure in county affairs which is further substantiated
by the fact that in I892 the electorate chose him to
represent the Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania District,
wvhich embraced Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson and
Westmoreland counties, at the Fifty-third session of
the United States Congress. He was reelected to the
Fifty-fourth Congress and in I897 was appointed United
States District Attorney for the Western District of
Pennsylvania by President McKinley. His headquarters were in the city of Pittsburgh and he continued
here until February, I9o2, when he was named United
States Internal Revenue Collector for the Twentythird District of Pennsylvania, a position he held until October, I913, when he was supplanted by a Democratic appointee chosen by President Wilson.
Throughout this period Mr. Heiner had gained increasing prestige as one of the dominant leaders of the
Republican party in the State and in 1920 was a delegate to the Republican National Convention which
nominated President Harding. In August of the following year he was reinstated to the office of Internal
Revenue Collector, and four years later was reappointed for a second term by President Coolidge, upon
the recommendation of Senator David A. Reed, who
also endorsed him for a third term in I929. In addition to these offices Mr. Heiner has been chairman of
the Republican County Committee a number of times
and represented the county at numerous State conventions.
Despite official duties he has! found time to devote
to the business and social affairs of his surroundings
and in this connection has been prominently identified
with a number of large and important financial institutions. He is listed as one of the organizers and directors of the Armstrong County Trust Company of
Kittanning, an organizer and president of the First
National Bank of Ford City, and an organizer and director of the First National Bank of Parkers Landing,
as well as serving in the same capacity for the Farmers
National Bank of Freeport.
In conjunction with all these activities Mr. Heiner
has been keenly interested in furthering the welfare of
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Kittanning, in
which he has been a member of the official board for
over forty years. He was chairman of the board of
trustees and the building committee when the new
church was erected in I9o9. His distinguished background has been a source of constant inspiration and
it is due to his efforts that family history has been
preserved so admirably. He wrote and published his
findings in a privately printed book entitled "A Military Record of the Heiner Family," a highly interesting
and accurate work which appeared in I929.
On January 12, I887, Daniel Brodhead Heiner, Jr.,
married Arabelle Todd Acheson of Washington, PennANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
sylvania, and daughter of William Acheson, who was
an iron-master and for many years superintendent of
the old Monticello Iron Works in Armstrong County.
Mr. and Mrs. Heiner are the parents of one son:
William Graham Heiner, who was born in Kittanning,
November II, I891, received the early part of his
general education in the public schools of this community, later completed this part of his studies at the
Culver Military Academy, then entered the University of Pennsylvania where he was a student for one
year. The following fall he transferred to Yale University and was graduated cum laude in the class of
I9I4. With the view of emulating his father he enrolled at the Law School of the University of Pittsburgh and was graduated in I917 at the head of his
class. When the United States entered the World
War he enlisted serving in the army from September,
I917, to February, I919. He began his military career
as a sergeant in the 305th Engineers at Camp Lee,
Virginia; became a second lieutenant with the I2th
Replacement Battalion, at Camp Jackson, South Carolina; was a student officer at school of fire at Fort
Sill, Oklahoma; attended the officers' radio school
at Columbia University in New York City; was regimental radio officer of the 34th Field Artillery; later
served as assistant judge advocate of the I2th Division
at Camp McClellan, Alabama, and was with his regiment ready to embark overseas when the Armistice was
signed. Since the war he has lived and practiced law
in Pittsburgh. On June I, I918, William  G. Heiner
married Jean Marshall, of Pittsburgh, daughter of
George T. and Mary (Brettell) Marshall. They are
the parents of two children: I. William Graham, Jr.,
born September 2, I9I9. 2. George Marshall, born
September 20, I922.
PETER JOSEPH LITTLE-Peter Joseph I,ittle, well known member of the Cambria County bar
and a prominent figure in the coal interests of this
section was born at Loretto, Cambria County, on April
23, I869. He was educated in local public schools and
at St. Francis College in Loretto, from which he withdrew before graduation to begin the study of law at
Ebensburg under M. D. Kittell. After four years of
preparation he was successfully admitted to the bar
and entered into partnership with Mr. Kittell, who admired his industry and attainments. The resulting firm
continued in existence until 1903. Afterward, Mr.
Little practiced alone for a period of ten years, but at
the end of that time, in I913, he formed a new partnership with John H. McCann, which became one of the
most prominent law firms in the county. While he
has never strictly limited his practice, Mr. Little has
specialized for many years in cases arising from the
various claims to coal lands in the Cambria County
region and to the cognate interests of water rights. He
has represented numerous important interests and
through extensive litigation as well as negotiation he
has been instrumental in clearing many of the title
deeds and land grants previously in dispute throughout the county.
In addition to his professional connections, Mr. Little has also played a prominent r6le in the actual development of the Cambria coal lands, and in the organization of other enterprises designed to serve the
industry. These include the Southern Cambria Railroad between Johnstown and Ebensburg, built largely
as the result of his efforts, and the Northern Cambria
Railroad, of which he became a director and large
stockholder. The latter line, connecting a number of
coal towns in Cambria County, afforded them the
quick and effective means of transportation necessary
to the development of their interests. As attorney for
the Pennsylvania Coal and Coke Corporation and its
allied interests, the Ebensburg Coal Company and its
allied interests, the Cambria and Indiana Railroad
Company and other leading corporations, he became
one of the most influential figures in the entire Pennsylvania coal industry, and his subsequent activitieq
have retained for him the position of prominence won
through his enterprise and attainments.
Mr. Little, who resides at Ebensburg, is one of the
first citizens of this community and has exercised a
wholesome and constructive force in its life over a
long period. He is one of fourteen lawyers of the
State of Pennsylvania serving on the Procedural Rules
Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court of the
State to prepare uniform court rules, similar to the
rules adopted by the United States courts, which work
is partly completed. He has been president of the
Cambria County Historical Society for the last four
years and donated many valuable works on local history. During his term in office, he has placed a memorial consisting of a beautiful, life-size statue of
Admiral Peary, at Cresson, Pennsylvania, the admiral's
birthplace, and has suitably marked other historical
sites.
Peter Joseph Little married, on October I, I898,
Bertha M. O'Connor, daughter of James O'Connor,
distinguished member of the Somerset County bar and
a sister of the late Francis J. O'Connor, member of the
judiciary, and of the late James B. O'Connor, also an
eminent legal authority. Mr. and Mrs. Little are the
parents of eight children: Joseph, Margaret, Frances,
Mary, Clare, Peter James, Genevieve and Margery.
His two sons are graduates of Georgetown University,
Ao8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Washington, District of Columbia, and all of his
daughters graduated at Seton Hill College, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
HON. JOHN S. FISHER-Hon. John S. Fisher,
lawyer, insurance executive and former Governor of
the Commonwealth, was born in South Mahoning
Township, Indiana County, on May 25, I867, son of
Samuel Royer and Mariah (McGaughey) Fisher.
After completing his preliminary education, he studied
at Indiana State Normal School of Pennsylvania,
from which he was graduated in I886. Subsequently,
in recognition of his distinguished career, he received
the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Lafayette, Franklin and Marshall, Westminster and Juniata
colleges, the University of Pennsylvania, University
of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Pennsylvania
Military College.
Governor Fisher began his career as a teacher, but
quickly turned to the study of law and in 1893 was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. He practiced at Indiana, his recent home, for over thirty years, chiefly
as a member of the firm of Cunningham and Fisher,
which acquired an important position at the bar, and
did not relinquish his professional connections until he
assumed the duties of the governorship. Mr. Fisher's
election as Governor followed a long period of prominence in Republican politics and public life. A member
of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 19oi to 1909,
he was chairman of the Capitol Investigating Commission, which exposed the frauds in connection with the
furnishing of the State Capitol at Harrisburg. In I919
he was appointed State Commissioner of Banking of
Pennsylvania, a highly responsible post calling for
wide knowledge and experience, which he administered
with efficiency and fidelity. In I926 he was elected
Governor of Pennsylvania for the term I927-3I, retiring from all business connections and trusteeships
while in office. His administration as chief executive
of the Commonwealth was distinguished by its business-like efficiency and successful solution of many
public problems. Since his retirement as Governor,
Mr. Fisher has remained in private life and is now
chairman of the board of the National Union Fire
Insurance Company.
Mr. Fisher has served as rmember of the Commission on Constitutional Amendment and Revision in
Pennsylvania. In I916 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago and in 1928 a
delegate-at-large to the Republican National Convention at Kansas City, Missouri. He is a member and
director of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce; a
member of the American and Pennsylvania Bar associations; president of the Pennsylvania Society of the
Sons of the American Revolution; and a member of
many clubs, including the Union League Club of Philadelphia, the Harrisburg Club, of Harrisburg, the I)uquesne Club of Pittsburgh and the Cosmopolitan Club
of Indiana. In religious faith he is a member of the
United Presbyterian Church.
On October ii, I893, John S. Fisher married Hapsie
Miller, of Indiana, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of two children: Robert M. Fisher and Mrs. Mary
F. Brown.
LAWRENCE WILBUR CAMPBELL-Variety of experience and versatile abilities have been outstanding features of the career of Lawrence Wilbur
Campbell, managing director of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce. He was born in this city, November
2, I893, son of Amos and Mary Elizabeth (Makin)
Campbell. His father, in early years a steel worker,
was a real estate broker from 1904 to his death a
quarter of a century later.
Lawrence Wilbur Campbell was educated in the
Johnstown High School, a graduate of I9I5; in the
Tuniata Business College, class of I912, and attended
Juniata College during 1915-I6. Like many of his
generation, his career was interrupted by World War
activities of the United States. Enlisting for military
service, he was assigned to the Headquarters Company, 78th Field Artillery, 6th Division, and went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces. He
also was on detached service in France, as chief instructor in the Automotive Training School, established at Satonay, France, in the Lyons district.
Upon returning to civilian life, Mr. Campbell engaged in the automobile business until I922. He then
dealt in radios until I929, when he became a real estate
broker, specializing in the development of subdivisions
and buildings. Since March 9, I936, he has been the
managing director of the Johnstown Chamber of Commerce, a position whose exacting demands call for the
best equipment, knowledge and experience of its incumbent. His able endeavors in this connection have
attracted wide attention and approval. Mr. Campbell
is a former vice-president of the Pennsylvania Real
Estate Association, and is a director of the United
States Flood Control Federation. He is a Republican
in politics, a member of the American Legion and
worships in the faith of the Church of the Brethren.
At Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on June I4, I9T8,
Lawrence Wilbur Campbell married Freida Arbutus
Wertz, daughter of Anderson and Ellen (Berkey)
Wertz. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are the parents of a
daughter, Nancy Ann Campbell, born April I8, 1922.
409ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
HON. WILLIAM THEODORE DOM, JR.
-Cut off in the third year of his second ten-year
term as judge of the several courts of the Tenth
Judicial District of Pennsylvania (Westmoreland
County), the Hon. William Theodore Dom, Jr., passed
away on February 8, I936, leaving a host of friends
and admirers, both within the legal profession and in
the communities of the county at large. The Westmoreland County Bar Association, meeting on April
2, I936, held a memorial service in his honor at which
many lawyers and prominent men spoke of their deep
sense of personal loss as well as the misfortune which
the county had sustained.
Philip Dom, his grandfather, was a native of HesseDarmstadt, Germany. He came to the United States
about the year I82I, and located at Berlin, Somerset
County, Pennsylvania, and later removed to Wellersburg. In his religious faith be was a Lutheran, and in
his political views was at first a Whig, but upon the
formation of the Republican party became identified
with that organization. By occupation he was a contractor and builder. He married Margaret Gerhardt,
a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, a granddaughter of Sir John Jacob Hentz, who was custodian of all
the public records of the town of Beuern, in HesseDarmstadt, Germany. The Hentzes were very prominent among the families of that section of Germany.
William Theodore Dom, son of Philip and Margaret
(Gerhardt) Dom, was one of the family of six brothers
and two sisters. He was born August Io, 1844, at
Wellersburg, Pennsylvania, and died in  I92I, at
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. During his lifetime he was
variously engaged as hotel keeper, merchant, coal and
coke superintendent and banker. He was a member
of the Presbyterian Church and politically he affiliated
with the Republican party, though he never sought or
accepted public office. He married Eliza Jane McCullogh (of whose lineage later), and three sons were
born to them: Hon. William Theodore, the subject of
this sketch; John McCullogh, deceased; and Welty
McCullogh Dom.
The Hon. William Theodore Dom, Jr., son of William Theodore and Eliza Jane (McCullogh) Dom, was
born July Io, I873, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He
obtained his education in the public schools of that
town, the Greensburg Seminary and Washington and
Jefferson College. While in college he took an active
part in athletics and other extra-curricular activities.
He was an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta
Fraternity. Judge Dom never lost his affection for
his alna mater and his interest in the college led to
his subsequent appointment as a member of its board
of trustees.
Long cherishing a determination to become a lawyer, in which profession some of his relatives had
distinguished themselves, he registered, in the year
I894, as a law student in the office of the late Denna
C. Ogden, Esq., a distinguished and outstanding member of the bar and the husband of Anna Welty (McCullogh) Ogden, his aunt. After pursuing his legal
studies assiduously he was admitted to practice before
the several courts of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on October 24, I896, and to the Supreme Court
of Pennsylvania on October I3, 1902.
Judge Dom's legal career was interrupted, however,
by his active patriotism. Being a member of Company
I, Ioth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania,
at the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he volunteered on April 28, I898, was appointed a corporal,
and was sent with his regiment to the Philippine
Islands. There he was detailed as battalion sergeantmajor under Major Bierer and also acted for a time
as regimental sergeant-major for Colonel Hawkins.
Upon his return home from the Philippines, Judge
Dom resumed his legal studies and on January I, I904,
he became a junior partner with Denna C. Ogden,
Esq.; the partnership practicing under the firm name of
Ogden and Dom, which relationship continued until the
death of Mr. Ogden on September 3, I9I5. In his
vocation as a lawyer Judge Dom interpreted his mission to be that of a public servant and he early became
very active as a Republican in politics. He made his
first political speech in 1892, during the McKinley
campaign was very active, and from that time on he
cheerfully served his party whenever called upon, as
committeeman, as secretary to the county committee,
and on the stump. This unstinted service to his party
was well recognized and rewarded, for during his career he held, at various times, the position of official
court reporter, county solicitor, deputy register of
wills, assistant district attorney, district attorney, and
finally, judge of the several courts of Westmoreland
County.
Judge Dom was elevated to the bench on January
I2, I922, when he was appointed by Governor William
C. Sproul to fill the vacancy brought about by the
death of the late Hon. Alexander D. McConnell. Then,
in 1923, when he stood as the Republican candidate
for that office and was victorious over the Hon. Curtis
H. Gregg, his Democratic opponent, he was commissioned by Governor Gifford C. Pinchot for a full
term of ten years. It is significant of Judge Dom's
character and personality that during his regular term
of office his already recognized popularity increased to
such an extent and his ability and fair-mindedness were
so widely recognized that, in the fall of 1933, when
4IOANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
he stood for reelection, he received, without any great
effort on his part, the nominations of both the Republican and Democratic parties, which resulted in an overwhelming vote as a testimonial to the high esteem in
which he was held by the electorate.
While Judge Dom as a lawyer gave evidence of
preferring the criminal side of the law and was outstandingly a champion of justice, yet, as a judge, although he was fearless in his administration of the
law as he believed it to be, nevertheless, he was noted
for his sympathy and understanding. He, his associates
said, ".... had a heart and conscience as well as a
backbone, when it came to passing sentence or extending leniency toward an erring brother..... "This
characteristic was particularly evident in his administration of the Juvenile Court. ".... His fatherly
appearance and demeanor, kindly good nature and
jovial disposition, won the hearts of children, and his
firm manner, together with his wise counsel, admonition and advice given in his peculiarly sympathetic yet
authoritative style, instilled in them a wholesome respect for the law and the court..... With him
justice was the only worship, love the only priest, and
to be happy was to make other people happy. With
loyalty and with the purest hands he faithfully discharged every public trust."
Judge Dom loved his home and his home town, and
always mindful of and interested in the civic religious
welfare of the community he devoted a very large
portion of his time and energy to public service. For
years he was an active member of the Volunteer Fire
Department and served a term or two on the Borough
Council. For ten years and until his death, he was a
director of the local Young Men's Christian Association, for five years being chairman of the board. His
religious membership was in the First Presbyterian
Church of Greensburg, having united with that congregation on January I8, I890o. He was a member of
its session, having been ordained a ruling elder on
April 29, I923, which high office he "graced worthily,"
until his death. Always giving freely of himself to the
church he served for eight years as superintendent of
the Sunday school, until ill health forced him to relinquish some of his activities. By the session of the
church it was said, "He will ever be remembered for
his wisdom, loyalty, fidelity and consistent Christian
life."
Among Judge Dom's other activities were: Charter
membership in Greensburg Lodge, No. 51, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks; Knights of Pythias;
executive council of the Westmoreland Council, Boy
Scouts of America; Advisory Council, Westmoreland
Chapter, Order of DeMolay; Westmoreland County
and Pennsylvania Bar associations; Veterans of Foreign Wars; membership in Westmoreland Lodge, No.
5I8, Free and Accepted Masons; Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine;
Kedron Commandery, No. I8, Knights Templar; New
Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite;
Olivet Council, No. I3, Royal and Select Masters of
Pennsylvania, and Westmoreland Forest, No. 77, Tall
Cedars of Lebanon, of which body he was Grand Tall
Cedar for years, and until his death, and of his activities in connection therewith it has been said, "In his
enthusiasm for the Tall Cedars he gathered around
him hundreds of men in warmest fellowship."
The Hon. William Theodore Dom, Jr., was married
on November 28, I9oo, being united with I.ela M.
Hudson, daughter of William and Mary E. (Kepple)
Hudson. William Hudson's paternal grandfather emigrated to this country from Ireland and his grandmother was of German ancestry. He was born in
Unity Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,
on July 7, I852, and resided there all of his life. He
was a farmer and a breeder of thoroughbred English
horses. His religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian Church, in which church he was a ruling elder.
Politically he was a Republican. His wife, a native
of Salem Township, was a daughter of John and
Susan Kepple. Lela M. (Hudson) Dom received her
education in the public schools and the Greensburg
Seminary.
The Hon. and Mrs. William T. Dom were the parents of seven children: I. Anna, who attended the
Shipley School at Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and
later graduated from Bryn Mawr College. She is the
wife of E. L. Caster, of Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr.
and Mrs. Caster have had three children: i. Carolyne,
deceased. ii. Anna Jane. iii. Daniel. 2. Lela, a graduate of the Southern Seminary, Buena Vista, Virginia,
and the Scudder School of New York City. She is
the wife of Robert William McKenney, of Greensburg, and the mother of twin sons: William Theodore and Robert William  McKenney, Jr. 3. Mary
Jane, attended St. Joseph's Academy, Greensburg, and
is a graduate of the Winchester School of Pittsburgh
and Pennsylvania College for Women. 4. William
Theodore, III. He is a graduate of Washington and
Jefferson College and the University of Pittsburgh
School of Law. He was admitted to practice before
the several courts of Westmoreland County by his
father on October 3, I935, and was also admitted to
practice before the Supreme and Superior courts of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 5. Isabelle. She
studied at Southern Seminary, Buena Vista, Virginia,
and at Dodd College, Shreveport, Louisiana. She is
the wife of Charles McKenna Lynch, Jr., of Greensburg. 6 and 7. Catherine and Rachel, twins. They
41 IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
were educated at Seton Hill College and Pennsylvania
College for Women.
(The McCullogh Line).
(I) John McCullogh's parents removed from Scotland, where the name was spelled McCulloch, to the
North of Ireland. Here the father died when John,
who was the only child in the family, was but six years
of age. The family belonged to the United Presbyterian Church. John McCullogh came to Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Mifflin Township,
but subsequently removed to a farm east of Newville.
He was born in I740, and died in I8o8. He married,
and was the father of eight children.
(II) William McCullogh, son of John McCullogh,
married Sarah McBride, and they were the parents of
eight children, of whom was John (2).
(III) John (2) McCullogh was born in 1803, and
died in I884. He married Eliza Catherine Welty
(Welty IV), born in I819, and died in I882. They
were the parents of six children, one of whom was
Eliza Jane.
(IV) Eliza Jane McCullogh, daughter of John (2)
and Eliza Catherine (Welty) McCullogh, was born
April 29, 1849; married Hon. William Theodore Dom,
Jr., of previous mention; died May 25, I930, at Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
(The Welty Line).
(I) The Weltys came from Switzerland. John
Jacob Welty was born in 1720, and died in I84I. He
married Christina Broff, and they had six children.
(II) Henry Welty, son of John Jacob Welty, was
born in I764, and died in I84I. He married Catherine
Steiner, and they had nine children.
(III) Jacob Welty, son of Henry Welty, was born
in I79I, and died in I864. He married Jane Brady
(Brady IV), of further mention. They were the parents of seven children, of whom was Eliza Catherine.
(IV) Eliza Catherine Welty, daughter of Jacob and
Jane (Brady) Welty, was born in I8I9, and died in
1882. She married John McCullogh (McCullogh III).
They had six children.
(The Brady Line).
Tradition says that Hugh (I) Brady and Hannah
(McCormick) Brady, his wife, came from the forks
of the Delaware, and settled in Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, in I734. They were the parents of nine
children.
(II) Hugh Brady (2), fourth son of Hugh (I) and
Hannah (McCormick) Brady, was born in I740, and
married Jane Young, and to them nine children were
born, one of whom was James, of further mention.
(III) James Brady, son of Hugh (2) and Jane
(Young) Brady, was born in I764, and died in I839.
He married Rachel Speer, and they became the parents
of six children, one of whom was Jane, of further mention. James Brady removed from the Cumberland
Valley and settled in Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, at an early day, but went to
Greensburg to assume the duties of sheriff, to which
office he was elected in I794, and'resided there until
his death. He was elected to the House of Representatives for a term of three years. He was also a member
of the State Senate, three terms of four years each.
In I8o6 he was Speaker of the Senate. He was called
by Governor Heister as one of his cabinet, and served
as Secretary of the Land Office. The Bradys were
Presbyterians, and James Brady was the first elder of
this church at Greensburg of whom there appears to be
any record. He appeared as elder in the Presbytery
in I802. In I8o8 he and his pastor were chosen delegates to the General Assembly. He frequently represented the church in the meetings of the Presbytery,
and from the numbers of the committees on which he
served in that body he must have been an active and
useful member. He was an elder nearly forty years.
He was a cousin of Captain Samuel Brady and General
Hugh Brady.
(IV) Jane Brady, daughter of James and Rachel
(Speer) Brady, was born in 1794 and died in I873.
She married Jacob Welty (Welty III). They were
the parents of seven children.
NICHOLAS RITTENHOUSE CRISS-Possessed of a distinguished ancestry which counts among
its members figures who have distinguished themselves in the social, civic and business life of the State
since its foundation, Nicholas Rittenhouse Criss has
upheld the illustrious traditions of his forebears, contributing substantially and generously to the advancement of the city of Pittsburgh, where he has engaged
in a general law practice for over thirty-five years.
While he has gained prominence professionally, equal
importance is attached to his name as a champion of
the modern school system in this city, which he has
been so instrumental in establishing in various capacities, including that of solicitor for the Pittsburgh
School District.
Mr. Criss was born in Washington County, January 5, I873, on a farm which had been owned by the
family since the days of the Revolution. He was the
*,on of Rittenhouse and Eliza Jane (Stewart) Criss,
the former descended from the distinguished Rittenhouse family which settled in Philadelphia in I688,
and the latter from Colonel George Stewart, who was
a member of General Washington's staff during the
Revolutionary War. Mr. Criss' father, who was a
4I2ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Democrat in his political convictions and engaged in
farming, died in I882.
Mr. Criss attended the district schools near the
family farm  and after completing his studies here
entered Grove City College. Later he matriculated at
the Western University of Pennsylvania, now the
University of Pittsburgh, and was graduated from this
institution with a degree of Bachelor of Laws in the
class of I903. His alma mater has since conferred
upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. In
I903 he was admitted to- the State bar and established himself in a general practice under his own
name, which he has since conducted with distinction
and success.  Some years after he began his legal
career he became interested in the educational system
of the city and in I9II, when the management of
schools was placed in the hands of a central board,
he was one of the fifteen members to be chosen by
judges of the Court of Common Pleas. With the expiration of his first six-year term he was reappointed
and served continuously until I933, when he resigned
and was elected Solicitor by the unanimous vote of his
fellow board members.
The unprecedented growth of the city has taxed the
abilities of this body to the utmost, but they have
readily coped with the problems that have confronted
them. The most serious, of course, had.to do with
providing adequate facilities in the form of modern
buildings. One has but to investigate to appreciate
the notable strides that have'been made by the board
in this direction. Much credit for the efficiency of the
body can be attributed to Mr. Criss, who served as
chairman of the finance and administration committee from I9II to I933, and as vice-president of the
organization during the last ten years of his membership.
In addition to serving as solicitor of the Pittsburgh
School District, Mr. Criss is also a director and solicitor of the Sheraden Bank, occupies the same positions
in the Sheraden Building and Loan Association and is
a former solicitor of the borough of Sheraden. Though
he is a Republican in his political convictions Mr.
Criss does not adhere strictly to party lines, usually
voting for candidates on the basis of personal merit.
In his social activities Mr. Criss has largely confined his interests to the Masonic Order, in which he
holds a thirty-second degree, is a member of the Pennsylvania Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
and belongs to the Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of
the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, through his ancestral lineage, and in a social
capacity holds membership in the Alcoma Golf Club.
In I909, at San Diego, California, Mr. Criss married Anna Scott, a native of Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania, and the granddaughter of Dr. John Scott, former
rector of the Old Home Church which stood where
Kaufmann's store now stands, and editor of "The
Methodist Recorder," official organ of the Methodist
Protestant Church. Mr. and Mrs. Criss are the parents of two children: I. Catherine Jane, now the wife
of J. Byron Jones, residing in Hartford, Connecticut.
2. Nicholas Rittenhouse, Jr., a graduate of Princeton
UJniversity, class of I937, now a student in the Pittsburgh Law School.
COMFREY S. ICKES-The record of Comfrey
S. Ickes includes noteworthy activities in business and
public life, World War service and private citizenship.
He is a Pennsylvanian, born March 30, I892, son of
Chauncey S. and Rosanna (Eichensehr) Ickes. His
mother was a native of Cambria County, and his father,
a native of Bedford County, was manager of the Johnstown Telephone Company for some time before he
came to Boswell, where he engaged in the hardware,
theatre, transfer and insurance business, and was the
first justice of the peace and burgess of Boswell.
Comfrey S. Ickes received his academic education
in the local grammar and high schools, and the Indiana State Teachers' College. He was associated with
his father in the transfer business until October 5,
I916, when he went to Gary, West Virginia, where
he was employed by the A. F. Clark Contracting Company, remaining until just before the United States
entered the World War. Enlisting in the Navy, he
served twenty-three months prior to his honorable
discharge, on February 27, I9I9. He had been carpenter's mate, third class. Upon returning to civilian
life, he came to Boswell and took over his father's
business interests. An active Democrat, influential in
party campaigns and councils, he was appointed postmaster of Boswell, March I, I92I, and held this
office during Republican administrations until March
T, 1932. In the meantime, Mr. Ickes had engaged in
the insurance business since I928, which he has since
continued. A serious accident kept him relatively inactive until I935, when he became general foreman with
the Works Progress Administration.  In January,
I937, he went with the Bethlehem Steel Company, as
general construction inspector for the State, on the
new Lincoln Highway project at Stoystown, an office
he continues to fill with great skill. Since January,
1936, Mr. Ickes has been justice of the peace, and is
well known for his helpful community interest. He
was the first commander of the Boswell Post of the
American Legion, and is a charter member of the
"Forty and Eight," belongs to the Veterans of Foreign
413ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Wars, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On February 24, I92I, Comfrey S. Ickes married
Lenora Trostle, of Stoystown, daughter of John W.
Trostle, and they are the parents of five children, all
attending school in Boswell: Chauncey, Wayne, Rose,
Catherine, and Comfrey S., Jr.
WILLIAM  McGILL DUFF-The rise of William
McGill Duff is as interesting and colorful as the development of the Edward A. Woods Company of Pittsburgh which he has headed as president since January,
1928. Forty-three years ago he joined this firm, now
the largest insurance company of its type in the world,
as a messenger boy. Since that time he has worked
his way through the various departments to his present
office, literally growing up with the business. The
nature of his achievements and his ability has established him as one of the outstanding insurance executives of the country.
Mr. Duff was born in Allegheny City, February 2,
I878, the son of the late James Alexander and Charlotte (McGill) Duff. After completing a general education at the Allegheny High School he worked with
the Adams Express Company on the North Side of
Pittsburgh for a time, severing his connections here
in December, 1895. The twenty-second day of that
month he joined the Woods Company as a messenger
boy and initiated a career that has been noteworthy
for its success. Ambitious and alert, he worked his
way through the various departments of the business,
winning steady promotion and increasing recognition
on the part of his superiors. By this experience he
mastered every phase of the business and was eminently equipped to assume the post of vice-president,
to which he was elected in 1925, and in which he
served until January I8, 1928, when he was named to
succeed the late Edward A. Woods as president.
The history of the firm is unique. It was founded
by one of Pittsburgh's most eminent educators, Dr.
George Woods, former chancellor of the Western IJniversity of Pennsylvania, now the University of Pittsburgh. On November I, I88o, he secured the local
agency for the Equitable Life Assurance Society,
which has grown to become the largest in the world,
operating agencies in sixty-one counties in three
states. It has a staff of five hundred agents, a central
office personnel of about one hundred and ninety-five
persons, who occupy approximately one and a half
floors in the Frick Building at Pittsburgh. Evidence
of the position it has gained as the outstanding leader
in its field is to be found in the fact that its sales in
1930 were $Ioo,ooo,ooo, and its paid for life insurance
up to that time totaled $724,676,0To.
As a business leader Mr. Duff's services have been
sought by numerous other financial organizations.
Thus we find him serving as a member of the board of
directors of the Colonial Trust Company, and the
Pittsburgh Life Insurance Underwriters Association,
in which he is a former president and treasurer. He
is chairman of the General Agents Association of the
Equitable Life Assurance Society, and vice-president
of the American College of Life Underwriters. As
well as these affiliations he is a trustee of Westminster
College, belongs to the Sons of the Revolution, fraternizes with the Masonic Order, is a Republican in
politics and worships at the United Presbyterian
Church. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Chamber
of Commerce and in his social activities belongs to the
Pittsburgh Athletic Club, the Insurance Club, Bankers
Club of America, Edgeworth Club, the Duquesne
Club and the Shannopin Country Club. During the
World War he was a member of the 32d Division of
the American Expeditionary Forces and served in
France throughout I918, and part of I919.
On July I9, I9I9, Mr. Duff married May Prenter
and they are the parents of two daughters: Charlotte
and iLetitia.
W. C. BENNETT-The diversified business interests and civic participation in the affairs of Indiana,
have made- W. C. Bennett one of its outstanding citizens. He long was identified with one of the large
construction firms in this part of Pennsylvania; owns
and operates mines; is the head of a large dairy company, and manages large personal farm holdings.
Mr. Bennett is a native of Indiana County, born
November 27, I876, son of Michael B. and Charlotte
(Richardson) Bennett, both of whom are deceased.
His mother died in I918 and his father, in 1925.
Michael B. Bennett was the founder of M. B. Bennett
and Sons, the sons in question being five: W. C., of
this record; R. C., J. P., H. D., and E. B. Bennett.
This company, with which W. C. Bennett was associated through the most of his career, is credited with
constructing more highways than any other similar
concern in Western Pennsylvania. In addition it laid
sewers and water mains by the mile, built large disposal plants, and contracted for hundreds of large
public works.
A second major enterprise of Mr. Bennett is the
Indiana Dairy Company which was, originally, in
1928, the Indiana Co6perative Dairy started by a group
of Indiana agriculturalists, with Lane Short as its
president. In I932, when this concern was headed first
by H. M. Bunn and then by Frank Williams, there
was a reorganization, and Mr. Bennett was elected
president, a post he has since filled with skill and
414ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
efficiency. In 1936 the whole plant was revamped,
additions built, and the best of modern pasteurizing
equipment installed. The capacity of the dairy is ten
thousand pounds daily, the raw materials, milk and
cream, being supplied by some seventy-five to a hundred Indiana County farmers. The company's fleet of
trucks is completely motorized, and products are distributed throughout a wide territory.
Mr. Bennett has his own personal agricultural interests, chiefly represented by a four hundred and sixtyacre stock farm on which is probably the finest herd
of accredited Guernsey cows in the county. With his
brother, R. C. Bennett, he is the owner and operator
of coal mines; is a director of the Indiana Textile
Company and connected with a number of other corporations. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a member
of the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce.
He is influential in political circles. He is of the
Lutheran faith.
In I914 W. C. Bennett married Laura E. Myers, a
Pennsylvanian by birth.
CHARLES H. ROSENBLOOM, M. D.-Dr.
Charles H. Rosenbloom, a practicing physician and
surgeon in Charleroi, was born here October 22, 1904,
the son of Louis and Marie (Abramovitz) Rosenbloom. The elder Mr. Rosenbloom, a native of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-known merchant in Charleroi. His wife was born in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Rosenbloom received his early education in the
local public schools and after graduating from Charleroi High School in 1922, enrolled at Penn State
College, where he received his degree of Bachelor of
Science in 1926. He then matriculated at Temple
University, graduating with the degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I930. After an interneship at Montefiore
Hospital, he engaged in postgraduate work at the
University of Pennsylvania, and in the winter of 1931
established his private practice in Charleroi, where he
has since been actively engaged, and where he enjoys
an extensive practice, specializing in urology. He is
a member of the staff of the Charleroi Monessen Hospital, and is affiliated with the Washington County
Medical Society. He has always been keenly interested
in sports, especially baseball and boxing. In I934 he
was president of the Charleroi Baseball Club, and he
is a member of the A. A. U. Boxing Committee at
Pittsburgh.
He is a member of the Rodef Shalom of Charleroi,
is a supporter of the Republican party, and is affiliated
with the Beta Sigma Rho and Phi Delta Epsilon fraternities.
Dr. Rosenbloom is unmarried.
JAMES STEPHEN ADAMSON--James
Stephen Adamson was born at Center Township,
Greene County, October 2, I899, the son of'Charles
and Grace (Phillips) Adamson. The elder Mr.
Adamson, born October 20, I850, at Center Township,
Greene County, and now deceased, was engaged in
farming during his lifetime and for many years served
as a school director in Greene County. His wife,
Grace (Phillips) Adamson, was born in Marshall
County, West Virginia.
James Stephen Adamson received his education in
the public schools of Rogersville, and in I917 entered
the employ of the Equitable Gas Company, at Rogersville, where he served in various capacities until I925.
He then purchased the furniture and undertaking business here of C. F. Wood, and formed a partnership
with Ralph H. Scott under the name of Scott, Adamson and Company. This business has continued to
date, and is a well-known establishment in this locality.
Mr. Adamson is a member of the Rogersville Christian Church, and in politics is favorable to the Democratic party. He is affiliated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias at
Graysville and the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks at Waynesburg. He was married, at Wayne
Township, January 28, I920, to Eva Katherine Phillips, born there January 6, 1899, the daughter of Adam
Jesse and Elizabeth (Cole) Phillips. Both her parents
were born in Wayne Township; the father on June
26, I869; the mother, on February 8, 1873. The father
died on November 30, I937. Mr. and Mrs. Adamson
are the parents of two children: I. Hiram Ross, born
here November 4, I920. 2. Reed Phillips, born here
March 25, 1923.
VERNON J. McCARTY-Postmaster of Marianna, Pennsylvania, Vernon J. McCarty was born at
West Bethlehem Township, Washington County, January 22, I9O0, the son of Winnett and Anna (Lane)
McCarty. The elder Mr. McCarty, a native of West
Bethlehem Township, operates a one hundred and
forty acre farm there, and is an active Democrat, having been road supervisor and a member of the local
School Board. His wife, Anna (Lane) McCarty, was
born in Washington County.
Vernon J. McCarty attended tht public schobls of
Deemston Borough, and was graduated from Beallsville High School in I9I9. He then entered the teaching profession, holding assignments in the West Bethlehem Township schools for four years. The following
year he taught in the East Bethlehem Township
schools, and then in I924 he entered the employ of the
Peoples Bank of Marianna and served in various capacities until July, I933, when he was appointed act415ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ing postmaster. The following year he was appointed
to a full four-year term as postmaster, and is at present fulfilling the numerous duties of his office in a most
satisfactory and efficient manner.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, an active
Democrat, and a member of the National Association
of Postmasters. He was married at Wellsburg, West
Virginia, to Anna Bigler, a native of Deemston Borough, born January 21, I90o, the daughter of George
and Mary (Baker) Bigler. Mr. and Mrs. McCarty
are the parents of two children: I. Mary Katherine.
2. John.
JOHN B. CARTER-John B. Carter, a wellknown Morris Township farmer and, stock raiser, was
born here February 6, I887, the son of John B. and
Caroline (Loughman) Carter. The elder John B.
Carter, also a native of Morris Township, was born
in 1842, and was engaged during his lifetime in farming.
After completing his public school education in the
township schools, John B. Carter entered Waynesburg College, and later attended Slippery Rock State
Normal School. Upon his departure from school he
entered the farming industry in Morris Township,
where he has been busily engaged to the present day in
the cultivation of his farm of four hundred and fifty
acres. He produces a general crop, and is also noted
as a successful stock dealer. In November, 1935, he
was elected county commissioner of Greene County,
and began his four-year term of office, January I,
I936.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, an
active Republican and an affiliate of Lodge No. 5.57,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
local Republican Club. He was married, in Pittsburgh,
January 23, I9II, to Mary Black, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Harry Black. Mr. and Mrs. John B. Carter are
the parents of two children: I. John B., Jr. 2. Iois
Carter.
GUSTAVE BRAUN; W. E. BRAUN; LOUIS
H. BRAUN-Since science and machinery have
been introduced into the art of baking with such
marked success, there has been a large increase in the
number of commercial baking companios. One of the
outstanding of these in Southwestern Pennsylvania is
the Keystone Baking Company. It is also one of the
oldest in origin, being started as a small bakery in
West Bridgewater, in I9oi, by F. Walters and Sons.
In I926 the business was sold to the Braun Baking
Company of Pittsburgh and operated under that name
until I932, since when it has been the Keystone Baking
Company.  Its plant, comprising some forty-eight
thousand square feet of floor space, is equipped with
the most modern type of machinery and devices. Its
hourly capacity is two thousand and five hundred
loaves of bread, making it the largest of its kind north
of Pittsburgh to Erie, Pennsylvania. The company is
moderately capitalized and employs between a hundred
and a hundred and twenty-five. Products are delivered
by motor trucks within a radius of forty miles. The
executive officers of the Keystone Company are Gustave Braun, president; W. E. Braun, vice-president;
Louis H. Braun, secretary-treasurer.
President Gustave Braun was born in Germany,
February 22, I893, son of Gustave and Karoline
(Schaeffer) Braun, both of German birth. The elder
Mr. Braun, who died in 1905, was a farmer and merchant in his native land. The mother lived to 1926.
Gustave Braun came to the United States two years
after the passing of his father, and located in Brooklyn, New York. During the next year (90o8), he removed to Pittsburgh, where he entered the baking
business, and has so continued the past thirty years.
In I916 he married Elizabeth Reif, also of German
birth.
Vice-president W. E. Braun, born in Germany, married Matilda Fisher, and they have a son, George
Braun, born in 1925.
Secretary-treasurer Louis H. Braun was born in
Germany, February 20, I895. In 1917 he married
Elsie Marie Koett, and they are the parents of two
children: Louis Ernest, born in I9I9, and Armella,
born two years later.
CHARLES  E. MARTIN-For years Charles
E. Martin has been prominent in the financial and
industrial life of Beaver County, particularly in Beaver
Falls, where he lives. He is district manager of the
Pennsylvania  Manufacturers' Association, and  his
broad experience in insurance and general business
equips him admirably for this work.
Mr. Martin was born September 30, I889, in Beaver
County, Pennsylvania, son of Wilmer H. and Lucetta
Plummer (McQuaid) Martin, of this county. His
father was engaged in the real estate and insurance
business.
The public schools provided Charles E. Martin's
early education, and afterward he was a student at
Geneva College, though he took no formal degree
from that institution. Up to I915 the insurance business furnished him his means of livelihood, and he
became extensively engaged in business along those
lines, first with the Board of Fire Underwriters and
afterward with the firm of Hoover and Hurst. In
I915 he became associated with the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, becoming its district manager
4i6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
and so serving down to the time of writing. This
association covers all of the State of Pennsylvania,
and is a strong organization of manufacturers, associated together to promote business co6peratively and to
exchange assistance and advice among themselves.
This association has achieved for itself an enviable
reputation and a brilliant record since its inception in
1907. He is also affiliated with the Manufacturers'
Association of Beaver County, as secretary and with
the National Manufacturers' Association.
In addition Mr. Martin is a director of the Farmers'
National Bank, of Beaver Falls. He is active in the
Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Beaver
Valley Country Club. In the Free and Accepted Masons he holds the thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, being connected with Pittsburgh
Consistory. He is a member of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. One of the best known
business men of his county and of this part of Pennsylvania, he has distinguished himself by his progressive-mindedness and efficiency. His active interest in
civic affairs has been most helpful, and he has shown
himself to be fond of outdoor sports and healthful
recreations. He is justly proud of his family, which
is a pioneer family of this county.
In I9I3 Charles E. Martin married Mary L,ucile
Hutchinson, of this State. The children are: I. Edward H., born in 1917, graduated from the University
of Virginia, afterward a student in law at the University of Pittsburgh. 2. Wilmer H., born in 192I, graduated from Phillips-Andover Academy, later a student
at Dartmouth.
FLOYD ROSE-His name has attained distinction in the steel industry of the city of Pittsburgh,
where he is now vice-president of the VanadiumAlloys Steel Company, the Colonial Steel Company,
the Anchor Drawn Steel Company, and a director in
several other large business organizations. He is one
of the prominent alumni of the University of Pittsburgh and has championed athletics at that institution
as a coach and spectator. This briefly summarizes the
place Floyd Rose has come to occupy in Pittsburgh,
where he has resided and worked since boyhood.
Mr. Rose was born in Allegheny, September 23,
I876, the son of Cyrus L. and Anna (Ritz) Rose, both
members of old Pennsylvania families. The father,
who was born at Mt. Pleasant. April I4, I839, and died
in Pittsburgh, March 15, 1904, was a prominent merchant and business man here for many years. He first
came to this city in I864 and for the next three years
was to be employed in the carpet store operated by
James McFarland on Fifth Avenue. In I867 he severed his connections with this firm to become a member of Bovard, Rose and Company, on lower Fifth
Avenue, which he was to be associated with for over
twenty-five years. In I895 he entered business for himself, operating an establishment on Federal Street in
Allegheny under the title of C. L. Rose and Company,
which he headed until his passing. Cyrus L. Rose
married, in 1872, Anna Ritz, of Hollidaysburg. She
was the daughter of Jeremiah and Rachel (Jackson)
Ritz, the former a native of Hanover, York County,
where he was born February I3, 1807, and the latter
of Aetna Iron Works, Huntingdon County, where she
was born July 3, 1816. Mrs. Ritz's mother was the
daughter of Thomas Jackson, one of the wealthy and
prominent men of his generation in this part of the
State. She removed to Williamsburg with her parents
and here met and married Jeremiah Ritz, engaged in
the drug business at the time.
Floyd Rose received a general education in the
public schools of the city of Pittsburgh and after completing this part of his studies determined to pursue
an engineering career. Thus he matriculated at the
Western University of Pennsylvania, now the University of Pittsburgh, and was graduated from this institution as a Metallurgical Engineer in the class of I896.
His first position was with the Carbon Steel Company
of this city where he engaged at the open hearth and
during the year he served here rose to become assistant
general superintendent. In I907 he left to accept a
position as general superintendent of the Portsmouth
Steel Company of Portsmouth, Ohio, which he was to
be associated with until I9o09, when he returned to
Pittsburgh to engage in business on his own account.
For the next nine years he conducted a highly successful metallurgical and inspecting practice, which he
discontinued in I918 when he was appointed manager
of the artillery forging division of the United States
Ordnance Department in the Pittsburgh district. In
this capacity he worked as manager of the Heppenstall
Forge and Knife Company, and the Edgewater Company, which led to a permanent association during the
latter part of 1919, when he was elected secretary and
manager of the former organization. He so continued
until I926, when he was appointed vice-president and
manager of the Vanadium-Alloys Steel Company in
charge of sales. During the succeeding mergers in
which this organization absorbed the Colonial Steel
Company and the Anchor Drawn Steel Company, he
was named to act in the same capacity for the new
members and has so continued to this day. In addition
to these business affiliations he is also a director in
several enterprises, including the Vascaloy-Ramet
Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. Success has come to
him entirely through his own efforts and ability and he
417ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
is universally respected and esteemed by his colleagues
for his accomplishments.
Since his student days when he was captain of the
varsity baseball team and a member of the college
football team, Mr. Rose has been a sports enthusiast
and one of the outstanding alumni athletic leaders of
the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as
chairman of the alumni council of the university and
president of the Alumni Association.
Mr. Rose has also evinced a great interest in the
social and civic affairs of his surroundings and is a
member of a number of the leading clubs and societies
here, including the Pittsburgh Rotary Club, in which
he is a director. He fraternizes with the Order of
Free and Accepted Masons as a member of Bellefield
Lodge, No. 680, of which he was first Master; and
also belongs to the Mt. Vernon Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons; Calvary Commandery, Knights Templar of
Portsmouth, Ohio; and the Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Pittsburgh. He is identified with the Pittsburgh Athletic
Association, and belongs to the Duquesne Club, the
University Club, the Latrobe Country Club, the Alcoma
Country Club, and several others. He is a Republican
in politics and in his religious convictions worships at
the Presbyterian Church.
On November I8, I903, at Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr.
Rose married Gertrude Stedman, of that city, and
they are the parents of one son, Robert Stedman Rose.
EVAN INKERMAN BROWN, M. D.--President of two large coal companies, Evan Inkerman
Brown was, until 1923, prominent in the medical profession in Westmoreland County, having been a general practitioner in West Newton for more than ten
years.
Dr. Brown was born in South Wales, Great Britain,
on April 22, 1885, a son of William Philip and Clara
(Smith) Brown. William Philip Brown, who was a
native of North Wales, established himself as a farmer
and also in the meat business in Elizabeth, Allegheny
County. A staunch Republican, he was a member of
the United Presbyterian Church. He died in Elizabeth
in December of 1925 at the age of sixty-three. Clara
Smith Brown, a native of Leicestershire, England, is
now residing in Elizabeth, Allegheny County.
Evan Inkerman Brown passed through the public
schools of Buena Vista, Allegheny College. Then,
after eighteen months at the Northeastern Ohio State
Normal School at Caufield, Ohio, he attended the high
school at McKeesport, graduating in 1907. Selecting
the medical profession for his career, he studied at the
University of Pennsylvania and received his degree
of Doctor of Medicine in 1911. Following a year as
an interne at the Columbia Hospital at Wilkinsburg,
Dr. Brown came to West Newton and established himself in I912 in general practice.  For eleven years
Dr. Brown followed his profession exclusively until
1923, when he organized the Solar Coal Company and
the Solar Fuel Company. Both organizations maintain
their offices in McKeesport. Dr. Brown became president of the two organizations and remains as such at
present. The companies are operating units. They
supply fuel not only to domestic customers but also to
railroads and steel manufacturing plants.  Since he
became connected with the coal business Dr. Brown
has not actively practiced medicine. However, he is
active in many local civic and fraternal interests. He
is a thirty-second degree member of the Masonic
Fraternity, belonging to AMcKeesport Lodge, No. 641,
Free and Accepted Masons and Syria Temple of Pittsburgh. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of
McKeesport and the Youghiogheny Country Club. I.ike
his father, Dr. Brown is a member of the Republican
party and the United Presbyterian Church. He is a
member, too, of Scacia Fraternity of Philadelphia. A
baseball fan, Dr. Brown is also keenly interested in
lending a helping hand to young men starting out in
life.
On June I2, 1912, Evan Inkerman Brown married
Alice Virginia Ralston, of Cowansville. She is a
daughter of Dr. R. G. and Martha (Templeton) Ralston. Dr. Ralston, who practiced medicine in Cowansville, was a graduate of Jefferson Medical College. A
Democrat, he was a follower of William Jennings
Bryan. Dr. Ralston was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Both Dr. and Mrs. Ralston are deceased. Mrs. Brown was educated at Worthing Academy and at Grove City College. She is a member of
the United Presbyterian Church of West Newton.
ALEXANDER RANKIN-Postmaster of McKeesport, Alexander Rankin has been a watchmaker
and jeweler for many years both in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and in McKeesport. Mr. Rankin is also one of
the most active Democrats in Allegheny County, being
the first member of his party to ever be elected to the
McKeesport City Council. He is also prominent in
fraternal organizations both locally and in Pittsburgh.
Alexander Rankin was born in Belfast, Ireland, on
August 6, I873, a son of Hugh and Marie Rosina
(Pilson) Rankin. Hugh Rankin, a native of Port
Patrick, Wightonshire, Scotland, died in Philadelphia
on December 23, I927, at the age of eighty-four. A
jeweler, Mr. Rankin followed his trade for many years
in Belfast. There, he was a member of the Conservative party and an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
When he came to America, he settled in Philadelphia,
418ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
4I
who was born in Greensburg. After graduating from
the Greensburg Schools, Westminster College and
Pittsburgh Musical Institute, Miss Barron took a law
degree at the University of Pittsburgh and was in her
father's office. She married, December 27, I937, John
S. Austin, of Greensburg, where they reside.
CHARLES  C. CROUSE, M. D.-Just as he
completed his medical education and training, Charles
C. Crouse, M. D., was called to service in France,
first with the British Army and then with the American Expeditionary Forces. Then, with the war ended,
he returned home and set himself up in general practice in Greensburg. Today he is one of Westmoreland
County's most widely respected physicians and surgeons.
Charles C. Crouse was born in Stahlstown, Westmoreland County, on April I, I888, the son of Jerome
M. and Sarah (Ober) Crouse. Jerome M. Crouse,
who was born in Stahlstown in March, I856, and died
in Greensburg, December 26, 1930, was a farmer all
his life. A Republican, he served for years as a member of the Donegal Township School Board, being its
secretary also. His wife, a native of Somerset County,
was born June 23, 1862, and is now living in Greensburg. Jerome M. Crouse was the son of Leonard and
Eliza (Moody) Crouse. Both were natives of Pennsylvania and of farming families. Eliza Moody Crouse
was the daughter of William and Christina (Freeman)
Moody. William Moody was the son of James Moody,
of Westmoreland County. Sarah (Ober) Crouse, was
the daughter of Christopher and Barbara (Saylor)
Ober, both natives of Somerset County. Christopher,
who was the son of Jacob Ober, of Somerset, was a
farmer and also operated a gristmill.
Charles C. Crouse passed through the public schools
of Donegal Township and graduated from the Monessen High School. From I9o8 through I910 he attended Grove City College and then, for five years, he
taught schools in Westmoreland County. In I915,
studying at the Medico-Chirurgical College (now the
Medical School of the University of Pennsylvania)
he won his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Interneship
followed at the Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, but just
as this training was completed, Dr. Crouse, who had
been an officer in the Medical Reserve Corps of the
United States Army, was called from his private affairs to minister to the suffering in war-torn France.
He was one of the first American doctors to go into
active duty with the British Epeditionary Forces, at
Base Hospital No. 32, at Wimereux, France: the
London Field Ambulance, and the West Riding Field
Ambulance. He then joined the American Medical
Corps, and was stationed at the Red Cross Hospital
No. 9, in Paris. In this service with the American
Expeditionary Forces, he was stationed at Base Hospital No. 27, at Angers, France, with the Pittsburgh
unit. While aiding the victims of Ypres in Belgium,
Dr. Crouse was wounded. Finally, the war ended and,
in April, IgIg, Dr. Crouse was returned home, being
discharged from active service with the rank of major.
Following an assistantship under Dr. J. P. Griffith,
professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, at
Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Dr. Crouse came to
Greensburg in 1920, and established himself in general
surgery as a member of the staff of Westmoreland
Hospital, a position he has held until the present. He
is a member of the American Medical Association; the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the Westmoreland Medical Society, of which he served as president in 1928. He is also a Fellow of the American
College of Surgeons, an honor since received, in I923.
A member of the United Presbyterian Church of
Greensburg, Dr. Crouse finds relaxation and diversion
on his farm in Ligonier Valley. A Mason, he belongs
to La Monte I.odge, Free and Accepted Masons, at
Derry, and to Urania Chapter, No. 192, Royal and
Select Masons. He also is a member of the Greensburg Rotary Club, the Greensburg County Club, the
Phi Rho Sigma Fraternity and Robert G. Katouch
Post, No. 318, American Iegion, of Greensburg.
On September 28, I916, Charles C. Crouse married
Elizabeth Blackburn, a daughter of A. S. and Marilla
(Matthews) Blackburn, of Stahlstown. Mr. Blackburn now resides in Philadelphia with his son, Dr.
Walter J. Blackburn. Mrs. Blackburn is deceased.
Mrs. Crouse, who is a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Institute of Music and of Seton Hill College, is a member and past president of the Medical Auxiliary of
Westmoreland County and of the Delphian Literary
Club. She is also a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Greensburg. Dr. and Mrs. Crouse
have a daughter: Dorothy Marie, born on December
13, 1917, and now a student at Bucknell University,
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
DAVID  HAMILTON  FEE-As publisher of
"The Daily Notes" at Canonsburg, David Hamilton
Fee exercised an important influence for many years
in the life of the community and county. He devoted
almost half a century to newspaper work, turning his
exceptional gifts to the creation of a vital organ of
news and opinion which he made a potent factor in
promoting the public welfare.
Mr. Fee was born in Chartiers Township, Washington County, on July 9, I853, a son of John and
Hanna (Quinn) Fee. He was a member of one of
the oldest Washington County families, tracing hisANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
where he lived in retirement. He joined the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. His wife, Marie Rosina
Pilson Rankin, was born on February 22, I843, in
Downpatrick, Ireland, and died in Belfast, Ireland, on
October 22, I890. She was a daughter of James Pilson.
He was editor and publisher of the "Down Recorder,"
a paper in Downpatrick. His wife was a Miss Adair.
Both died in Downpatrick. Hugh Rankin was a son
of Captain Alex and Margaret (White) Rankin. Captain Rankin, a native of Port Patrick, followed the
sea all his life. His wife was a native of Scotland.
Both died in Belfast.
Alexander Rankin attended the public schools in
Belfast until he was fourteen. Then he served a sevenyear apprenticeship in watchmaking, following it with
a three-year term as a journeyman watchmaker. His
trade acquired, Mr. Rankin sailed for America, arriving in New York City on April 27, i898. While seeking work as a watchmaker, he supported himself for
a few weeks by peddling tea and coffee. In May Mr.
Rankin found work at his trade with Gillette Brothers
in Scranton but, in a few months, the firm went out of
business. While looking for another position, Mr.
Rankin worked' as a laborer. in the steel mills at a
wage of $I.5o a day. Then followed a temporary job
as a watchmaker in Scranton with Eugene Schimpf
with another such position in Pittsburgh. In October,
I898, Mr. Rankin came to McKeesport and was employed as a watchmaker by Jacob Steinberg, a jeweler.
After a year in his employ, Mr. Rankin was employed
until 1902 by Peter and Henry Yester on Fifth Avenue, McKeesport. And then, after holding a position
for a time with H. A. Reineman, another Fifth Avenue jeweler, Mr. Rankin went into business for himself
on Walnut Street, McKeesport. In the panic of I908
Mr. Rankin closed out his business and later went back
to work for H. A. Reineman until I914, when Mr.
Rankin and Frank Zewe and his son, Bert Zewe, took
over the business as a partnership. This firm, under
the name of Rankin and Company, endured on Fifth
Avenue for three years, at the end of which period,
Mr. Rankin sold out his interest in the company. Mr.
Rankin opened his present establishment on Walnut
Street on December 8, I917. The establishment, a
jewelry store with a full line, is now conducted under
the name of Alexander Rankin, Incorporated, with
Mr. Rankin as president. An active Democrat, Mr.
Rankin has long been' one of the leaders of his party
in McKeesport. He was city chairman for his party
for two years beginning in June, I934, and, in the
autumn of I935, he was elected to the City Council,
being the first Democrat to ever gain the office. He
had the honor of leading his ticket as well. On April
I6, I936, Congressman James L. Quinn caused Mr.
Rankin to be made acting postmaster of McKeesport
and on June 20, 1936, his commission as postmaster
was issued. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. For many years, Mr. Rankin has been active
in fraternal organizations. He belongs to Youghiogheny Lodge, No. 583, Free and Accepted Masons;
McKeesport Royal Arch Chapter, No. 282, the McKeesport Commandery, No. 86, Knights Templar, and
Syria Temple of Pittsburgh. He is also a member of
McKeesport Lodge, No. I36, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Titus Lodge, No. 207, Knights
of Pythias. Mr. Rankin is a charter member and was
president of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is also
a member and past president of the McKeesport
Rotary Club, holding office in 192I-22. He is a member too of the National and State Postmasters' associations. During the World War, he was very active in
promoting Liberty Loan campaigns and Red Cross
drives.
On July io, I909, Alexander Rankin married Mrs.
Nettie (Eaton) Nicholson. Mrs. Rankin, who was
born in Cambridge, Ohio, died in McKeesport of April
30, I932. Mrs. Rankin is survived by a daughter of
her first marriage, Nellie Nicholson, now the wife of
Colonel J. F. Keen, of Vancouver, British Columbia,
a veteran of the Boer War. He is a construction
engineer and building contractor. Colonel and Mrs.
Keen have twin sons, John Patrick and Robert Nicholson, and a daughter, Thelma. Both boys are officers
in the British Columbia Hussars.
HENRY ELLWOOD HELLING, M. D.Throughout his professional career, of over twentynine years, Dr. Henry Ellwood Helling has been engaged in the general practice of medicine and industrial surgery at Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. He was
born in Martins Ferry, Ohio, on November 12, I882,
the son of Charles A. Helling and Anna (Burk)
Helling, both natives of Germany.
The elder Mr. Helling came to Ellwood City with
the Northwood Glass Company from Martins Ferry,
Ohio, in 1892. For many years, prior to his death, he
was in the employ of the Standard Engineering Company of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Helling graduated from the Ellwood City High
School in I902. His ambition, at this time, was to
become a Mechanical Engineer. He soon discovered
his mistake, discontinued his work at State College
and entered Beaver College at Beaver, Pennsylvania.
He took two years pre-medical work, and in I905 he
entered the Western University of Pennsylvania Medical School. He graduated in I9o09 with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine, and he also had the distinction
of being president of the graduating class.
419ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The class of I909 was the first class to graduate
following the change of name to the University of
Pittsburgh.  Upon his admission to the practice of
medicine, Dr. Helling established himself in Ellwood
City, Pennsylvania, and has been a prominent member
of the local medical profession to the present day.
He has been physician for the local Board of Health
for the past fifteen years. He has been a member of
the Board of Education for thirteen years, having
served several terms as president of this body. He is a
charter member of the Ellwood City Kiwanis Club,
and for three years served the Pennsylvania District of
Kiwanis International as lieutenant-governor. He was
also one of the first to plan, establish, and organize
the Ellwood City Hospital; served on the board of
directors for many years. He is a director of the
Community Loan Bank, and is affiliated with the
County, State, and American Medical associations. He
has always been closely identified with civic affairs.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and
has long been active in the affairs of the Republican
party.
He was married, at New Castle, Pennsylvania, on
March I, I9I0, to Helen Marie Rearic, daughter of
William and Cassie (Crill) Rearic, both deceased. Dr.
and Mrs. Helling are the parents of two children: I.
Jean, born March I9, I9II, married to John Krestel;
they are the parents of a son, John Helling Krestel.
2. Henry Ellwood Helling, Jr., born September 28,
1913, now connected with the Advertising Department
of the Mathews Conveyor Company.
HUGH P. FITZSIMMONS-One of those fortunate men who early in life find the vocation they
want most to follow, Hugh P. FitzSimmons, of Marion
Center, has been connected with journalism since boyhood. On October 26, I936, he became the sole owner
and editor of the "Marion Center Independent," and,
by reason of this fact and his own breadth of experience and outlook the paper is one of the most influential factors in the progress and life of North Indiana
County.
Mr. FitzSimmons was born July 31, 1903, at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, son of Hugh F. and Catherine
(Short) FitzSimmons. Both parents were of Scottish
origin. His father is retired from active business;
his mother died in I934. The son was given a sound
education in the parochial schools, and also at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.  Although Mr. FitzSimmons has been variously engaged during his career, he has always returned to newspaper work and,
in his early thirties, is head of his own establishment.
As already indicated he has been the owner and editor
of the "Marion Center Independent" since the fall of
I936, having then purchased all outstanding interests
in the paper. The "Independent" was founded as far
back as I88i, by C. R. Griffith who operated it until
his death. It is the only newspaper in the northern
part of Indiana County and has a circulation approaching two thousand. Mr. FitzSimmons also has a fine
plant fitted to turn out the best type of job and commercial printing. It is completely equipped with the
most modern machinery. Fraternally, he is affiliated
with the Knights of Columbus, of which he is secretary and chancellor, and the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
JAMES  SUTTON  BLAIR-For many years
prominently connected with the world of business,
james Sutton Blair, of the city of Indiana, has been
an official of many organizations and a leader in numcrous worth-while activities. The coal and lumber
business and banking have comprised his major enterprises, and his position is recognized as one of true
leadership and distinction. He is respected, honored
and trusted in an ever widening circle of acquaintance,
and his kindness, generosity and sincerity were qualities that have won for him the affection of his contemporaries in all walks of life.
Mr. Blair was born March 6, I870, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, son of John Pringle and Elizabeth (Sutton)
Blair and member of an old and distinguished family.
The Blair families of Ireland and America are descended from the Ayrshire Blairs of Scotland. Their
lineage has been traced back on the female side more
than once to a royal ancestor, according to family
records. The Indiana County Blairs trace their line
directly to Dr. Robert Blair, of St. Andrews, Scotland, and later of Ireland, who was the first Presbyterian minster in Ulster County, Ireland, and had a
congregation at Bangor, County Down, in I6Io. Later
h e retired to Aghaddy, County Antrim. His grandson, John Blair, born in Ireland, died there at the
age of Ioi years. He was the father of the American
pioneer, Hugh Blair, who was born in Ireland, at
Donagar, County Antrim, in I74I, and died in I837
in Hartstown, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. In
Ireland, he married Janet Thompson, born I745, who
died in I835. They came to America in I802, arriving at Philadelphia with their two youngest children,
James and David, and crossing the State by wagon.
The line passes onward through David, one of those
children, who entered Jefferson College in I8Io, and
after two years began studying for the ministry at
Dr. Anderson's Theological Seminary, the oldest seminary of its kind in the New World. He was ordained
in I818, and was called to the United Congregations
of Indiana, Crooked Creek and Conemaugh, spending
420ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
nearly a half century in laboring for these churches.
In 1821 he married Margaret Steele, of Huntingdon,
Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel Steele, a merchant.
One of their children was John Pringle Blair, born
in 1833, died in 1913, graduated from Jefferson Col-,ege, studied law with his brother, the Hon. Samuel
Blair, in Hollidaysburg, and was admitted to the bar
in 1856. He settled at New Castle, Pennsylvania,
there serving as district attorney until the Civil War
came and he enlisted in the I2th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was promoted to first lieutenant of the Iooth Regiment, and later was made captain of Company G in that regiment. He was twice
wounded and was so disabled that he was honorably
discharged in May, I864. Resuming his practice of
law, he settled in Indiana, and in I874 was elected
president judge of the Fortieth Judicial District of
Pennsylvania. None of his decisions as a judge was
ever reversed-a rare distinction. Afterward he again
practiced law. Politically he was a Republican, and
he attended the Presbyterian Church. He was solicitor and later president of the First National Bank.
john Pringle Blair married Elizabeth Sutton. Their
marriage united two old and noted families. Miss
Sutton traced her family line back to John Sutton, who
came in I639 to America in the ship "Diligent" with
his wife, Julienne (Bouchier) Sutton, of Portiers,
F rance, settling at Eastham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Firom him the line passes through William, Daniel,
Zebulon, Peter, Thomas, James in succeeding generations down to Elizabeth Sutton, daughter of James
and  Sarah  (Stansbury) Sutton.  The children of
John Pringle and Elizabeth (Sutton) Blair were: I.
Margaret Steele Blair, born March 28, i868, married
March i8, I80o, to Samuel Robert Shumaker, who
was born January 20, 1859, and was cashier of the
First National Bank, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania,
and later of Sewickley, where he was vice-president
of the Western National Bank, of Pittsburgh. He
died October 9, I9I4. They were the parents of three
children: i. John Blair Shumaker, born January 20,
I893, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and educated at
Carnegie Tech; war veteran, first lieutenant 79th Division Artillery; now with Atlantic Refining Company;
married, I935, Elizabeth Lowry, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Horace Lowry of Indiana, Pennsylvania. ii.
Samuel Robert Shumaker, commander United States
Navy, born October I7, I894, at Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; married, 1921, Eleanor Baird McKnight,
daughter of Charles and Eliza Corchrane (Wilson)
McKnight, of Sewickley. They are the parents of (a)
Eliza Corchrane Shumaker, born I922, Sewickley,
Pennsylvania. (b) Margaret Blair Shumaker, born
1924, Washington, District of Columbia. (c) Samuel
Robert Shumaker, Jr., born I930, Washington, District
of Columbia. iii. Cresswell Sutton Shumaker, born at
Sewickley, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1903; graduated United States Naval Academy; lawyer, associated
with the firm of Watson  Freeman at Pittsburgh;
married October 6, I934, Mrs. Ruth (Curby) Clarkson, daughter of Clarence Joseph Curby and Rose
(Davidson) Curby, of St. Louis. Mrs. Clarkson-Shumaker had two children by a former marriage (a)
Ruth Clarkson, (b) Palmer Clarkson. 2. James Sutton Blair, of further mention. 3. David Blair, born
April 25, 1872, attended Washington and Jefferson College and Princeton University, became an attorney,
married, September I8, 19OI, Helen Torrance, daughter of Dr. James M. and Ida (Hildebrand) Torrance,
and lived in Indiana. He also engaged in the coal
and lumber business as treasurer of the Blair Lumber
Company; director of the Indian Creek Lumber Company and president of the Blair Coal Company. Mr.
and Mrs. David Blair had three children: i. David
Blair, Jr., of St. Louis, Missouri, district manager of
Warren Telechron Company; born April 12, 1903;
married Margaret Polhemus, of Boston, Massachusetts, October II, 1934; they have one child, Suzanne.
ii. Katharine Torrance Blair, born February 6, 19o6;
married February I8, I933, R. E. Lewis, banker. They
have one child, R. E. Lewis, Jr. iii. John P. Blair,
Ichthyologist, New York Aquarium, New York; born
December Io, I907; not married.
After completing his preliminary schooling, James
Sutton Blair became a student at Princeton University,
at Princeton, New Jersey, where he was a member
of the class of I89o. Early in his career he turned his
attention to business affairs, becoming president of the
First National Bank, of Indiana, and also of the Blair
Lumber Company and the South Tennessee Lumber
Company. He is also vice-president of the Indian
Creek Lumber Company and treasurer of the Blair
Coal Company.
His contribution to the welfare of his community
has been a many-sided one, constructive in its results
from many points of view. Politically he has supported
the Republican party and its policies, without ever
seeking public office. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the Cosmopolitan
Club and the Country Club, of Indiana, and Whig
Hall, at Princeton, New Jersey.
James Sutton Blair married (first), October 27,
1897, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Caroline Rowland Hall,
daughter of Rev. David Hall, D. D., and his wife,
Elizabeth (Walker) Hall. The following children
42IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
were born to them: I. David Hall Blair, on June 30,
I906; Yale graduate, I929; married, on July 12,
1935, Elinor Rinehart Gordon, Vassar graduate, I934.
First connected with Gillette Safety Razor Company
of Boston and later Director of Relief of Indiana.
Jefferson and Armstrong counties, Pennsylvania. 2.
Elizabeth Blair, born September I2, I9II, V assar
graduate, I933, became, on July 25, I936, the wife of
William S. Conklin, M. D., of Shreveport, I,ouisiana,
a graduate of Dartmouth and University of Pennsylvania in Medicine. James Sutton Blair married (second), on November 8, I930, in Washington, District of
Columbia, Mrs. Lena Custis Watkins-Hall, daughter
of Joel Brown and Elizabeth (Blair) Watkins, of
Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Blair, by her first marriage,
to Edward Payson Hall, had two children: i. Custis
Lee Hall, M. D., orthopedic surgeon, Washington,
District of Columbia; married Mary Bland Golden, of
Washington, District of Columbia. ii. Elsie Hall,
married Clement Furman Haynsworth, of Greenville,
South Carolina, an attorney.
WALT'ER L. RIGGS-One of the leading attorneys of McKeesport, Walter L. Riggs is an active
member of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania, and an author. Among his historical writings is "The Early History of McKeesport."
Walter L. Riggs was born in McKeesport on November 24, 1882, a son of Robert L. and Cordelia C.
B. (Whigham) Riggs. The father was the first principal of the McKeesport schools. Prominent in the
city's political life, he served as city treasurer and was
also a member of the School Board for many years.
A member of the First Baptist Church of McKeesport,
he was a deacon of the church. He was born on August 26, 1838, and was reared on a farm in Snowden
Township, Allegheny County. He died on February
21, I92I. He was a son of John and Mary (Phillips)
Riggs. John Riggs was a farmer. Mary Phillips
Riggs was a descendant of Rev. David Phillips, who
was a captain in the Chester County Militia. Cordelia
C. B. (Whigham) Riggs, who was born on May I5,
1844, died on July I8, I9I4. She was a daughter of
John McKee and Margaret (Cunningham) Whigham.
Mr. and Mrs. Whigham were residents of Mifflin
Township, Allegheny County. Through the Whigham
side of her family, Mrs. Riggs was a direct descendant
of Lieutenant David McKee, brother of John McKee,
for whom McKeesport is named. Through her Cunningham ancestry, Mrs. Riggs was a descendant of
Captain Samuel Cunningham.
Walter L. Riggs, of wholn this is primarily a record, attended the public schools of McKeesport, graduating from the high school in I9go. After attending
Bucknell University, he graduated in I905 from the
University of Pittsburgh with his degree of Bachelor
of Laws. Admitted to the bar the same year, Mr.
Riggs established himself in practice in McKeesport.
He is a member of the Republican party and belongs
to the First Baptist Church of McKeesport.  For
many years Mr. Riggs has been interested in history,
particularly the early history of Western Pennsylvania
and he has become an authority in his field, his previously mentioned work, "The Early History of McKeesport," being the fruit of years of study and research. During the World War Mr. Riggs served as
attorney for the Draft Board.
Mr. Riggs married Katherine Williams, of Canton,
Ohio. She is a graduate of Oberlin College, receiving
her degree of Bachelor of Arts in I905. Mr. and Mrs.
Riggs have a son, Robert I,. Riggs, born September
14, I914, who attended Dartmouth College, graduated
as a Bachelor of Arts from Duquesne University in
I936, and is now a student at the University of Pittsburgh Law School.
CLARENCE ELMORE RALSTON-As safety
director of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company Clarence Elmore Ralston continues his attention to the
safety factor in industry, which has occupied his efforts
during the past quarter of a century. He was a pioneer in the field and through his service with several
companies he has done much to promote its development.
Mr. Ralston was born in Pittsburgh on December 7,
I882, son of Stewart Henderson and Jennie (McFarland) Ralston. His father was a surveyor and
builder. Clarence Elmore Ralston attended the Pittsburgh grade schools, spent one year in Pittsburgh
High School and afterward completed his technical
training through the courses of the International Correspondence School at Scranton. He began his career
in I898 as transit man to the field engineer (civil) of
the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company at Pittsburgh.
This connection he continued for four years. In I902
and I903 he was associated with his father as junior
member of S. H. Ralston and Son, surveyors and engineers, and in I904 was appointed construction inspector
with the United States Engineers, at Pittsburgh. Upon
the termination of this service, he returned to the
Jones and Laughlin Steel Company as field engineer,
beginning in I905. Afterward he served in other
capacities within the organization and by 1912 had
advanced to the post of assistant to the chief engineer.
In the latter year he was first appointed safety engineer of the company and began his long association
with the development of safety techniques and other
measures designed to prevent injuries in industry. His
422ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
considered recommendations and the program  which
he sponsored resulted in a substantial reduction in injuries among the company's men.  These gains attracted considerable attention.
Prior to the World War there were no safety engineers in either the navy or the army. When our
country entered the war the need for such officers was
recognized. Thirteen safety engineers were called
from the industries to handle the safety work in the
navy yards and arsenals-appointed respectively by
the Secretary of the Navy or War. Mr. Ralston's
own orders were signed by Franklin I). Roosevelt, as
Assistant Secretary of the Navy. These safety engineers were assigned to the Office of the Commandant
in each instance and served directly under him. Mr.
Ralston was assigned as safety engineer to the Mare
Island Navy Yard in California. Here he was stationed from September, I917, until January, I920,
when he left the service. In February, I920, he joined
the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York
City, one of the country's great insurance companies,
as field supervisor of the Department of Safety and
Personnel. For three years he was occupied with the
duties of this office, after which, in February, I923, he
assumed his present position as safety director of the
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Pittsburgh. He
has since served without interruption in the administration of the important responsibilities devolving
upon him.
Mr. Ralston, who makes his home in Verona, is a
member of the American Society of Safety Engineers
and past president of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of this organization, an active member of the National Safety Council since its organization and also
the Western Pennsylvania Safety Council. He is
affiliated with Milnor Lodge, No. 287, Free and Accepted Masons, in Pittsburgh, and is a Republican in
politics, although he has never entered public life. Mr.
Ralston is also a member of the Presbyterian Church,
in which he has served as elder since 1922.
He married, on December 7, I905, at Marion Station,
Somerset County, Maryland, Charlotte Close Chaffey,
daughter of John Glyde and Mary (Reed) Chaffey.
Mr. and Mrs. Ralston are the parents of one son,
Stewart Chaffey Ralston, born November 25, I9o6.
JOHN ROCHAMBEAU HAUDENSHIELD
-Through his business connections and civic interests, John Rochambeau Haudenshield has been active
in many phases of the life of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He is now president of the Amherst Terrace
Realty Company, and secretary of two building and
loan associations.
Mr. Haudenshield was born on September IO, I888,
in Scott Township, Allegheny County, about eight
miles from the city of Pittsburgh. He is a son of
John Edward and Mary Holmes (Burk) Haudenshield and a descendant of old Colonial families. His
father, a farmer, was a substantial citizen of Scott
Township and a school director there for thirty years.
John Rochambeau Haudenshield was educated in the
public schools of Scott Township and in Carnegie
High School at Carnegie, after which he studied in the
University of Pittsburgh. He began his active career.
which has been devoted chiefly to banking and finance,
as a bank clerk in I909 and four years afterward became cashier of the First National Bank at West Middlesex. This office he occupied until I918. In the
latter year,he joined a trust company as clerk, serving
until I925. In 1925-26 he was a clerk in a national
bank and in the latter year resigned to become a salesman for the Frigidaire Corporation, continuing as such
until I932. Since that time he has been secretary and
director of the Beaver Falls Building and Loan Association and since 1934 has also served as secretary and
liquidating trustee of the Forbes-Murray Building and
Loan Association. In I937 he assumed additional responsibilities as president of the Amherst Terrace
Realty Company, of which he is still active head.
Mr. Haudenshield is a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution, St. Clair Chapter, and serves
at present as a State officer of the society, in which
he has been active over a period of years. He is also
a member of the Boone Family Association and of the
Historical Committee of the Presbytery of Pittsburgh.
He has always been interested in the history and traditions of the nation's past and has given freely of his
time and effort to promote the ideals of the nation's
founders as a force in contemporary life. In politics
Mr. Haudenshield is a Republican and has been recently elected by his party to the House of Representatives in the I938 election, and is now serving
from the Twelfth Allegheny County District. A leading Presbyterian layman of the Pittsburgh area, he
also serves as a trustee of the Pittsburgh Presbytery.
On June 4, 1913, at Bellaire, Ohio, John Rochambeau Haudenshield married Ella Mae Holliday, daughter of David A. and Jennie (Ault) Holliday. They
became the parents of two children: Mary Jane, born
July 31, I914, died December 26, 193I; and John
David, born November 20, I916.
MAJOR ROBERT M. EWING-Major Robert
M. Ewing, prominent member of the Pittsburgh bar
and an active figure in the public life of the State, was
born on a farm in Bell Township, Westmoreland
423ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
County, on January 3I, I868. He is a son of James
H. and Eleanor J. (Rhea) Ewing and a descendant
both paternally and maternally of old Pennsylvania
families, whose representative served in the Revolutionary War. His great-great-great-grandfather was
the Hon. William Findley, author of a history of the
Whiskey Insurrection, "Insurrection in the Four Western Counties," I796, and he was representative in
Congress from Westmoreland County for a period of
twenty years.
Major Ewing was educated in the rural schools near
his boyhood home, Saltsburg High School, Saltsburg
Academy and Washington and Jefferson College. He
became a teacher in the country schools of Westmoreland County as a young man and afterward taught for
a brief period in Kiskiminetas Springs School (Kiski)
at Saltsburg. Turning to the study of law at Indiana,
Pennsylvania, he was admitted to the Indiana bar in
1892 and removed immediately afterward to Pittsburgh, where he was admitted to practice in I893. Since
that time, with the exception of the interruptions made
necessary by his duties in public life, he has devoted
himself to the responsibilities of his practice in this
city.
Major Ewing enlisted in the National Guard of
Pennsylvania early in his career and served through
numerous enlistments, rising from the rank of private
to major in command of a battalion. When the United
States entered the World War, in view of his military
experience, he volunteered his services and was commissioned captain in the Ouartermaster Corps and
assigned to active duty on October I8, I917, as quartermaster at U. S. A. General Hospital No. I, New
York City. Here he served until September I, oI99,
when he was transferred to the legal branch of the
transportation service, stationed successively at Washington, District of Columbia, and Hoboken, New Jersey. In this connection he was engaged in the settlement of war claims of shipowners against the government. On October 4, I920, he received his honorable
discharge from the service and returned to his law
practice in Pittsburgh.
In January, 1922, Major Ewing was appointed assistant city solicitor by Mayor William A. Magee, of
Pittsburgh, an appointment he held until June 23, 1923,
when he was commissioned judge of the County Court
by Governor Gifford Pinchot. Upon the termination
of a short service on the bench he again resumed the
practice of law, but shortly afterward was appointed
Special Deputy Attorney-General of Pennsylvania. In
the following year he was reappointed by Governor
John S. Fisher and assigned as Attorney for the Pennsylvania Alcohol Permit Board, with other general
duties in connection with tfhe,r ihibition laws of the
State. Except for these intervals of public service, he
has been engaged in private practice at the bar since
I893, rising to a position of recognized prominence in
his profession.
Major Ewing has been active in other phases of
Pittsburgh life and is associated with a number of its
principal civic and fraternal institutions. He served
as president of the Historical Society of Western
Pennsylvania and a member of the State Historical
Commission; is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution; the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania State Bar associations; Pittsburgh Post, No. 5,
American Legion; and Orient Lodge, No. 5go, Free
and Accepted Masons. He is also an active layman of
the Presbyterian Church, being a member and ruling
elder of the Waverly Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh and a member of the board of trustees of the
Presbytery of Pittsburgh.
Major Ewing has been married twice: (first) to
Anna S. Davis, of Indiana, Pennsylvania, and (second) to Eleanor Chalfant McCrea, of Pittsburgh. He
is the father of four children: I. Caroline Isabel, who
married J. Archibald Jacob, of Wellsburg, West Virginia. 2. Robert M., Jr., district superintendent of the
Bell Telephone Company, Huntington, l,ong Island,
New York. 3. Liberty McCrea, who married Robert
Evans King, of Philadelphia. 4. William Findley.
JOHN EDWARD SNYDER-Many of the
public buildings as well as the larger private homes of
Greensburg are the work of John Edward Snyder and
his father, general contractors.
Mr. Snyder was born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, on December I7, I866, a son of
Simon C. and Hannah (Wible) Snyder. Simon C.
Snyder was born in the eastern section of Pennsylvania
and died in Greensburg on February 7, I913, at the age
of seventy-four years. For many years he was in the
general contracting business in Greensburg and founded
the business which his son has carried on. His wife,
who was born in Hempfield, also died in Greensburg.
John Edward Snyder passed through the public
schools of Greensburg and attended Greensburg Seminary. After completing his education, he entered into
his father's contracting business and remained in association with him until he died in I913. In I914 he
formed a partnership with J. W. Burrell, under the
firm name of Burrell and Snyder Company, which
continued until I926, at which time Mr. Burrell retired
on account of ill health, since which time Mr. Snyder
has continued alone under the firm name of J. E.
Snyder Company. Among the buildings the firm has
built in Greensburg are the First National Bank of
Greensburg, the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Com424ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
pany, the Nurses' Home of the Westmoreland Hospita,l, and the Norwin High School at Irwin, Pennsylvania. The firm has also remodeled several local
churches. Recently Mr. Snyder has specialized in
large and costly private homes.
On January 2I, I896, John Edward Snyder married
Elizabeth McDonald, a native of Greensburg. Mr.
and Mrs. Snyder have four children living: I. Robert,
associated with his father in the contracting business.
2. Edward, also associated with his father. 3. Richard,
employed in the Pennsylvania State Highway Department. 4. Catherine, the wife of Dr. James A. Cowan,
a surgeon of the Allegheny General Hospital, at Pittsburgh.
THE MAURER FAMILY-The earliest records
of the Maurer family in America show one Adam
Jacob Maurer who came from Rotterdam and arrived
in Philadelphia December 22, I744, and did take oath
and qualifications to the government.
Also mentioned in early Pennsylvania records are
Baltas Maurer, Philadelphia, 1765; Christoph Maurer,
Philadelphia, 1752; Christian Maurer, Philadelphia,
I765.
Some of these early members of the Maurer clan
settled in Virginia prior to the Revolutionary War,
and after the war, because of difficulty in securing
land grants from the government in Virginia, went to
what is now known as Brothers Valley Township,
Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Among these was
Philip Maurer, the progenitor of the family in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He settled in Brothers Valley
in 1783 and engaged in farming. He married and
became the father of several children, one of whom,
Jacob, later married Elizabeth Walker. They were
the parents of Jeremiah Maurer, who served as second
lieutenant in the Union Army during the Civil War.
He was a member of the State Legislature for one
term, having canvassed the county on foot during his
campaign. Jeremiah Maurer married Susan Bowman,
daughter of John and Mary (Lohr) Bowman. Mary
(Lohr) Bowman was the daughter of George and
Barbara (Miller) Lohr. John Bowman was the son
of Peter and Mary (Horner) Bowman. Peter Bowman was the son of Steven Bowman, and his wife was
the daughter of Solomon Horner, who fought in the
Revolutionary War.                           ~
During the first years of his married life, Jeremiah
Maurer farmed in the Township of Jennerstown, later
moving to Stoyestown, where he and his wife, Susan,
were active workers in the Lutherarn Church. They
became the parents of three children: I. Rev. Jacob E.
Maurer, who attended Gettysburg College, entered the
ministry and served in that capacity for over fifty
years. He married Annie Harris, of which union four
children were born: i. Margaret. ii. Winifred. iii.
Ruth. iv. Carroll. 2. Edward B. Maurer, who taught
in the public schools of Somerset County, farmed and
later engaged in the feed business at Boswell, where
he is now living in retirement, in his eighty-second
year. He married Ida Belle Biesecker Sipe, daughter
of Michael and Magadeline (Biesecker) Sipe. Magadeline Biesecker was the daughter of Daniel and
Nancy (Kimmel) Biesecker, and Nancy (Kimmel)
Biesecker was the daughter of Solomon Kimmel. Mr.
and Mrs. Edward B. Maurer were the parents of eight
children: i. Marion, married to C. A. Blanchard and
they are the parents of two children: Edward, a graduate of the University of Colorado and now located in
business at Washington, District of Columbia; and
Harry, a graduate of the School of Mines, Colorado,
married to Van Anderson, now located at Pensacola,
Florida, and interested in aviation. ii. Helen, who has
followed secretarial work and now situated at Fort
Bayard, New Mexico. iii. Ralph, now deceased; married Edith Lawson, of Bristol, Tennessee. iv. Lillian,
a registered nurse; joined the Army Nurses Corps,
was ordered to Camp A. A. Humphreys, Virginia,
then transferred to Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, and was honorably discharged March 5, I919; married April 3, I9I9, Lieutenant Charles B. Buck, son of Joseph and Emma
Buck, of Berks County, where he was born December
6, I882; enlisted, I898 and at the age of sixteen, in
the United States Army, serving with the Engineers
and Infantry until I930. v. Edith, taught in the public
schools and married Robert A. Stoughton II, born in
Philadelphia, I88o, son of Robert A. and Hannah
(Huddleson) Stoughton. The Stoughtons were early
English settlers in New England. Israel Stoughton
was First Military Governor of Massachusetts, about
I640-50. Stoughton Hall at Harvard University was
so named for the original land grantors. The father
of Robert A. Stoughton II served as an officer in the
Civil War and was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg. The mother was of the Sellers family of Delaware County. The Sellers were early English Quakers, descendants of Samuel Sellers who came to Philadelphia in I682 and who were leaders in the political,
social and civic affairs of Philadelphia. Nathan Sellers,
of the Revolutionary period, was an ensign and served
with Washington at Trenton, transferred from Trenton to York, where he supervised the manufacture
of the paper moulds which were used to print the
Continental money. Robert A. Stoughton died and his
widow and mother of Robert A. Stoughton II married
(second), in I894, James H. Black, of Meyersdale.
425ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ancestry to Abraham Fee, who came to America from
Ireland. After residing briefly in Maryland, Abraham
Fee crossed the Alleghanies and came to Washington
County in I8oo, joining the early Scotch-Irish settlers.
He died in I809 at Canonsburg, where he had been
engaged in business for some years as a merchant
tailor. Abraham Fee was the great-grandfather of
David Hamilton Fee. William, the grandfather, was
born in Maryland. He accompanied his parents to
Washington County in I8oo and became one of the
early school teachers of the county. Liberally educated, he was a man of unusual intellectual vigor and
was for many years justice of the peace in Chartiers
Township. He married Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter
of David Hamilton, a soldier of the American Revolution, who came to Washington County in I780, settling
at Rich Hills. A pioneer of that place, he lived there
until his death in I840 at the advanced age of ninety
years. He is buried in the Cross Roads United Presbyterian churchyard. One of the sons of William Fee
was named for his father, in whose footsteps he followed in teaching school in Washington County. He
was superintendent of public instruction in the county
from I869 to I875, but afterward removed to Cherokee
County, Iowa, where he spent the last years of his
life.
John Fee, son of William and Elizabeth (Hamilton)
Fee and father of David Hamilton Fee, was born in
North Strabane Township, Washington County, on
March Io, I817. He spent most of his life in Chartiers
Township, however, and died there on June 30, I901.
A carpenter and builder, he erected many of the finer
buildings in Washington and vicinity, including the
old county courthouse. In latter years he became a
farmer, occupying and operating the old Fee homestead property in Chartiers Township.  He served
several terms as school director and was always a
warm friend of the cause of public education. John
Fee was baptized in infancy by the Rev. John McMillan, D. D., noted pastor of Chartiers Presbyterian
Church, although his family were always identified
with the United Presbyterian Church of Cross Roads.
He married, in I845, Hanna Quinn, born in 1827 in
Washington County, died on June 30, I9oI. She was
a daughter of James Quinn, who came to America
from Ireland and died at Wheeling, West Virginia,
when he was still a comparatively young man. John
and Hanna (Quinn) Fee were the parents of the following children: John Nesbit; Lydia A.; Rebecca J.,
who married Matthew A. Cain; Samuel G., who married Anna McCoy; Ellis Gray, who married Catherine
Stewart: Henry, who married Jennie McCartv; and
William H.
David Hamilton Fee, of this record, spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He attended the local public schools and afterward was a student in Jefferson
Academy under Professor William Ewing, a wellknown Pennsylvania educator of that day. He also
attended normal school. In I88I and I882 he taught
in the public schools and at the end of that time, secured an interest in "The Canonsburg Notes," then
published as a weekly. After several months, he became sole owner of the paper and continued as its
editor and publisher for ten years. Meanwhile, in
I883, his younger brother, William H. Fee, joined
him on the paper and after a decade was admitted to
partnership in the enterprise. The firm of David H.
and William H. Fee conducted the "Notes" for twelve
years as a weekly. On April I8, I894, they began
the publication of "The Daily  Notes."  Although
Canonsburg was then little more than a village, the
new publication proved so popular and was managed
so carefully by the owners that it was a success from
the first issue. The weekly issue was eventually discontinued in order that all efforts might be concentrated on the daily. In I904 the Notes Printing and
Publishing Company was formed with David H. Fee
as president and his brother as vice-president. David
Fee was also senior editor of the paper, whose columns
not only reflected his sound sense of news values, but
were frequently the medium for the forceful expression
of his opinions on public affairs. He was utterly fearless in attacking unfortunate tendencies in government,
venality and wrong-doing, and equally strong in his
advocacy of good government and reform. There was
hardly a home in Canonsburg or the surrounding
countryside to which the "Notes" did not extend its
influence, and the value of this independent medium as
a community force was recognized by all. "For half
a century," to quote from a recent account of the
paper and Mr. Fee's editorship, "the'Notes' not only
gave accurate coverage of news, but by advocacy of
causes in which its publishers believed, exerted a powerful influence for good throughout the area of its
circulation. Many a local institution, taken for granted
by the townspeople, never would have developed had
these men (the owners) not planned to bring it about,
then, by their personal efforts and the influence of
their newspaper, made it a reality..... David H.
Fee gave liberally of publicity and of his own time to
every cause that he believed was for the good of the
community; nothing could induce him to support that
which was detrimental. He was fearless, and often
editorially denounced dishonest or unethical practice
when, by merely saying nothing, he might have received advertising or political favor. Mr. Fee's vig,
42ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Robert A. Stoughton II, above mentioned, lived in
Philadelphia until his mother remarried and removed
to Meyersdale, where young Stoughton attended the
high school and graduated in 1896. He started work
on an engineering corps in I899, following civil and
mining engineering, and he became a registered professional engineer in I929. In the meantime he served
as road supervisor for Jenners Township, I922-32, and
two years as vice-president of the State Supervisors
Association. He was appointed superintendent of roads
of Somerset County in I936, and since I937 has been
district engineer in charge of District No. I2, Pennsylvania Department of Highways, with headquarters
at Uniontown.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Stoughton II, of Boswell,
Jenners Township, are the parents of three children:
(a) Louise, attended Hood College, taught in the
public schools of Somerset County and at present is
a member of the staff of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Assistance; she married Griffith Maust
and they are the parents of three children: Joan
Stoughton, Lewis G., and James Robert Maust. (b)
Robert A., III, who took an engineering course at
Pennsylvania State College, taught in the public
schools of Somerset County, served as assistant administrator of Works Progress Administration, and at
present is employed by Somerset Trust Company, of
Somerset; married Dorothy Davis, daughter of C. L.
and Harriet (Landis) Davis of Somerset County, both
deceased. (c) James B., attended the University of
Pittsburgh, has moved to his property in Jenners
Township, and restored Reitzs' Mill, built in Brothers
Valley in I805, where he owns and operates, with his
mother, the Green Gables Tavern, located one-half
mile north of Jennerstown. He has an interesting
collection there of hand-made Pennsylvania Dutch
kitchen furniture, gaudy Dutch chinaware, and Somerset County pottery (Grady). vi. Luella, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Maurer, married J. Urban
Shoff, of Clearfield County, and now resides at Port
Washington, New York. They were the parents of
four children: (a) Dorothy, a graduate of Hood College, and now dietitian at the Hospital of the Woman's
Medical College, located at Philadelphia. (b) Helen,
a graduate nurse, at Johns Hopkins Hospital, h3altimore, Maryland. (c) Betty, student nurse at Christ's
Hospital in Baltimore. (d) Barbara, at home with
her parents. vii. Bowman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Maurer, attended Randolph Macon Academy
and Indiana State Teachers College, was all-around
field day champion in 1915, and 1916. He enlisted
August 25, I917, at Johnstown, in the Naval Aviation
branch, was trained at Pensacola, Florida, arrived at
Bordeaux. France, November 24, I917, had special
training by the French Government at Montich Lachmon as naval observer, was transferred to active duty
at Ile Tudy in May, I918, having spent two hundred
and nine hours in the air on patrol duty until the
Armistice was signed; honorably discharged at Bay
Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, February 12, I9I9. Now
associated with his brother, Howard Earl Maurer, in
the management of the Ford Agency at Boswell; he
married, I925, Ruth Gaffney, daughter of James and
Elizabeth (Crayton) Gaffney, and they were the parents of three children: John Edward, deceased; Bowman, Jr.; and Mary Ruth. viii. Howard Earl, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Maurer, during the World
War trained at Charlestown, South Carolina, and
Hampton Roads, Virginia, having enlisted May 30,
I918, at Johnstown; honorably discharged March 9,
1920; married Eleanor Roberts, and they are the parents of four children: Howard Earl, Jr., Edward,
Constance Louise, and Neal Allison.
The third and last child of Jeremiah and Susan
(Bowman) Maurer, was John, who married lizzie
Miller, moved to Texas, and they were the parents of
four children: Harland Maurer, Foster Maurer,
Charles Maurer, and Pearl Maurer.
DAVID W. TRUSCOTT, M. D.--A practicing
physician in South Fork, Pennsylvania, Dr. David W.
Truscott was born here January 13, I9oo, the son of
Arthur and Annie E. (Duncan) Truscott.  Arthur
Truscott, born in St. Austell, Cornwall, England, February 21, 1873, was engaged in the mercantile field in
South Fork for more than thirty years. He was also
a director of the Union Deposit Company. Always a
public-spirited citizen, his philanthropic deeds were
numerous, and at one time he purchased several acres
of land, donating their use to the community for a
public park. His death in I936 was the occasion of
profound and sincere sorrow throughout this locality.
Upon the completion of his public and high school
education, Dr. Truscott enrolled at the University of
Pittsburgh, but after three years, transferred to Jefferson Medical College, graduating with the degree of
Doctor of Medicine in I924. For the next two and
one-half years he was attached to the Medical Corps
of the United States Navy, stationed at the Boston
Navy Yard, and during this time he was also a member of the staff of Boston City Hospital, where he
specialized in obstetrics, and the Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1926 he launched his private practice in South Fork, Pennsylvania, where he is highly
esteemed both for his professional ability and his interest in civic life.
Dr. Truscott is a member of the Methodist Church,
and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective
426ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
427
Order of Elks, Independent Order of Foresters, Alpha
Kappa Kappa Fraternity and the American Legion.
He also holds membership in the County, State and
American Medical associations.
He was married, in 1925, to Irene J. Kennedy, of
Oil City, and they are the parents of twin daughters:
Patricia J., and Barbara A. Truscott, born August I3,
1928.
W. R. KIRBY-There are few  civic, business
and humanitarian projects and movements in Summerhill, Pennsylvania, with which W. R. Kirby has not
been identified in progressive and constructive ways.
He places good citizenship on a par with commercial
activities, and has always proven himself ready to
do his part in the advance and betterment of the community, without regard to personal sacrifice. He is a
native and lifelong resident of the town, born May 23,
i88o, son of Patrick and Ellen (Neff) Kirby.
Like his father, W. R. Kirby has engaged in merchandising throughout his mature years. After being
associated with the older man until he became of age,
he then determined to strike out for himself. In I902
he opened a small store in Summerhill, and has since
continued along mercantile lines. With the changing
times he has kept pace and his general store is thoroughly modernized in stock, equipment, and service,
being considered one of the best of its kind in this
section of the country. Mr. Kirby has served the town
as auditor, and as a member of the Town Council for
a number of years.
In 1902 W. R. Kirby married Leona R. Plummer, a
native of Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of
seven children: I. Raymond. 2. Joseph. 3. Claude,
who married Bridget O'Toole. 4. Thomas. 5. Mary,
the wife of James White and the mother of a son. 6.
William. 7. Dorothy.
H. LEE GOERMAN-To the newspaper publishers of Western Pennsylvania and contiguous states,
H. Lee Goerman needs no introduction. As the owner,
publisher and editor of the "Ambridge News-Herald"
for nearly a third of a century, the most influential
Democratic weekly of this part of Pennsylvania, he
has not only won local fame but he and his paper are
favorably known all over the United States.
Mr. Goerman was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, February I5, I864, son of Leonard and Leah
(King) Goerman. His mother, born in Butler County,
died in I914. His father, who came from Germany
with his parents, was a farmer, merchant and wheelwright, active in community affairs to his death in
I9OI. The ancestral background is particularly interesting and throws light upon the character and attainments of H. Lee Goerman. According to Donehoo's
"History of Pennsylvania," both of his grandfathers
were veterans of Napoleonic wars of early nineteenth
century years. Grandfather Leonard Goerman came
to the United States in 1832, landing at Baltimore,
Maryland, on July 4, I832, as a member of a military
band commissioned by the King of Prussia to tour
throughout the United States. The band, which quickly
became famous for the excellence of its performances,
gave concerts throughout the Atlantic Coast cities and
as far west as Pittsburgh. In that city, after a particularly successful series of concerts, the band disbanded and its members obtained farms, chiefly in
Westmoreland and Armstrong counties, Pennsylvania.
Simon King, the maternal grandfather of H. Lee
Goerman, was impressed into military service by
Napoleon I and was at Moscow before that city was
burned, and was a survivor of the disastrous freeze-out
suffered by Napolean's army. He also participated in
the historic retreat of the French armies from Russia,
and later, with his regiment, joined General Bluecher's
Army of famed heroic participation in the defeat of
Napoleon at Waterloo. He served three enlistments
of seven year, and at the time of his retirement from
military service held the rank of colonel in the German
Army. Subsequently, he came to the United States
with his family.
H. Lee Goerman acquired such formal schooling as
was possible and early developed the habit of serious
reading. He was only a boy of eighteen years when
he established his first newspaper, the "Central Valley
Enterprise." When he became of age he went to Leechburg, Pennsylvania, where he founded "The News."
Two years later, Mr. Goerman removed to Kittanning,
where he purchased the "Globe" and made it the
largest weekly in Western Pennsylvania. He also
had the "New Kensington Dispatch" prior to I9o5,
the year he came to Ambridge. Democratic politics
and papers have not been popular in Western Pennsylvania until recent years. He founded the "Ambridge News-Herald" on February 8, 19o6, the only
Democratic newspaper in Beaver County, and still remains one of the very few weekly publications in this
part of the State giving allegiance to this party. Mr.
Goerman is fortunate in having sons who have become
associated with him in the operation of his newspaper
in later years when other public services have engaged
much of his attention. In I925 a fine new building
and plant was erected and equipped with the most
modern machinery. It has been kept up to date and
does a large business in commercial printing, catering,
incidentally, to nationally known concerns.
It is hardly necessary to point out that H. I.ee Goerman is a staunch Democrat of long standing, the chairANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
man of the executive committee of the Democratic
Newspaper Association, of Pennsylvania.  But it is
noteworthy that in Beaver County politics he has often
been called to participate in Republican gatherings, it
being recognized that he has only the best interests of
all the people in what he thinks and does. Mr. Goerman served on various boards during the World War.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, has occupied all the chairs in this
order and is the oldest Past Grand in Ambridge. He;s a Lutheran in his religious faith.
On April 3, 1889, H. Lee Goerman married Sarah
Amanda Schwalm, daughter of John Schwalm, Sr., of
Leechburg, Pennsylvania, member of an old German
family, being a close friend and relative of Prince
Bismarck. Mrs. Goerman died May Io, 1916. Mr.
and Mrs. Goerman were the parents of five children:
I. Vera Arbutus, who married George W. Hastings,
connected with General Motors Corporation, of Detroit,
and they have two children: i. Lee W., a graduate of
Southeastern High School, Detroit, in 193I, as president of his class and an honor student. ii. Vera
Amanda. 2. Charles W., formerly associated with his
father in the newspaper publishing business and a
member of the Ambridge School Board, also is postmaster; he married Helen B. Thomas, and they have
three children: Charles W., Jr., Bettie May, and
Nancy Jane. 3. John L., associated with his father and
very active in politics; he married (first) Charlotte
Ann Willison, and was the father of a daughter, Virginia Dolores; he married (second) Elizabeth Ann
Conly, and they have one daughter, Dolores Lee. 4.
Henry S., foreman of the plant of H. H. Robertson
Company, at Ambridge; he married Myrtle Irene
Stoffel, and they have four children: Dorothy M.,
Marjorie L., Henry S., Jr., and John L. Goerman.
5. Sarah Helen, who married Joseph A. Richardson;
she holds a responsible position with the Ford Motor
Company, of Detroit, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have two sons: David and Jack Richardson.
ELLSWORTH  F. ARBLE, M. D.--Having
embarked on a career in the field of medicine at the
beginning of the century, Dr. Ellsworth F. Arble, of
Carrolltown, has become a physician of high repute in
this locality, and in the last few years, specializing in
the treatment of diseases of the eye, ear, nose and
throat, he has established himself as one of the leading
and most successful members of his profession in this
section of the State.
Dr. Arble was born in Cambria City, July 2I, 1872,
the son of Fred and Anna (McCauley) Arble, both
deceased. Fred Arble was one of the early pioneers of
Cambria County and was a farmer and stock dealer at
the time of his death, March 2, I926. His wife died
April I7, I934. Dr. Arble attended the local public
schools, Lock Haven Normal School and Williamsport
Business College. He then began his studies in medicine at the University of Maryland, from which he
was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine
in I898. After a two-year period of interneship at
Johns Hopkins Hospital, he came to Carrolltown, and
to the scene of his present activities in the medical profession. He has done extensive work in postgraduate
studies, having taken courses at the New York Post
Graduate School, Johns Hopkins University, Wills
Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and the Strom Hospital
at Rochester, New York. He is at present a member
of the staff of Miners Hospital at Spangler, Pennsylvania. During the World War he entered the Medical
Corps of the American Expeditionary Forces as a captain. He received his discharge as a major at the conclusion of hostilities.
He is a member of the Roman Catholic Church, and
is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the
local Kiwanis Club. He is prominent in the affairs
of the American Legion, and organized the first post
in Cambria County, and has served six terms as commander. He is also a member of the City, State and
American Medical associations, and holds a fellowship
in the latter organization.
He was married, November 23, i906, to Rose M.
Luther, of Carrolltown, and they are the parents of
two children: Fred and Robert, both students at the
I'hiladelphia Medical School.
JESSE FINNER ULLOM-A druggist in
Waynesburg for more than thirty years, Jesse Finner
Ullom, senior partner of the firm of Ullom and Bailey,
is one of the leading citizens of Waynesburg.
Jesse Finner Ullom was born in Rogersville, November 2, i879, son of Jesse and Phoebe (Morris)
Ullom, of Center Township, Greene County. Jesse
Ullom, who died in I902, was a farmer and a merchant
at Rogersville and, for many years, was a member of
the Democratic party, and squire of Center Township.
Phoebe (Morris) Ullom was a native of Center
Township.
After passing through the public schools of Rogersville, Jesse Finner Ullom entered Waynesburg College, at Waynesburg, but, after two years of study,
broke into his college career by enlisting in the United
States Army, in Company K, Ioth Regiment, for service in the Spanish-American War. Sent to the Philippine Islands, Mr. Ullom saw almost two years of active service there, not only at the capture of Manila
but also during the Philippine Insurrection, fighting in
the battles of Malatta and Malalas. During this serviceANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Ullom was made a corporal of his company. In
August, I899, Corporal Ullom returned to America,
was discharged from the army and then returned to
Waynesburg College in September and completed his
studies in the following two years. By that time Mr.
Ullom had determined to follow a career in pharmacy
and, accordingly, he entered the Pittsburgh College of
Pharmacy, graduating in I903. The following year he
was employed by Christian Heam, a Pittsburgh druggist, and Mr. Ullom also spent another year in Pittsburgh, in the employment of Glaniser and Huckenstein.
And then, September 6, I9O6, Mr. Ullom, seeking to
established himself, formed a partnership with Earl
Bailey and the two opened their establishment at
Waynesburg, as Ullom and Bailey, drugs and sundries,
operating it successfully ever since.  A  Democrat,
Mr. Ullom is active in the political life of Waynesburg and also interests himself in the prosperity of the
city, serving as a director of the Waynesburg Chamber
of Commerce. He serves his professional needs by
memberships in the National Druggists' Association
and the Western Pennsylvania Druggists' Association.
A charter member of the Greene County Country
Club, Mr. Ullom is also a thirty-second degree member of the Masonic Fraternity, among his memberships
being Waynesburg Lodge, No. I53, Free and Accepted
Masons. He is a member also of the First Baptist
Church of Waynesburg.
Jesse Finner Ullom married, December 3I, I9I2, in
Waynesburg, Stella Sophia Hooper, who was born in
Waynesburg, June 8, I887, a daughter of Samuel P.
and Mary E. (Hoskinson) Hooper, both natives of
Waynesburg. Mr. and Mrs. Ullom are the parents
of two children: I. Mary Lee, born September 9, I923.
2. Rita Ann, born March 17, I927.
HAROLD BARRETT WOOD, M. D.-Specializing in obstetrics, Dr. Harold Barrett Wood has
conducted a general practice in Wind Ridge for nearly
thirty years, besides serving on the staff of the
Waynesburg Hospital at Waynesburg.
Harold Barrett Wood was born in Aleppo Township, January 31, I884, son of Joshua and Emma A.
(Barrett) Wood. Joshua Wood, born at Whitely
Township, Greene County, October 8, 1839, died April
23, I923, having passed his life as a farmer and, during
the Civil War, having served in the Union Army. His
wife, Emma A. (Barrett) Wood, was born in I842 in
Parkersburg, West Virginia, and died January 30,
1928.
After passing through the Waynesburg public
schools and graduating from  the Waynesburg High
School in  I903, Harold  Barrett Wood  attended
Waynesburg College for two years and then, determining to become a physician, spent two years at Jefferson
Medical College, transferring then to the Medical
College of the University of Pittsburgh, from which
institution he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9I1. That year Dr. Wood established himself
in general practice in Wind Ridge, Greene -County,
coming to specialize in obstetrics. During the World
War Dr. Wood enlisted in the United States Marine
Corps and was stationed at the United States Marine
Hospital during the period, being commissioned a first
lieutenant. After being discharged when the war was
concluded, he remained on the reserve officers' list for
a period of five years. His war-time associations,
Dr. Wood has preserved by membership in the James
Ferrell Post, American Legion, of Waynesburg. He
also belongs to the Greene County Country Club,
Waynesburg Lodge, No. 757, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Greene County Medical Society, the Pennsylvania State Medical Society and the
American Medical Association, as well as the First
Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg.
Harold Barrett Wood married, at Pittsburgh, July
I7, I923, Erma L. Huck, who was born in Evansville,
Indiana, June io, I890, daughter of Henry W. and
Katherine (Feulner) Huck, of Evansville. Her father,
who was born in Evansville, June I1, I869, is superintendent of the Evansville Ice and Storage Company.
Mrs. Katherine (Feulner) Huck was born in Evansville, April 23, I868.
WILLIAM LINCOLN DODD, M. D.-Serving
his community and neighborhood as a general medical
practitioner for half a century, Dr. William I,incoln
Dodd, of Amity, has also taken an active part in the
political and civic life of his town.
William Lincoln Dodd was born October 17, I866,
in Amwell Township, Washington County, son of
Daniel F. and Ruth Dodd. Daniel F. Dodd, born in
Amwell Township, December 25, I825, was a farmer
and stock raiser in Amwell Township and a member of
the Republican party, served his township as a school
director. His wife was a native of Franklin Township,
Washington County.
After passing through the public schools of Washington County, William Lincoln Dodd selected the
medical profession for his career and attended Baltimore Medical College and Western Pennsylvania
Medical College, receiving his degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I889 from the latter institution, now
known as the University of Pittsburgh. Establishing
himself in a general practice in Amity in I889, Dr.
Dodd has continued to practice in Amity through the
present time, his long years of service making him one
of the deans of his profession in Pennsylvania. A
A20ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
member of the WVashington County Medical Society,
the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, and the
American Medical Association, Dr. Dodd has been
keenly interested in local affairs and, as a member of
the Republican party, has held the office of road supervisor of Amwell Township, serving between I909 and
I915. A member of the Presbyterian Church, Dr.
Dodd has for years been an elder of the establishment.
William Lincoln Dodd married, in I896, in Washington, Pennsylvania, Emma G. Conger, daughter of
John and Joanne (Milligan) Conger. John Conger
was born in Morris Township, Washington County.
Dr. and Mrs. Dodd are the parents of two children:
I. John L., born in Amity, September I9, I898. 2.
Ruth E., born in Amity, in March, I919.
EDGAR DEVORE HAGERTY--For more
than eighteen years, the E. D. Hagerty Funeral -Iome
in Millsboro, Pennsylvania, operated under the personal direction of Edgar Devore Hagerty, has been
considered one of the leading establishments of its kind
in this section.
Mr. Hagerty was born at Monongahela, October I,
I887, the son of Harry and Ella Josephine (Devore)
Hagerty. Harry Hagerty, born August 3, I86I, is engaged as a stone mason and bricklayer. He is an active
Democrat, and is a member of the City Council at
Monongahela. His wife was born October I2, I863.
Edgar Devore Hagerty was educated in the Monongahela schools, and after graduation from the high
school, entered Iron City College, and was a member
of the class of I9o09. He then entered the employ of
the Pittsburgh Coal Company, and was occupied as
chief clerk and bookkeeper, continuing with this organization until I917. He then entered the Eckles School
of Embalming, and upon graduating, came to Millsboro and opened his present funeral home.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a
leading figure in Republican affairs. He has been
deputy coroner for sixteen years, and has also served
as auditor for East Bethlehem Township and precinct
chairman of the Republican party. He is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Allegheny
County Funeral Directors Association, and the Hungry Club. Always a devotee of hunting, fishing and
other sports, he holds membership in the Vestaburg
Sportsman's Club and the Centerville Gun Club.
He was married at Uniontown, June 5, I911, to
Nellie Donaldson, a native of Fairchance, born June
4, I888, the daughter of Fred and Minnie (Price) Donaldson. Fred Donaldson was horn at Ashland, Kentucky, November 2, I867. His wife, born May I5,
I868, died at Millsboro, December 9, I934.
RICHARD MOORE DONALDSON-Operating for almost thirty years, the three hundred and
twenty-five acre farm of the Donaldson Homestead in
Midway, Washington County, Richard Moore Donaldson, before returning to his boyhood life as a farmer,
spent many years as a banker and industrialist.
Richard Moore Donaldson was born in Robinson
Township, Washington County, April 27, I873, son of
John McBurney and Martha (Bigger) Donaldson,
both natives of Robinson Township, where John McBurney Donaldson spent his life as a farmer.
After a boyhood on the farm, during which time he
attended the public schools of Robinson Township and
the Pike School, Richard Moore Donaldson attended
Pittsburgh Academy in Pittsburgh and then, beginning
in I895, was associated for a time with his brothers in
a milk and grocery business on the north side of Pittsburgh, under the firm name of A. R. Donaldson
Brothers. And then, after a number of years spent
working on the home farm with his father, John McBurney Donaldson, Richard Moore Donaldson spent
two years in Midway with the Bawford Milling Coinpany, leaving that association to enter the Midway
National Bank as cashier in I904. During the next
five years, Mr. Donaldson devoted himself to the
bank, becoming a director of the institution and also,
interesting himself in business, a director of the McDonald Milling Company. However, in I912, he returned to the family farm and, since that time, has
practiced general farming. A member of the Democratic party, Mr. Donaldson has contented himself
with holding the office of school director of Midway,
adding to that public duty his service as an elder of
the United Presbyterian Church of Midway.
Richard Moore Donaldson married in Midway, July
8. I0o8, Mary M. Donaldson, born April 26, I882,
daughter of Richard and Agnes (Wilson) Donaldson.
Richard Donaldson, born in Robinson Township,
Washington County, March I7, 1833, where he died
December 3I, 1917, was a farmer, a director of the
Midway National Bank and president of the Robinson
Township School Board for a period of fifteen years.
His wife, Agnes (Wilson) Donaldson, was born in
Fayette Township, Allegheny County, and died March
I9, I9I3. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Moore Donaldson
are the parents of a daughter: Martha Agnes, born in
Robinson Township, IMarch 25, I916, and now a member of the senior class at Westminster College, New
Wilmington.
CLARENCE EUGENE HESS-Having entered
the teaching profession in his youth, and after a period
of over twenty-five years dedicated to various phases
of school work, Clarence Eugene Hess is now the
430ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
supervising principal of all the schools in Redstone
Township, guiding the scholastic activities of approximately five thousand pupils, with a teaching personnel
of one hundred and twenty-five.
Mr. Hess was born in Redstone Township, near
Brownsville, in Fayette County, April 29, I893, the
son of George H. and Martha (Stephenson) Hess.
George Hess who was also born in Redstone Township, died in I9I4. His wife, a native of West Newton, Westmoreland County, is still living.
Clarence Eugene Hess was educated in the local
schools, and later attended the California State Teachers College. His first school assignment was in the
grade schools of Redstone Township and later he was
advanced to principal of the grade schools, and then
supervising principal of the school district. While
engaged in this work, he furthered his own education
at Penn State College, and received his degree of
Bachelor of Science in 1932. He has since received
his degree of Master of Science from the University
of Pittsburgh. In I933 Mr. Hess was assigned to the
position which he now holds, and due to his long
association with school work in this community he is
now well qualified to assist younger teachers in solving difficulties attendant to their duties. Mr. Hess is
also greatly interested in the history of Western Pennsylvania, and has made an extensive study of this subject.
He is a life member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association; member of the National Education Association; the Supervising Principals Association of the Western Pennsylvania Area, and is past
vice-president of the Fayette County School Men's
Association. He was representative to the State conventions for a number of years of the Pennsylvania
State Education Association. He is a member and
trustee of Dunlaps Creek Presbyterian Church of
Merrittstown, and a participant in all local affairs,
beneficial to the welfare of his community. He is
affiliated with the Junior Order United American
Mechanics, a member of Morning Star Grange, the'
Izaak Walton League, and is treasurer of the Fayette
County Fish and Game Association. During the
World War he served on both the Food Administration and the Draft boards, and gave untiringly of his
time and efforts. For recreational diversion, he indulges in fishing and hunting whenever the pressing
duties of his office will permit.
In I9I6 he married Edith Bollinger of Brownsville,
the daughter of John J. and Mary (Hanna) Bollinger.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess have one son, Daniel Eugene, born
November Io, I9I7.
JAMES VINCENT O'DONOVAN, D. D. S.For nearly twenty years Dr. James Vincent O'Donovan has conducted a highly successful dental practice
in the community of Connellsville, where he is widely
known and highly esteemed for his professional ability
and the interest he has taken in the social and civic
affairs of his surroundings.
Dr. O'Donovan was born in Connellsville, September 2I, I894, the son of Eugene Joseph and Catherine
(Mulligan) O'Donovan, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of the State of Virginia. His father,
who was born in County Cork and came to this country during his youth, died in I927, while his mother
passed away in I9I3. After completing his studies at
the Connellsville High School in I913, Dr. O'Donovan
matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, later enrolling in the Dental Department of this institution,
from which he was graduated with the degree of
Doctor of Dental Science in I918. The same year he
returned to Connellsville and established himself in a
general practice which he has conducted since with
outstanding distinction and success. He not only has
built up a large and lucrative clientele during this
period, but also has gained the esteem and respect of
his professional colleagues, who in 1933 saw fit to
name him president of the Odontological Society of
Western Pennsylvania. He is also a member of the
American Dental Association and the Pennsylvania
Dental Association. Aside from his professional activities Dr. O'Donovan has maintained an interest in
community affairs. He is a Republican in politics, and
in his religious convictions worships at the Immaculate
Conception Roman Catholic Church of this city. During the World WVar he enlisted and served as a private
in the Medical Reserve Corps of the United States
Army.
On February 2I, 1922, Dr. O'Donovan married
Marie Carmelita Crowley, of Pittsburgh, the daughter
of Joseph P. and Sarah (Boyle) Crowley. She was
graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a
degree of Bachelor of Arts in I9I9. Dr. and Mrs.
O'Donovan are the parents of five children: James
Vincent, Jr., Sarah Jane, Mary Eileen, Eugene Joseph
and William Charles.
HAROLD B. KERR, D. D. S.-A leading progressive dental surgeon of Cambria County, Dr. Harold B. Kerr, of Barnesboro, maintains one of the most
complete and modern offices in the county.
Harold B. Kerr was born on January I5, 1904, in
Clearfield, Clearfield County, a son of A. J. Cole and
Grace Kerr. Dr. Kerr was reared by his grandparents,
43IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
who migrated to the United States from Scotland just
previous to the Civil War.
Dr. Kerr, after passing through public and preparatory schools, selected the field of dentistry for his
career and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in I927 with the degree of Doctor of Dental
Surgery. Following postgraduate work at Youngstown, Ohio, in the Youngstown Hospital, where he
specialized in oral surgery, exodontia anesthesia and
radiology, Dr. Kerr established himself in Youngstown as a general dental practitioner. After three
years there he studied at Northwestern for a period of
six months, then came to Cambria County, where he
set up his office in Barnesboro. There, he has built
up a large practice and equipped himself with all modern equipment. Dr. Kerr, who is a leading progressive
member in his profession, attends many of the various
conventions of his profession's organizations. He is an
active member of the American Dental Association, the
Pennsylvania State Dental Association and the Cambria County Dental Association. During the World
War, Dr. Kerr was a member of the Reserve Officers'
Training Corps. He is a member of the Merit Club,
Sigma Pi Fraternity and also belongs to the Masonic
Fraternity. He is an adherent of the Methodist Church.
In I934 Harold B. Kerr married Blanche Crago, a
daughter of John and Gwendolyn (Musser) Crago. Mr.
Crago is a merchant. Dr. and Mrs. Kerr have a son:
John A. Kerr, who was born August 19, I937.
REV. ROBERT FREDERICK BARNERMany years of devoted service characterized the career of the Rev. Robert Frederick Barner, pastor of
the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Rochester, Beaver
County, where he was also an educator, teaching German in Beaver College and the local high school. His
contributions added to the cultural and spiritual life of
his surroundings and gained the deep gratitude of his
parishioners and the public at large.
Robert F. Barner was born in Germany, October o0,
i866, the son of Carl and Augusta (Otto) Barner,
both natives of that country, where his father, who was
born in 1840, and died in 1903, engaged in the leather
manufacturing business and conducted a large leather
wholesale distributing business. His mother, who was
born in I848, and passed away in 1903, was a member
of a family whose representatives had been prominent
in the educational and clerical realms of Germany.
The Rev. Barner received the early part of his general
education in the public schools of Germany and later
completed this part of his studies at the Latin School
and Academy of Prussia, in Schivelbein, Pommern.
He then matriculated at the Kropp Theological Seminary at Schleswig, and after finishing his training came
to the United States and settled at Harriettsville, Ohio.
Here he assumed the pastorship of the German Lutheran Church, remaining for three years. At the expiration of this period, in 1891, he removed to Kittanning,
Armstrong County, to act in a similar capacity. While
here he began his career as an educator, serving as
principal of the Kittanning.Academy until 19o5, when
he came to Rochester, where he was active as an educator and clergyman of the Lutheran Church. During
his lifetime the following estimate was placed upon his
services:
His broad culture.        his intimacy with other
scholarly pursuits furthers his progress toward the
goal of the ideal teacher, and the results he obtains
from his classes are gratifying in the extreme, both to
the students benefited and to those whose interest it
is to guard the welfare of the institution. Rev. Barner's work among the youth of Rochester lends to his
ecclesiastical value to the community, and were his
achievements confined to but one field or to the other
his life would indeed be well spent. He is an earnest,
inspired and eloquent preacher, having a deep and firm
conviction in the doctrines he expounds, and preaches
with a heartfelt care for his parishioners. He does
not confine his labors in their behalf to weekly orations from the pulpit, but in their need or extremity
none ever lacks his aid, lighting the darkness, explaining the misunderstood, and freshening the faith of
those who had begun to doubt the omniscience and
mercy of an all-seeing Providence.
This comment is eloquent testimony of the esteem
and respect as a leader he enjoyed among his fellows.
In 1890 the Rev. Robert Frederick Barner married
Mary Lauer, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Kloss)
Lauer, both natives of Germany, who during their
early married life came to this country and settled in
Warner, Washington County, Ohio, where their
daughter was born January Io, 1871. Mrs. Barner
died at her home in Rochester, March 14, I907. Rev.
Barner died January 19, I925. The Rev. and Mrs.
Barner were the parents of the following children: I.
Robert Paul, born in Kittanning, November I5, I891,
educated in music at Beaver College, from which he
was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Music,
and Master of Music degree. Later he attended the
University of Pittsburgh, from which he received the
degree of Bachelor of Arts, and then completed his
studies at Columbia University, where he was awarded
a degree of Master of Arts. He taught music in
Beaver College for six years and is now superintendent
of schools in Rochester. 2. Luther W., born April 1o,
1893, a graduate of Geneva College and the Washington and Jefferson College, from which he received a
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He married Martha Morrow, and they have two children: Martha Morrow and
Mary Lynn. 3. Armin K., born September 4, 1896, a
432ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
orous editorial expression and his courage to stand
up for his convictions have been praised, not only by
his readers, but by contemporaries of his own profession."
In the development and management of the "Notes,"
David H. Fee had the constant assistance of his
brother, William H. Fee, who was born on October
I6, I868, and entered the "Notes" office at the age of
fourteen. As vice-president of the publishing company and news editor of the paper, he had a major
share in all responsibilities of operation and in the
community leadership which he and his brother jointly
held. As it was written of them, "they were more
intimately associated with the life of their community
than probably any other two men who have lived and
worked here in the last fifty years." William H. Fee
was active in the business of the paper until his death,
November 17, I923. In addition to his other distinctions, he was known for his concise and fluent literary
style, which extended to the composition of verse. He
published a volume of poems some years before he
died.
William H. Fee married, in I891, Julia May Humphrey, of West Alexandria, daughter of Robert Humphrey and a descendant of the Revolutionary soldier,
Robert Humphrey, who founded the town of West
Alexander. Their only son, Dwight Humphrey Fee,
was born on September 4, 1892. He was graduated
from Canonsburg High School in I9IO and spent three
years on "The Daily Notes," serving a thorough apprenticeship in the newspaper business under his father
and uncle as a prelude to a newspaper career which
brought him editorial positions in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and other cities. He is now associate managing editor of "The Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph." Dwight
H. Fee served in the World War with the 3igth
Infantry, 8oth  Division, American  Expeditionary
Forces, and with the 29th Infantry. He was also
associated for five years with the Board of Foreign
Missions of the United Presbyterian Church, spending
half of that time in Egypt with his wife. He married,
in I916, Lucille Brockman, daughter of T. W. Brockman, who was born at Prosperity, June 3, I895, and
they are the parents of seven children: William, Elizabeth, Sara, David, Margie, Rebecca, and Dwight, Jr.
David H. Fee was a well-known public speaker and
was often called upon to address various gatherings
on issues of public importance, appearing to great
advantage on the platform. He was a strong temperance advocate and espoused this cause and others with
great forcefulness. Mr. Fee was a charter member of
the Monday Night Club, Canonsburg's oldest and
most important literary society, and a member of various social, civic and charitable organizations in his;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                                43
community. He continued active in his many interests
until his death on November 25, I929, rounding out a
long career rich in constructive achievement and useful community service, which brought him both success and honor. His influence survives in the labors
of his life and the example of his citizenship which will
always remain before the people of his community.
On May I5, I884, David Hamilton Fee married Eva
Lee Pattison, daughter of Thomas and Jane (HEumphrey) Pattison and member of a family influential
for several generations in Washington County life.
She is a granddaughter in the paternal line of the Rev.
John Pattison and a great-granddaughter in the maternal line of Colonel Robert Humphrey. Colonel Humphrey, an officer in the Revolution, served as aide to
the Marquis de Lafayette and rescued the famous
French general when he was wounded and unhorsed
at the battle of Brandywine. When Lafayette revisited America in I825, he sought out and paid his
respects to his old aide, in a scene described at the
time as "most affecting." After the war, in I796,
Colonel Humphrey took up a tract of land on a Virginia certificate and laid out and plotted the town site
of West Alexander, which he named in honor of his
wife, Martha Alexander. There he spent the remainder of his life.
Mrs. Fee was born near West Alexander and was
educated in private and normal schools in Donegal
Township. For several years she taught in that section of Washington County and came to Canonsburg
following her marriage. A woman of broad culture
and informed taste, she has been conspicuous for years
in the literary and cultural life of the community. She
has also kept in close touch with the progress of public
affairs, local, national and international. Mrs. Fee
was a founder of the Monday Night Club, organized
in I897 and for years the leading literary society of
Canonsburg. She served as president of the Woman's
Hospital Auxiliary during a period when the facilities
and activities of the hospital were greatly expanded,
and by her energetic leadership contributed substantially to that end. She was also a member of the local
Board of Health for a time and has long been active
in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the
Chartiers United Presbyterian Church and -the Canonsburg Woman's Club. By virtue of-her descent from
Colonel Humphrey, she is a member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution and is'affiliated in this
order with Wheeling Chapter.
During the period in which her husband edited and
published "The Daily Notes," and after the death of
William H. Fee in I923, Mrs. Fee became an associate
editor on the staff of this publication. She contributed
regularly to the columns of the paper, usually over theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts; he married Olga
Graham.
IRA A. MILLER-For years Ira A. Miller, who
is now living retired in Stony Creek Township, Somerset County, carried on extensive farming activities,
though he also interested himself in a variety of public
affairs, particularly those connected with education.
He still is a member of the Township School Board.
Mr. Miller was born October I4, I873, in Stony
Creek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son
of Abraham and Maggie (Menges) Miller, of this
township, both of whom are now deceased. His father
was engaged in farming.
The public schools provided the early education of
Ira A. Miller, who farmed with his parents until he
was twenty-one years of age. He then went into the
woods, working for others for ten years. Then he
bought a farm in Shade Township, carrying forward
his agricultural endeavors there for a decade. It was
in I912 that he bought the home farm of his family in
Stony Creek Township, operating it thereafter until
I932. He had three hundred and thirty-nine acres, on
which he raised a general crop of farm produce. In
1932 he sold the farm to his son-in-law, thereafter
living retired.
Both during his days of active farming and since
his retirement, Mr. Miller has taken a lively interest
in local affairs in his township, serving with most
fruitful results on the School Board here. His contribution to education and to civic life has, indeed, been
a notable one. He is a Republican in his partisan
views, and is a member of the local Grange. He worships in the faith of the Brethren Church.
On November I, I894, Ira A. Miller married Minnie
Lowrey, daughter of Josiah Lowrey, of Shade Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. One child was
born to this marriage, Madie Miller, who was graduated from the schools of Stony Creek Township and
became the wife of Earl Fraser. The Frasers have
one child, Ruth Fraser, now a student in the schools
here.
THOMAS ETHELBERT SKILLINGThomas Ethelbert Skilling, city comptroller of New
Kensington for the past four years, and an accountant
in the firm of P. H. Murphy and Company, was born
here, January II, I896, the son of Robert J. and Mary
(Quinn) Skilling, both deceased. Robert J. Skilling
and his wife were both natives of Ireland, and he followed the blacksmith trade in this section for many
years prior to his death.
Thomas Ethelbert Skilling graduated from the local
public schools, and then attended the evening sessions
at the University of Pittsburgh. Upon completion of
his studies he became associated with the P. H. Murphy Company as an accountant, which position he continues to fill most satisfactorily to the present day. In
1933 he was elected city comptroller, and assumed his
duties January I, I934, and his conduct of this office
resulted in reelection to a second four-year term in the
elections of I937. He has also served as borough
auditor of Parnassus. During the World War, Mr.
Skilling was attached to the Io9th Ambulance Company of the Io3d Sanitary Train 28th Division, and
while serving overseas, was wounded in action.
He is a trustee of the United Presbyterian Church,
and is affiliated with Tyrian Lodge, No. 669, Free and
Accepted Masons, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, American Legion, Veterans of
Foreign Wars and the Hillcrest Country Club.
He was married, May 28, 1920, to Alta Foringer,
of Washington County, and they are the parents of two
children: I. Thomas Ethelbert, Jr., age fifteen years.
2. David Earl, age seven years. Both boys are students
in the local public schools.
JAMES H. DUNN-Recognized as a successful
business man and prominent citizen of Uniontown,
James H. Dunn continues to maintain the tradition of
a family which has been identified with this section of
Pennsylvania since the latter part of the eighteenth
century.
James H: Dunn was born in Franklin Township,
June 2, I88I, the son of T. Scott and Jane Ann (Murphy) Dunn, both deceased. T. Scott Dunn, also born
in Franklin Township in I847, was engaged in the
manufacture and retail of lumber and was one of the
pioneers in the lumber cutting business in this section.
An ancestor, Thomas Dunn, came to Fayette County
from County Down, Ireland, prior to I790 and the
Dunn family has been identified with this section ever
since. A patent of land given to Thomas Dunn by the
United States Government, and known as Dunn's
Table, is still in possession of the family.
James H. Dunn was graduated from the Franklin
Township public schools and the California State
Normal School at California, Pennsylvania, and later
pursued a special course in engineering at the University of West Virginia. He was then engaged in civil
engineering work for the West Penn Railways in Fayette and adjoining counties, but after five years he
came to Uniontown to become associated with the
W. J. Rainey Coke Company as chief engineer. After
433ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
six years with this firm, he entered into the coal business for himself, operating coal fields in Pennsylvania
and West Virginia, being vice-president of Provins
Coal Company, president of the Union Gas Coal Company of West Virginia, and president of the Service
Fuel Company. He retained these business connections until I927, when he became president and manager of the Uniontown Motor Club, which position he
still holds. He is also active in the insurance field,
conducting the J. H. Dunn Agency, with offices in
Uniontown, Connellsville and Somerset.
He is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church,
a lifelong Republican, and a leader in civic and fraternal life, being affiliated with Laurel Lodge, No.
651, Free and Accepted Masons, the Uniontown Lodge
of Perfection, the Uniontown Commandery, Knights
Templar, the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He
is also connected with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Uniontown Kiwanis Club,
being a charter member of Kiwanis and having served
as president of the local club and as lieutenant governor of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Division of
Kiwanis.
He was married, December I8, I9o6, to Anna Mac
Burney, of Dunbar Township, daughter of George
and Nancy (Wadsworth) Mac Burney, and they were
the parents of two children: I. Harold W., born December I, I907. 2. James L., born June 30, I909. Mrs.
Dunn passed away January I9, I938.
FRANCIS G. SHEPARD-Becoming associated
with his father in the real estate and insurance business after completion of his school work, Francis G.
Shepard, of New Kensington, has remained in this
field to the present day, and since his father's death in
1929 he has been operating the business under the firm
name of Shepard and Company.
He was born here August 23, I902, the son of the
late Robert Garland and Margaret (Francis) Shepard.
The elder Mr. Shepard, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, was actively engaged in the real estate and insurance business in New Kensington, at the time of his
death. His wife is a native of Leechburg.
After graduating from New Kensington High
School, Francis G. Shepard joined his father's insurance business, which was known as Shepard and Company, real estate and insurance agency, which handles
a complete line of general insurance, in addition to being very active in the real estate field. He also serves
as a director of the Freeport Brick Company, and is
active in all local civic affairs.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Loyal Order of Moose and Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He is also a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Hillcrest Country Club.
He was married, March 20, 1925, to Violet Powell,
of New Kensington, and they are the parents of a son,
Robert G., born June 3, I933.
REV. JAMES REES EWING CRAIGHEAD,
D. D.-During his long career in the Presbyterian
ministry, the Rev. James Rees Ewing Craighead,
D. D., has served in several charges, both in the East
and in the Central West. A Pennsylvanian by birth,
he has returned to this State in latter years and is
known to its people not only in the performance of his
pastoral duties but as the author of several volumes in
prose and verse.
Dr. Craighead was born at Elders Ridge, Pennsylvania, on October 5, I868, son of Samuel Judson and
Sarah (Elder) Craighead. His father, a teacher and
farmer, also entered the sphere of public service and
was for a time county superintendent and a member
of the State Legislature. Dr. Craighead received his
preliminary education in the grade school of Elders
Ridge, Indiana County, and at Elders Ridge Academy,
from which he was graduated in I887. Subsequently,
he entered Washington and Jefferson College, where
he took his degree in I891, and during the following
year attended Princeton Seminary. In I894 he was
graduated from McCormick Seminary at Chicago and
shortly afterward was ordained to the ministry of the
Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
He has occupied pulpits in Cherry Tree and Glen
Campbell, Pennsylvania; Blackwell, Oklahoma; Anna,
Carbondale and Oswego, Illinois; and Creston, Iowa.
Latterly, he has served at Elders Ridge and West
Lebanon, Pennsylvania, where he has but recently relinquished his pastoral duties.
Dr. Craighead's literary facility has enabled him to
record in enduring form a number of his special interests. These are reflected in his published books:
"Hunter Corbett," who was for fifty-six years a missionary in China; "The Lost Empire," a story of the
French occupancy in America told in blank vese;
"Black Hawk," a romance of the Black Hawk war in
Spenserian verse; and "Salvage," a brochure of selected
verse. Dr. Craighead has also taken a lively interest
in the civic health and progress of those communities
in which he has made his home, and as a resident of
Blackwell, Oklahoma, served as secretary of the
School Board. He is a Republican in politics and a
member of Gamma Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi
Fraternity at Washington and Jefferson College.
434ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
On September I, I898, at Leatherwood, Clarion
County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Craighead married Elizabeth Newton Corbett, daughter of the Rev. Hunter
Corbett and Lizzie (Culbertson) Corbett.
EMERY  HOMER  BOYER-President of the
Harris-Boyer Company, of Johnstown, Emery Homer
Boyer is not only one of the outstanding business men
and industrialists of Cambria County but also a publicspirited citizen who supports all worthy activities in
his city and county, including the American Red Cross
organization in Cambria County, of which he has been
president for the past five years.
Emery Homer Boyer was born in Johnstown, May
I6, 1878, son of the late John and Catherine (Bowser)
Boyer. John Boyer, a native of Somerset County who
died in I916, was the descendant of a long line of outstanding men who, each in their generation fought in
the Civil War, the War of 1812, and the Revolution,
the family being founded by a Boyer who came from
Germany in 1737, settling first in Philadelphia and
later moving into Somerset and Cambria counties.
Catherine (Bowser) Boyer, a native of Cambria
County, died in I903. John Boyer passed away in I916.
After passing through the public schools of Johnstown, Emery Homer Boyer, after three years of employment, in I895 became associated with the business
of which he is now president and senior partner. The
Harris-Boyer Company one of the largest bakeries in
Pennsylvania, had its beginning in I894 when Clement
Hall Harris and his brother, 0. C. Harris, erected a
small-one-oven bakery on Boyer Street in what is now
Ward Twenty-one of Johnstown but was then Coopersdale.  Very soon 0. C. Harris withdrew from the
business and Clement Hall Harris continued alone,
spending his afternoons and evenings in baking and his
mornings in delivering his products to his customers.
It was at this time that Mr. Boyer started to work in
the bakery. Then, after a year's partnership with a
Mr. McAlister, during which time Mr. MIcAlister became the sole proprietor only to form a new partnership and then to withdraw entirely in 900oo, Mr. Harris
established a new bakery at No. 220 Board Street and
an ice cream plant at Poplar and Horner streets, with
W. E. Rager as a partner, under the name of HIarris
and Ragel. On the first of January Mr. Boyer purchased a third interest in the business. Within a year
the new firm prospered so greatly that it outgrew its
quarters and, accordingly, a large plant was established
at No. 147 Fairfield Avenue with all new equipment.
In 1904 Mr. Rager withdrew from the business, leaving Mr. Harris and Mr. Boyer the proprietors, a condition which was recognized by the firm name being
changed to its present title, the Harris-Boyer Coinpany. Prosperity continued to advance the firm, although on September I, I906, a fire destroyed the
entire plant, building, supplies, machinery, horses and
wagons. While a new plant was being built, temporary deliveries were made of bread and cakes shipped
from Pittsburgh and, within two weeks, the firm was
baking its own products again in a shed thrown up to
house new machines shipped directly from the Bakers'
Convention, then in session in New York City. ILess
than a year later, the firm's new plant was completed,
being then one of the most modern plants in Pennsylvania. Prosperity continued to attend the company's
efforts; in I912 James R. Harris was taken into the
firm, to eventually become the general manager; and
in I912 the manufacture of ice cream was discontinued
so that all available space and equipment could be devoted to the constantly increasing demand for the
firm's breads and cakes. To meet the demand, which
constantly grew each year, a steel and brick addition
was made to the building with a new oven, an addition
which was duplicated again in I9I5. By I917 still
more space was found necessary and a fifty-foot by
sixty-foot building was put up to house four more
ovens. Constantly new mixing, moulding and proofing
machines were added and, in I919, two new rack ovens
were purchased, giving the plant a battery of nine
bread ovens and a large double cake oven. Still the
demand for the firm's products continued to grow year
by year; increased delivery needs caused a huge fireproof garage to be built in 192I, to which, in I923, a
second story was added to enlarge the pastry room and
to house two more ovens, cake mixers, pie rollers and
a new refrigerating plant. By this time, the company
had more than fifty thousand square feet of space
devoted to production. During all this period of rapid
growth, Mr. Harris and Mr. Boyer held to the vision
of erecting an entire new plant which would adequately
house their enterprise and also provide room for their
constantly increasing business. By I926 they saw the
way open to realize their ambition. A bakery engineer
from New York was brought to Johnstown to consult
with the firm's architect and a four-story building
equipped with all the most modern equipment was
planned. In February, I927, the building was completed and the firm finally housed in their ideal plant,
one equipped with every machine modern practice
found profitable-mixers, dividers, rounders, proofers,
moulders and a traveling oven eighty feet long with a
capacity of three thousand loaves of bread an hour,
plus a twelve-ton ice machine to cool the three mixers
and to air-condition the dough room during the summer months. Until I930 the company had depended
upon horses and wagons for distribution but the business had so increased its consuming area that motor435ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
trucks became necessary and the entire stable of
twenty-four horses were sold and replaced with a fleet
of automobiles. Today, these trucks number seventysix, as the company's products are distributed in Johnstown and outward through Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Indiana and Westmoreland counties over into
Maryland and West Virginia, with two branches in
Bedford and Cumberland. All in all more than two
hundred employees now conduct the work of the company under the direction of Mr. Boyer who became
president in I934, following the death of Mr. Harris.
James R. Harris is vice-president and treasurer, holding the office held by Mr. Boyer from I903 to I934.
Mr. William Scanlon serves the corporation as secretary. In addition to his leadership of the HarrisBoyer Company Emery H. Boyer is a director of the
Johnstown Bank and Trust Company and supports
many local activities, including the Red Cross. of
which he is president of the Cambria County Chapter.
He was formerly a director of the Johnstown Chamber
of Commerce and the Johnstown Rotary Club. He is
a member of the Calvary Methodist Church, in which
organization he serves as the president of the board of
trustees. Mr. Boyer is also a thirty-second degree
member of the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to several bodies, including Williamsport Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Emery Homer Boyer married, in 19o8, Fannie Jane
Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are the parents of a
daughter: Mildred Ruth, born October I3, I9I6, and
a graduate of the Pennsylvania College for Women.
JESSE EDWARD BRADEN CUNNINGHAM
--Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, Jesse
Edward Braden Cunningham was born in Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, December I9, i868, the son of John and
Eliza (Taylor) Cunningham. At the age of five years
he moved with his parents to Mount Pleasant, this
State, where he attended the public school; later he
spent two years at Washington and Jefferson College.
After teaching school in Jefferson County he studied
law in the office of Joseph A. McCurdy, Esq., and
formed a partnership with him after being admitted to
the bar of Westmoreland County on September 26,
I893. This partnership continued until his removal to
Harrisburg in I907, upon his appointment as Deputy
Attorney-General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While occupying this office he participated in
the important criminal cases growing out of the contracts for the building and furnishing of the new State
Capitol. He returned to private practice, in association with the late Charles H. Bergner, Esq., at Harrisburg, from 1915 until he was elected to the Superior
Court of Pennsylvania on November 3, I925, for a
term of ten years.
Judge Cunningham was twice elected district attorney of Westmoreland County, serving from I900 to
I9O6. Washington and Jefferson College has conferred upon him the degrees of Master of Arts and
Doctor of Laws. During his period of practice in
Harrisburg, he was elected to the Superior Court of
Pennsylvania, and reelected on November 5, 1935. He
now serves as a member of that tribunal, for the term
of ten years beginning January 6, I936. Politically
Judge Cunningham is a Republican. He is a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Masonic Fraternity; also of the Westmoreland County Bar Association, Pennsylvania State Bar Association, the
American Bar Association, and the Union League of
Philadelphia. In educational affairs he serves as a
trustee of Wilson College at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
Judge Cunningham married (first), on July 5, I894,
Clyde Beaumont, daughter of Jacob Beaumont, a deceased member of the Westmoreland County bar; to
this union was born one son, John Beaumont Cunningham, deceased. Mrs. Cunningham died on January 2,
I919, and Judge Cunningham married (second) Caroline (Floing) Bradshaw on January Io, I923.
(I)  William  Cunningham, great-grandfather of
Jesse E. B. Cunningham, and the pioneer ancestor of
the Cunningham family in America, was born at Ballimoney, County Antrim, Ireland, May 6, I767. In early
manhood, about the year 1790, he emigrated to America,
settling in Chester County, Pennsylvania, where he
worked at the trade of weaving. He married, in I792,
Mary Hill, who was born on Magee Island, which lies
in the channel between Scotland and Ireland, near the
Irish coast. William Cunningham had a brother who
entered the English Army and served in India; also
one sister, Catharine, who married David Craig in
Ireland, and came with him to America, settling in
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Six children were
born to William Cunningham and his wife, Mary
(Hill) Cunningham, one of whom was John.
(II) John Cunningham, son of William  (I) and
Mary (Hill) Cunningham, was born in Chester
County, Pennsylvania, February I7, 1794. He was
reared there and in Lancaster and Mifflin counties,
Pennsylvania. Later he was one of the founders of
Blairsville, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, buying one
of the first lots, and erecting one of the first houses of
that borough. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and
followed this vocation throughout the active years of
his life. He was an associate judge of Indiana County,
Pennsylvania, for several years, and one of its most
436ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
437
prominent citizens. He was a staunch Republican in
politics from the beginning of the Civil War; he and
all his sons associated themselves then with that party,
and remained true to its principles ever since. Three
of the sons served in the Union Army with distinction
through the Civil War. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Blairsville for many years, and was
greatly respected by his fellow-citizens for his sterling
qualities.
His wife, whom he married on June 26, I823, was
Rachel Wallace, and their children were: John, Samuel, Wallace, William, Jesse, Davis, and Mary.
Through a maternal grandmother, Rachel (WNallace) Cunningham, Judge Cunningham is also descended from Lieutenant Samuel Craig, Revolutionary
soldier, who lost his life at the hands of Indians on the
Chestnut Ridge, in I777. Rachel (Wallace) Cunningham was a daughter of Peter Wallace, famed in the
Derry settlement of Westmoreland County; her mother
was Rachel Craig, daughter of Lieutenant Samuel
Craig.
(III) John Cunningham, son of John (2) and Rachel
(Wallace) Cunningham was born in Blairsville, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, October 28, I834. His
early years were passed there, and he acquired his
education in the common schools of the borough. He
was apprenticed to the trade of carpentering, and upon
the completion of his apprenticeship went West, spending some time in California where he worked at his
trade. On returning East, he located in Johnstown,
Cambria County, Pennsylvania, where he entered mercantile business. He moved to Mount Pleasant, in
I873, located on a farm near the borough limits, and
engaged in farming in addition to his mercantile pursuits. He was active in business until his death on
December 24, I893. He was a loyal supporter of'the
Republican party but never sought office. During the
greater part of his mature life he was an elder in the
Presbyterian Church, a highly esteemed and valuable
citizen, a benevolent man, a true-hearted and helpful
friend. He was a member of Acacia Lodge, No. 355,
Free and Accepted Masons, of Blairsville, and was
buried with Masonic rites in Blairsville Cemetery. His
wife, to whom he was married January I, I868, was
Eliza I. Taylor; she was born in Derry Township,
near New Alexandria, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, May II, I836, and was a daughter of William
and Jane (Braden) Taylor. William Taylor was a
farmer of prominence, living near New Alexandria,
and for years was an elder in the Presbyerian Church.
Mrs. Cunningham died December 24, I899. Their children were: Jesse Edward Braden, now judge of the
Superior Court of Pennsylvania, of this record; Mary
Taylor, who married John C. Silsley, Esq., a member
of the Westmoreland County bar.
Judge Cunningham is of Scotch-Irish ancestry on
both his paternal and maternal sides.
THOMAS BARCLAY-The name Barclay has
occupied a significant place in the affairs of Greensburg for over a century, since John Y. Barclay first
came here more than a hundred years ago, and his descendants have figured prominently in professions,
business and especially finance. It was Thomas J.
Barclay of the second generation, an attorney, who
rounded the nucleus of the present banking enterprise
known as the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company,
and it was this bank of which Thomas Barclay was
president at the time of his death. The members of
this family not only have excelled as bankers and
members of the bar, but have also won distinction
for the contributions they have made to the general
civic welfare of this community.
Thomas Barclay was born in Greensburg, June 30,
*871, the son of Thomas J. and Rebecca (Kuhns)
Barclay. His father, also a native of this community,
was born here in I826 and died in I88I, passing away
in the same home where he first saw light of day.
As a young man the elder Barclay served in the
Mexican War and, after retiring from the army, engaged in a general law practice in Greensburg, where
he enjoyed unusual success and eventually served as
district attorney. It was later that he founded the
private banking business which bore his name. He was
a Democrat in politics and worshipped at the Christ
Episcopal Church. His wife was born and died in
Greensburg. His father, John Y. Barclay, who came
here from Bedford County, and his mother, Isabelle
(Johnston) Barclay, who was born at Kingston,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, also died in
Greensburg.
The following records, found in the Common Pleas
Minutes and the Quarter Sessions records, throw
further light on the career of Thomas J. Barclay as
an attorney. Under the date of Saturday, August 24,
1844, the following entry is made: "The committee
appointed yesterday to examine Alexander McKinney
and Thomas J. Barclay on the principles and practice of the law, having examined these young gentlemen last evening, reported each of them well qualified to practice; whereupon, on motion of Joseph H.
Kuhns, Esq., Alexander McKinney was sworn and
admitted as an attorney of the courts of this county;
and on motion of John Armstrong, Sen. Esq., Thomas
J. Barclay was sworn and admitted an attorney of the
courts of this county." On November I8, 1844, we findANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
that: "Thomas J. Barclay, Esq., having produced a
Deputation from the Attorney-General, was sworn to
prosecute the pleas of the Commonwealth within the
county of Westmoreland with fidelity," and from the
Quarter Sessions Court of that date, the following notation appears: "Monday, November I8, I844, with
the Honorable Thomas White, President Judge, and
John Moorhead and James Bell, associates on the
bench, after the constables were called made their returns and the grand jury was called, sworn and
charged, Thomas J. Barclay, Esq., produced his commission for prosecuting attorney and was sworn."
Further evidence indicates that the office was probably
held open for him while he served in the Mexican
War.
Like his distinguished father, Thomas Barclay maintained a position of leadership in Greensburg, where
he was born, reared and educated in the public schools.
Later he entered Princeton University, from which he
was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts
in the class of I892. After leaving college he took up
the study of law in the office of the late Judge Alexander D. McConnell. Subsequently, he was admitted
to the bar and practiced for a short period prior to the
Spanish-American War. When that conflict broke
out he enlisted and served throughout. The major part
of his military service was in the Philippines as a member of Company I of the Ioth Regiment.
Upon his return from the Far East, Thomas Barclay turned his attention to the law once more, but
in I899 entered the Barclay Bank and finance became
his chief occupation during the remainder of his life.
This bank is so closely identified with the Barclay
lame and family that something of its history deserves mention. According to certain authorities, there
was no bank in all Westmoreland County from 1827 to
I854. In the latter year, Thomas J. Barclay, father
of the Thomas Barclay of this record, set himself up
in business under the title "T. J. Barclay, Banker."
His headquarters was his home, located on Main
Street directly opposite the Court House. He opened
his bank in August, I854, and conducted it successfully
until his death in August, I88I. After his passing, it
was reorganized as the Barclay Bank. As mentioned,
Thomas Barclay became associated with the institution
shortly after the Spanish-American War. In I9O4, in
partnership with his brothers, Joseph K., now of Brevard, North Carolina, and the late Morrison and John,
Sr., the business was recognized as the Barclay Trust
Company. Four years later it consolidated with the
Westmoreland Savings and Trust Company to form
the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company of Greensburg. It is the oldest banking institution in Westmoreland County.
Thomas Barclay proved himself a worthy representative of a noteworthy family. At the turn of the century he was but a clerk in the Barclay Bank, but rose
rapidly as his abilities as a financier became manifest.
He was successively teller, secretary, I904; secretaryt easurer, I925; and president from I93I to his death
in I937.
However great his devotion to business, Thomas
Barclay never permitted it to absorb all his attention
to the exclusion of civic and social activities. Fraternally, he was affiliated with Lodge No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Greensburg, and
long was a member of the Westmoreland Law Association. He belonged to the Spanish-American War
Veterans. He worshipped at Christ Episcopal Church.
He was unmarried, and the only survivors of his immediate family are a sister, Hettie (Barclay) Jamison,
the wife of John M. Jamison (q. v.), of Greensburg
and a brother, Joseph K. Barclay, of Brevard, North
Carolina.
After a very brief illness, Thomas Barclay died
from a heart attack on October 3, I937. Not only had
he achieved notably in his vocation, but in doing so had
added greatly to the prosperity and better development
of Greensburg. He was held in high esteem and respect by associates and friends and rightly deserved the
universal confidence that was placed in him. His name,
as that of his family, will always hold an honored
place in the annals of Westmoreland County.
JOHN BARCLAY, Jr.-The procedure followed
by the members of the Barclay family in entering the
banking business has become almost a ritual. John
Barclay, Jr., is no exception. Like his father and
his uncle, Thomas Barclay, who was president of the
Barclay-Westmoreland  Trust Company, up to the
time of his death, October 3, I937, he began his career
with this institution as a clerk, rose to the post of
teller, was made assistant treasurer, later treasurer
and vice-president and treasurer, and on October I9,
I937, he succeeded his uncle as president.
Mr. Barclay was born in Greensburg, June 12, I900,
the son of John and Rebecca (Coulter) Barclay, both
natives of his birthplace. His father, who was born
here February I8, I862, and died in New York City on
March 3, I93I, was president of the Barclay-Westrroreland Trust Company, with which he was associated in various capacities from the time he was nineteen years old. He was the son of Thomas J. and
Rebecca (Kuhns) Barclay, and the husband of Rebecca (Coulter) Barclay, who was born in Greensburg, June 23, I872, and died here June 22, I937.
Mr. Barclay received the early part of his general
education in the public schools of Greensburg, later
438ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
signature "Eva L. Fee," and her articles and notes on
community affairs became one of its distinctive features. Mrs. Fee became well known not only as a
popular journalist but as an equally successful writer
of verse. Many of her poems have been published in
the local paper, as well as other periodicals and have
reached a wide circle of appreciative readers. Perhaps
her best known composition in verse form is the poem
written for the thirtieth anniversary of "The Daily
Notes." In this poem she originated the phrase "Canonsburg Can," which was immediately adopted as the
slogan of the paper and was soon accepted for the
town as a whole. Through its widespread popularity,
this slogan has passed into common local speech, expressing the spirit and will to progress of the community which Mrs. Fee has so well captured in a
single phrase.
Mrs. Fee survives her husband. Their only child,
a son, died in infancy.
CHARLES EDWIN MARSH-Principal of the
Junior High School of the Borough of Southwest
Greensburg for the past twenty-five years, Charles
Edwin Marsh is also a very active member and officer
of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Greensburg.
Charles Edwin Marsh was born in Venango County,
on September 9, I890, a son of Simon P. and Henrietta
(Disque) Marsh. Simon Marsh was born in Clarion
County on March 6, 1854, and is living on his farm in
Venango County at present. A staunch prohibitionist,
he is a member and officer of the Free Methodist
Church and was a school director of Pine Grove
Township. His wife, a native of Luxemburg, Germany, was born on May 6, 1857, and died at her home
in Pine Grove Township. Simon P. Marsh was a son
of Isaac Marsh, a native and farmer of Clarion County.
Charles Edwin Marsh, after passing through the
rural schools of Venango County, attended the State
Normal School at Edinboro. He was graduated from
that school in I9I3. Desiring to increase his professional training as a teacher, he continued his education
while engaged in his profession, graduating from the
University of Pittsburgh in I927 with the degree of
Bachelor of Science and, still continuing his studies at
the same institution, he received his degree of Master
in Education in I935. Upon his graduation from the
normal school, he came to Greensburg and was appointed principal of the schools in the Borough of
Southwest Greensburg. Mr. Marsh has held that
office ever since. A member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, he is an elder of the
institution at the present time and has been both a
deacon and superintendent of the church Sunday school.
He is a member of the National Education Association
and is a Republican in politics. Although Mr. Marsh's
diversion is reading, he is also fond of hunting and
fishing.
Charles Edwin Marsh has been twice married. On
December 22, 1915, he married (first) Catherine Crawford, a daughter of Robert and Erie (Hogue) Crawford, of Venango County. Mr. Crawford is deceased;
Mrs. Crawford is residing in Oil City. Mrs. Marsh
died in Greensburg on March 6, I920. On June 4, 1924,
Mr. Marsh married (second) Marie Weaver, an
adopted daughter of Casper Weaver, of Greensburg.
She is a graduate of Millersville Normal School and,
before her marriage taught schools in the boroughs
of South Greensburg and Southwest Greensburg. She
is a member of the Church of the United Brethren of
Greensburg. By his first marriage, Mr. Matsh has a
daughter, Henrietta Erie Marsh, who was born on
October IO, I9I6. After passing through the schools
of Venango County, she graduated from the Greensburg High School in 1933. Following a year of study
at the Greensburg Business College, she entered the
nurses' training school of the West Penn Hospital.
She is also studying at the Carnegie School of Technology.
VINCENT EDWARD WILLIAMS--Few lawyers have ever made such a deep impression of their
character upon Westmoreland County as did the late
Vincent Edward Williams of Latrobe. When he passed
away on October I4, I936, not only the members of his
own profession but men and women in all walks of
life were shocked when they realized that their trusted
friend and counsellor had been taken from them. Outstanding among the many tributes to his memory, was
the memorial meeting of the Westmoreland Law Association at which lawyers and jurists from all parts of
the county united to honor their leader. One of the
orators of the occasion, James L. Kennedy, said, in
part:
His mental and moral fibre and background were
of the highest grade. The records of our courts bear
marks of his learning, ability and progressive disposition. He drafted rules of court which were in advance
of anything in the Commonwealth..... These rules
and orders, when observed by judges and lawyers, did
much to expedite the administration of justice and
make it more certain and respected. He was publicspirited. His was not the mercenary kind. His services were largely freely given for the public good and
the forgotten taxpayer..... Students in his office
were taught by precept and example, "care, skill and
integrity," and that the greatest of these is integrity.
His conscience was his king..... He regarded his
profession as a public, civic calling. No client, powerful corporation or over-reaching individual could get
44ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
completed this part of his studies at the Hill School
in Pottstown and then attended Princeton University,
from which he was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in the class of I924. Directly after leaving college he entered the bank and started to work his way
to his present position, thus fulfilling a traditional
routine that has been followed by other members of
the family.
In his social activities he is a widely known and
popular figure in this vicinity. He is a member of
the Bankers Club of Pittsburgh, the Princeton Club of
Pittsburgh, the Colonial Club, the Rolling Run Country Club, the Pike Run Country Club and the Greensburg Country Club. Like his father he is a member of
the Democratic party and has served in public office,
completing his father's unexpired term as a member
of the Greensburg City Council, to which he was later
elected and served one term. He is fond of outdoor
sports of all types and finds his principal diversion in
the game of golf.
On January i6, I926, Mr. Barclay married Josephine
Eicher, of Greensburg, daughter of C. Ward and
Sarah (Glunt) Eicher, of this city, where her father
is Assistant District Attorney and a member of the
law firm of Eicher and Eicher. Mrs. Barclay attended the Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, and Smith
College, from which she was graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in I924. With her husband she
worships at the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs.
Barclay are the parents of two children: I. Rebecca
Coulter, born February Io, I927. 2. John III, born
February 28, I93I.
JOHN MARTIN JAMISON-During the course
cf a very active business career, John Martin Jamison
has risen to a prominent position in coal operations
of Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
He was born in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, March 3, I864, the son of Robert S. and Caroline (Wible) Jamison. Robert S.
famison was born in Hempfield Township, July I3,
1835, and in his youth, followed agricultural pursuits
but later became engaged in the coal business which
was destined to flourish in later years under the
direction of his son. In addition to his business activities, the elder Jamison was a progressive member of
the Second Reformed Church and a prominent member of the local Republican party. His wife, Caroline (Wible) Jamison, was also a native of Hempfield
Township. Robert S. Jamison died March I4, I903,
while on a visit to California and he was followed
two years later by his wife, who departed this life
cn May 24, I905.
John Martin Jamison received his early education
in the public schools of Hempfield Township and prepared for college at the Greensburg Seminary; then
entered the Freshman Class at Franklin  Marshall
College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in I883. At the end
ef his freshman year, he matriculated at Princeton
University, graduating with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts in I887. The following year, he was admitted
to the Westmoreland County Bar.
Mr. Jamison later forsook the practice of law to
engage in the coal business with his father. In June,
I892, he organized the Jamison Coal and Coke Company, with his father as president and he as secretary
and treasurer. Under the guidance of the Jamisons, the
newly-formed company flourished rapidly and soon
acquired a leadng position in the Greensburg coal district. Upon the death of his father, John Martin
Jamison succeeded to the presidency of the company, a
position which he still retains. Due to his reputation
for honesty and fairness in all his business dealings,
and also as a tribute to his personal popularity, Mr.
Jamison can now look with pride to the increasing
patronage enjoyed by his coal company. He is also a
director of the Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company
of Greensburg.
Mr. Jamison is a member of the Masonic Order, and
very active in the Second Reformed Church, having
been an elder since I9O3. He is a staunch Republican
and was elected to the State Senate in I9o8. He holds
membership in the Greensburg Country Club, the Allegheny Country Club, the Union League of Philadelphia
and the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh.
On February I, I893, he married Hettie Barclay,
daughter of Thomas J. and Rebecca (Kuhns) Barclay,
both deceased. Mr. Barclay was a private banker in
Greensburg, having established the forerunner of the
present Barclay-Westmoreland Trust Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Jamison are the parents of three
daughters and one son: I. Carolyn, who married
Thomas Lynch of Greensburg. 2. Isabel B., who married Joseph L. Cote, Jr., of Greensburg, and they
are the parents of Carolyn, Joseph L. 3d, John J. and
Edward T. Cote. 3. John Martin Jamison, Jr., who
was born March 29, I898, and died May I2, I929. 4.
Hetty B., who married Paul Euwer, of Jeannette, and
they are the parents of two children: Hetty and Paul
Euwer, Jr.
CHARLES FRANKLIN UHL-The appointment by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in I935,
of Charles Franklin Uhl as United States attorney
with headquarters in Pittsburgh, was a richly deserved
recognition of his abilities and record in legal circles
over a period of four decades. It may be pointed out
439ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
that he represents the Government in what is the
largest industrial district of our country and to, handle
the varied work of his office Mr. Uhl requires the
service of six assistants.  For many years he has
specialized in mining and industrial law, having represented the major part of the mining, industry, financial and business leaders of Somerset County to the
advantage of all concerned.
Mr. Uhl was born November 27, 1871, in Somerset,
Pennsylvania, son of Charles and Ann Eliza (Allison)
Uhl. His father, a native of Southampton Township,
Somerset County, and coming to the town of Somerset
in I86I, was long interested in merchandising and was
a substantial citizen of this place. Mrs. Ann Eliza
(Allison) Uhl was born in Lavansville, Somerset
County, the daughter of Robert Allison, of Cumberland, Maryland, who in the days when railroads were
comparatively few and none too efficient, went into the
transportation business with a fleet of "Conestoga"
wagons, hauling freight between West Newton and
Cumberland.
Charles Franklin Uhl began his legal career in the
way followed by many others of his contemporaries.
He completed his academic education in the grade and
high schools of Somerset, and then taught school for
three years in Somerset Borough. It was quite customary for one who became more educated than the
average to devote a certain amount of his endeavors to
instruction. He had no intention of becoming an
educator, however, so early began reading law under
Alexander H. Coffroth and William H. Ruppel in their
law office. Admitted to the bar of Pennsylvania, on
January 5, I895, he began to practice law in Somerset
independently. In I907 he joined William H. Ruppel
to form the firm of Ruppel and Uhl, a partnership
which was carried on until January I, I9II, when Mr.
Ruppel was elected president judge of the Court of
Common Pleas of Somerset County. Then Mr. Uhl
became associated with Charles H. Ealy, as Uhl and
Ealy, with Mr. Uhl's son, Simon Krebs, having been
admitted in I935; firm is now known as Uhl, Ealy
and Uhl. To a large extent they conduct a general
practice, but, as already indicated, Charles Franklin
Uhl, with the passing years, has become an authority
on mining laws and those affecting property in
various phases. He has won reputation with colleagues
and clients, not alone for his knowledge, skill and experience, but for his complete devotion to the interests
of those he serves. One of his outstanding characteristics is an absolute integrity. He has been an
indefatigable worker all his life, taking few, if any,
vacations. Feared as a foe, he is respected for his
complete fairness to opponents and is especially
esteemed by many of the legal fraternity who as young
attorneys found him exceedingly kind and helpful in
his contacts.
As United States Attorney, Mr. Uhl has added to his
reputation in Western Pennsylvania-the training and
habits of earlier years, his firm grounding in the basic
law, his forcefulness as a speaker, combining to make
him an effective public servant. He is a member of
the Somerset County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American Bar
Association.  So busy a professional man usually
finds little time for civic and social activities, yet Mr.
Uhl has played the part of a loyal citizen and promoted
the betterment of Somerset affairs upon many occasions. For eighteen years he was president of the
Somerset Board of Education and held this office when
the Somerset Borough built its fine high school. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Somerset Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons; Oriental Commandery, Knights
Templar, at Johnstown; the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite bodies including Jaffa Temple, Altoona, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Mr.
Uhl is president of the Somerset Historical and Archaeological Society, a member of the Rotary Club, of
which he is a former district governor, and of the
Rotary International. A staunch Democrat since he
became of age, his interest in politics has been general
rather than any seeking of public office. He is of the
Lutheran faith, a supporter of religious, philanthropic,
and humanitarian activities.
On June 20, I9oI, Charles Franklin Uhl married
Leah K. Krebs, of Somerset, daughter of Simon and
Harriett (Schwartz) Krebs, and they are the parents
of three children: I. Simon Krebs Uhl, associated with
his father in the law firm of Uhl, Ealy and Uhl. 2.
Henrietta Krebs Uhl. 3. Ann Allison Uhl.
MAURICE G. SHOEMAKER-The career of
the late Maurice Shoemaker, of Somerset, was one of'
the best evidences that the old maxims of the oldfashioned copy books were eternally right.  Hard
work, thrift, doing well whatever the hands find to do,
never putting off until tomorrow what can be done
today-these were guiding principles which took him
steadily up a long ladder of success and public honor.
Maurice G. Shoemaker was born in Friedens, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, November I2, I879, son
of Solomon and Mary Suzanne (Long) Shoemaker,
both of whom are deceased. His father was a merchant in Friedens, but as his health was not good and
in order to get outdoors, he became a dealer in live
stock, which he drove to the nearest shipping point.
Maurice was but eight years old when he made his
first drive over the mountains to Bedford, and he was
but fourteen when he was given the responsibility of
440ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
delivering a carload of cattle to Baltimore, Maryland.
For a number of years afterward he transacted his
father's business in the Maryland metropolis, going
with quantities of valuable live stock, and returning
unprotected with large sums of money. He was doing
a man's work before he was fully grown. From the
modern standpoint his early life was hard. He developed the capacity to assume responsibilities and to
never lose courage when obstacles seemed unsurmountable and failure seemed inevitable.
Mr. Shoemaker also learned that selling was often
more profitable than production, and decided upon a
mercantile career. To this end he entered the store of
Knepper and Good, in Somerset, and then went to
Meyersdale to become associated with Miller and
Collins. He served as a clerk but there was nothing
in connection with the store that he was not eager to
do, and he learned merchandising thoroughly. Eventually he returned to Somerset, and on February I, 191o,
entered into a partnership with his brother, George G.
Shoemaker. They opened their clothing store in the
room now occupied by George W. Schenck Men's
Department. Their capital was no burden to the
brothers, and their stock was not too heavy. Maurice
Shoemaker used to chuckle as he told of their devices
for concealing their lack. They had plenty of shelves,
and disliked the idea of having them bare, so employed
empty boxes as appropriate ornaments. Hard work
speedily supplied the capital deficiency, so that after
five years they were able to remove to the larger Odd
Fellows' Building store room which they occupied for
twenty-two years, and when they removed in December, 1936, to their beautiful new building across the
street.. Theirs was a modern men's and boys' clothing
establishment, a credit to any town.
A contemporary has written:
Maurice Shoemaker studied his business; his customers and his stock. He knew what he had to sell
and knew who would be interested in buying. He
delighted to see a customer in "clothes that fit." The
new Shoemaker Brothers' Building interested him
greatly. He watched the slow transformation of the
site through the tedious processes of the stone masons,
the concrete mixers and pourers, the placing of the
structural steel and finally the finishing processes,
finding keen delight in each, so that when removal day
came, he was happy that a long cherished ambition
had been realized. Shoemaker Brothers had a home of
their own and Somerset an additional business and
apartment building to its credit.
While Maurice G. Shoemaker concentrated his efforts chiefly upon the business which he had built over
a period of more than three decades, he was too wise
when wealth accumulated to keep all his "eggs in one
basket." He was vice-president of the Peoples National Bank, from its organization, in which he was
especially active. In 1930 he became a member of the
board of directors of the old Farmers National Bank.
His investments in local enterprises and property increased with the years. His loyalty to Somerset as a
citizen was admirable, and while he neither sought
public office nor political preferment, he was civicminded and supported movements and organizations
undertaken for the best interests of the municipality.
Mr. Shoemaker was a popular member of the Somerset Rotary Club, and fraternally he was affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, and in the Masonic Order was a member of
the various bodies of Masonry, a Knight Templar and
a Shriner, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church,
sang in its choir for many years, and held a number of
official posts in the church and Sunday school, including that of deacon.
While in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, Maurice G.
Shoemaker met Norma Moore, of Kendallville, Indiana, daughter of William and Mary (Rice) Moore,
whom he married on July 2I, I903. They became the
parents of two children: I. Dorothy, who married,
June 22, 1936, Emil Barnett, of Somerset. He is the
son of Edmund and Leora (Berkey) Barnett. 2.
Alvin, who, since his graduation from Gettysburg
College, has been associated with his father in business.
He married, October 31, I935, Sarah Varner, daughter
of Miles A. and Rosamond (Wright) Varner, of
Somerset. A biography and portrait of Miles A.
Varner appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and
Mrs. Alvin Shoemaker are the parents of a son, Alvin
Varner Shoemaker, born October 4, I938.
The death of Mr. Shoemaker occurred on January
20, I937, at the Somerset Community Hospital, where
he had gone for treatment of a stomach ailment. In
his demise Somerset lost a valuable citizen, an upright
man, and an important factor in the development of the
community. As an employer he held the affection and
devotion of those who worked under him, who recognized his fairness, kindliness and consideration for
them. As a merchant and banker he commanded the
respect and admirationi of the business leaders. As a
citizen he fully realized his duties to the community
and was always glad to give full support to endeavors
which promoted its prosperity and the happiness of its
people.
REV. I. HESS WAGNER, D. D.--Since the
first years of the present century, the Rev. I. Hess
Wagner, D. D., has been a distinguished figure in the
Lutheran Church of Pennsylvania. At the comparatively early age of forty the value of his services to
44IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
this denomination and prominence in public affairs was
recognized by conferring upon him the honorary degree
of Doctor of Divinity. Worthy of more than passing
note are the facts that he has ministered to but two
congregations, and for almost thirty consecutive years
has been the pastor of the Trinity (Lutheran) Church
of Somerset, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Wagner was born at McEwensville, Pennsylvania, January I7, I876, son of Christian L. and
Katherine (Hamlin) Wagner, his father being a carriage maker. He prepared for college in the McEwensville Academy, and matriculated at Susquehanna
University, from which he was graduated a Bachelor
of Arts with the class of I898. Remaining in that
institution, as a student in its theological seminary, he
gained both the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity upon his graduation from the seminary, in I9oI. Susquehanna University honored him
in I916 with the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Called to St. Luke's Church, Lutheran, in Williamsport, in I9OI, he remained until I909 when he came to
Trinity Church, Somerset, of which he has since been
the pastor. His work has been marked by a breadth
of culture and tolerance, by zeal in his ministry and a
keen social conscience and consciousness, humanitarianism, by thorough loyalty to his church and constructive
activities in civic affairs. Gifted as a pulpit and platform orator, he is equally able as an organizer and
leader of community enterprises, of educational cultural and social undertakings. As one has said of
him: "Dr. Wagner is first of all a human being, in the
best sense of the word; nothing that touches humanity
is alien to him. This has given him intimate association with all sorts of conditions of men and has led to
a deep insight into human traits and motives.
His main purpose in life is the service and Christian
help of his fellowmen."
Even the briefest outline of his varied activities
gives evidence of this attitude. He is a charter member of the Somerset Rotary Club and its secretary; is
a member and former president of the Chamber of
Commerce. He was organizer of the Somerset Chautauqua, its manager for a number of years, and was
instrumental in securing "Celebrity" courses of outstanding lectures, music and drama, which became so
pleasant and profitable a part of the life of Somerset
people. During the World War he was to the fore
as county chairman for Somerset County of the "FourMinute Men"; county chairman of the Smileage Committee; a leader in the drives for Liberty Loans and
the support of the various humanitarian agencies of
the time, such as the Red Cross and others. Dr.
Wagner is helpful on behalf of the Somerset Community Hospital; for years he was a trustee of Edgewood Grove, a park in Somerset. Fraternally, he is
affiliated with Lodge No. 397, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Williamsport. For three years he
was president of the Allegheny Synod of the United
Lutheran Church.
In New York City, on February Io, I904, Rev. I.
Hess Wagner, D. D., married Ethelynn Van Wagner,
daughter of Dr. Lewis Van Wagner, a physician of
Sherburne, New York, and Mrs. Flora (Marsh) Van
Wagner. Dr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of a
son, W. Wadsworth Wagner, an electrical engineer of
Somerset, who married Dorothy Harris, of New York
City.
J. MURRAY BAUN-Since coming to Rossiter
at the turn of the century, J. Murray Baun has been
identified with the coal mining industry during practically all of his career, although banking and other
enterprises have engaged a part of his attention. He
is a Pennsylvanian, born on April I9, I88o, son of
David and Mary E. (Ellenberger) Baun, both natives
of Pennsylvania. His mother died in I926 and his
father in I930.
J. Murray Baun grew up on his father's farm and
also became acquainted with lumbering, in which the
older man also engaged. The public schools provided
him with his education, and he waited until he had become of age before leaving the home place to locate
in Rossiter, in Igo5. Five years later he was made
tipple foreman of the C. B. C. Company, a position he has continued to fill efficiently to the present time.
Mr. Baun is vice-president of the Rossiter State
Bank, founded in IgI99, of which he was a charter member. During the World War he was active in the
various drives made for Liberty Loans and Red Cross
and other humanitarian societies, and served on a
number of boards and committees. Fraternally, he is
affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, as a life member of Punxsutawney Lodge, No.
30I, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
J. Murray Baun married Alta E. Calderwood, of
Locus;t, Pennsylvania.
CHIARLES TILTON STROSNIDER-An almost lifelong resident of Waynesburg, Charles Tilton
Strosnider is favorably known in Western Pennsylvania for his banking and civic activities. He was born
at Spraggs, Greene County, Pennsylvania, April 27,
I882, son of Simon Kinney and Elizabeth Margaret
(Stewart) Strosnider. His father, long connected
with agriculture, was exemplary in his citizenship, and
once served as commissioner for Greene County.
442ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Charles Tilton Strosnider is a graduate from
Waynesburg College, class of I907, and for three years
taught in the public schools. He then entered the
banking business, with which he has been actively
identified for twenty-eight years. During this period
he has had experience in nearly all departments of
finance, in later years serving as treasurer of the Union
Deposit and Trust Company and Union Trust Company, and as cashier of the Union National Bank, all
of Waynesburg.
Mr. Strosnider has served as a director of the
Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce; is a member of
the board of managers and is treasurer of the Greene
County Memorial Hospital; a trustee of Waynesburg
College; treasurer of the Greene County Tuberculosis
Society and the Greene County Historical Society, and
affiliated with the Kiwanis Club. He is a member of
the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg, having
served as deacon of the church, and as superintendent
of the Bible school for about fifteen years. In politics,
he is a member of the Democratic party. Fraternally,
Mr. Strosnider is affiliated with Waynesburg Lodge,
No. I53, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is a
Past Master, and he is a member of the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Pittsburgh.
At Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, on October 3, I912,
Charles Tilton Strosnider married Mary Eastman
Hill, daughter of Dr. Thomas Benton Hill and Mrs.
Emma Willmetta (Loughridge) Hill. Mr. and Mrs.
Strosnider are the parents of three children: I. Robert
Hill, born August 24, I9I4. 2. Richard Benton, born
October 22, I916. 3. Eleanor Mary, born March 17,
I92I.
THOMAS FRANK COVERT--Since I902
Thomas Frank Covert has been an active member of
the Beaver County bar, practicing at Beaver Falls and
in recent years at New Brighton. He is well known
professionally and for his interest in the history of
Beaver County and its institutions, upon which he has
written extensively.
Thomas F. (T. Frank) Covert was born at Fallston,
Pennsylvania, on May Io, 1871, son of Jacob and
Mary (Smith) Covert. His father, who learned the
carpenter's trade as a young man, was a member of the
regimental band of the 63d Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, enlisted in August, I86I, and belonged to
Company C. Later, he reenlisted as a member of
Company C, 56th Pennsylvania Militia, and was mustered into the Federal service on June 27, I863. He
was of the third generation to serve his country, his
father having been a Pennsylvania soldier in the War
of I812, and his grandfather in the Revolutionary
War. After the Civil War, he became a merchant at
Fallston and in I884 removed his business to Beaver
Falls, where he retired about ten years later.
Thomas Frank Covert was educated in Pennsylvania
public schools, completing the course at New Brighton
High School in I887. He began his active career at
an early age and after holding several minor clerical
positions in the offices of the Carnegie Phipps and
Company steel and wire mills at Beaver Falls, became
chief clerk of the plant. This position he relinquished
at the age of twenty to take up the study of law. For
a time he attended Buffalo (New York) Law School,
a branch of Niagara University. His other preparations for the bar were completed in the office of John
M. Buchanan at Beaver, Pennsylvania, and after his
admission to practice he devoted himself exclusively
to his professional responsibilities. While reading law
he did reportorial work for a time on the "Daily
Republican" of Beaver Falls. Mr. Covert has been a
member of the Beaver County bar for thirty-six years.
Until I924 he maintained an office at Beaver Falls, but
since that time he has had his office at New Brighton,
where his residence is located. He has had many professional connections but in later years has found time
to pursue his long-continued interest in the early history of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.
During 1928-29 he contributed a historical article
weekly to "The Beaver Falls Tribune" and furnished a
daily column of historical occurrences of a local nature
to the same paper. Mr. Covert also wrote the history
of "Early Catholicism in Beaver County, Pennsylvania," which appeared in "The Beaver Daily Star"
in weekly installments extending over two years, and
was one of the committee which recently released the
volume, "Centennial History of New Brighton." Of
this work he wrote a large part.
Mr. Covert is a Democrat in politics and was twice
the candidate of his party for the State Legislature
before the resurgence of Democratic strength in the
Commonwealth. He is a member of the Beaver County
Bar Association and of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic
Church in New Brighton and was formerly affiliated
with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. In younger days he was
also a member of the Beaver Valley Country Club and
the now defunct Tamaqua Club of Beaver Falls.
On February II, I9o8, at St. Joseph's Church, New
Brighton, Mr. Covert married Anna E. McGuire,
daughter of Hugh and Anna E. (Reel) McGuire.
Their residence is located on part of the land settled
upon by Mrs. Covert's great-grandfather, James McGuire, about I795, over one hundred acres of which has
descended from the original settler to the present
generation.
443ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
him to promote fraud, avarice or injustice. He was
progressive. He advanced ideas of reform of the social
and legal evils of the day, special interest excesses,
oppressive taxes, political chicanery, and labored to the
end that the government may be respected, not despised.        His talents, his learning, and his work
remind me of what Thucydides said of Pericles: "Pericles knew all that was necessary to be known for his
calling; he knew how to use his knowledge; he loved
his country and he was superior to money."
Vincent Edward Williams was born in Latrobe'on
July 3, I853, a son of David and Ellen (Cummings)
Williams. Both were natives of Ireland but spent the
greater portion of their lives as citizens of Latrobe.
Mr. Williams, who reached Latrobe in I852, almost at
once established himself as a railroad construction contractor. One of his first undertakings was the building of the Pennsylvania Railroad from a mile west of
Latrobe to a mile west of Beatty. While still engaged
in that undertaking, he built the first section of the
Parker House at Ligonier and Main streets, ILatrobe.
It was there that Vincent Edward Williams was born.
From the very first, David Williams was keenly interested in the civic development and prosperity of Latrobe. It was in his house that, in I854, the first council
of Latrobe Borough held its organization meeting and
thereafter, Mr. Williams remained active in civic affairs. Among his philanthropies was his gift of an
entire city block, fronting on Ligonier Street, between
Chestnut and Walnut streets, as the site for the Holy
Family Church, school and cemetery. David Williams
died in I883 in the family home, which he built on
Depot Street. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of a large family. One of their sons, P. A. Williams, a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil
WVar, was killed at the battle of Fair Oaks. When the
Latrobe Post of the Grand Army of the Republic' was
organized, it was named the P. A. Williams Post, in
his honor.
Vincent Edward  Williams  attended  school  in
Youngstown and Latrobe, also studied at St. Michaels
Seminary and at Georgetown College. Later, he enrolled in the Sainte Marie Jesuit College at Montreal,
Canada, graduating from that institution in I873. By
this time he had determined to make his career in the
legal profession but, while he began his law studies, he
worked for several years with his father in the contracting business. Then, to familiarize himself with
legal procedure, he served a year as deputy register
and recorder and, also another year as deputy prothonotary in the county courts. While in this latter
office, Mr. Williams systematized its business and
drafted forms and rules which, then innovations, have
never been materially improved upon. All this while
he was reading law with United States Senator Edgar
Cowan, a famous attorney and statesman.  In the
Senator's office, Mr. Williams became an intimate of
the leading figures of the generation, including Chief
Justice Jeremiah Sullivan Black, one of the great men
of the Pennsylvania bar. Doubtless Mr. Williams was
profoundly influenced by Judge Black and, in later life,
his cases were often based upon Black's classic ideas.
In August of I878 Mr. Williams was admitted to the
bar. At that time he became a member of the firm of
Hazlett and Williams. After eight years of association
with his partner, James J. Hazlett, death divided them
in I887. Mr. Williams in the same year formed the
firm of Williams and Griffith, his new partner being
W. A. Griffith. Nine years later A. M. Sloan was
taken into the firm and the establishment, under the
name of Williams, Sloan and Griffith became an outstanding office. They enjoyed a large corporation and
general practice and employed several other attorneys
to assist them in their work. Mr. Williams, as the
head of the firm, made a reputation for the house of
rare precision and, in time, the firm exercised a great
influence upon the State bar, as shown by the numerous references to the firm in the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Many of the important
cases of the generation were conducted by the firm.
For many years Mr. Williams was a member of the
Pennsylvania National Guard, rising to the office of
quartermaster of the Ioth Regiment and being commissioned a major. Always interested in politics, his
friends persuaded him in I9oI to stand for election as
judge of Orphans' Court. However, he outraged the
professional politicians by refusing to spend money to
obtain votes and he also insisted that no funds be expended in his interest. He did receive a very substantial vote, a gratifying tribute, but he failed of election.
Through the years he did serve as borough solicitor
for Latrobe and he was a member of the I.atrobe
Council. Next to his profession he placed interest in
civic affairs: to him a natural extension of his trust
as an attorney. He helped organize the Latrobe water
and electric light companies and served as their president for a time. He was a member of the several
professional associations of the State and county, a
charter member of both the Latrobe Club and the Pike
Run Country Club, and belonged to Greensburg Lodge,
No. 51, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
On August I7, I898, Vincent Edward Williams nmarried Katharine Wallace, a daughter of James MI. and
Amanda (Mechling) Wallace. Both her parents were
natives of Westmoreland County.  Her father was
a merchant in Greensburg.  Mrs. Williams passed
through the public schools and the high school of
Greensburg and followed a business course at Curry
University in Pittsburgh. A member of the Lutheran
45ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
EDWIN FRANCIS GAUSHELL HARPEROne of the leading attorneys of Lawrence County,
Edwin Francis Gaushell Harper, of New Castle, is also
prominent in the political life of his section of the
State and is an outstanding member of the Masonic
Fraternity in Western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Harper was born on May 27, I869, in Cranberry
Township, Butler County, a son of Cyrus and Elizabeth (Dalzell) Harper. Cyrus Harper, who was born
March I, I839, and died January 22, I92I, was a
farmer and also active in politics. A justice of the
peace for years, between 1897 and 900oo, he was treasurer of Butler County. During the Civil War, he
served for three years, I862-65, in the I5th West Virginia Infantry, as regimental hospital steward and
sergeant-major. He married Elizabeth Dalzell on
March I5, I866. She died March 9, I879. Cyrus
Harper was a son of Thomas Harper, a native of Butler County, where he was born in I798 and where he
died on June 30, I876. Thomas Harper married Margaret Swartz, in I819. He was a son of Thomas
Harper, a veteran of the Revolution, who served in
the Pennsylvania Continental Regiment.  In  I794,
Thomas Harper also served under General Anthony
Wayne in the campaign against the Indians in Northwestern Ohio. During this service, Thomas Harper
was wounded in the shoulder. He later settled at Mingo
Creek, Ohio, where he died about I8I8. He is buried
near Mingo Junction. Margaret Swartz, grandmother
of Edwin Francis Gaushell Harper, was a daughter of
George Swartz, who served during the Revolution in
the 2d Pennsylvania Regiment, Continental Line.
A graduate of the New Castle High School, Edwin
Francis Gaushell Harper has spent his life within his
chosen profession, winning the respect of the entire
county. Active in politics, he has been a member of
the New Castle Board of Education and served as its
secretary in I907 and I9o8. In 1915 Mr. Harper was
also a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. For
nmany years he has been an outstanding Mason. He is
a member of Mahoning Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, being Worshipful Master in I9IO; Delta
Chapter, No. I70, Royal Arch Masons, being High
Priest in I916; Hiram Council, Royal and Select
Masters; Lawrence Commandery, No. 62, Knights
Templar, being Eminent Commander in I9I2; Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, of Pittsburgh; and also the Masonic Club, of
New Castle. Mr. Harper belongs to the First Methodist Episcopal Church of New Castle, and to Oscar
L. Jackson Camp, Sons of Union Veterans. He also
has for many years been active in the Sons of the
American Revolution. He is a past president of New
Castle Chapter, and in I933 he was president of the
State society of that organization, and at Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, on October 13, I938, he was elected for
the sixth consecutive time as national trustee for the
State of Pennsylvania to serve for the year I939.
Edwin Francis Gaushell Harper married, July 5,
I904, Margaret M. Roberts, daughter of Rev. James
E. and Eleanor J. Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. Harper are
the parents of three children: I. Eleanor B., born
August I6, I905; married Alvah M. Shumaker. 2.
Edwin Roberts, born December 24, I916. 3. Margaret
Cordelia, born December 2I, I9I9.
JUDGE JOHN HADEN WILSON-After being solicitor for the city of Butler for twenty-seven
years, John Haden Wilson, in I934, assumed the duties
of president judge of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania Judicial
District Court for a term of ten years. To a degree it
was a climax to a public service extending over a
number of years, wherein he had been a member of
Congress and had served in various official capacities.
Judge Wilson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, the
eldest son of Andrew Henderson and Jane Graham
(Spiers) Wilson and the great-grandson of Andrew
Wilson, who came from Ireland in I793, and within a
brief period settled on a large tract of land in what is
now Jackson Township, Butler County, where many
of his descendants still live. Reared in Harmony, this
county, Judge Wilson attended the local public schools
and was graduated from Grove City College. He read
law and in I896 was admitted to the bar of Butler
County, and began the practice of his profession.
Active in public life, and a Democrat in his political
affiliations, Judge Wilson has long been influential in
party affairs. He was a delegate to the National
Democratic Convention in I916, which nominated
Woodrow Wilson for a second term as President of
the United States. He was elected to, and served as a
member of, the Sixty-Sixth Congress of the United
States from the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Congressional District, comprising Butler and Westmoreland counties, the first Democrat to be so honored from
Butler County in more than a hundred years. Judge
Wilson was also a delegate to the Democratic National
Convention which nominated Franklin Delano Roosevelt for President, and worked effectively during the
campaign which followed for this purpose. As already
indicated, in I933, he was elected, on the Democratic
ticket, president judge of the Fiftieth Pennsylvania
Judicial District Court for a term which does not
terminate until I944. The juridical qualities of Judge
Wilson have been widely recognized, and his service
in his position has won universal approval.
Judge John Haden Wilson married Catherine Elizabeth Levis (who died in I930), granddaughter of John
444ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Levis, an early settler of Zelienople, Pennsylvania.
Judge and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of two sons:
John Levis Wilson and Robert Stewart Wilson.
GEORGE HIBBS HESS, M. D.-For twenty
years, Dr. Gorge Hibbs Hess has been a well-known
figure in medical circles of Pennsylvania. An early
specialist in roentgenology, he limits his practice, which
centers at Uniontown, exclusively to this field and has
won a distinguished reputation in pursuing one of the
most useful branches of modern medicine.
Dr. Hess was born on June 28, I886, on what is now
the Iden Vale Farm situated on Dunlaps Creek in
German Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He
is the younger son of John Fuller and Harriet Ann
(Hibbs) Hess and is a member of the old Pennsylvania family founded by John George Hess, who came
to this country with his wife, Anna, from the Palatine
Province of Hesse, Germany, in I738. They settled
on a farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and
raised a large family. Their youngest son, Peter,
served throughout the Revolution and in I794, with his
wife and family, came to Fayette County, taking up
land on Dunlaps Creek adjoining lands of the Rev.
James Finley, near the village of New Salem, Pennsylvania. Peter's son, George, married Mary Fuller, a
sister of Daniel Fuller, and lived on his father's farm.
John, son of George, married Amanda Offord and purchased a farm adjoining that of James Ewing, near
what is now Hibbs post office. He raised a large
family, among whom was a son, John Fuller Hess.
John Fuller Hess married Harriet Ann Hibbs, daughter of David and Hannah (Walters) Hibbs. They had
three children: Homer H. Hess, of Uniontown; Nora
Ethel, now deceased; and Dr. George Hibbs Hess,
subject of this review. John Fuller Hess died in 1925.
His widow resides at Uniontown and enjoys good
health although one of the few living "forty-niners."
Dr. George H. Hess received his early education in
the district schools of German and Menallen townships,
Fayette County, later attended the Uniontown High
School and in I9o6 graduated from the old Washington and Jefferson Academy at Washington, Pennsylvania. He prepared for his profession, subsequently, in
the medical school of the University of Pennsylvania
at Philadelphia, and was there graduated with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine in June, I911. His
medical education was continued for one year at the
Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Upon returning to Uniontown on December I, 1912,
Dr. Hess began the practice of general medicine in
association with Dr. A. E. Crow. Attracted by the
possibilities of roentgenology as an adjunct to medical
diagnosis and therapeutics, he entered the University
of Pennsylvania Hospital at Philadelphia in July, 1913,
for special training in roentgenology under the direction of Dr. H. K. Pancoast. In January, I914, he resumed his professional duties in Uniontown and at that
time organized the X-ray department of the Uniontown Hospital, on the staff of which he has since
served without interruption as roentgenologist.
In November, I9I6, Dr. Hess discontinued his association with Dr. Crow and opened a private office for
the practice of general medicine at No. 4 East Fayette
Street, Uniontown. At the same time he remained as
roentgenologist at the Uniontown Hospital. In the
fall of 1921 he entered the office of Dr. Russel H.
Boggs, of Pittsburgh, for further special training in
roentgenology and radium therapy. Upon his return
to Uniontown he purchased his present office building
at Morgantown and Ray streets and in 1922 established
a completely equipped laboratory for the general practice of medical roentgenology. Since then, his efforts
have been limited entirely to this branch of medical
science. His thorough training in roentgenology and
his success in practice have firmly established his reputation in the field in which he specializes.
Dr. Hess is a Fellow of the American College of
Radiology, the American College of Physicians and
of the American Medical Association. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology and an
active member of the American Roentgen Ray Society,
the Radiological Society of North America and the
Pennsylvania Roentgen Ray Society, being a past
president of the latter. He is also a member of the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society and a member and
past president of the Fayette County Medical Society.
During the World War, he was a member of the
Volunteer Medical Service Corps and served on the
Medical Advisory Board.
On November 8, I916, Dr. George Hibbs Hess married Marguerite Taylor, the daughter of John M. and
Agnes (Nemon) Taylor, of Uniontown. In 1925 he
built his present home at No. 225 Derrick Avenue,
Uniontown, residing there with his wife and three children: Marguerite Taylor, George Taylor and Robert
Hibbs Hess.
MICHAEL J. GLENN-After a long and diversified business career, Michael J. Glenn was appointed
acting postmaster of Ford City, Pennsylvania, in
August, I934, and the manner in which he conducted
the business of this office resulted in his appointment
as postmaster in I935 for a four-year term. He was
born in Snow Shoe, Centre County, October 8, I882,
the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Hayes) Glenn.
The elder Mr. Glenn, a native of Gort, County Galway,
Ireland, worked as an axe grinder. He was a memAA5ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ber of the Democratic party. His wife was born in
Dublin, Ireland.
Michael J. Glenn was educated in the schools of
Snow Shoe, Pennsylvania, and after graduating from
the High School took a business course in a Pittsburgh business college and then worked as a telegraph
operator for several railroads, including the New York
Central and Pennsylvania systems. After five years
of this work, he secured a position with the Elk Brewing Company at Kittanning and remained with this
organization from I905 to I914, during the last seven
years of which period he served as plant manager. He
next entered the wholesale liquor business in Ford
City, where he continued until I920, when he entered
into partnership with M. C. Linnan of Ford City, in
the hardware and furniture business. In 1924 he became a member of the firm of D. Gleich and Company
of Pittsburgh, stock and bond brokers, and remained
here until I930 when he became a member of the New
York Produce Exchange, and an associate member of
the New York Curb, and then in August, I934, was
appointed acting postmaster of Ford City. He assisted
in the organization of the Armstrong Building and
Loan Association, became its first secretary and at
present is a director of this organization.
He is a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
Church, a lifelong and active Democrat. He was a
delegate to the Democratic National Convention held
at Houston, Texas, in I928 and an alternate delegate to
the National Democratic Convention held in Chicago
in 1932. He is a member of the National Postmasters
Association, and a director of the State Postmasters
Association. He is a director of Armstrong County
Hospital of Kittanning; is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal
Order of Eagles; treasurer of the Ford City Hunting
and Fishing Club, and a member of the Armstrong
County Hunting and Fishing Club and the Kittanning
Country Club.
He was married, at Kittanning, October 23, 1912, to
Laura B. Sheridan, born February I, I884, the daughter of Hugh D. and Anna (Skelton) Sheridan. MAr.
and Mrs. Glenn became the parents of three children:
I. Genevieve. 2. Elizabeth Ann. 3. John W. Mrs.
Laura B. (Sheridan) Glenn died November 27, T937.
M. WILSON STEWART-Formerly a newspaper man, and now for nearly forty years one of the
leading attorneys of Allegheny County, Murray
(shortened to M.) Wilson Stewart is also an outstanding member of the Masonic Fraternity.
Mr. Stewart was born in McKeesport, on April 30.
I865, a son of John W. and Lizzie (Gamble) Stewart.
John W. Stewart was also a native of McKeesport, in
his early manhood being a building contractor. From
i88o until his death on July 5, 1907, he was one of
McKeesport's insurance men. A Democrat, he was
school director and a member of the School Board for
a number of years. For more than thirty-five years
also, he was a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church
of McKeesport; secretary of the Board of Trade,
predecessor of the Chamber of Commerce; and treasurer of McKeesport Hospital. John W. Stewart was
a son of Hamilton and Nancy (Dinsmore) Stewart.
Hamilton Stewart was born in McKeesport in I799
and died there. A farmer, he was also a contractor
and builder. Some of the structures he reared are still
standing. One of them is the old log schoolhouse on
the Diamond. Another is the building next to the
corner of Walnut and Ninth Avenue. He also provided McKeesport with coffins. He was a Democrat
and for many years an elder in the Presbyterian
Church. His wife was a native of Turtle Creek and
died in McKeesport. Hamilton Stewart was a son of
Samuel and Margaret (Atcheson) Stewart. Samuel
Stewart, of Scotch descent, probably came to McKeesport from Lancaster County. He arrived not
later than 1796 and owned one of the original lots of
land into which McKeesport was divided at the time
of its establishment. He was both a farmer and a
weaver. His wife was a native of Philadelphia and
died in McKeesport. Lizzie (Gamble) Stewart, mother
of M. Wilson Stewart, was born in Kiskiminetas
Township, Armstrong County, and died in McKeesport on October I9, I899. She was a daughter of John
and Fanny (Moore) Gamble. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Gamble were natives of Northern Ireland. They settled
in Kiskiminetas where Mr. Gamble established himself
as a salt manufacturer.
M. Wilson Stewart, after passing through the public
schools of McKeesport, graduated from Washington
and Jefferson College in I890, with a degree of Bachelor of Arts. During his college days, he was business
manager of the college monthly paper at Washington
and Jefferson and editor of the college annual "Pandora," and joined the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He
was class president and president of Franklin and
Washington Literary Society. From his early years,
printer's ink held a fascination for him and he devoted
several years of his life to the newspaper profession,
literally rising from printer's devil to editor. His first
position was with the "Record," a weekly, on which
he gathered news, set type, operated the hand press
and distributed the papers, being its sole operator at
sixteen years, during the owner's absence for a month.
Next Mr. Stewart was on the "Times," as printer,
job printer, advertising solicitor, news gatherer andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
447
writer and editor, successively. After that he worked
for the "Paragon" and for the "Herald," completing
his career with a term on the "News"--a daily still
being published. Like many another newspaperman,
Mr. Stewart saw the legal profession as a greener field
than his own. Accordingly, he began to read law
under the tutelage of E. P. Douglass, an attorney who
practiced in both McKeesport and in Pittsburgh. In
I892 he organized Haler and Company, Limited, succeeded in I897 by the Tube City Gas Company, in the
production and distribution of natural gas and was in
charge of the accounts until I9oI when the Union Gas
Company absorbed the business and franchises. In
I9OI Mr. Stewart was admitted to the Pennsylvania
bar and he established himself in McKeesport and
Pittsburgh, where he has practiced independently ever
since. For many years Mr. Stewart was active within
the Democratic party. He was assistant postmaster
of McKeesport in I886 and I887 and, later, was chairman of the McKeesport Democratic City Committee
for several years. A thirty-second degree member of
the Masonic Fraternity, Mr. Stewart is very active in
all the Masonic bodies; a member and Past Master of
Aliquippa Lodge, No. 375, Free and Accepted Masons, he has been the lodge's secretary since I9Q3; a
member and past presiding officer of McKeesport
Chapter, No. 282, Royal Arch Masons, and a trustee
of the Chapter for many years; Past Commander of
McKeesport Commandery, No. 86, Knights Templar;
a member of Mt. Moriah Council, No. 2, Royal and
Select Masters; a member of Pennsylvania Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
Pittsburgh. He also is a member of the Association
of Masonic Veterans of Western Pennsylvania; organizer of the Masonic Hall Association of McKeesport in I904, vice-president and counsel until I935,
when he became president. He is also director and
solicitor of McKeesport and Versailles Cemetery since
I909 of which his grandfather was an incorporator in
I856 and his father a director for many years. Among
other organizations of which Mr. Stewart is a member
are: The Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Bar Association
and Monongahela Valley Bar Association. He is an
adherent of the Presbyterian Church. Another major
interest of Mr. Stewart's is history. He is an active
member of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. He devoted considerable time to his share in
compiling and writing the volume, "First One Hundred Years of McKeesport-I794-I894," which was
published in I894. He is also particularly interested in
the history of the Presbyterian Church and of Versailles Cemetery-as well as the early period of Pennsylvania.
M. Wilson Stewart has two brothers: John Boyd
Dinsmore Stewart, M. D., who is practicing in Clairton; and Scott Moore Stewart, who is in the general
insurance business in McKeesport.
THOMAS FRANKLIN SOLES-An attorney
practicing both in McKeesport and in Pittsburgh,
Thomas Franklin Soles is also a prominent banker and
business man.
Mr. Soles was born in McKeesport on June 30, I882,
a son of Wesley Cramer and Emma L. (Smith) Soles.
Wesley Cramer Soles, who spent his life in McKeesport, being born on March 30, 1848, and dying December 21, 1925, was one of the leading citizens of the
city, the Soles family being among its earliest residents. In his early life a carpenter, he became a building contractor and then entered the real estate business. Later he became president of the Versailles
Traction Company, a street railroad. This road became
a part of the West Penn Railway system in I897.
Wesley Cramer Soles was also, at one time, president
of the National Bank of McKeesport. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of McKeesport
and belonged to the Republican party. His wife, Emma
L. Smith Soles, was born in Hanging Rock, Ohio, on
December 25, I856, and died in McKeesport on November 13, I936. She was a daughter of Thomas and
Cynthia (McGraw) Smith. Thomas Smith, born in
Wales in I832; was brought to this country as a child
by his parents, who settled at first near Pittsburgh.
The Smith family, having been connected with the iron
business in Tredagar, Wales, Thomas Smith grew up
within the same field in Pennsylvania. He became an
iron worker as a young man and followed the trade
until the Civil War. Enlisting in the Union Army,
he served in the artillery and lost an arm in battle,
which made it impossible for him to return to his
former occupation when peace came and he became a
merchant instead. He pre-deceased his wife, Cynthia
McGraw Smith, who was a native of Brady's Bend, and
of Scotch-English descent. She died in Wilkinsburg,
Pennsylvania, January I3, I9I4.
Thomas Franklin Soles, after passing through the
graded and high schools of McKeesport, attended
Lafayette College, graduating with his degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in I904. Then, selecting the law
for his profession, Mr. Soles studied at the Law School
of the University of Pittsburgh, graduating as a Bachelor of Laws in I907. Admitted to the Pennsylvania
bar the same year, he established himself in practice
in both McKeesport and in Pittsburgh. Banking alsoANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
has occupied much of his attention, as well as business
enterprises. He is a vice-president and director of
Talon, Incorporated, of Meadville, Pennsylvania, president of the Bank of Glassport and a director in the
Peoples' City Bank of McKeesport, a trustee of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport, and
president of the Lafayette College National Alumni
Association. Mr. Soles is a member of the Republican
party. A life member of McKeesport Lodge, No. 64I,
Free and Accepted Masons, Mr. Soles also belongs to
McKeesport Commandery, Knights Templar, and
Syria Temple of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the
Youghiogheny Country Club, the University Club of
Pittsburgh, and the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh.
On June I7, I909, Thomas Franklin Soles married
Terrissa Cochran Brooks, who was born at Buckeye,
Fayette County, Pennsylvania. She is a daughter of
Rev. Dr. Henry and Rose Anna (Cochran) Brooks.
Rev. Dr. Brooks now resides in the South. Mrs.
Brooks, now deceased, was a daughter of John M.
Cochran, a pioneer coal and coke operator in Fayette
County. Mrs. Soles, who was educated in the McKeesport public schools and at California State Normal
School, California, Pennsylvania, is a member of the
Daughters of the American Revolution and of the
First Methodist Episcopal Church of McKeesport. Mr.
and Mrs. Soles have a son and a daughter: I. Dorothy
Jane, born April 9, I920, and now a student at Knox
College. 2. John Jay, born June 20, I922, and now a
student at Culver Military Academy.
JAMES ATKINSON WEDDELL-For almost
thirty years, James Atkinson Weddell has served as
construction engineer for the American Steel and
Wire Company plants at Donora. He is a member of
old Pennsylvania families and is active in the civic
life of Monongahela, where he makes his home.
Mr. Weddell was born at Monongahela on October
29, I878, son of Trovillo Jacob and Jane (Sampson)
Weddell. His father, who died in his ninety-third
year, was a member of the Westmoreland County bar.
He was also editor of the "Elizabeth Herald" and
"Monongahela Times," cashier of the Peoples Bank
of Monongahela and a deacon and active worker in the
Baptist Church. Mr. Weddell is a direct descendant
of Peter Weddell, who came into Western Pennsylvania with his father, George, in I757, establishing possibly the first permanent settlement in the colony west
of the mountains. Later he served as lieutenant of
militia in the 4th Company, 4th Battalion of VWestmoreland County during the Revolution. Mr. Weddell
is also descended from the Revolutionary soldiers:
William Sampson, Jr., ranger of the frontiers, I78o;
William Thompson, who served as lieutenant; James
Scott, Sr., lieutenant in the Westmoreland County
Militia, 1777; and George Grant, captain of the gth
Pennsylvania, May 3, I777.
James Atkinson Weddell was educated in the grammar and high schools of Monongahela, Pittsburgh
Academy and Washington and Jefferson College, from
which latter institution he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Adopting the profession of
civil engineering, he entered practice at Monongahela
in I9oI, and two years later moved to Linton, Indiana,
where he was mine manager and engineer of a local
coal company from I904 to I907. In I908 he joined
the Pittsburgh Steel Company as a civil engineer and
in I9IO assumed his present connection with the American Steel and Wire Company. Since that time he has
been occupied without his responsibilities as construction engineer at the Donora plants of this company.
Mr. Weddell is at present a member of the Monongahela City School Board and for many years past has
been active in the life of the city in various civic connections. He is affiliated fraternally with the Masonic
Order, in which he is a member of the Blue Lodge and
the several higher Scottish Rite bodies, including the
Consistory, and is a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
On August I8, I904, at New Castle, Pennsylvania,
Mr. Weddell married Sara Elizabeth White, daughter
of John Crawford and Rosa (Cochran) White. She
is descended from the Revolutionary soldiers David
White, captain of Company Eight, 3rd Battalion, Cumberland County Militia, I78I; James Dunlap, lieutenant-colonel of the Ioth Battalion, Cumberland County,
1778; Joseph Pollock, lieutenant in the Northumberland County Militia; and Thomas Cochran, captain in
the York County Militia. She is also descended from
James Sterrett, carpenter on Commodore Perry's flagship during the battle of Lake Erie and ensign in the
4th Battalion, Laficaster County Militia. Mr. and
Mrs. Weddell are the parents of two sons: James
Crawford, born May 2I, I9IO, and Arthur White, born
August I4, I912.
WILLIAM  REED DENNISON-Admitted to
the bar in August, I9O6, William Reed Dennison has
successfully engaged in the general practice of law in
Washington County for more than thirty years, and he
enjoys an enviable reputation for the efficiency and
honesty manifested in the performance of his professional duties.
He was born April 7, I879, in Donegal Township,
Washington County, the son of Edwin Henry and
Selena (Reed) Dennison. Edwin Henry Dennison
was born on the old homestead in Donegal Township
in December, I845; died in June, I927, at the age of
448ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
eighty-two years. He was engaged during his lifetime as a farmer on this tract of land purchased by
his grandfather, James Stevenson, a veteran of the
Revolutionary War and a member of the House of
Representatives from  Pennsylvania.  This farm, at
present owned by William Reed Dennison, now covers
one hundred and eighty acres. Selena (Reed) Dennison, born in I847, died December 23, 1928.
William Reed Dennison received his grammar and
high school education in Claysville, and in I897 enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College, where he
secured his degree of Bachelor of Science in I904. He
then entered the University of Pittsburgh, and was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in
19o6. He was admitted to practice in the local courts
soon afterwards; in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, September 26, I915; in the United States District Court, December 29, 1915; in Pennsylvania
Superior Court, April I7, 1928; and in the United
States Supreme Court, October io, I932. He has
practiced in Washington County since I9o6.
He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church,
and is on the board of elders. An active Democrat,
he served as county auditor in I9o6 and I907, and has
been referee in bankruptcy from his appointment, December 29, I915, to the present date. He is affiliated
with Friendship Council No. 20I, Junior Order United
American Mechanics, and is also a member of the
Washington County Bar Association, and a director of
the Equitable Building and Loan Association of Washington, Pennsylvania.
He married, June 27, I907, Matilda L. Snodgrass of
Claysville, daughter of Robert G. and Adeline (Patterson). Snodgrass, and they are the parents of two
children: I. Katharine, married William W. Baker, of
Chambersburg, and they are the parents of a daughter,
Jean. 2. William Reed, Jr., born December 3I, I918,
now a junior at Washington and Jefferson College.
A. GRAFTON SULLIVAN-Appointed postmaster of New Kensington in I935, A. Grafton Sullivan has been in charge of this office to the present
day, and in addition to his postal duties, has always
managed to take an active part in all local civic affairs. He is a native of this community, having been
born here June I3, I897, the son of the late D. B.
and Agnes (Grafton) Sullivan. The elder Mr. Sullivan, a native of Virginia, was associated with the real
estate and insurance business for many years prior to
his death, April I8, I933. His wife, a native of
Penn Station, is a resident of this locality.
After graduating from New Kensington High School,
A. Grafton Sullivan matriculated at the University
of Pittsburgh, where he was graduated in 1923 with
the degree of Bachelor of Science. After a law
course at Duquesne University, he became associated
with his father in the real estate and insurance business, and continued in this field until March, 1935, when
he assumed his present duties as postmaster. During
the World War, Mr. Sullivan was a member of Battery B, Io7th Field Artillery, 28th Division, and was
wounded in action overseas. He was awardetl the
Purple Heart decoration for distinguished service, and
received his honorable discharge September 2I, 1919.
He has since greatly interested himself in the activities
of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American
Legion, and is former Deputy Chief of Staff of the
Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars, and now
junior vice-commander of the State of Pennsylvania
Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is also a trustee and
past commander of New Kensington Post No. 92,
Veterans of' Foreign Wars, and has been service officer
of both the American Legion and the Veterans of
Foreign Wars for eighteen years.
He is a communicant of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, an active Democrat, and an affiliate of
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal
Order of Moose, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He is also president of the Western Pennsylvania
Postmasters' Association.
He was married December I9, I919, to Mildred
Kirkland of New Kensington, and they are the parents of two daughters, Margaret Arlene and Patricia
Jean, both students in the local schools.
EBEN DANIEL DAVIDSON-In the educational world Eben Daniel Davidson has served his
fellow-Pennsylvanians faithfully and well, and in his
present position as county superintendent of schools of
Beaver County, Pennsylvania, he has carried on his
excellent work. Highly esteemed by all who know him,
he is respected and honored in a wide circle of acquaintances.
Mr. Davidson was born on July 9, I879, in Hopewell
Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, the son of
William Hamilton and Amanda (Baker) Davidson,
both natives of Beaver County, the Davidson and
Baker families were pioneers in this section.
After he had completed his preliminary schooling in
the public schools of his native township and the New
Sheffield Academy, Eben Daniel Davidson, of this
review, became a student at the Piersol Academy and
there prepared to enter the teaching profession. His
first teaching engagement began in 19o2 at New Scottsville school in his home township. Subsequently he
transferred to principal of Fallston Borough schools,
and later South Heights Borough, Conway Borough,
and supervising principal of Woodlawn Borough
AAOANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Church in Latrobe and of various women's organizations, she is now the librarian for the Westmoreland
County Citizens' Law Library in Greensburg. Mrs.
Williams has a son: Vincent Edward, Jr. He was
born on March I9, I909. After graduating from the
Latrobe High School he took his degree of Bachelor
of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan in I93I and his degree
of Bachelor of Laws from  the University of Pittsburgh in I934. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar that
year he is practicing in Latrobe and in Greensburg.
PAUL  M. ROBINSON-Although his career
was interrupted by two years of service in the World
War with the United States Army Infantry and Air
Corps, Paul M. Robinson, an attorney of Greensburg,
established himself in his profession upon his return
from France and has, through the following years,
developed a distinguished practice.
Paul M. Robinson was born in Greensburg on October 26, 1892, a son of Frank L. and Jane (Rhea) Robinson. Frank L. Robinson was born in Indiana County
and, after a life as a traveling salesman, is now living
in retirement in Greensburg. He is a member and
former trustee of the Westminster Presbyterian Church
of Greensburg and belongs to the Republican party.
Mrs. Frank L. Robinson, who was also born in Indiana County, is living in Greensburg.
Paul M. Robinson, after passing through the public
schools of Greensburg, and graduating from the high
school in 1912, worked for a time in the old Westmoreland National Bank. Then selecting the law as his
life work he attended the University of Pittsburgh,
graduating with his degree of Bachelor of Laws in
I9I7. Immediately after receiving his sheepskin, he
enlisted in the army. He was sent to the First Officers'
Training School at Fort Niagara, New York, and
after completing his military studies, he was commissioned a second lieutenant. Assigned to the 79th Division at Camp Meade, Maryland, Lieutenant Robinson
went overseas with his division in June of I918. Returning to the United States in I919 he was honorably
discharged at Camp Meade with the rank of first
lieutenant. In I9I9 Mr. Robinson was admitted to the
several courts of Westmoreland County and, in Io20,
to practice before the Supreme Court, Superior and
Federal courts. He located his office in Greensburg,
where he has maintained a general practice alone ever
since. For a time he was associated with Judge Richard D. Laird and the late P. K. Shaner. Interested
in politics as a member of the Republican party, Mr.
Robinson at one time was deputy recorder of Westmoreland County.  His professional associations include membership in the Westmoreland County Bar
Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association,
and the American Bar Association. He is also chairman of the executive committee of the Citizens' Law
Library Commission of Greensburg. Mr. Robinson's
war service is continued by his membership in the
American Legion; he is a Past Commander of the
local post of the American Legion. He is also a member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 518, Free and Accepted
Masons, and Syria Temple in Pittsburgh. He is also
a trustee of Westminster Presbyterian Church of
Greensburg and a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity.
On September 8, I92I, Paul M. Robinson married
Ethel Lowe, of Youngwood. She is a daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Lester L. Lowe, of Youngwood. Both
her parents are deceased. Mrs. Robinson was educated at Youngwood School and at Hood College. She
graduated from the latter institution in 1915 with the
degree of Bachelor of Science in Domestic Science.
She is a director of Hood College and a member of
Westminster Church of Greensburg.  Mr. and Mrs.
Robinson have three children: I. Paul, Jr. 2. Sarah
L. 3. Richard Rhea.
ANDREW GALLAGHER UNCAPHER-A
Greensburg attorney in general practice of the law,
Andrew Gallagher Uncapher is not only prominent in
his profession but widely known in fraternal organizations. He is also an active member of the Republican
party in Westmoreland County.
Mr. Uncapher was born in Vandergrift on September 23, I90I, a son of Milton E. and Margaret (Gallagher) Uncapher. Milton E. Uncapher, who was
born on May I, I858, in Apollo. Armstrong County,
was engaged in the real estate and insurance business
in Vandergrift. He was an active Republican and a
member of the Presbyterian Church. He was a son
of Philip and Emma (Kimmel) Uncapher. Philip
Uncapher, who was born near Saltsburg, was a farmer
and a merchant. During the Civil War he fought in
the Union Army. His wife was born in Indiana
County. Margaret (Gallagher) Uncapher, mother of
Andrew  Gallagher Uncapher, was a daughter of
Andrew and Isabell (Elgin) Gallagher. Andrew Gallagher, who was a native of Ireland, fought for the
North in the Civil War. He was a merchant in Vandergrift. His wife was a native of Armstrong County.
Andrew Gallagher Uncapher, after attending the
public schools in Vandergrift, graduated from Culver
Military Academy in I919. Then, after four years at
the University of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1923 as a Bachelor of Science, he chose the
law as his profession. Attending the Pittsburgh Law
School he received his degree in law in I926 and was
admitted to the bar the same year. He established
46ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
schools, now Aliquippa. In I918 Mr. Davidson was
appointed assistant county superintendent of schools,
which office he held for sixteen years. Always eager
to further himself intellectually and better qualify himself for the performance of his duties, he devoted his
time in the evenings and during summer recesses to
extension courses at Grove City College, Grove City,
Pennsylvania, and later at Geneva College, Beaver
Falls, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1922. Subsequently,
in 1933, he took the further degree of Master of Arts
at the University of Pittsburgh.
In I934, Mr. Davidson was elected county superintendent of schools of Beaver County and is now serving his second term. In this position he has charge of
three hundred and ninety-five teachers and thirteen
thousand five hundred pupils. His administration has
been rich in good works and in the promotion of up-todate and progressive conditions in the schools of the
county.
In addition to other activities, Mr. Davidson is active
in certain groups of his fellow-professional men, being
a member of the National Education Association and
the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He also
belongs to the Beaver Valley Schoolmen's Club, the
Beaver Men's Club, and is generally active in civic
affairs. He is an active member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and is a member of the official board
and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school.
Fraternally, Mr. Davidson is affiliated with the Free
and Accepted Masons.
In all his work and, indeed, in all the activities of
his varied career, Mr. Davidson has proven himself a
useful and worth while citizen; but his labors have, of
course, centered about his undertakings and achievements as an educator, in which capacity he has per.
formed his greatest accomplishments.
On May 9, I917, Eben Daniel Davidson married
Anna Flora Poe, of Beaver, Pennsylvania.  By this
marriage there has been born two children: I. Mildred
Irene, who is a student at the University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2. Marion Evelyn, a senior
in the Beaver High School.
JOHN FRASER HORN-Contributing to the
business advancement of Vandergrift and its environs,
John Fraser Horn was one of this community's leading
citizens. He was particularly well known for his work
as president of the Vandergrift Telephone Company,
though his activities took him into many realms of
commerce and industry and were of unusual value to
the people of this region of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Horn was born August 27, i857, in Partick,
Lanarkshire, Scotland, son of Andrew and Christina
(Fraser) Horn. Partick is now included in the city
of Glasgow. Until he reached the age of fifteen years,
John Fraser Horn attended a local academy in his
Scottish birthplace. Then he became a clerk in his
father's insurance office in Dunfermline. For eight
years he served both in the office and on the road, and
in I88o he obtained employment at Falkirk, Stirlingshire, associating himself with the Carron Company,
operators of a large foundry and extensive ship owners.
Engaged in their accounting department, Mr. Horn
directed his thoughts across the sea while attending
his desk duties. His wife's two brothers had already
sailed for the New World and established themselves
in Pittsburgh, and the accounts that they wrote of their
new experiences induced John F. Horn to join them.
In April, I888, he embarked for America. When he
arrived in Pittsburgh, he became shipping clerk with
the Carnegie Steel Company, at Homestead, and at
the end of a year he was made accountant in the office,
at Mansfield (now Carnegie), of the Penn Lead Company, refiners of lead and precious metals. They refined fully one-eighth of all the silver in the United
States. This position was both congenial and lucrative to Mr. Horn and, except for business reverses, he
would have continued indefinitely to work along those
same lines. Misfortunes came, however, and the company was placed in the hands of a receiver.
Obliged to look elsewhere for employment, Mr. Horn
was introduced by a friend to an official of the Vandergrift Land Improvement Company, a subsidiary of
the Apollo Iron and Steel Company, of which George
G. McMurtry was president. In I897 Mr. Horn became bookkeeper of the Land Improvement Company,
working under the local agent. Later E. W. Pargny
succeeded to the presidency of the company. Then the
Apollo Iron and Steel Company was sold, and the Land
Improvement Company became entirely distinct. Mr.
Pargny resigned, and Mr. Horn was made president
of this organization. At the same time he was likewise made head of the Water Company, the Electric
and Power Company, the Telephone Company, the
Gas Company and the Steam Heating Company. He
also became a director of the Savings and Trust Company. He gave his full attention to the affairs of these
different corporations, devoting himself undividedly to
them, all of which were subsidiaries of the Land Improvement Company. Each of the companies, under
his expert guidance, was organized to serve the town
in its respective field, and each kept pace with the
growth of Vandergrift. Many local people found
employment in these plants, and their payrolls and the
business emanating from them added greatly to the
general prosperity. The Vandergrift Water Company
particularly grew and expanded with the years, being
450ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
furnished from twenty or more artesian wells about
two hundred feet deep over an area of five hundred
acres, about three miles from the city. The water is
pumped by electric power and filtered daily, and the
consumers are assured an abundance of water sppply
direct from  nature's purest reservoirs.  Mr. Horn
was particularly interested in the work of the Vandergrift Telephone Company, spending much of his.time
at the headquarters of this business house, which has
grown and expanded with each passing year.
Taking a prominent r6le in Vandergrift's social and
civic life, Mr. Horn showed himself to be intensely
public-spirited, ever alert to seize every opportunity to
minister to the welfare and progress of the city. He
was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to Kiskiminetas Lodge, No. 617, and the Valley of Pittsburgh Consistory of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, in which he was long an elder.
John Fraser Horn married, on August 30, I88I,
while still at Falkirk, Scotland, Catherine Macpherson,
of Dunfermline, Scotland. They became the parents
of the following children: I and 2. Two children who
are both deceased, one dying in infancy in Vandergrift,
Pennsylvania, and the other in Scotland. 3. Andrew
G., who was eldest of the family; he was long cashier
of the Drovers' State Bank, Denver, Colorado, and
died in Hollywood, California, about I936. 4. John
Macpherson, who graduated from Cornell University
and the University of Pittsburgh, now a practitioner
of law at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, with offices also
at Vandergrift; he was appointed a lieutenant in the
United States Army in June, I917; he married Katherine Huff, of Greensburg. 5. Fraser Macpherson,
who attended Vandergrift High School and was graduated in 1917, later studying at Phillips Academy,
Andover, Massachusetts, and at Yale University, New
Haven, Connecticut; he is a lawyer in New York City,
and is the father of two sons: i. John Fraser Horn.
ii. Louis Stoddard Horn. 6. Christine, graduated from
Wilson College, wife of John W. Elliott, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who is with the Carnegie-Illinois Steel
Company; their daughter, Catherine Elliott, was graduated from the Baldwin School, Bryn Mawr, attended
Vassar and Barnard colleges, graduating from Barnard in I938.
John Fraser Horn died July 5, I938.
HOWARD  D. CREPS-Following the varied
activities of his earlier career, Howard D. Creps
entered the insurance business at Indiana, establishing
an independent enterprise which he has since successfully operated. He is a leading figure in the life of this
community, and as founder and publisher of the "Indiana Countian," a weekly newspaper, has expanded
the scope of his interests and influence in the printing
and publishing field.
Mr. Creps was born in Rayne Township, on June
20, I895, a son of Jacob A. and Minnie A. (Ray)
Creps and a grandson of Jacob Creps, who founded
the family in Pennsylvania.  Jacob Creps served with
distinction in the Civil War as captain of a company
in a Pennsylvania regiment. He refused the commission of colonel in order to remain with his men and led
them through some of the fiercest fighting of the
war. In the two companies raised in Indiana, only six
men came through the war without casualties. Jacob
Creps was greatly beloved by all who knew him and
remained an honored figure in this community until
his death. His son, Jacob A. Creps, who died in I913,
was associated with the auditor general's office at
Harrisburg.
Howard D. Creps received his general education in
the public schools and subsequently attended State
Teachers College. In his youth he learned the printing
trade at Indiana, and for several years was employed
as a journeyman by various concerns. At the end of
this time he joined the staff of the First National
Bank of Indiana as a teller and remained in this connection until the entry of the United States into the
World War. Mr. Creps then enlisted in the navy and
was assigned to duty at Norfolk, Virginia, in the Paymaster's Department. Upon his return from the war,
he became private secretary to ex-Governor John S.
Fisher, who was then banking commissioner, and continued this association for two years. Upon its termination he entered the insurance business with the
Thompson Insurance Agency. Later he established the
insurance agency which he has since conducted, building up an increasing volume of business with passing
years. He is today well known in insurance circles of
the county.
In I930 Mr. Creps also founded the "Indiana Countian," a weekly newspaper, which was successful and
has made encouraging progress from the beginning. It
has the largest circulation of any weekly newspaper in
Indiana County. Mr. Creps is sole owner and editor
of the paper, which reflects his viewpoint of the function of a local paper as an organ both of news and
opinion. In connection with its publication, he also
carries on a large job and commercial printing business, operating a completely equipped and up-to-date
plant.
Mr. Creps is active fraternally in the Free and
Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange, and in the former order is a
member of all higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, including the thirty-second degree of the
451ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Consistory. He has been associated with various movements in this community, to which he has lent effective
support, and is a member of the Lutheran Church.
In I919, Howard D. Creps married Francelia H.
Garson, of Indiana. They are the parents of three
children: Elbie Garson, born May I4, I920; John H.,
born October 2I, I922; and James J., born May 20,
I929.
BRUCE ALBERT SCIOTTO-One of the
leading attorneys of Johnstown and an outstanding
authority on labor and compensation questions, Bruce
Albert Sciotto practiced his profession for ten years in
Indiana, Pennsylvania, before opening his office in
Johnstown in I933.
Bruce Albert Sciotto was born August 6, I899, in
Jefferson County, son of Rosario and Anna Maria
(Malemi) Sciotto, both natives of Italy.  Rosario
Sciotto died February, I938; his wife died in 1928.
After passing through the public schools and attending St. Vincent's College, Bruce Albert Sciotto prepared for a career in the law by studying at Duquesne
University and at Dickinson Law School, from which
latter institution he graduated in 1923 with the degree
of Bachelor of Laws. Admitted to the Pennsylvania
bar the same year, Mr. Sciotto at once established
himself in the general practice of his profession at
Indiana but, after ten years successful independent
practice, removed his office to Johnstown, where he
now conducts a large general practice with particular
emphasis upon compensation and labor problems. A
member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the
Cambria County Bar Association, Mr. Sciotto has also
held several public offices, including the position of
supervisor of the Compensation and Labor organization
and the office of Special Deputy Attorney-General of
the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, a position
which he now holds. Interested in business affairs
also, Mr. Sciotto is secretary and an organizer of the
Windber Construction Company. A member of the
Catholic Church, Mr. Sciotto belongs to several national and local organizations including the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Sons of Italy.
Bruce Albert Sciotto, married, in I930, Evelyn
Rezolla, daughter of John Rezolla, a prominent manufacturer of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Sciotto are the
parents of three children: I. Ella Lucille, born May 5,
I93I. 2. Bruce Albert, Jr., born August I4, 1932. 3.
Charles Thomas, born January IO, I934.
DANIEL RHOADES SCHNABEL-Out of
the store of information regarding the life and career
of Daniel Rhoades Schnabel emerges a personality
whose public spirit, ability and popularity have had a
profound and beneficial effect on the progress of his
native city of Johnstown.
As a man of unique capabilities he has devoted all
of his talents to the welfare of the community as a
business leader, public official and champion of numerous social agencies. While there is ample physical
evidence of his accomplishments and contributions, the
spiritual factor can be said to far outweigh anything
of a concrete nature. His enthusiasm is contagious
and impressive. This quality alone, coupled with other
characteristics, have brought him the appreciation and
recognition of his fellows who have seen fit to honor
him on numerous occasions.
Dan R. Schnabel, Sr., "Uncle Dan," as he is known
all over Pennsylvania-survived both Johnstown floods.
In the flood of May 3I, I889, he lost one brother,
watching him drown and unable to help him, all being
in a room that collapsed, drowning seven people including his brother, Mr. Schnabel being the only one
saved. During the flood of St. Patrick's Day, March
17, I936, he was in City Hall all night with a number
of other people caught in the rush of waters.
Mr. Schnabel was born on Main Street, Johnstown,
on December 2, I874, the son of Henry and Sarah
(Rhoades) Schnabel, the former a native of Germany,
and the latter of Somerset County. His father, who
was the first of the family to come to this country engaged in the mercantile business here throughout his
life. Mr. Schnabel received a general education in the
public schools of Johnstown and in I897 began his
business career by establishing a small carriage painting business on Bedford Street. He found these quarters inadequate and removed to Short Street, where in
addition to carrying on the aforementioned work he
also conducted a blacksmith business. His modest
venture began to grow and through his satisfactory
accomplishments he was making a wide circle of
friends who were happy to patronize his establishment. Soon he was able to get the agency for several
of the better known vehicles of the time and his progress from this point was rapid.
Eventually he purchased a large four-story building
measuring one hundred and twenty by one hundred
and twenty feet on Wood Street and continued here
until 1912, when he sold it to the Buser Silk Company
which still continues to operate at this site.  It is
interesting to note in this connection that Mr. Schnabel had already begun his missionary work on behalf
of the city, for it was he who persuaded Mr. Buser to
come here. In the years that have followed he has
continued to promote the interests of the community
as a commercial and industrial center and has been
responsible for attracting numerous other large organi452ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
zations, among them the Henderson Dry Cleaning
Company and the Penn Cigar Company.
Through his sale of the Wood Street property he
was to profit doubly. Not only did he enjoy a substantial profit on the transaction but he was also able
to turn his attention to other more lucrative and progressive fields. With characteristic foresight he saw
a great future in the automobile business and established a sales and service agency which he conducted
for many years in conjunction with his realty interests.
Paralleling his business success is an outstanding
career in public life. To date he is the only man in the
history of the city who has twice been reelected a member of City Council, once after being out of office several years, his latest public endorsement coming in
I930. As a member of this body he has championed
the beautification of the city, devoting most of his
energies to the maintenance of buildings, recreation and
parks. He was procurement officer for the United
States Government when a CCC Camp was engaged in
improving Stackhouse Park for the city, and since that
time has been honored for his work by having Schnabel Park named for him, an unusual tribute that clearly
indicates the esteem and affection he is held in by the
public at large.
Perhaps one of the most satisfying civic accomplishments in his distinguished career, as far as he is concerned, has to do with the acquisition of the Reynoldsdale Fish Hatchery, which he was instrumental in
purchasing for the State as a member of the Fish Commission, to which he was first appointed by Governor
Pinchot and with which he served fifteen years at one
dollar per year during the administrations of Governors Pinchot, Fisher and Earle. After an exhaustive
survey the commission determined upon this site, which
has developed into one of the finest hatcheries in the
State. In a detailed article, which appeared in the
"Pennsylvania Angler" of March, I936, Mr. Schnabel
outlined the virtues of this property and the manner in
which it was chosen. In stating the objectives of the
commission, Mr. Schnabel expressed himself in the
following manner: "We resolved that so far as was
humanly possible, the new hatchery sites would have
to be such that when constructed and in operation, they
would be a monument to the committee, to which the
Fish Commission and the sportsmen could point with
pride." Thanks to his conscientiousness and to that of
his colleagues this project has even come to surpass
their high standards.
His prominence in Johnstown is further evidenced
in the affiliations he has had with the leading financial
and social organizations of the community. At one
time he was vice-president and a director of the First
National Bank of East Conemaugh, and is a former
member of the board of directors of the Johnstown
Sanitary Dairy Company and president of the Johnstown Sanitary Ice and Storage Company. He is credited with being one of the organizers of the Johnstown
Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the local Rotary Club, fraternizes with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a life member,
and worships at the Lutheran Church. During the
World War his patriotic work won him recognition
in the form of a Certificate of Merit from the United
States Government, which stated its appreciation of
his labors with the coal industry.
In I904 Mr. Schnabel married Anna Catherine Bergman, and they became the parents of the following
children: I. Mildred Louise, the first child, who was
born in I906 and died in infancy the same year. 2.
Helen Marie, who was born in I907, attended the
Carter Music School, the Boston Conservatory of
Music and is now a technician at the Jewish Medical
Hospital at Cincinnati. She is a very talented violinist
and has received several awards for her artistic work.
3. Daniel Rhoades, Jr., born in 1912, who is a jewelry
engraver and follows art work as his hobby.
GOETHE FAUST-Interested in amateur dramatics and one of the local officials of the Republican
party, Goethe Faust is a leading attorney of Greensburg.
Mr. Faust was born on May I2, I904, in Greensburg, a son of Bert and Anna (Hauger) Faust. Bert
Faust, who was born in Jones Mills, Westmoreland
County on May 3, I88I, conducts a real estate and insurance business in Greensburg. A Republican, he is
now serving his tenth year as alderman. Bert Faust
is a member of the First Baptist Church in Greensburg and before entering the real estate and insurance
business, was a teacher in the South Greensburg
schools, being a graduate of California State Normal
School. He is a son of Edward and Sarah (Bittinger)
Faust. Edward Faust was born near Jones Mills and,
a farmer there, was also supervisor of Donegal Township for a number of years. His wife was a native of
Frostburg, Maryland. Edward Faust was a son of
Adam Faust, a farmer and a native of Jones Mills.
Anna (Hauger) Faust, the mother of Goethe Faust,
was born near Stahlstown and was a daughter of John
Fremont and Mary (Pletcher) Hauger. Mr. Hauger,
who was an undertaker, was a very active Democrat
and served his neighborhood in a number of official
positions. He was a son of Elijah Hauger, a native of
Westmoreland County and a farmer. Anna Hauger's
mother was born near Stahlstown and died in Donegal.
Goethe Faust, after passing through the Greensburg
schools, graduated from the high school in I922. Four
453ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
years at Allegheny College won him his Bachelor of
Arts degree in I926. Selecting the law as his profession, Mr. Faust then attended the Law School of the
University of Pittsburgh and received his Bachelor of
Laws degree in I929. On February 25, I930, he was
admitted to the bar and he opened his office in Greensburg for the general practice of his profession. He is
a member of the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, the Westmoreland
County Bar Association, the Bar of the Pennsylvania
Supreme Court, and the United States District Court
in Pittsburgh. An active Republican, he is a member
of his party's county committee. In I936 he stood for
Congress on his party's ticket but was defeated.
Founder and first president of the Greensburg Lions
Club, Mr. Faust is a member of Greensburg Lodge,
No. 5II, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the
Latrobe Country Club, the University Club of Pittsburgh, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi Alpha Delta
fraternities, and the United States Army Reserve
Corps, ggth Division.  Mr. Faust is interested in
riding, golfing and amateur dramatics.
SAMUEL GRANT FETTERMAN-The oldest
civil engineer in point of service in Southwestern
Pennsylvania, Samuel Grant Fetterman, of Johnstown,
is one of the most prominent consulting engineers in
practice in the coal region, having been active in his
profession since I886.
Samuel Grant Fetterman was born August 24, 1867,
in Strongstown, Indiana County, son of Gideon E. and
Sarah D. (Hill) Fetterman. Gideon E. Fetterman,
who died in i888, was a farmer and, during the Civil
War, served in the Union Army as a member of a
Pennsylvania infantry regiment. His wife, Sarah D.
(Hill) Fetterman, died in I932.
After passing through the public schools of Indiana
County, Samuel Grant Fetterman went to work in the
engineering department of the Cambria Iron Company,
leaving them to go with the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, with whom he remained until I889, the year
of the great flood. Following the disaster, Mr. Fetterman entered the office of Harry S. Peeler, city engineer
of Johnstown, who also carried on a large^ private
practice as a civil and mining engineer. When, in
1892, Mr. Peeler died, Mr. Fetterman succeeded him
as city engineer, holding the office for six years thereafter, and also purchased the private practice from the
Peeler heirs. At about the same time Mr. Fetterman
acquired the private engineering practice of F. A.
Cresswell. Until I9o6 Mr. Fetterman conducted the
business alone but, that year, he formed a partnership
with Frank D. Baker and Charles A. Owen, under the
name of the Fetterman Engineering Company, an
organization which has continued through the present
time with the exception of the addition of Warren H.
Hinks in I918 and Mr. Baker's withdrawal in I923.
The Fetterman Engineering Company has, through the
years, carried out many important commissions, one
of the most important being the survey of forty thousands acres of coal land for W. W. Amesbury. In
addition to a general civil, mining and consulting engineering practice, the company has been prominent in
the laying out of streets, sewers, water systems and
the like in many towns adjacent to Johnstown. In
addition to his six years of public service as city
engineer of Johnstown, Mr. Fetterman has also been
vice-president of the Johnstown City Planning Commission for twenty years. He is a member of many
Masonic bodies, including Jaffa Temple, of Altoona,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
as well as being one of the oldest members of the
Johnstown Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and of the Johnstown organization of the
Knights of Pythias. Mr. Fetterman, who is a member
of several local clubs also, belongs to the Johnstown
Church of the United Brethren, of which he has been
an elder and a deacon.
Samuel Grant Fetterman married, at Johnstown,
Cambria County, in I893, Leslie T. Hull, of Bedford
County. Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman are the parents of
three children: I. Amsbry H., a graduate of the Dental
College of the University of Pittsburgh, who married
Edna Davis. He is practicing dental surgery in East
Conemaugh. 2. Charlotte H., general secretary to the
superintendent of schools at Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
3. Pearl M., a graduate of the Indiana State Teachers
College, who married Chester Furlong.
THOMAS J. MURPHY-In both public and
private life, Thomas J. Murphy is one of the outstanding citizens of Ashville. He is a native of Gallitzin,
Pennsylvania, born August 26, I889, son of Joseph F.
and Margaret M. (Byrne) Murphy, both of whom
were also natives of Gallitzin. The father died in
1903, while the mother lived until I932.
Thomas J. Murphy started his business career with
a public school education and such abilities as inheritance had endowed him. He never was afraid of hard
work, and when he secured his first employment with
the Goodyear Rubber Company, of Akron, Ohio, he
rapidly advanced himself until he was division foreman
of the plant. Then he was with their "flying squadron"
for six years, but eventually returned to Pennsylvania,
and in Ashville went into the mercantile business,
which he still continues successfully. He has had the
honor of being appointed postmaster of the town, by
President Harding succeeding Mary M. Daugherty,
454ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
who served under President Wilson.  Mr. Murphy
has the added distinction of being continued in this
office by Presidents Calvin Coolidge, Herbert C.
Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Mr. Murphy
is a member of St. Thomas' Roman Catholic Church.
In I924 Thomas J. Murphy married Mary M.
Daugherty, of Pennsylvania, daughter of Augustine
and Annie (Douglass) Daugherty. Mr. and Mrs.
Murphy are the parents of five children: I. John A.,
born December I3, I926. 2. Joseph F., born May Io,
I929. 3. Thomas F., born September 24, I93I. 4.
Patrick J., born September 26, I933. 5. Rose Mary,
born January ii, I928.
THOMAS HUDSON HOWARD-Mr. Howard
was born in Pittsburgh on August 2I, I873, a son of
Andrew Howard, who died in I904, and Margaret
(Potter) Howard, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, who
died in I934. His father was originally a railroad man,
but turned from this industry to establish the Phoenix
Glass Company and served as its president until his
death, a period of approximately a quarter of a century.
Thomas Hudson Howard was educated in Pennsylvania public schools and at East Florida Military
Academy. He has been associated throughout practically his entire business career with the Phoenix Glass
Company, whose history dates back to I88o. It was in
that year that Andrew Howard first entered the glass
industry, producing lamp chimneys in the Monaca plant
on a small scale. From modest beginnings the present
large organization of the Phoenix Glass Company
gradually developed. Under capable management the
company prospered from the outset, turning after
several years from the manufacture of its original
simple products to what was then a practically new
field-the manufacture of etched glass, prepared by a
secret process known to only a very few people. With
this development, about I891, the company began the
diversification of its products, manufacturing gas
shades, special globes for street lamps and glass for
all general illuminating purposes. In this field they
are today one of the largest manufacturers in America.
The present plant at Monaca contains 3I8,000 square
feet of floor space and is completely equipped with
modern productive devices and all necessary facilities,
including a special railroad siding having a capacity
of ten cars. Phoenix products are shipped to all parts
of the country and are distributed in several foreign
countries as well. The company has six hundred and
twenty-five employees, for whose welfare every provision has been made, including a program of athletic
sports, sponsored by the company, group insurance and
other conveniences. The business was incorporated in
IS9I under its present name, with Andrew Howard as
president and E. B. Ebberts as treasurer. In 1904,
after the death of his father, Thomas Hudson Howard
assumed the presidency and has since served without
interruption as executive head of the company. Thoroughly trained in the business under his father, he has
guided its operations with a sure hand and it is under
his leadership that much of the company's development
has taken place and its progress has been sustained.
Mr. Howard has as his present associates in executive
office: T. W. McCreary, A. H. Ebberts, A. H. Stewart,
and J. C. McCreary.
In addition to this connection, he is a director of the
First National Bank of Monaca. His business interests have occupied his principal attention throughout
his career and he has never held public office, but by
virtue of his position and the respect in which he is
held he has been an influential figure in Monaca life
for many years. This influence he has always sought
to use wisely in the public interest. Mr. Howard is an
active Mason and is affiliated in this order with all
higher bodies of Pittsburgh Consistory and the Scottish Rite, including the thirty-second degree. He is
also a member of Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, several country clubs and
other local organizations at Monaca. He is a Presbyterian in religious faith.
RALPH CHARLES STIEFEL, Jr.-As president of the Peoples National Bank of Ellwood City,
Ralph Charles Stiefel, Jr., directs the operations of the
community's only financial institution. He has devoted his entire career to its service, continuing the
tradition of business leadership and useful citizenship
long associated in Ellwood City with the family name.
Mr. Stiefel was born in Ellwood City on December
I6, I9OI, son of the late Ralph Charles Stiefel, Sr.
(q. v.) and Mary (Bowen) Stiefel. He received his
preliminary education in local public schools and at
The Hill School, attended Massachusetts Institute of
Technology for a time and afterwards transferred to
the University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in I928. In
the same year he became associated with the Peoples
National Bank of Ellwood City. This institution was
founded on May 7, I907, to serve the financial needs
of the community, and was capitalized originally at
$50,000. The first president, C. A. Martin, laid the
foundations for the progressive development of the
bank which was continued under his successors, Carl
C. Law and D. E. Frew. The first cashier was John
C. Cobler, and he was followed by C. W. Jackson,
who serves at the present time. Ralph Charles Stiefel,
Jr., thoroughly trained for the responsibility by earlier
455ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
experience, took over the presidency in 1934. He has
since served without interruption as executive head of
the bank, whose record in recent years reflects the
soundness and strength of his management. The Peoples National Bank today has assets in excess of
$2,500,000.  It is capitalized at $I65,000, of which
$65,000 is preferred stock and $Ioo,ooo, common stock.
Surplus and undivided profits amount to well over
$80,ooo. As the only bank in Ellwood City, it renders
a vital service to the community and offers every
facility for business or private requirements.
Ralph Charles Stiefel, Jr., who continues many of
the civic interests which marked his father's career in
Ellwood City, is a member'of the Presbyterian Church
and other local organizations. He married, in 1929,
Juliet Thorpe Offutt, who was born in Pennsylvania.
RALPH CHARLES STIEFEL, Sr.-For many
years the late Ralph Charles Stiefel, Sr., was a distinguished figure in the American steel industry. A
mechanical engineer of international reputation and
the inventor of the Stiefel seamless process which
revolutionized the production of steel tubes, he was
closely associated with the development of the Shelby
Tube Company and the Standard Engineering Company, whose expansion made of Ellwood City an important industrial center. In the many constructive
influences of his career, it was the privilege of this
community to share largely, and he became by virtue
of his prominent interests and beneficial leadership its
first citizen.
Mr. Stiefel was born in Zurich, Switzerland, on
February 17, 1862, a son of Henry Stiefel, who was a
Swiss farmer, and Regula (Meili) Stiefel. He attended the national schools of Switzerland until his
fourteenth year, when he began a five years' apprenticeship in the profession of mechanical engineering.
During the same period he attended a college preparatory school at night. Subsequently he entered the engineering college in Zurich and was graduated from
this institution in I88I with the degree of Mechanical
Engineer. Upon the completion of his professional
training he practiced as an engineer in Switzerland
for one year, after which he went to France. Six
years of professional service there was followed by an
equal period spent in England, and in I894 he came to
the United States, foreseeing its larger opportunities.
In the year of his arrival he established himself in
Ellwood City, which was his home until his death. Mr.
Stiefel found abundant scope for the employment of his
exceptional talents in Ellwood City's industries. In
the'nineties he formed a partnership with H. W. Hartman, the city's founder, and took over the business of
the Ellwood Tube Company. Shortly afterward he
organized the Shelby Tube Company as successor to
the earlier organization, having as his chief associates
in this venture John H. Nicholson and Charles Pope,
of Pittsburgh. Largely as a result of his own skill as
an engineer and the process which he developed, the
Ellwood City plant of the Shelby Tube Company became the largest in the world devoted to the manufacture of seamless steel tubing. In I898 it was sold to
the National Tube Company and became a part of the
vast industrial empire created by the United States
Steel Corporation. It was largely through Mr. Stiefel's
efforts that the plant was kept in operation at Ellwood
City by its new owners and thus remained a factor in
the growth and enrichment of the city. For many
years it has been the largest industry of the community.
Following his retirement from the active management of the Shelby Tube Company, Mr. Stiefel, in
I902, participated in the organization of the Standard
Engineering Company at Ellwood City, in which his
associates were J. H. Nicholson and J. R. McCreary.
It was established for the manufacture of rolling mill
and other heavy machinery and general foundry work
and began operation after the erection of its new plant.
Mr. Stiefel, a member of the original board of directors, succeeded to the presidency of the company in
1903 and although there were many subsequent reorganizations he remained as active head of the company
during the greater part of its independent existence.
A tremendous impetus was given to the business by
the World War and its volume was more than doubled.
Plant expansion kept pace with the result that after the
war the Standard Engineering Company occupied
about one hundred and twenty thousand square feet of
floor space and gave employment to more than five
hundred workers. How large a part Mr. Stiefel played
in the development of this organization and the earlier
Shelby Tube Company the steel industry well knew.
His engineering skill, inventive faculties and executive
capacities were given with unfailing devotion to these
companies and his soundness of judgment was a decisive factor in their councils of management. On
occasion he made frequent business trips to Europe and
returned with huge orders for the local plants. The
Standard Engineering Company, of course, received
his attention over a longer period and after the merger
with the Aetna Engineering Company, of Warren,
Ohio, which brought into existence the present Aetna
Standard Engineering Company, he continued to make
his services available to the organization as a director
and consulting engineer. These positions he occupied
until failing health forced his retirement two vears
before his death.
456ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
47
himself at once in general practice in both Vandergrift
and Greensburg. An active Republican, he is county
chairman for Westmoreland, an office to which he was
elected in I935. In 1937 he was a candidate for the
office of district attorney. He is a member of the
Masonic Fraternity, belonging to Milnor Lodge, No.
287, Free and Accepted Masons; Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria
Shrine in Pittsburgh. He is also a member of Apollo
Lodge, No. 386, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, Vandergrift Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Theta
Delta Chi and Phi Delta Phi fraternities, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, the Westmoreland County
Bar Association, and the First Presbyterian Church of
Vandergrift.
On October I9, I927, Andrew Gallagher Uncapher
married Mary Jackson, a daughter of Frank W. and
Carrie (Turney) Jackson, of Apollo. Mr. Jackson
was a veteran of the Spanish-American War and
Deputy Banking Commissioner of the State. He was
an active member of the Sons of the American Revolution in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Jackson resides in Apollo.
Mrs. Uncapher, who is a graduate of Washington
Seminary and Skidmore College, is a member of the
First Presbyterian Church of Vandergrift. Mr. and
Mrs. Uncapher have a daughter, Carolyn Jackson, who
was born on June 28, 1933; and a son, Andrew G., Jr.,
born January 29, I938.
WILLIAM  BURTON  LUCAS-After a career
in the oil business of forty-seven years the last twentytwo years of which he served as district sales manager
of the Greensburg District of the Atlantic Refining
Company, William Burton Lucas is now living in retirement at Greensburg, where he is active in a social
and civic capacity.
Mr. Lucas, member of an old and distinguished Pennsylvania family, was born at Unionville, Pennsylvania,
March 5, I868, the son of George W. and Alice A.
(Smith) Lucas, both natives of his birthplace. His
father, who was born February 22, 1848, and died at
Philipsburg, July 6, I924, was associated with a tannery in the latter community for many years and during the last fifteen years of his life served as street
commissioner here. He was prominent in social and
civic affairs, was a Republican in politics, worshipped
at the Baptist Church, in which he was a deacon, and
served for over a year with the Union Army during
the Civil War. His wife, who was born January 9,
I85I, and died at Philipsburg, November 28, 192I, was
the daughter of William H. and Anna K. (Peters)
Smith, who resided in Unionville where her father was
a contractor and builder.
On his paternal side Mr. Lucas is a direct descendant of Samuel Miles, judge advocate general un-;der General Washington during the Revolutionary
War and first mayor of the city of Philadelphia. This
eminent ancestor was imprisoned for fifteen months
during the aforementioned conflict and now lies buried
at Valley Forge. He was the grandfather of Emma
TMiles, who married Samuel Lucas, the father of
George W. Lucas, who lived in Centre County. Samuel Lucas, was the grandfather of the subject of this
sketch.
Upon completing his public school education Mr.
Lucas began his business career as a clerk in a general
~store at Unionville, which he was associated with foir
three years. He then served in a similar capacity for
an establishment at Osceola Mills and eighteen months
later resigned to become a traveling sales representa-,tive for the Denlinger Brothers Oil Company of Pittsburgh. On February I, 1902, fourteen years after he
joined the firm, it was sold to the Atlantic Refining
Company. He was retained by the new organizat!on
and eventually appointed district sales manager for the
Greensburg District, an office he occupied until his retirement on October 31, I935.
During his life in Greensburg he has been actively
identified with community affairs, holding membership
in the local Rotary Club, fraternizing with the Masonic Order, subscribing to the principles of the Re-'publican party and worshipping at the First PresDyterian Church in which he is an elder.
On March 3I, 1898, Mr. Lucas married Genevieve
Walker, who was born at Iola, Kansas, October Io,
I870, and died at Greensburg, January 25, I934. She;was the daughter of Giles and Margaret H. (Rutter)
Walker, the former a native of Westmoreland County,
and the latter of Dauphin County. Her father, who
died in Greensburg, December, I89I, owned and operated a planing mill here. Mrs. Lucas was educated in
the public schools of Osceola Mills and the Curry
Institute of Pittsburgh.  She attended the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas were the parents of three children: I. George W., born April 24,
I899, and now an attorney at Beaver Falls. 2. Dr.
Robert S., born December 28, I9oo, a practicing physician at Butler, married to Sarah McDonald of Huntington, and the father of one child, Sylvia. 3. Genevieve I., wife of John W. Anne, a mechanical engi-!neer in Greensburg.
WILLIAM LYTLE TREAGER-For twenty
years agricultural extension agent for Westmoreland
County, few men are more widely known about the
county than William Lytle Treager of Greensburg.ANNALS OF SOUTHWEq
Mr. Stiefel's invaluable contributions to the development of those industries which are the basic support of
Ellwood City's economic life brought him inevitably a
preeminent position in the community and in the regard of its people. He was universally recognized as
the leading citizen of the town and his influence was
enhanced by his devoted and unselfish participation in
all community affairs. He had numerous civic interests, in the furtherance of which he played a decisive
r6le, and was generous in his support of education and
all local philanthropies, which probably owed more to
him than any other figure. In addition to his service
to the manufacturing organizations with which his
name was most closely associated, he was a director of
the First National Bank of Ellwood City and was one
of the founders, with A. C. Frey and others, of the
National Supply and Construction Company, now the
Wayne Lumber Company. Mr. Stiefel was a member
of the Ellwood City Chamber of Commerce and the
Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh. He had undergone
military service in Switzerland as a youth, and during
both the Spanish-American War and the World War
he rendered valuable service to his adopted country by
turning his efforts as a steel and machinery manufacturer to production for war purposes. In politics
he was an independent voter.
Mr. Stiefel married, in I895, Mary Bowen, of South
Wales, and they became the parents of four children:
I. Albert Charles, deceased. 2. Mary Eleanor, deceased. 3. Ralph Charles, Jr. (q. v.). 4. Josephine
Bowen, a graduate of Wellesley College, who married
Bernard Bogouslawsky, of Paris, France.
Mr. Stiefel died at St. Petersburg, Florida, where he
had gone to spend the winter, on March 15, I938.
Word of his death was received with deep regret in
the wide industrial circle in which he was known and
with profound sorrow by the community which owed so
much to his career. The following tribute, which well
expresses the sentiment of his community, is quoted
from an Ellwood City newspaper in bringing this
record to a close:
It would require a volume to do justice to his career,
and not even a reasonably comprehensive review is
possible without access to records not available at the
moment. For the present, suffice it to say that Ellwood
City owes Mr. Stiefel a debt which it can hope to
repay only through years of affectionate and grateful
remembrance. That he cherished a deep affection for
Ellwood he proved by centering his career here. He
would have been a notable figure in any city, however
mammoth, but he elected otherwise.
RUDOLPH HENRY BITER-For many years
an outstanding figure in the community of Gallitzin,
Rudolph Henry Biter is highly esteemed and honored;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                               457
among the people here.  Many kinds of service in
teaching and school administration have brought him
to a position of leadership and standing among his contemporaries, and he is distinguished for his achievements along many lines.
Mr. Biter was born October I7, I865, in Cambria
County, Pennsylvania, son of Philip and Thekla
(Bender) Biter, of Waldorf, Germany, and grandson
of Casper Biter, who was the pioneer ancestor of his
line in America.
The public schools provided the early education of
Rudolph Henry Biter, who later became a student at
the State Normal School, at Indiana, Pennsylvania.
When he completed his formal education, he began his
own teaching activity in a serious way, starting in
I882 and remaining active in his profession thereafter
until I935, the time of his retirement. During this
period he taught in Summerhill Township, Washington Township, Wilmore Borough, Johnstown and Portage, as well as at Loretto.  In I895 he came to
Gallitzin as superintendent of schools, continuing his
labors in that capacity until his retirement in I935.
Adding to forty years of work as superintendent of
schools and several more years as a teacher his valuable civic activities in Gallitzin, Mr. Biter earned the
warm satisfaction and admiration of his fellow-citizens
in all departments of life. He was early in life connected with different branches of business and community activity, and he has carried on down to the
present the associations that he has formed. He is
president of the First National Bank, of Gallitzin, and
secretary of the Gallitzin Building and Loan Association. He also serves as secretary of the School Board
of his community and as borough treasurer, a position
that he has held since 1922. During the World War
he was a member of many different boards and committees that were active in the furtherance of worth
while work, and he has also been a leader in the affairs
of the Roman Catholic Church and the Knights of
Columbus.
In 1902 Rudolph Henry Biter married Frances M.
Criste, of Pennsylvanian birth. Three children were
born to this marriage: I. Mercedes, who became the
wife of Joseph J. Quinn, postmaster at Gallitzin. They
are the parents of three children: i. Thomas. ii. Bernadette. iii. Joseph. 2. Joseph J., who is assistant
cashier of the First National Bank. 3. Mary Cecilia,
a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the
State Normal School at Lock Haven, at present a
teacher in the Gallitzin High School.
FRANK WILSON WOMER-Becoming associated early in his life with the Pennsylvania Electric
Company, and devoting his conscientious efforts to theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
complete learning of the involved operations of the
organizations, Frank Wilson Womer has been able to
advance himself to an important executive position.
Mr. Womer was born November I8, I891, at Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of O. S. and Kate
(Brewer) Womer. The elder Mr. Womer was a mining engineer, now retired. His wife died in I900.
Frank Wilson Womer received his elementary education in the schools of Philipsburg, and after leaving
school, entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Electric
Company, in the capacity of a meter man. This type
of work proved most interesting, and Mr. Womer,
always willing to learn, quickly rose through the
ranks until he was appointed meter engineer for the
entire Central Pennsylvania District. In I923 he was
advanced to district superintendent of the Indiana District and remained at this post until 1928, when he was
transferred to Somerset in the same official capacity.
He has been stationed at Somerset ever since.
He is active in affairs of the Presbyterian
Church, and is president of the board of trustees. He
is a staunch supporter of the Boy Scout movement,
and was president of the Somerset Council of Boy
Scouts for six years.  Fraternally, he is associated
with the Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons
and Indiana Lodge, United Commercial Travelers. He
is a Republican, and prominent in local civic affairs,
being president of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Rotary Club, and secretary
of the Somerset Country Club.
On January 25, 19I2, he married Agnes McIntyre, a
native of Bedford County. Mr. and Mrs. Womer are
the parents of two children: I. Janet, born July I3,
I914, and a graduate of the local public and high school,
and a former student of the University of West Virginia. She is now married to Henry Dice. 2. Frank
Wilson, Jr., born August 13, I918, a graduate of Somerset High School, and a student at Antioch College.
SAMUEL S. VARNER-As a member of the
partnership controlling the operation of the Somerset
Lumber Company, Samuel S. Varner is one of the
prominent businessmen of Somerset. He was born in
Cambria County, Pennsylvania, February I7, I874, the
son of Henry and Susanna (Hunt) Varner, now both
deceased. During his lifetime, Henry Varner was
engaged in farming.
Samuel S. Varner attended the Cambria County
public schools, later worked as a farmer, and butcher,
and then entered the employ of the Cambria Steel
Mills, remaining with this company until I908, when
he moved to Somerset. He became associated with
the Somerset Lumber Company, purchasing an interest in the business and becoming a member of the firm
and has taken an active interest in the management
of the business. He is also president of the County
Lumber Company of Greensburg, and a director in the
County Trust Company, Somerset.
He is president of the board of trustees of the
Evangelical Church, an active Republican and a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows. He is
greatly interested in civic affairs, being a director of
the local Chamber of Commerce, and a member and
former director of the Rotary Club.
On October 29, I895, he was married to Annie Carney, of Jackson Township, and they are the parents
of two children: I. Bertha, born in I897, married John
Casey, and they are the parents of one son, Samuel, a
high school student. 2. Alice, born in I899, and married to Paul Picking. Mr. and Mrs. Picking are the
parents of one daughter, Mae Jean, also a student of
the local high school.
HENRY BAKER REILEY--By tradition, education and experience Henry Baker Reiley eminently
fulfills the reputation he has gained as one of the most
able and successful journalists in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He is the founder and editor of the "Somerset Daily American" and boasts a broad and varied
career as a newspaperman, which dates back to his
childhood when, with a gift toy press, he published his
first paper. In the years that have followed he has
served in various journalistic capacities, ranging from
reporter to editor and publisher of dailies and weeklies
in this and neighboring states. In adopting this profession he has helped to perpetuate the influential
place the family has occupied in this section for generations, principally as ministers of the Gospel.
Henry Baker Reiley was born in Shirleysburg,
Huntingdon County, February I8, 1875, the son of
William McKendree and Fannie (Baker) Reiley, both
members of old and distinguished American families
whose ancestors, of Irish, French and German stock,
came to this country during the early Colonial days
and settled in various sections of Maryland and Pennsylvania. His father, who died in I905, and was a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Central
Pennsylvania, was a descendant of Joseph Reiley, who
came to this country from Ireland about I735, and
settled on the eastern shore of Maryland. Further
we find that the elder Reiley's mother was the greatgranddaughter of Roger North, also a native of Ireland, who came to Philadelphia from County Westmeath in I729.
Mr. Reiley's mother, who died in I920, was the
great-granddaughter of a German immigrant and
through maternal lineage a descendant of Marine
Duvall, a French Huguenot, who is recorded to have
458ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
459
settled in Maryland more than two centuries ago.
Further genealogical research reveals that Mr. Reiley's
maternal grandmother was Eleanor Ewing, whose ancestors came to Maryland from County Donegal, Ireland. She was the great-granddaughter of Alexander
Ewing, who died in Cecil County, Maryland, in 1789.
Her father, the Rev. Alexander Ewing, was a Methodist preacher. Eleanor Ewing married the Rev. James
Reiley, born in I784 at Milford, now Black Township, Somerset County. He was the son of Cornelius
and Abagail Reiley, who settled in Somerset County,
then part of Bedford County, about I775, Rev. James
Reiley built his home near a spring close to the road
which led from James Wilson's on Wilson Creek, to
Berlin.
From the time Methodism first became implanted in
Somerset County in I79I, the Reiley family was to
embrace the creed with fervor. In a journal left by
Rev. James Reiley we find he first came under the
influence of the sect when James Quinn and Thomas
Atkins, circuit preachers came through this district.
He was licensed to preach at Mumford's barn, six
miles from Meadville, Crawford County, June 6,
I8o5, and was ordained a deacon in St. George's
Church, Philadelphia, by Bishop Asbury during a conference held in that city in I807. Two years later he
was ordained an elder by Bishop McKendree. His
ministry covered the greater part of Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Northeastern Pennsylvania, in
the Wilkes-Barre region and as far east as Carlisle.
He also preached in parts of Maryland and Virginia,
and now lies buried in the St. Mary's Cemetery at
Leonardtown, Maryland.
From him sprung a line of Methodist preachers,
namely his sons, James McKendree Reiley and Asbury
R. Reiley, who like him  served as members of the
Baltimore, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Kentucky
conferences. The present generation is represented in
the church by James McKendree Reiley, son of William McKendree and member of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, and Henry Baker Reiley, Jr., son of
Mr. Reiley, whose name heads this review, and a
student at the Boston University School of Theology.
The latter is also a licentiate of the Pittsburgh Conference.
Due to his mother's hostility to the public school
system Mr. Reiley did not receive a formal education
until he was ten years old. In the meantime, we are
told, he learned to read by copying headlines from the
old "Philadelphia Press" on sheets of paper that were
used by his father in preparing sermons. This might
be cited as his first interest in journaiism. Further
incentive came through a Christmas gift of a printing
press. He became so interested in the work that at
the age of ten he began to learn the "art preservative" in the office of the "York Pennsylvanian," which
Victor K. Frey published. In the summers that followed he continued to work at this occupation and
when he was fifteen was a compositor for the "Ashland Telegram," published by J. Irvin Steel. A year
later, during the summer vacation period, he published
four issues of the "Centralia News" on a hand press,
an eight-page, two-column paper.
Eventually he matriculated at the Baltimore City
College, from which he was graduated in I896. As a
student he was a reporter for the "Baltimore Morning
Herald" and also acted as correspondent for the
"American" and "Sun." Directly after completing his
studies he went to Waynesboro, where he served as a
reporter on N. Bruce Martin's "Blue Ridge Zephyr,"
now the "Daily-Record-Herald," for three summers.
From that time on he was to serve in various capacities
for a number of newspapers in this and neighboring
states. He was a reporter and circulation manager for
the "Altoona Gazette;" advertising manager for the
"Harrisburg Daily Commonwealth"; editor and manager of the "Carbondale Evening News"; reporter on
the "Philadelphia North American"; managing editor
and editor of the "Trenton (New Jersey) True American;" editor and manager of the "Waynesboro Herald,"
and editor and manager for the "Unioritown Daily
Record." For thirteen years he published the "Brownsville Telegraph" as well as two weekly papers which
were known as the "Point Marion Press" and the
"Fairchance News." Later he was assistant to H. G.
Ogden, proprietor of a West Virginia chain of newspapers and on June I, I929, began publication of the
"Somerset Daily American," which he founded and
has since conducted with outstanding distinction and
success.
During his career Mr. Reiley has been active in the
social and civic affairs of his surroundings and contributed substantially to the general welfare. As a
resident of Brownsville he was a member and director
of the local Chamber of Commerce, belonged to the
Rotary Club and was a former president of the Monongahela Valley Press Association. He worships at the
Methodist Episcopal Church and has been a Republican in his political convictions.
On June 27, I900, Mr. Reiley married Naomi Kessler, of Altoona, and the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Goshen) Kessler. Of the seven children born to
Mr. and Mrs. Reiley, five survive: I. The Rev. Henry
Baker, now a student at the Boston University Theological School. 2. Naomi Elizabeth. 3. John Edgar.
4. Margaret Louise. 5. Ruth Francis.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
HON. JOHN ALBERT BERKEY-During the
half century that the Hon. John Albert Berkey, of
Somerset, has been identified with the bench and bar
of Southwestern Pennsylvania, he has won high ranking with its legal fraternity, an honor accorded him by
both colleagues and clients. As is well known he has
served as district attorney for Somerset County, president judge of the Sixteenth Judicial District of the
State of Pennsylvania, and was Pennsylvania State
Banking Commissioner.
Judge Berkey was born in Jefferson Township,
Somerset County, son of Chauncey Hess and Elizabeth (Adams) Berkey, the former a carpenter by
trade who also engaged in farming. After a general
education in the public schools of his native county,
John Albert Berkey taught school for a time prior to
matriculating at the Pennsylvania State Teachers College from which he was graduated in I884. He then
taught for several years, in the meanwhile studying
law. In I888 he initiated a general practice of his
profession that has been marked for its distinction and
success. As district attorney of Somerset County he
prosecuted his duties with an efficiency and devotion
that earned him the richly merited respect of his
fellow-citizens. Later he was elected president judge
of the Sixteenth Judicial District of Pennsylvania,
serving a ten-year term, I920-30. He also was State
Commissioner of Banking, from I905 to I909, a post he
filled with characteristic efficiency for four years. From
the outset of his career, Judge Berkey demonstrated a
keen interest and ability in civic and political affairs,
factors which led him to enter public life and become
one of the leading figures of both the local and State
Republican organizations.
Aside from these activities Judge Berkey has been
prominent in the life of Somerset County. He is
widely known and highly esteemed in fraternal circles,
being affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He is generous in his
support of religious and humanitarian activities.
Hon. John A. Berkey married, April 3, I887, in
Somerset, Annie Marie Barron, daughter of John C.
and Catharine Barron. Judge and Mrs. Berkey are the
parents of three daughters: I. Mabel (Berkey) Rinard,
born March 2I, I888. 2. Sue Elizabeth (Berkey)
Owlett, born May 2I, I893. 3. Mary (Berkey)
Kentch, born December 27, I897.
CLARENCE LESTER SHAVER-Having distinguished himself in his more than thirty years practice before the State and Federal bars, Clarence Lester
Shaver, of Somerset, is regarded as a leading figure in
the legal profession of the city.
Mr. Shaver was born in Somerset, October 28, I876,
the son of Charles I. and Emma L. (Mustoller) Shaver,
both are living. Charles I. Shaver, also born in Somerset, was the son of Samuel and Catharine (Snyder)
Shaver. Samuel Shaver was the son of Philip Shaver,
who came with his mother from Hagerstown, Maryland, and represented the first generation of the family
to settle in this county.
Clarence Lester Shaver was a student of the Somerset Township public schools and graduated, in I895,
from the Southwestern State Normal College at California, Pennsylvania. He taught school for one year
at Friedens and the following year in the Washington
County rural schools. He then transferred to Meyersdale for two years, and from there to West Newton
for a period of four years, where he became supervising principal of the local schools. During the summers
of these years he was an instructor in the Summer
Normal Schools for training of teachers. Always interested in legal matters, he studied law in the offices
of John A. Berkey, of Somerset, and was admitted to
the Somerset County bar, January 24, I905. His entire
career as a lawyer has been spent in this region and in
addition to his extensive local practice, he is licensed
to practice before the Superior and Supreme courts of
Pennsylvania and the United States District and Circuit courts.
He is an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, having been a teacher for more than
thirty years, and at present, of the adult Bible classes.
He is prominently identified with all Republican party
activities, and was chairman of the county committee
from I920 to I924. He was also a member of the
School Board for seventeen years, and is now solicitor
for Somerset Borough School Board and many other
school boards in the county. He is affiliated with
Blythe Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of West
Newton, the Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons of
Meyersdale, the Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar at Johnstown, and the Jaffa Mosque, Shrine Temple at Altoona. He is also well known in local civic
affairs, being a member of the Chamber of Commerce,
and a past president of the Rotary Club.
He was married, June 2I, I906, to Elizabeth I,inn,
of West Newton, daughter of Frank and Sarah (Henderson) Linn. Mr. and Mrs. Shaver are the parents
of one son, Chester L., born November 23, I907, a
graduate of Somerset High School and Oberlin College with a degree of Bachelor of Arts, and has been
a member of the English faculty of his alma mater
since I930.  He has also received the degrees of
Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from Harvard University, and is married to Alice Crafts, also
A6oANNALS OF SOUTHWE'
a graduate of Oberlin College, with postgraduate work
at Simmons College. They are the parents of a son,
Philip Alcott Shaver, born March I7, I938.
BUDD B. BOOSE-Budd B. Boose has been
associated with the general practice of law in Somerset County for the past nineteen years, and throughout
his professional career has maintained a reputation of
the highest standard.
Mr. Boose was born in Somerset County, October
13, I886, the son of John R. and Anna Mary (Turner)
Boose, both natives of this county, and both deceased.
During his lifetime John R. Boose was a farmer, clerk
to the county commissioners, and recorder of deeds of
Somerset County.
Budd B. Boose is a product of the Somerset County
schools, and a graduate of the University of Michigan,
where he received his degree of Bachelor of Laws in
I915. During the war he entered the Army Air Service, and served until March, I9I9, and after his discharge he was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar. He
then became a member of the firm of Boose and Boose,
and with his brother, Norman T. Boose, conducted a
general law practice until I930, when the partnership
was dissolved due to the election of Norman T. Boose
to president judge of the Sixteenth Judicial District
(q. v.). Since that time, Mr. Boose has conducted the
practice alone, and the tradition of the firm for honesty and fairness in all relationships with its clients has
been steadfastly upheld.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, a wellknown Republican, and a director of the Somerset
Trust Company. He is a member of the American
Legion, and interests himself in all its activities. He
is also a member of Somerset County Bar Association.
On July I, I926, Budd B. Boose married Bertha
Weimer, of Somerset.
PHILIP GALIARDI-Coming to the United
States with his parents when five years of age, Philip
Galiardi, of Connellsville, settled in Jefferson County,
and has become prominent in the business and civic life
of this area. Mr. Galiardi was born in Aurano, Italy,
November I, I88I, the son of Rimonti and Rose (Caretti) Galiardi. The elder Mr. Galiardi, a native of
Aurano, Italy, was engaged in the general contracting
business in Connellsville, but is now retired. His wife,
who was born in I852, died September 22, I922.
After attending the Connellsville public schools,
Philip Galiardi became associated with his father in
the contracting business, in the firm of R. Galiardi and
Sons, until 1919, when he organized the CorradoGaliardi Construction Company. In I924 the two firms
merged, and the business has continued under the latter
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                               46I
name ever since, specializing in road and bridge building. Mr. Galiardi is also well known in the coal and
coke industry, being vice-president of the Vanderbilt
Coal and Coke Company, fuel salesmen, treasurer of
the Yough-Connellsville Coke Company, manufacturers, and treasurer of the Faywest Coal Company, producers. He is also treasurer of the Yough Brewing
Company in Connellsville.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
an active supporter of the Republican party, and is
affiliated with Connellsville Lodge, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. He also treasures highly
his association with the Connellsville Hospital Association, of which he was president when the present
modern hospital was built in I928, at a cost of approximately $400,000.
He was married June I4, I905, to Rose M. Galiardi
of Patton, daughter of John and Teresa (Caretti)
Galiardi, and they are the parents of three children:
I. Loretta, a graduate, with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts, of Seton Hill College, and a member of the
faculty of Connellsville High School. 2. Madeline,
also a graduate, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts,
of Seton Hill College. 3. Raymond Philip.
WILBERT  H. BEACHY-As burgess of the
town since I928, Wilbert H. Beachy is a well-known
figure in public life in Somerset. He was born in
Johnstown, Cambria County, June I, i893, the son of
Wilbert E. and Eva J. (Hoffman) Beachy. The elder
Mr. Beachy was a school teacher, the son of Josiah
Beachy, also of Somerset County, and a descendant of
Abraham Beachy who came to this section near the
end of the eighteenth century, and whose son, Peter A.
Beachy, became an outstanding landowner and private
banker. Mrs. Eva J. (Hoffman) Beachy was the
daughter of John J. Hoffman, for many years editor of
the "Somerset Democrat."
Wilbert H. Beachy was brought to Somerset by his
parents, at the age of seven years, and was educated in
the local public schools, and is a graduate of the high
school. After a course at Gettysburg College, he became associated with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
as a yardmaster, where he remained for two years,
after which he entered the confectionery business in
Somerset, and continued for sixteen years as the proprietor of a well-known establishment. In 1928 he was
elected by a unanimous vote of the council, to fill the
vacancy caused by the death of the burgess. In I929
he was elected by the people to a four-year term, and
his efforts have resulted in reelection both in I933 and
I937, and he will begin his new term in I938. He was
appointed an accountant in the State Revenue Department in I930, and was later made supervisor of theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
seventeen counties of Western Pennsylvania, with
offices in the Grant Building in Pittsburgh. His duties
in this assignment involved the enforcing of all taxes,
including gasoline, corporation, and after repeal, the
beer and liquor taxes. In 1935 he became an auditor
in the office of the auditor general of Pennsylvania,
but returned to Somerset in 1937 to accept the chairmanship of the Republican County Committee, and
manage the party's campaigns in Somerset County.
He was a deacon of the Lutheran Church for four
years and was formerly the superintendent of the
Sunday school. He is active in fraternal and civic
organizations, being connected with Somerset Lodge,
No. 358, Free and Accepted Masons, the Meyersdale
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, the Johnstown Commandery, Knights Templar, the Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Altoona,
and the Pittsburgh Consistory, holding the thirtysecond degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In
addition, he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and holds a life membership
in the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is also associated with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the
Rotary Club and the Country Club.
He was married, May I6, I917, to Elizabeth Pritts,
daughter of Elmer E. Pritts, who, for many years, was
county  superintendent of schools.  Mr. and Mrs.
Beachy are the parents of one son, Wilbert H. Beachy,
Jr., born March 22, 192I, now a junior in Somerset
High School.
AMOS I. MOCK-Elected prothonotary of
Somerset County in I935, Amos I. Mock, of Somerset,
has earned the appreciation of the people of this district, for the efficient way in which the numerous
records in this busy office are maintained. He was
born here, December 2, I883, the son of Thomas O.
and Mary Elizabeth (Hite) Mock. Thomas O. Mock,
a native of Bedford County, lived most of his life in
Shade Township, Somerset County, and was interested
in farming. He was also justice of the peace for
twenty-six years.
Amos I. Mock attended the Somerset schools, and
later the South West State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania. He then entered the pedagogical
field, and taught in Somerset County schools for ten
years, after which he entered the employ of BakerWhitely Coal Company as chief clerk. He remained
with this company until I930, when he was appointed
deputy prothonotary, which office he held until elected
to his present post in I935.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and an
active member of the Republican party. He was married, June I6, I916, to Marguerite B. McKenna, of
Connellsville, and they are the parents of four children:
I. Mary Mildred, a graduate of the local schools, and
now a student at Westminster College. 2. Charles H.,
a graduate of Somerset High School. 3. Amos I., Jr.,
a student at Somerset High School. 4. Shirley Ann.
JOHN  HENRY  BEERITS-The nature of
John Henry Beerits' diversified interests and accomplishments clearly indicates his prominence in the affairs
of Southwestern Pennsylvania, particularly the community of Somerset and Somerset County, where his
name is associated with a number of large financial,
mercantile and industrial enterprises. Practically his
entire career he has been a member of H. C. Beerits'
Sons, a grocery company in Somerset founded by his
distinguished father, one of the most influential figures
of his generation in this community. Aside from business Mr. Beerits is widely known and highly esteemed
for the contributions he has made to the social and
civic affairs of his surroundings.
John Henry Beerits was born in Somerset, above the
store founded and operated by his father, on January
Io, 1878. He was the son of Henry Christopher II
and Belinda (Stahl) Beerits. An account of the Beerits
and Stahl families follows this biography.
When John Henry Beerits was three years old his
parents moved to their new home on the corner of East
Main Street and Kimberly Avenue, in Somerset. He
received a general education in the public schools and
after completing this part of his studies attended Park
Institute in Pittsburgh.  He then matriculated at
Gettysburg College from which he was graduated with
second honors with a degree of Bachelor of Science in
the class of I899. As a student here he was one of the
most popular figures on the campus, being prominently
identified with leading student organizations, including
the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the Philo Literary
Society. He also was president of the Athletic Association, assistant editor of "College Mercury," assistant
business manager of the college annual, the "'99 Spectrum," and manager of the college baseball team.
Following his graduation from Gettysburg, Mr.
Beerits attended the Eastman Business College at
Poughkeepsie, New York, and then returned to Somerset where he was assistant principal of the Somerset
High School from I900 to 1902. In I902 he went to
Youngstown, Ohio, as assistant to the treasurer of
G. M. McKelvey and Company and continued here
until I903, when he again returned to Somerset County
to engage in a lumber business which he was to conduct until I913. In the meantime he had also become
a member of the firm of H. C. Beerits' Sons in 1905,
an affiliation he has since maintained, and became a
coal operator in West Virginia and Pennsylvania,
462ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
where he still has interests. One of his most profitable
ventures includes his position as chief executive of the
C. M. Knepper Company, a concern which owned and
operated oil wells in the well-known Salt Creek oil
field, Wyoming, within a stone's throw of the famous
Tea Pot Dome. Mr. Beerits sold this property to the
Texas Corporation in December, 1922. He is president of the Superior Cherry Run Coal Mining Corporation and is president of the Hamler Coal Mining Company, which like the former, operates properties in
Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Beerits is a former
director of the Somerset County Coal Operators' Association and a member of the board of directors of the
Globe Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of Berlin,
Pennsylvania, and the Somerset Fertilizer Works, Incorporated.
As a financier he has enjoyed an enviable record. In
1932 he was elected president of the Farmers National
Bank of Somerset, and for a quarter of a century was
a director of the County Trust Company. He resigned
the latter position when, in the "bank holiday" of
March, 1933, he was appointed by the Comptroller of
the Currency to assume the position of Conservator of
the Farmers National Bank. He continued in that
capacity until December of that year, when he was
named president of the newly organized Peoples National Bank. Prospects for success in financing any
organization during that period were dubious, therefore it is a distinct tribute to his ability as a financier
and business leader to learn that the entire stock in
the new bank was subscribed within forty-eight hours
after it was put on sale. This was generally recognized
as constituting the best record of any bank reorganized
in the United States during I933. Mr. Beerits served
as president of this institution for four years and during his administration the capital stock of the Peoples
National Bank more than doubled in value. He resigned from the presidency in July, I937, to devote his
energies to private affairs, though he still is associated
with the bank as a director. In 1934 he became a
director in the Somerset County Bankers' Association.
Despite the pressure of business Mr. Beerits has not
neglected his social and civic obligations, a fact that
is only too evident in his splendid record of achievement along these lines. In this connection he is listed
as the organizer and first president of the following:
Somerset Chamber of Commerce in I9I2, the Somerset
Rotary Club in I924, and the Somerset Country Club
in I92I. As a member of the United States Chamber
of Commerce he has attended a number of this organization's conventions in Washington, District of Columbia, and in I93I was present at the first meeting of the
International Chamber of Commerce held in the United
States. He belongs to Rotary International, the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, the Pen and Sword, and fraternizes with the Order of Free and Accepted Masons.
Throughout his career he has been interested in youth
movements and from 1926 to 1932 was finance chairman of the Somerset County Boy Scouts. Like his
father he has been an active supporter of the Lutheran
Church, for which he served as local campaign manager of the Lutheran Ministerial Pension Drive in
1928. Mr. Beerits has never been found wanting in
his patriotic obligations. He was chairman of all
Liberty Loan, Red Cross, Young Men's Christian
Association, and United War Work Fund drives in
the Somerset district during the World War. In each
drive, the Somerset district went over the top, receiving in some instances honor flags from Washington.
In October, November and December, I918, he was
in Philadelphia serving on the executive council of the
Federal Food Administration of Pennsylvania, in
which he served as Chief of the Division of Price
Interpretation. He was a director of the Somerset
County Good Roads Association after the World War
when a program of road-building was effectively
launched for a network of hard surfaced roads for
Somerset County. More recently, in 1932, he was
appointed to promote the George Washington Bicentennial Celebration in Somerset County, by the committee in charge in Washington, District of Columbia.
During that year he was also elected a life member of
the board of trustees of Gettysburg College, and in
I935 was made chairman of the bequest committee. He
was one of four men invited by the college to address
the student body in I936, and his speech was printed
in full in the "Somerset Daily American," copies of it
distributed to the junior and senior classes of the college, the trustees and prominent alumni, and excerpts
of it were carried by the Associated Press.
On January Io, I9o8, John Henry Beerits was married to Florence Knepper, and they are the parents of
two children: I. Mary, born August 17, 1909, married,
in 1936, to Lieutenant Carrol Dayne Reynolds of the
United States Navy, and is the mother of one son,
Stephen Craig, born in I937. 2. Henry Christopher
III, born January I2, 1912.
(The Beerits Family).
Henry Christopher Beerits I sailed from Bremen
with his family in I849 and settled in Berlin, Pennsylvania, where he flailed wheat for a living.
Henry Christopher Beerits II, his son, was born in
Germany, November I2, I843. He worked at first with
his father flailing wheat and later was apprenticed in
the shoemaking trade in Somerset, where he eventually
opened a store, employing a number of men, making
shoes by hand, and which store he operated profitably
463ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
In addition to his professional duties, Mr. Treager is
also one of the leaders of the Grange and his influence
in this organization transcends county limits into the
State and National bodies.
William Lytle Treager was born in Benwood, Indiana, on January 5, I889, a son of George M. and
Margaret Elizabeth  (Lytle)  Treager.  George M.
Treager, who was born in Cook County, Illinois, on
September I I, I858, and died in Greenville, Mercer
County, Pennsylvania, on March 7, I932, was a farmer
and a miner. He was a Prohibitionist and served
as a steward of the Free Methodist Church. George
M. Treager was a son of Charles Gottleib and Lucinda (Christman) Treager of Mercer County. Charles
G. Treager was a miner. During the Civil War, he
was called to service in the Union Army but the war
was concluded before he saw active duty. He was a
native of Germany. His wife, who was born in Allentown, died in Brazil, Indiana. Margaret Elizabeth
(Lytle) Treager was born in Mercer County on May
I, I86o, and lives at present with a daughter in Niles,
Ohio. She was a daughter of William Stonebreaker
and Margaret (Leasure) Lytle. Both were natives of
Mercer County and died there. Mr. Lytle was an accountant.
William Lytle Treager attended the public schools
in Fayette County, the high school in Uniontown, and
was graduated from the Greensburg High School in
Igog. Finding his field in the profession of agricultural education, he attended Pennsylvania State College, graduating in I914 with a degree of Bachelor
of Science. For the following two years, he taught
vocational agriculture at West Sunbury, Butler County.
Then he taught the same subjects for two and a half
years in Norwin High School at Irwin, Westmoreland County. On February 20, I919, he was appointed
to the staff of the Pennsylvania State College Agricultural Extension Department as Agent for Westmoreland County. This position Mr. Treager has
filled ever since. His headquarters are in Greensburg.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Treager is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Greensburg and
ione of the stewards of the institution. One of Mr.
Treager's greatest interests is the Grange. He is a
member of the National, State, County and Subordinate
Granges and the master of the subordinate Grange in
Bell Township. He is an enthusiastic fisherman.
On August 8, I917, William Lytle Treager married Edna Bailey Jeffrey of Trauger.  She is the
daughter of William  and Lillian  (Bailey) Jeffrey.
Mr. Jeffrey, who was associated with the Frick Coal
Company, is deceased. Mrs. Jeffrey now resides in
Trauger. Mrs. Edna Bailey (Jeffrey) Treager, who is
a graduate of the Mt. Pleasant High School, class of
IgIo, is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church of Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Treager have
a son and two daughters: I. Bess Jeffrey, born February 8, I9I9. 2. William Lytle, Jr., born February
28, 1922. 3. Anne Lytle, born June 8, 1928.
WILLIAM  HAMILTON McILHATTANOne of the leading public school educators of Pennsylvania, William Hamilton McIlhattan, superintendent
of schools of Greensburg, is also prominent in the
civic and fraternal life of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Mr. McIlhattan was born in Knox, Clarion County,
on May 30, I89o, a son of Edwin S. and Anna (Pickens) McIlhattan. Edwin S. McIlhattan, a native of
Clarion County, is a farmer. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church and a Republican. He is a son
of Alexander and Mary Jane (Black) Mcllhattan.
Alexander McIlhattan was a native of Centre County
and a farmer. He died in Clarion County. His wife was
born at Blacks Furnace and died in Clarion County.
Anna (Pickens) Mcllhattan, was born in Venango
County, spent her childhood in Philadelphia and now
resides at Knox. She is a daughter of Samuel Pickens,
who was born in County Downs, Ireland, and died in
Clarion, where he had resided for many years.
Samuel Pickens spent much of his life in Philadelphia where he was the proprietor of a carpet manufacturing establishment. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard and a Republican. Mr.
Pickens was also a member of the Presbyterian
Church. His wife, a native of Philadelphia, died in
Clarion County. Her brother was a member of the
Philadelphia Board of Education at one time.
William Hamilton McIlhattan graduated from Edenburg High School at Knox, in I9og. Even then determined to devote himself to education as his life
work, he gained practical experience by teaching rural
schools for two years.  Then he attended Clarion
State Normal School at Clarion, graduating in I912.
Returning to his teaching, Mr. McIlhattan became assistant principal at East Brady, where he remained
a year. Two years as head of the Science Department
in Leechburg High School was followed by another
two years in which Mr. McIlhattan returned to the
East Brady schools as supervising principal. By this
time the United States had entered the World War and
Mr. McIlhattan abandoned his profession to serve
his country. He enlisted in the army in I917 and was
sent to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, where, after three
months training, he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to the 78th Field Artillery, Regular Army, stationed at Camp Logan, Houston, Texas.
48ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
until it was destroyed in Somerset's "big fire" in May,
1872, leaving him penniless and heavily in debt. He
interviewed his creditors and on the basis of his integrity they extended him help, a Baltimore shoe house
stocking his store completely, purely on faith. To add
to his troubles the country was to experience one of its
most critical business periods in the economic depression of I873. Jonas M. Cook, a Somerset school
teacher, came into Mr. Beerits' shoe shop one day in
1872 with a letter from a friend in the West, who had
shipped a carload of corn to Pennsylvania which the
buyer would not accept. He suggested the car be rerouted to Somerset where Mr. Cook could dispose of
it. Mr. Beerits agreed to help Mr. Cook, and together
they opened a small store in the basement of the
Lutheran Church, present site of the Somerset Trust
Company. From the outset the venture met with success and soon Mr. Beerits sold his shoe business to
devote himself entirely to the grocery business. He
formed a partnership with Mr. Cook which continued
for thirty-three years, until Mr. Cook retired in 1905.
Though the firm of Cook and Beerits experienced substantial reverses from time to time, they continued to
prosper and grow. In every undertaking Mr. Beerits
was an exemplary citizen.  His importance in the
business affairs of this section is evidenced not only in
his success with the aforementioned firm but also in the
positions he was called upon to occupy in other enterprises. When the Somerset Trust Company was organized he was elected first vice-president, he was also
a director of the Somerset County National Bank, and
a partner in the White's Creek Lumber Company of
Confluence. In his religious convictions he was one
of the leading parishioners of the Somerset Lutheran
Church, which he generously supported throughout his
life. Henry Christopher Beerits II died in I9o8. The
profound sorrow felt by the community is expressed in
a local newspaper article which said in part:
The news that Mr. Beerits was dying fell like a pall
on his friends and neighbors and throughout the day
men stood in groups on the streets extolling his many
virtues and lamenting the heavy loss his death would
mean to the commercial and social life of the community.        Sound judgment, exacting methods, and
rare foresight were the pillars upon which he came to
the commanding position he so long filled as a business
man of discernment and wealth.
Henry Christopher Beerits II married Belinda
Stahl, who was born in 1848, and died in 19o9. She
was a descendant of Hendrix Stoll (or Stall), native
of Switzerland, who came to this country about the
middle of the eighteenth century and settled in Maryland. His son, Henry Stall (or Stahl), who was born
February 2, 1752, and died April I, 1816, and is buried
in the old Dutch Reformed burial ground at Somerset,
Pennsylvania, fought in the Revolutionary War, later
was elected a major of the 2d Battalion of the Bedford
County Brigade of Militia, and removed to this section
of Pennsylvania after the aforementioned conflict. He
settled in that part of Bedford County which is now
part of Somerset County, owning land which today
comprises about half the site of the town of Somerset.
He and his wife, Rosina, were the parents of nine
children, among them Daniel, whose son, John, was
the father of Belinda Stahl.
Henry Christopher Beerits II and his wife, Belinda
(Stahl) Beerits, were the parents of the following five
children: I. Robert Ernest, who was born in I873. He
was graduated from Somerset High School in the
class of I890, attended the Indiana State Normal
School for one year, and in I891 matriculated at Gettysburg College, where he was a student for a like period.
He then took a course at the Eastman Business College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and after completing
his training here in I893, began his business career as
secretary for a wholesale house in Pittsburgh. During
the fall of the latter year he returned to Sonlerset to
become a clerk in the grocery firm of Cook and Beerits,
and has since continued with this concern and its successors, H. C. Beerits and Sons, and H. C. Beerits'
Sons. He has been a partner of this firm since 1905
and was a partner of the White's Creek Lumber Company of Confluence. In addition he is also vice-president of the Somerset Trust Company, the Superior
Cherry Run Coal Mining Corporation, and the Hamler
Coal Mining Company. For years he has been active
in the Lutheran Church of Somerset, in which he is
now an elder and where he holds the distinction of
having been the first president of the Men's Bible
Class. He was a member of the Town Council when
that body instigated and supervised the installation of
the city sewer system, and has long been identified with
the local Chamber of Commerce. He is a former president of the Somerset Rotary Club, belongs to the
Somerset Country Club, and fraternizes with the Masonic Order, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the
Phi Delta Theta national college fraternity, to which
he was elected as an undergraduate. 2. Moran, who
was born in 1877 and died at the age of one year. 3.
John Henry, whose biography precedes this. 4. Mary,
who was born in I882, attended Indiana State Normal
School, the Pennsylvania College for Women in Pittsburgh, each for one year, and in 1906 married Frank
R. Lyon, who died in July, 1933. At the time of his
passing her husband was vice-president in charge of
operations of the Consolidation Coal Company, one of
the largest organizations of its type in the United
States. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon, who lived in Fairmont
464ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
West Virginia, were the parents of three children: i.
Sarah, who was born in I9o8, married Edward Alexander of Fairmont in I929, and is now the mother of
two children: a. Anne, born in I935. b. Edward, born
in I937. ii. Frank R., Jr., who was born in I9II, and
married Eleanor Copeland, of Brockton, Massachusetts,
in I936. iii. Robert, born in I915. 5. Ida, born in
I886, attended the National Park Seminary in Washington, District of Columbia, for two years, and in
February, I924, married Dr. William R. Dougan.
They have one daughter, Sally, born December, I927.
Dr. William R. Dougan put down, 1933-I934, a
number of wells producing gas near Somerset. He
obtained a perpetual franchise for the supplying and
distribution of gas to the residents of Somerset Borough and vicinity. The Manufacturers Light and Heat
Company in I936 bought Dr. Dougan's rights and
holdings and he is at present identified with this company.
THEODORE STRAUB, D. D. S.-Having begun his practice of dental surgery in Somerset, in
I9IO, Dr. Theodore Straub is numbered among the
distinguished members of his profession in this locality.
He was born here, April I3, I886, the son of Charles
Gottlieb and Maria (Mock) Straub, both deceased.
The elder Mr. Straub was born in Germany in I844,
coming to America with his parents at the age of two
years, and settling in Somerset County. He was a
tanner by trade, and was engaged in farming at the
time of his death in I916. His wife, a native of Somerset County, died in I934.
Dr. Straub was educated in the local schools, then
he enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, where he
received his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in
I9IO. He immediately established offices for the general practice of dentistry in his home city, and has
built up an extensive practice. He is a member of the
Lutheran Church, and is active in the affairs of the
Republican party, being a member of the City Council.
He is well known in fraternal and civic circles, holding
membership in Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted
Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons at Meyersdale, Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar at
Johnstown, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Altoona. He is also
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and the local Lions Club, and is a director of the
Somerset County Trust Company. In addition he is
associated with the Central Pennsylvania Dental Society and the American Dental Association, and is a
member of the Odontological Socieiy of Pittsburgh.
He was married, June I2, I9I2, to Bessie Buelman,
of Somerset, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam H.
Buelman. Dr. and Mrs. Straub are the parents of
one daughter, Adeline Madre, born August 8, I917, a
graduate of Somerset High School and of Northwestern University where she received her degree of Bachelor of Science in Speech. She married, December 28,
I936, Harold M. Schrock, of Somerset.
IVAN LAMBERT-A descendant of a family
which has been well known in Somerset County since
the post-Revolutionary period, Ivan Lambert, present
clerk of the County Criminal Court, is held in high
regard by the citizens of this community.
Tho parents of George, Jacob and John and another
son, came from Germany near the Switzerland border
and settled in York County, Pennsylvania. George,
Jacob and John Lambert acted as home guards during
the Revolutionary War; the fourth brother was in the
Revolutionary War and accidentally was poisoned at
the battle of Long Island, and died. George, Jacob and
John Lambert came from York County to Somerset
County in I789.
John Lambert, the last-named, married Miss Statler,
a daughter of Casper Statler. Samuel Lambert was
the son of John Lambert. Abraham Lambert was the
son of Samuel Lambert. Joseph A. Lambert, a lumberman, was the son of Abraham Lambert.
Ivan Lambert, the subject of this biography, is the
son of Joseph A. and Elizabeth (Gohn) Lambert, and
was born in Stony Creek Township, August 24, I895.
Ivan Lambert attended the township schools and was
later graduated from Cambria Business College. He
then secured employment in the Lorraine Steel Mill in
Johnstown. After two years here, he was elected tax
collector of Shade Township, and soon afterwards became associated with the State Department of Highways, as a timekeeper. In I934 he became a member
of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, and in 1935
he was elected to his present post, taking office January
I, I936. During the World War he served overseas
with Company C, I Ioth Infantry, 28th Division, and
was gassed and wounded in action, and was the recipient of the Purple Heart award.
He is past deacon and superintendent of the Sunday
School of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Buckstown,
Pennsylvania, and is an active and progressive member of the Republican party, being treasurer of the
Somerset County Republican Committee. He is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the
Junior Order United American Mechanics, and is
Past Commander of Central City Post of the American Legion. He is also identified with the "Forty and
Eight."
Ivan Lambert was married, April 4, I920, to Ida
Rankin, of Shade Township, and they are the parents
465ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of two children: Josephine J., age fifteen, and Marjorie, age twelve, both students at Shade Township
High School.
CHARLES S. WOODBURN-For many years
successfully engaged in the production of monumental
work, Charles S. Woodburn was one of the leading
business men of the city of Indiana. His firm did an
extensive business in granite, marble and bronze pieces,
shipping its products throughout an area within a
radius of two hundred miles of Indiana. His thoroughgoing integrity and fair-mindedness won for him the
warm support and admiration of his contemporaries,
and he was honored and respected in an ever widening
circle of acquaintance.
Mr. Woodburn was born October 30, 1895, at Delhi,
New York, son of Stephen W. and Catharine (McGuire) Woodburn, of that place. His father was the
founder of the business and the pioneer member of the
family in Pennsylvania. It was in 19o2 that he estabI;shed the Woodburn Granite Works in Indiana, continuing his work as the head officer of the organization until 1917, the year in which he was succeeded by
his son.
The public schools of his native district provided
the early education of Charles S. Woodburn, this son,
who later became a student at the State Teachers' College, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Turning his attention
to his father's business when he completed his formal
schooling, he became head of the Woodburn Granite
Works in 19I7, succeeding his father. For the rest
of his life, until I932, he carried on the business, which
then passed into the hands of his wife, the present head
of it. The enterprise is the oldest of its kind in Indiana
to continue operations under one name, and it serves
a public covering a wide territory, producing all kinds
of cemetery work in granite, marble and bronze. After
having been operated by Mr. Woodburn practically all
his life, the business is now  conducted with Mrs.
Frances M. (Dillon) Woodburn as the sole owner.
In addition to carrying on this work in the monument industry, Mr. Woodburn was active along many
civic lines. He was a member of both the Chamber
of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Indiana, as well
as of a number of clubs and social organizations. He
worships in the faith of the Roman Catholic Church.
In I923 Charles S. Woodburn married Frances M.
Dillon, of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, daughter of
Patrick and Caroline (Bagley) Dillon, of Hastings,
Pennsylvania. Four children were born to this mariiage: I. Charles S., Jr., in 1924. 2. Jack, in I927.
3. Frances, in I928. 4. Joanne, in I930.
The death of Charles S. Woodburn, in 1932, was
an occasion of deep sorrow and regret, removing from
Indiana a citizen who had most effectively and usefully
served his community and its people and institutions.
He was universally known and respected, and his
accomplishments were many and worth while. He
will be long and affectionately remembered, and his
influence will be felt as a continuing beneficial force
in a world made better by his having lived.
JUDGE  NORMAN  T. BOOSE-Thirty-five
years of distinctive achievement as a member of the
Somerset County bar mark the career of Norman T.
Boose, who since 1929 has served as president judge of
the Sixteenth Judicial District. Prior to that time he
had engaged in a general practice of law at Somerset,
where in I9I9 he formed a partnership with his brother,
Budd B. Boose, in a firm they conducted together under
the name of Boose and Boose. As an attorney and
jurist he has won wide recognition throughout this
section of the State for his scholarly command of legal
subjects and more recently for the strict impartiality
he has displayed as a member of the bench.
Judge Boose was born in Somerset, June 29, I876,
the son of John R. and Anna Mary (Turner) Boose
of this county, where the paternal side of the family
has been established since the latter half of the eighteenth century, when Henry Boose came to this country
from his native Switzerland and settled in Allegheny
Township. His son, Rudolph Boose, was born here in
I796, became one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers in this region, formed one of the first
insurance organizations in the county and married
Susan Walker in 1824. They were the parents of ten
children, among them John, father of John R., who
died before his son was born.
Judge Boose attended the public schools of his native
county, later studied at the Westchester Normal
School and then matriculated at the University of
Michigan, in which he secured his professional training
and from which he was graduated with the degree of
Bachelor of Laws in the class of 1902. After completing his law course Judge Boose spent considerable
time in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, searching for a
suitable location in which to establish himself in practice. He was admitted to the bar in each of these
States but evidently did not regard the prospects they
offered with favor, for in I904 he returned to Somerset and initiated a legal career which he was to conduct
with great success until his election as president judge
of the Sixteenth Judicial District, an office he has since
occupied.
466ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Aside from his professional duties, Judge Boose has
been active in the social and civic affairs of his surroundings. He is an honorary member of the Sonmerset Chamber of Commerce, fraternizes with the
Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order United American
Mechanics and belongs to the Patriotic Order Sons of
America. In religion he worships at the Lutheran
Church.
On June I6, I914, Judge Boose married Mary E.
Miller, of Somerset, and they are the parents of one
daughter: Jane E., born September 3, 192I, and now a
student at the Somerset High School.
ARCHIBALD MORGAN MATTHEWS-As a
practicing attorney for the past ten years, and the
present district attorney of Somerset County, Archibald Morgan Matthews is a prominent and highly
respected member of the local legal fraternity. He is
a descendant of George Finley, the first white settler in
East Wheatfield Township, Indiana County; and also
a descendant of Samuel Matthews, who was a member
of the crew of the "Bonne Homme Richard."
Mr. Matthews was born in Johnstown, Cambria
County, March 27, 1902, the son of J. M. and Eleanor
(Morgan) Matthews. J. M. Matthews, a native of
Indiana County, is now retired from business, and
resides in Johnstown. Archibald Morgan Matthews
attended the Johnstown public schools and later received his degree of Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Jefferson College in I923. He engaged in
postgraduate work at Harvard University for one
year, and then entered the University of Pennsylvania,
graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in
I927. He opened his office for the general practice of
law in Somerset, and has proven himself most capable
in the various phases of the law, building up an extensive practice. In I935 he was elected district attorney,
and was inducted into office January I, I936. The
satisfactory manner in which his office has been conducted has warranted the confidence placed in him by
his fellow-citizens.
He is a trustee of the Presbyterian Church and one
of the members of the church choir. He is prominent
in political affairs, and a strong supporter of the Republican party, and he is widely known in civic and
fraternal circles, being associated with the local Chamber of Commerce, Sons of the American Revolution,
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Adelpha Tau
Omega, Delta Sigma Rho and Phi Alpha Delta fraternities. A member of the American Bar Association
and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, since I930 he
has been secretary-treasurer of the Somerset Bar
Association. In addition he is an active member of
the Somerset Country Club.
He married Elizabeth B. Zoner, of Meadville, in
July, I936.
JAMES B. LANDIS-County solicitor and formerly district attorney, James B. Landis, of Somerset,
is one of Somerset County's outstanding attorneys,
having distinguished himself both in private practice
and in public service.
James B. Landis was born in Somerset County, son
of Rufus C. and Carolyn L. (Fischer) Landis, both
natives of Somerset County. The Landis family was
established in Somerset County about I795 when
John Landis with his wife, Elizabeth, who was born
February 21, I760, and died July 19, I8i8, and his two
sons and four daughters moved onto the Hopewell
tract from Lancaster County. This tract, which was
part of a warrant given to a Michael Ulrich in I796,
was purchased in part by John Landis in I802, who
later added adjoining parcels, and erected a waterpower sawmill. John Landis, who died in his eightyseventh year, April I9, 1838, sold most of this land to
a son, John, Jr., who added a gristmill and a wool
carding plant. With his sons, John Landis, Jr., farmed
extensively, besides running the mills, and they also
became noted as framers, specialists who hewed and
jointed and erected the frames of a great many barns,
mills and houses throughout the county. Henry Landis, who added distilling to the family enterprises, was
born June 27, I8II, and died May 13, I883, a son of
John Landis, Jr. The first still of Henry Landis was
located in Jenner Township, his second in Brothers
Valley, and his third, which was finally purchased by
his son, Rufus C. Landis, was established near Berlin.
Finally, in I873, Henry Landis, together with his son,
Rufus C. Landis, organized the firm of H. and R. C.
Landis, distillers, a company which Henry Landis
operated until his death. During his lifetime, Henry
Landis held a great many township offices and was a
justice of the peace for many years. Rufus C. Landis,
who was born in Jenner Township December 31, I842,
left school to enlist as soon as the Civil War broke
out and served in Company A, Ioth Pennsylvania
Regiment, where he was promoted to first sergeant
and mustered out June II, I864. Returning home, he
entered an association with his father as a distiller and
remained in the trade all his life. He married Carolyn
L. Fischer, daughter of J. H. and E. Fischer of Berlin
and became the father of five daughters and four sons,
of whom James B. Landis was one.
467ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Janimes B. Landis, after passing through the public
schools of Somerset Township, attended Gettysburg
College and then secured his degree of Bachelor of
Laws from Dickinson Law School in 1912, after teaching school for several years and being principal of the
Confluence High School before beginning -his law
studies. Admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1912, he
began practicing as an associate in the Somerset office
of John G. Ogle, later being associated also with C. L.
Shaver, although for most of his period of practice, he
has maintained an independent office, as at present. A
member of the Republican party, Mr. Landis has been
active in civic service for many years, being a member
of the Board of Road Viewers of Somerset County,
serving the county as district attorney and also as
county solicitor, his present office. During the World
War, Mr. Landis was an inspector of Draft boards
and, being active in the affairs of the Somerset Lutheran Church, he has taught a class in the church
Sunday school for several years. He is a member of
Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
James B. Landis, married, February ii, 1915, Edna
Adams who, a native of Fayette County, has spent
most of her life in Somerset. Mr. and Mrs. Landis
are the parents of two children: I. Robert E., born
November I7, 1915; holds a degree of Bachelor of
Science from Franklin and Marshall College and is
now a student at Temple University Medical School.
2. Elizabeth Louise, born January I5, I9I7, a graduate
of the Somerset schools and Pierce Business College
of Philadelphia. She is the wife of Dr. Warren F.
White and at present resides at Asbury Park, New
Jersey.
FRANK R. CODER-Frank R. Coder was admitted to the Somerset County bar on February 5,
I918. The same year he was admitted to the practice
of law before the Superior and Supreme courts of
Pennsylvania and the United States District Court.
In 1929 he became a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
He was born at Ursina, Somerset County, on March
20, 1887, the son of Joseph R. and Mary (Critclhfield)
Coder, both now deceased. His great-great-grandfather, Konrad Coder, fought in the Revolutionary
War with the Berks County Associators and after the
Revolution settled near what is now West Newton,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on the farm
which three generations of his descendants subsequently
owned and occupied. His father left the Westmoreland
County farm to settle at Ursina after having chosen a
Somerset County wife, the daughter of Joseph Critchfield and Harriet (King) Critchfield; she was a sister
of Norman B. Critchfield, formerly Secretary of Agriculture of the State of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Coder secured his elementary education in the
public schools of Ursina, Somerset County; he graduated from the high school of the city of Buffalo, New
York, and completed his course at Dickinson College,
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in I909. He then taught in the
rural schools of Somerset County and later in the
Somerset Borough High School. He studied law in
the office of the late Judge Francis J. Kooser, of Somerset, and, after being admitted to the bar, became
associated in the general practice of law with the late
Edmund E. Kiernan, Esq. This association was broken
by the death of Mr. Kiernan in 1925, since when he
has continued his practice of the law alone.
For many years before the subjects became popular
he has been interested in the study of economics and
social welfare work and, in order to draw the attention
of the public to the importance of studies of this kind,
he established, in I92I, prizes for members of the
graduating class of the Somerset Borough High School
who excelled in this kind of work. He has continued
to give these prizes annually for the past eighteen
years. He has written numerous articles on economics
and sociology for newspapers and magazines. For
twelve years he was active in the work of the directors
of the poor of Somerset County as their attorney and
when the directors of the poor were abolished by the
legislative reorganization of relief administration in
Pennsylvania on January I, I938, he was appointed by
the Governor as a member of the Board of Public
Assistance f.or Somerset County. For many years he
was a member of the Board of School Directors of
Somerset Borough.
Frank R. Coder was married January 2, I9o8, to
Rebekah Harris, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, whose
family were among the early settlers of the Cumberland Valley. They are the parents of three children:
I. Mary Rebekah Coder. 2. Frank R. Coder, Jr. 3.
Valeria Penrose Coder. The children have graduated
from the Somerset Borough High School and attended
Dickinson College, the alma mater of their parents.
HOMER FRANKLIN BAIR-Both a business
man and an artist, Homer Franklin Bair, of Greensburg, has won marked success in both fields of contrasting activity. He is general manager and treasurer
of the St. Clair Supply Company of Greensburg and
his paintings are hung in Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania cities. A sculptor too, some of Mr. Bair's
figures are being used in the rebuilding of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Greensburg, of which he is
treasurer and a trustee.
468ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Homer Franklin Bair was born in Greensburg on
November 2, I896, the son of Joseph H. and Hannah
E. (Moyer) Bair. Joseph H. Bair was born on December I6, I872, near Mt. Pleasant, the son of David
and Emma Bair. David Bair served as a private in
the Union Army during the Civil War. Hannah E.
(Moyer) Bair was a daughter of Joseph and Florinda
(Baker) Moyer. Joseph Moyer, a carpenter, was
born in Westmoreland County September 26, I833,
and died in Greensburg, May 20, I9I4. Florinda Baker
Moyer, the daughter of Adam Eli and Hannah (Holtzer) Baker, was born in Westmoreland County August
I4, I847, and died March I2, I9o8.
Homer Franklin Bair attended the Greensburg public schools and high schools in Irwin and Wilkinsburg,
and Leech's Business College in Greensburg. Upon
leaving business college he served with the Pennsylvania Railroad as clerk at Pitcairn for two years. At
this time our country entered the World War and Mr.
Bair enlisted at the Farmers Bank Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May I6, I9I7, in the 5th
United States Reserve Engineers. He assisted with
recruiting at Pittsburgh until June 9 and was then
ordered to report at Oakmont Camp near Pittsburgh
for training. His regiment broke camp at Oakmont
July 6 and entrained for New York. There they
boarded the White Star Liner "Baltic" and sailed
July 9, I917, arriving at Liverpool, England July 20.
On July 26 the regiment landed at Le Havre, France.
Now renamed I5th United States Engineers they immediately began building camps and railroads for the
large army to follow. This regiment remained in
France almost two years, sailing for America April
13, I919, from Pauillac, France. April 27 they landed
at Hoboken and were sent to Camp Upton, I,ong
Island. On May 7 they came to Pittsburgh and were
sent on to Camp Sherman, Ohio, where Mr. Bair was
honorably discharged as a mechanic on May 15, I919.
Mr. Bair returned at once to his former duties as
clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad and studied accounting in night classes at Duquesne University in
Pittsburgh. In 1921 he became associated with the
Jersey Cereal Company at Cereal, Pennsylvania. After
two years he returned to Greensburg as secretary and
director of the South Greensburg Lumber Company.
In March, I924, Mr. Bair joined the St. Clair Supply
Company of Greensburg as secretary and director and
soon became general manager and treasurer.  The
company deals in building supplies, ready-mixed concrete and cut stone.
As a major interest and hobby, Mr. Bair is also
occupied with oil painting. On February 7, I936, his
painting entitled "To the Steel City" was awarded the
one hundred dollar "Mary Johns Kirkpatrick Memorial" prize at the twenty-sixth annual exhibition of the
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, of which association
Mr. Bair is a member. The painting was purchased
by "One Hundred Friends of Pittsburgh Art." Another painting, that of General Nathanael Greene, for
whom Greensburg is named, was given to the city by
Mr. Bair. A third oil, entitled "Bee Hive Coke Ovens
at Night," hangs at the Pennsylvania State College.
Accomplished in stone carving, Mr. Bair has executed
a Biblical series for use in the remodeling of Zion's
Evangelical Lutheran Church. These figures have been
cut out of Indiana limestone.
A Republican in politics, Mr. Bair was Greensburg's
first controller, serving from I928 through I936. He
is now (1938) serving his city as councilman. Mr.
Bair is a member and Past Master of Philanthropy
Lodge, No. 225, Free and Accepted Masons, a thirtysecond degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh. His World War service is continued by membership in the Robert G. Kotouch Post, No. 318, American Legion, the "40 and 8,"
and Post No. 33, Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mr.
Bair is also a member of the Kiwanis Club.
On March I4, I923, Homer Franklin Bair married,
in Greensburg, Rose Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of
Fridolin and Anna (Bott) Miller. Mr. and Mrs.
Miller were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller was
born June 22, I849, son of John Jacob and Rose (I,egler) Miller, who were natives of the Canton Glarus,
Switzerland, and was associated with banking institutions of Greensburg for forty-three years until he retired April I, I933. Mrs. Miller, who was born May
19, I853, and died in Greensburg, December Io, I929,
was the daughter of John and Magdalena (Feiock)
Bott, who were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs.
Homer Franklin Bair have a son: Homer Franklin
Bair, Jr., born July 15, 1926.
WILSON K. WALKER-As owner and proprietor of the Hite Hotel in Stoystown, Wilson K.
Walker is a well-known business man and popular host
in this section of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He was
born in Somerset County, January 8, 1874, the son of
Levy and Mary (Zeigler) Walker, both deceased.
Levy Walker, a Somerset County farmer, was the son
of Jacob Walker, whose grandfather, Jacob Walker,
came to Somerset County from Germany near the
close of the eighteenth century.
After attending the local schools, Wilson K. Walker
assisted his father in the management of the latter's
farm, where he remained until I9I2, when he decided
to enter the hotel business, establishing his present
Stoystown hostelry, which is known throughout this
469ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
area for the excellence of its service and its comfortable atmosphere.
Mr. Walker is a member of the Reformed Church,
and is active in the affairs of the Republican party. He
has held various borough offices, and in 1935 was
elected county commissioner, taking office, January I,
I936. At present he is chairman of the Board of
County Commissioners. He was married, May 12,
I896, to Mary E. Shaffer, of Somerset, and they are
the parents of one daughter, Evelyn, born March 28,
1923, who married R. P. Hummel, of Stoystown, and
they are the parents of a son, Robert W. Hummel, a
student at Franklin Marshall University.
WILLIAM JOSEPH RUPP HAY-A farmer
all his life, and a descendant of a long line of farmers
who stood staunchly upon their land, William Joseph
Rupp Hay, of Somerset, enjoys the confidence and
respect of his fellow-citizens, being repeatedly chosen
to fill positions of trust, both public and private. He
is of the fourth generation of Somerset County Hays.
(IV) William Joseph Rupp Hay was born December 20, I866, on the family farm in Brothers Valley
Township, Somerset County, son of (III) William and
Susanna (Braucker) Hay, both natives of Somerset
County. (III) William Hay died December Ig, I894,
aged seventy-seven years, seven months and fifteen
days and is buried at the Odd Fellows Cemetery at
Berlin, Pennsylvania. He was a son of (II) George
Hay, a Somerset farmer, who was a son of (I) Simon
Hay, a native of Germany and founder of the Hay
family in Somerset County.
Among the early settlers in the Brothers Valley
Community were the Hays. On the good ship "Sally"
from Rotterdam, landing in Philadelphia, October 5,
1767, there were three brothers; namely, Simon Hay,
above-mentioned, Frantz Hay and Valentine Hay.
Two of these brothers finally settled in the neighborhood of Berlin, Pennsylvania, and were among the first
families of the Reformed Church.
(I) Simon Hay was born at Zwei Brucken (meaning-two bridges) in Germany, near the borders of
France, on April I8, I742, and died February 3, I842,
at the age of ninety-nine years, nine months and
fifteen days. He was married to Anna Marie Shaver
of near Hagerstown, Maryland. She died in the stone
house in the village of Hays Mill on March I9, I8i8,
aged sixty-three years, three months and six days.
On September 7, I784, (I) Simon Hay was warranted a tract of land containing over three hundred
acres in the Brothers Valley Township, now the home
of Edison M. Hay and the E. E. Boger farms. Simon
Hay improved over one thousand acres of land in
Brothers Valley Township. He built the stone house
in Hays Mill in I796 which is still standing and in
good condition. The second gristmill was built in I8o6
and continued operations until I916, or one hundred
and ten years. The first gristmill was built before
I8oo and was later used as a fulling and carding mill.
The Pittsburgh Historical Society considers Hays
Mill one of the outstanding buildings of Western
Pennsylvania. In the Museum of Philadelphia is the
old loom of Simon Hay, with the date I774. These
buildings are the oldest buildings connected with the
Hay Family, in existence. The fulling and carding
mill has long disappeared.
Five boys and five girls were born to the union of
Simon and Anna Marie (Shaver) Hay: I. Michael
Hay, born February 2I, I775, and died September 30,
I840. He was married to Elizabeth, a daughter of
Ludwig Young. Both are buried on their home farm
one mile north of Lavansville, Pennsylvania. 2. Jacob
Hay, born March 30, I777; married Elizabeth Louder
and first settled where Wellersburg is now located and
afterward moving to Millersburg, Ohio, where they
raised a large family. 3. Valentine Hay, born June 26,
I779, and died in the year I834, married Catherine
Berkley. He was part owner with his father of the
farm and mill property at Hays Mill. 4. (II) George
Hay, born May 7, I78I, and died June I8, I844. He
married Mary Countryman who was born September
2I, I789, and died March I4, I872. Mr. Hay is buried
on the Peter S. Hay farm and Mrs. Hay, in the Hays
Church Cemetery. 5. Susan Hay, born March 22,
I784, and married Jacob Baker, they emigrated to
near Wooster, Ohio, where they reared a large family.
6. Mary Hay, born August I6, I786, and died July 27,
I846, married Jacob Young, who was born May 26,
I780, and died April 2, I867. They settled one and
one-half miles north of Lavansville, where they reared
a large family. 7. Peter S. Hay, born April I8, I790,
died May 4, I845. He is buried in the Reformed
Cemetery in Berlin, Pennsylvania. He married Elizabeth Walker, born September 30, I794, died July 8,
I88o, and buried in the Hays Reformed Church Cemetery. Peter owned the farm where his father first
pitched his tent under a white oak tree by a spring.
8. Elizabeth Hay, born April 17, I792, married George
Weller who was born August 27, 1792. They settled
on a farm on which the town of Wellersburg is now
situated, and from this family the name is derived.
9. Eva Hay, born April II, I796, died August 6, I883,
married George Gebhart, born December I3, I792, and
died March I7, I852. They settled on a farm in Milford Township and were the founders of Gebhartsburg.
They afterwards located in Dayton, Ohio. io. Catherine Hay, born February, I798, married Samuel Miller of Addison Township, who was born in I8oo and
47oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
died January 7, 1875. They resided in Addison Township.
After passing through the public schools of Brothers
Valley Township (IV) William Joseph Rupp Hay followed the profession of his ancestors and has devoted his
life to operating his modern two hundred and fifty-acre
farm in Somerset Township on which he practices general agriculture. A member of the Democratic party,
Mr. Hay has long been very active in civic affairs, for
three years beginning in I905 being a jury commissioner
and at present a member of the Board of County Commissioners for Somerset County. Another service which
Mr. Hay has rendered is that of being an executor and
administrator of estates, a duty which he has discharged many times, over a long period of years. He
has also been appointed and acted as guardian of minor
children. Mr. Hay belongs to the Reformed Church
of Somerset and for many years has been an elder and
trustee of that church.
Mr. Hay married, March I, I888, Nellie Mason, of
Brothers Valley Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hay are
the parents of nine children: I. Joseph Oscar, born
January 7, I889, a graduate of Valparaiso University
Law School and a farmer and banker; enlisted for
service during the World War, went into training and
was commissioned captain, later being promoted to
major, and did service overseas; married Eva Oakley
and had: i. William Oakley Hay. ii. Gerald Mason
Hay. iii. George. iv. Bernice. v. Joine Alice Hay.
2. George William, a graduate of Valparaiso University Law School, and now a judge in Silver City, New
Mexico; married Celia Balch; like his brother, Joseph
Oscar, he enlisted in the World War, doing overseas
service and being commissioned first lieutenant. 3.
Susan Elizabeth, born May 27, 1892, married R. A.
Weimer, now deceased, and is the mother of five
children: i. Earl Hay Weimer, who married Mary
Knepper and they are the parents of two children:
William Weimer and Anna Weimer. ii. Reid. iii.
Nellie Henrietta. iv and v. (twins) Leah Elizabeth
and Leafah Elaine. 4. Warren King, born April 2I,
I894, a farmer in Jefferson Township, married Ida
Ream, and is the parent of three children: Ella Marie,
Frances Louise, and J. 0. 5. Anna Ruth, born September I4, I896, married Sherman Berkley, and mother
of three children: i. Wilma Hay Berkley. ii. Lucile
Berkley. iii. Lewis William Berkley. 6. James
Oliver, born November I5, I9OI, a farmer in Milford Township, married Hazel Speicher, and they
are the parents of five children: i. James Blair. ii.
Dean Speicher. iii. Morris William. iv. Lillian Jean.
v. Rose Marie. 7. Etta Belinda, born January 8, I905,
married Clark W. Stahl, and they are the parents of
four children: i. Evelyn Mae. ii. William Hay. iii.
Ernest. iv. George. 8. Jennings Bryan, born October
6, I908, a farmer. 9. Nellie Louise, born June 27, I910,
married Robert Coleman, and they are the parents of
four children: i. Robert Hay Coleman. ii. Jennings
Coleman. iii. Neil Allen. iv. Mary Ann.
L. C. BERKEY-Associated with his brother in
the coal business L. C. Berkey is numbered among
the popular and successful business men of Somerset.
He was born in Lincoln Township, December 31,
I89o, the son of Levi and Mary Anne (Rhoades)
Berkey, both deceased. The elder Mr. Berkey was
engaged in farming, having worked during his youth
on the farm operated in Somerset County by his
father, Samuel Berkey.
L. C. Berkey attended the Lincoln Township schools,
and worked for a time on his father's farm. Later,
he was elected deputy sheriff of Somerset County,
and faithfully fulfilled the duties of this office for
eight and one half years, resigning to join his brother
in the coal business. In addition to this work, he
became associated with the H. W. Walker Creamery
in I925, and still acts as manager for this concern.
He is a deacon in the Reformed Church a Republican in his political allegiance, and a prominent member of civic and fraternal organizations. He is president of the Rotary Club, and is connected with the
local Chamber of Commerce. He also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He was married, April 4,
I916, to Edna Manges of Somerset County and they
are the parents of three children: I. Ada Elaine, born
July 23, 1917, a student at Mount Holyoke College.
2. Donald born December I5, 1919, now attending
Mercersburg Academy. 3. Earl, born September I8,
1922, and now a student at Somerset High School.
JOHN YOUNG BARKMAN-For the past
twenty years, John Young Barkman has been a member of the firm of Barkman Bros., a well-known hardware establishment in Somerset. Mr. Barkman was
born in Milford Township in I879, the son of Henry
and Charlotte (Bearl) Barkman, both deceased. Henry
Barkman, a farmer during his lifetime was a descendant of a family which has been closely associated with
farming life in Somerset County for a long period of
years.
John Young Barkman received his education in the
township public schools, and then worked on a farm
until I917, when he entered the automobile business.
After two years he entered his present field, forming
47IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a partnership with his brother, Albert D. Barkman.
Upon the latter's death in 1935, his widow acted as a
partner, but sold her interest to her son, Blair, in
November, I937, and he is now associated with John
Young Barkman in the firm which still retains its
original name. In addition to these business connections, Mr. Barkman is also a trustee of the Farmers'
Bank which was closed during the National Bank
holiday, and which is now in the process of liquidation.
Up to the present this bank has been successful in paying off eighty-nine per cent. of its liabilities.
Mr. Barkman is a trustee of the Lutheran Church,
a supporter of the Republican party, and an active
figure in civic and fraternal life. He is identified with
the Lions Club and the Chamber of Commerce, and
is a director of the People's National Bank. He is
also associated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order
of Eagles and the Grange.
Mr. Barkman married (first) Maggie Metzler, and
they became the parents of one son, Shelton H., a
graduate of the local schools, now associated with
H. C. Berrits Sons and Company, and married to
Mabel Eicher, and they are the parents of one child.
Maggie (Metzler) Barkman died, and Mr. Barkman
married (second) Nettie M. Stahl, daughter of J. G.
Stahl, and they are the parents of a daughter, Lucille,
a student at Somerset High School.
HARRY ARTHUR COUNTRYMAN-After a
period of twenty years' association with the undertaking business, Harry Arthur Countryman of Somerset,
retired from this field in I92I so that he might devote
more time to a rapidly growing furniture business in
which he had been interested for a considerable time.
Mr. Countryman was born in Jenner Township,
Somerset County, April 7, I88o, the son of George
Jacob and Belinda (Hays) Countryman, both deceased.
George Jacob Countryman, a native of Somerset
County was engaged in farming, and was the son of
Francis Countryman, born in Brothers Valley Township, and a County Commissioner during his lifetime.
His father, Jacob Countryman, also a farmer was a
Court Marshal in the Revolutionary War, and was the
son of George Countryman, the pioneer of the family in
Somerset County, who came from Germany in I740,
and settled in Brothers Valley, then a part of Bedford County.
Harry Arthur Countryman was educated in the
township schools, and at an early age became identified
with the undertaking business. In conjunction with
this work, he took a course in anatomy at the J. Henry
Long School in Pittsburgh. His years of service to
the community was interrupted in I92I when the building housing his business was destroyed by fire, and
he then withdrew from the undertaking field, to concentrate all his efforts on his modern furniture establishment. He later became interested in building, and
in addition to his many duties in the furniture line, he
has planned and built twenty-two residences in Somerset, more homes than have been built here by any
other individual. Mr. Countryman is proud of this
achievement as he has always been interested in the
development of this section with which his family name
has so long been associated.
Mr. Countryman is a member of the German Reformed Church, a Republican, and an active part of
civic and fraternal life. He is a charter member of the
Lions Club, and a member of its board of governors,
and a director of the Chamber of Commerce. He is
also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Junior Order, United American Mechanics and
the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
He was married November I4, I9oI, to Nellie Gaynor of Somerset, daughter of Thomas and Fransannah
(Fogle) Gaynor, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Countryman became the parents of two children: I. Thelma,
born March 3, I9o6, a graduate of the local schools
and the McGeehan Beauty College in Pittsburgh, now
operating a Beauty Parlor in Somerset, and married
to Wilbur E. Weimer, city plumber in Somerset
County. 2. Telford Hays, born March I7, I909, a
graduate of the local schools and Woodstock Military
Academy, now associated with his father in the furniture business; married to Grace Elizabeth Griffith, and
they are the parents of two children, Robert Neal,
born September 30, I934, and Terry Lee, born October 8, I937.
JOHN HOMER FISHER-President of the
Westmoreland County Memorial Park, John Homer
Fisher, of Greensburg, is a well-known business man
not only in Westmoreland but also in Pittsburgh and
in Ohio and Michigan.
John Homer Fisher was born at New Texas in
Allegheny County on February 28, I891, a son of
Francis S. and Nancy E. (Patterson) Fisher. Francis
S. Fisher, a son of Thomas and Mary (Burgess)
Fisher, was born in Wilkinsburg on June I2, I867. A
farmer, he is a member of the Presbyterian Church
and belongs to the Republican party. He is now living
at Columbiana, Ohio. Nancy E. (Patterson) Fisher,
a native of New Texas, where she was born on March
7, I870, is also living now at Columbiana. She is a
472ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
daughter of John and Mary Patterson, who were both
natives of Allegheny County, where Mr. Patterson
was a farmer in New Texas. Mrs. Fisher's brother,
Frank Patterson, was a colonel in the United States
Army during the Civil War.
John Homer Fisher received his early education in
the public schools of Allegheny County and then attended Salem Business College at Salem, Ohio. At
the age of seventeen, he entered the service of the First
National Bank of Salem, Ohio, as a clerk. After two
years in that bank, he became head bookkeeper of the
Farmers' National Bank of Salem. Three years in this
position, and he went into the Salem Chamber of
Commerce as secretary. During the three years in
which he was an official of the chamber, he also engaged in the real estate business. Following this
engagement, Mr. Fisher worked for a year as an
accountant for the auditing department of the McGraw
Tire and Rubber Company at East Palestine, Ohio.
Then he became cashier of the Spencer State Bank at
Spencer, Ohio, working in that bank for three years.
At the end of that time, Mr. Fisher went to the Lodi
State Bank, at Lodi, Ohio, as vice-president and
cashier. Three years were spent in Lodi and then he
was appointed fiscal agent at Detroit for the Michigan
Mutual Savings Association, a position which Mr.
Fisher held for four years. And then he became sales
manager of the White Chapel Memorial Park at
Detroit. Following three years in this occupation, Mr.
Fisher returned to his native State of Pennsylvania
where, with Ralph Mason, he organized the Allegheny
County Memorial Park in Pittsburgh. For several
years, until I933, Mr. Fisher was general manager of
the park, as well as assistant secretary and treasurer
and a member of the board of directors. Finally, in
I933, Mr. Fisher came to Greensburg and organized
the Westmoreland County Memorial Park. This park,
which is located a mile southwest of Greensburg on
West Newton Road, is a large garden-like cemetery
which affords modern conveniences to the citizens of
the county. It is featured by the elimination of stone
images and monuments, each grave being marked only
with a bronze plate set flush with the grass. Mr.
Fisher is a member of the Republican party and is
active in the First United Brethren Church of Greensburg. He is a member of the board of that institution.
He is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, belonging to Harrisville Lodge, No. 137, Free and
Accepted Masons of Lodi, Ohio, and of the Order of
the Eastern Star at Lodi. In Pennsylvania, Mr.
Fisher is a member of the Latrobe Country Club, the
Metropolitan Club of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Cooperative Club, and the Greensburg Lions Club. He
finds recreation in golfing and in playing bridge.
TERN PENNSYLVANIA                              473
On October I6, 1912, John Homer Fisher married,
in Salem, Ohio, Ethel Evans, a daughter of William
and Laura (Bates) Evans, of Salem. Mr. Evans,
who is deceased, was a machinist. Mrs. Evans now
resides in Salem. Mrs. Fisher is a graduate of the
high school of Salem, Ohio. She belongs to the Lodi,
Ohio, Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and,
in Greensburg, is a member of the First United Brethren Church, the church choir, and the Choral Club of
Greensburg. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have two daughters
and a son: I. Mildred Louise. She is a graduate of
Dormont High School and of Waynesburg College,
from which institution she holds a degree of Bachelor
of Arts. She married Asa G. Wiley, who is a member
of the faculty of Waynesburg High School. Mr. and
Mrs. Wiley have a son, Richard Gordon. 2. Francis
Evans, born September 3, I923. He is a student at the
Greensburg High School. 3. Ethel Jeanne, born on
July 25, 1928.
WILLIAM S. LIVENGOOD, Jr.-After a successful career as a teacher and athletic coach, William
S. Livengood, Jr., named after his uncle, a Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, newspaper editor, was elected Register of Wills of Somerset County in I935, and has
fulfilled the duties of this office since his induction,
January 6, I936.
Mr. Livengood, Jr., was born in Salisbury, Somerset County, September 8, I9oo, the son of Peter L.
and Minnie (Green) Livengood. Peter L. Livengood,
a newspaper editor, is a descendant of Peter Livengood
who came to America from  Switzerland about I732,
settling in Berks County, moving to Lancaster County
and to Somerset County (then Bedford County), about
I775.
William S. Livengood, Jr., graduated from the Salisbury schools and Juniata Academy. He received his
Bachelor of Arts degree from Juniata College in I926,
interrupting his studies between his Sophomore and
Junior classes to teach school for four years at Oxford, North Carolina. He has also done considerable
post-graduate work at the University of North Carolina, Bucknell University, and the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating from Juniata College, he
was appointed instructor of English and head coach at
Mount Morris College in Mount Morris, Illinois, and
after one year here, received a similar assignment at
Southmont High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
After one year at this institution, he returned to his
native Somerset County, and was appointed instructor
in mathematics and head coach at the local high school.
He retained this position for eight years, until he
assumed his present duties. He is regarded as anANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
excellent public speaker and his services are much in
demand at various political and social functions. During the World War, he was a member of the Students
Army Training Corps, and at present is a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve Corps.
He is an active member of the Church of the
Brethren, and has served as a teacher of both the
Men's and Women's Bible Classes. He is a prominent
Republican, being a member of the State and National
Speakers Bureau and was nominated by the Republican
party of Pennsylvania as their candidate for Secretary
of Internal Affairs in I938. He is well known fraternally, being associated with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the
Grange. He is also identified with the American
Legion and the "Forty and Eight," and is State ViceChairman of the Constitutional Defense Committee.
He was married April 23, I920, to Martha Cupp,
of Addison Township, and they are the parents of two
children: I. Mary, born December I5, I92I. 2. William S. Livengood, III, both students in the Somerset
schools.
WILLIAM WARREN SIPE-William Warren
Sipe of Somerset is the organizer and operator of the
Sipe Auto Parts Company, dealers in a complete
assortment of replacement parts for automobiles, and
in a variety of shop and garage equipment. He was
born in Lincoln Township, August I, I898, the son of
William  Peter and Lilly  (Shaffer) Sipe.  William
Peter Sipe, a native of Lipesville, and son of Peter
Sipe was a merchant during his lifetime. His wife,
born in Somerset Township is still living.
William Warren Sipe attended the township schools,
and after learning the mechanic's trade, entered the
employ of E. F. Stahl, where he remained from I914 to
I923, when he organized the Somerset Tire and Service Company, in partnership with E. E. Sipe. After
ten successful years in this enterprise, he sold his
interest in I933, and established his present business
which operates over a radius of thirty miles, and is
one of the largest concerns of its kind in this section.
During the World War, he served four months in the
United States Army, and received his honorable discharge.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is
interested in the affairs of the Republican party. He is
affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the
American Legion. He was married October I4, 1929, to
Alice Kathryn Specht of Quemahoning Township, and
they are the parents of two children: I. Alice Kathryn,
born July 6, I930. 2. William Peter, born December
6, I932,
LELAND WOY WALKER was born in Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, on May 5, I896,
the son of Charles Edward (Keller) Walker and
Minnie Woy Walker. They were also the parents of
the following children: Ernest F. Walker, a practicing
lawyer in Johnstown; Harold C. Walker, building
contractor at Windber, and Robert N. Walker, attending the University  of Virginia.  Charles Edward
Walker was for many years a railway mail clerk on
the Johnstown-Rockwood branch of the Baltimore 
Ohio and is now employed by the Bethlehem Steel
Corporation.
Leland Woy Walker was graduated from the Johnstown High School in I914 and from the Carnegie
Institute of Technology in I9I7. During his Senior
year, he enlisted in Company C, Io3d Signal Battalion
of the 28th Division, serving from April, I917, until
May of I918 in the states and from May, I9I8, until
June, I9i9, with the American Expeditionary Forces.
He was honorably discharged from the service of the
United States and sent to the Dickinson School of
Law at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, as a Federal Board
Trainee, under the rehabilitation plan adopted by Congress on account of disability suffered during the
World War. He graduated in the I923 law class and
was admitted to the Supreme and Superior courts of
Pennsylvania and the Common Pleas Court of Somerset County in I924. In 1936 he was admitted to
practice before the Supreme Court of the United States
and there represented a client in the case of Rauch
vs. the Receiver of the Boswell Bank. In April, I924,
he was commissioned Referee in Bankruptcy by the
United States District Court at Pittsburgh and has
held that appointment to date.
On November I8, I920, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
he was married by Rev. H. C. Michaels, a minister
of the Lutheran Church, to Vida Miller Boose, the
daughter of Ellis and Emma McIntyre (Miller)
Boose. rTo this union, two children were born: I.
Joan, September 13, I92I. 2. Patricia, January 8,
I929. The Walker residence is at No. 420 West Church
Street, Somerset Borough, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
ELLIS C. BOOSE-For a number of years
Ellis C. Boose has been an outstanding figure in the
banking and insurance fields in Somerset County. He
was born March I, I875, in Somerset County, the son
of John R. and Anna Mary (Turner) Boose (q. v.).
After securing his education in the local public schools
and the County Teacher's Normal School, he engaged
in the mercantile business in Somerset for severtisl years,
and then became Deputy Recorder of Deeds. Shortly
474ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
afterwards he was offered the position of cashier in
the First National Bank of Stoystown, which position
he held for thirty months, when he went to Rockwood,
to organize the Farmers and Merchants National Bank
of Rockwood. He remained with this institution for
four years and was then elected assistant treasurer of
the Farmers' Trust and Mortgage Company in Johnstown. After six years at this post he returned to
Somerset, as secretary of the Star Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and continued with this organization
until it was dissolved in December, I936. In the meantime he had become identified with other lines of insurance and real estate, in which he is still actively
engaged.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and a wellknown Republican, at present serving his second term
in the State Legislature. In civic and fraternal life
he is an active figure, being affiliated with Cambria
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Somerset Lodge,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern
Woodmen. He is also a member of the local Lions
Club.
He was married November 25, I897, to Emma Miller of Somerset County, and they are the parents of
a daughter, Vida, married November I8, I920, to
Leland W. Walker (q. v.), and they have two daughters, Jean B. and Patricia Ann Walker.
HENRY EVERETT MUSSER-Henry Everett
Musser of Somerset was born August Io, I892, at
Berlin, Pennsylvania, the son of Dr. Uriah S. and
Ella Jane (Shaffer) Musser. After graduating from
the public schools, he entered the Marine Service, and
was attached to the I7th Squadron, serving overseas.
After the war he returned to Somerset County, and
engaged in farming until October, 1923, when he
purchased the baking business of the late Amos
Bauman. He has ever since been identified with this
business and now operates a modern bakery, doing a
wholesale and retail business over a radius of thirty
miles and employing sixteen people.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, a Republican and a popular figure in civic and fraternal life.
He is affiliated with Somerset Lodge, No. 358, Free
and Accepted Masons, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Altoona,
Pennsylvania. He is also Past Commander of the
American Legion, Past Chef of the "Forty and Eight,"
and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and
is connected with the local Rotary Club and Chamber
of Commerce.
He was married, November I9, I917, to Florence
Elizabeth Dull, daughter of Edwin E. Dull. Mr. and
Mrs. Musser are the parents of five children: I. James,
a student at Juniata College. 2. Doris. 3. Jane. 4.
William. 5. Ann Musser.
JAMES E. LAUER-James E. Lauer of Shanksville, was born November 25, I910, at Stonington, Illinois, the son of Carl and Agnes (Gillespie) Lauer,
natives of Pennsylvania. Carl Lauer was a well-known
merchant in this locality.
James E. Lauer was educated in the local public
schools, and later enrolled at Elizabethtown College,
receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in I932. He
has also done postgraduate work at Penn State College and the University of Pittsburgh. He entered
the teaching profession in I932, and secured a position
in the Stony Creek Township High School, and has
continued here, having been appointed principal in I937.
He is a member of the Church of the Brethren, and
a Republican in his political belief. He is also affiliated
with the Public School Education Association, the
National Education Association and the Somerset
County Principals Association. He was married, November II, I933, to Grace C. Kimmel of Cambria
County, and they are the parents of three children:
i. Ruth. 2. Norma. 3. James Richard.
CHARLES R. HAUGER-Becoming identified
with the undertaking business after the World War,
Charles R. Hauger has been successfully engaged in
this work in Somerset for the past thirteen years. He
was born in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset
County, February 6, I893, the son of Henry H. and
Sarah (Ziegler) Hauger. Henry H. Hauger, a
farmer, was the son of William Hauger, also a native
of Somerset County.
Charles R. Hauger was educated in the township
schools and then engaged in farming, and afterwards
in mining work in Brothers Valley Township. During the World War he was attached to the 325th
Infantry, 82d Division, and saw extensive service overseas.  After receiving his honorable discharge, he
became associated with the undertaking firm of Brooks
and Landis, where he remained for three and one-half
years. In the meantime he was studying at the Eccles
College of Embalming in Philadelphia, and received
his license in I924. In July of the same year he formed
a partnership with Mr. Landis, and this firm operated
until 1928, when it was dissolved and then Mr. Hauger
joined with Mr. Brooks, his old teacher, in the firm
of Brooks and Hauger. In I929, Mr. Hauger went
475ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
into business for himself, under the firm name of
Charles R. Hauger, and has continued as such ever
since.  In addition to this work, he also operates a
farm in Brothers Valley Township which was managed by his father and grandfather before him.
He is an active member of the Reformed Church.
He is intensely interested in the affairs of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and has been Commander of
the Somerset County Post. He is also connected with
the American Legion, and the "Forty and Eight," and
is a past governor of the Rotary Club. He is widely
known in fraternal circles, being affiliated with the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and the Junior Order United  American
Mechanics.
He was married, October 6, 1920, to. Mary S. Manges
of Somerset, and they are the parents of four children: I. Richard. 2. and 3. Jay and Ray. 4. James.
RICHMOND BRYAN BARNER-With an
experience of twenty-one years in the pedagogical field,
Richmond Bryan Barner of Rockwood is well qualified
to perform his present duties as supervising principal of
the Rockwood Borough schools. He was born in Lehigh
County, April 8, I9oo, the son of Francis and Lenora
(Dietrich) Barner. Francis Barner, a farmer, died in
I9o9, and his wife brought Richmond Bryan Barner
to Berks County.
Richmond Bryan Barner acquired his early education in the Berks County School, and was graduated
from Kutztown State Teachers College in I918. He
continued his studies at the University of Pittsburgh,
receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in I928. In
I935 he received a Master in Education degree from
the same institution. His first teaching assignment was
in the Fayette County schools in I918, and after two
years, he transferred to Luzerne Township in Fayette
County. In I923 he was appointed supervising principal of the Franklin Township schools, Fayette
County, and served in this capacity until I930, when
he assumed his present duties. He is well known in
educational circles, being a member of the Public
School Education Association and the National Education Association and in I936 he served as a State
delegate to the National Education Association Convention in Oregon.
He is a deacon of the Lutheran Church, and is a
teacher in the Men's Bible Class. He is affiliated with
the Dawson Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and
is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce. He
was married, February I8, I932, to Emily Strickler,
a native of Fayette County.
JOHN WALTZ PARKS-As a representative
of the Parks family, for generations one of the most
prominent in Armstrong County, John Waltz Parks
upheld the illustrious tradition of his forebears, enjoying a place of distinction in the community founded
by his ancestors, where he engaged in farming during
much of his life and was active in a civic capacity.
Mr. Parks was born at the old family homestead in
Parks Township, September ii, I850, the son of James
B. and Lucinda (Hill) Parks. His father, James
Bratton Parks, who was born in Mifflin County, November I, I8Io, and died in I892, came to this county
with his parents at the age of four and spent his boyhood on the farm property which had been cleared by
his father and which is still in possession of the family.
He operated the homestead throughout his life with
notable success and was ranked as one of the most
influential civic leaders of his generation, serving as
tax collector and auditor and being recognized as one
of the leaders of the local Democratic party. The nature of his contributions to the progress and welfare
of this section is further evidenced by the fact that he,
as a well-read man and intelligent thinker, became an
instructor when the first public school system was
established here. He worshipped at the Presbyterian
Church where for many years he was an elder. His
wife, nee Lucinda Hill, was born November I9, 1824,
and died January 27, 1878. Both lie buried in a private
cemetery on the family farm.
The name of Parks, long familiar in Pennsylvania
history, counts among its members representatives who
have distinguished themselves in various manners,
among them Robert G. Parks, great-grandfather of
John Waltz Parks, who served with the American
forces during the Revolutionary War. His son, Robert
Parks, native of Mifflin County, was the first of the
family to come to Armstrong County. With his wife
and family of six children he made the trip by covered
wagon and in time arrived in Armstrong County
where he took up six hundred acres of land, which was
to form the nucleus of the township now bearing his
name. He also acquired an additional tract of one
hundred and fifty acres along the Kiskiminetas River
which, like the aforementioned, is still in possession
of the family. He cleared this land, erected a log
cabin and resided here with his family until I841, when
a brick home, which still stands, was built. Social
activities of the age were centered in the church and
politics and Robert Parks was prominent in both.
Like his heirs he was a staunch Democrat and in his
religious convictions worshipped at the Presbyterian
Church. He married Jane Bratton, who died October
21, 1847, at the age of seventy-eight. They were the
476ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
parents of ten children, among them James Bratton
Parks, who has already been referred to.  Robert
Parks passed away in I858, at the advanced age of
ninety years and was the first of the family to be
buried in the private cemetery on the homestead.
John Waltz Parks received a general education in
the district schools of his native community, later completed this part of his studies at the Leechburg Academy and then attended Washington and Jefferson College. After leaving college he taught at the Hills
school during the winter of I868 and I869, and then
removed to Clarion County where he engaged in the
oil business for ten years. At the expiration of this
period he returned to Armstrong County, worked in
various capacities until his marriage and then settled
in Leechburg. In I896 he took over half the homestead at Parks Township and was to continue to operate this property successfully until his passing.
In keeping with family tradition Mr. Parks was
identified with the social and civic advancement of his
community. His early experience as a teacher was to
be invaluable, both to him and the local Board of
Education, for which he served as a director for many
years. He was a Democrat in politics and worshipped
at the Presbyterian Church, where he taught an adult
Bible class for many years.
On March Io, I887, Mr. Parks married Enna M.
Bladen, daughter of Thomas Bladen, of Armstrong
County, and they were the parents of seven children:
I. Melva Carson, who is married to D. B. Houchens,
of Charlottesville, Virginia, and continues to serve as
a member of the faculty of the Leechburg schools,
where she teaches civics and history in the Junior High
School. 2. Tai Ulam, who is married to W. Blaire
McKallip, of Ieechburg. 3. James Bratton, married
to Ruth Stitt, of Leechburg, and they have one son,
Robert Lee. 4. Pauline Waltz, who is married to
Thomas Gulliford, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, and
is the mother of three children: William, Mary Tai,
and Jane. 5. Marie Bladen, who is married to Dallas
G. Stitt, of Warren, Ohio, and they are the parents of
three children: Richard, John Parks, and Betsey Jane.
6. Harry B., married to Kathryn Roberts, of Leechburg, and they have two children: John and Donald.
Harry B. Parks is now operating the family homestead
and a dairy. 7. Gladys Delight, a teacher of English
at the Leechburg High School.
John Waltz Parks died at the family homestead in
Parks Township on April 9, I932, at the age of eightyone. His death marked the passing of another member
of this substantial family which has contributed so to
the development of this county. IHe, in turn, contributed his share and passes on a tradition that should
Drove a constant inspiration.
WILLIAM  SAILES BARBER-As editor and
publisher of the "Somerset County Leader" since I932,
William Sailes Barber has been instrumental in developing the circulation of this weekly newspaper to a
point where more than two thousand copies per week
are printed and distributed to subscribers, some of
whom are located in distant parts of the United States,
but who thus keep in touch with current Somerset
County affairs.
Mr. Barber was born in Lawrence County, April 28,
I893, the son of R. M. and Florence (Sailes) Barber.
The elder Mr. Barber, a native of Slippery Rock,
Butler County, is engaged in the plumbing business.
After completing his studies in the local public schools,
in I9IO, William Sailes Barber served his newspaper
apprenticeship with his uncle, C. F. Lawrence, owner
and publisher of the "Grove City Reporter." Later
Mr. Barber became identified with the Benshoff Printing Company in Johnstown. After seven years in their
employ he severed connections and became a member
of the firm of Weigle and Barber, Inc., commercial
and book printers, continuing in this partnership for
ten years.  In  1932 he purchased the "Somerset
County Leader," a paper which has been published
weekly in Rockwood, since I905, and has become under
Mr. Barber's capable management, a most successful
publication. To meet the increased housing demands
of this thriving printing and publishing business, Mr.
Barber purchased, in I937, the Ridenour Building;
three stories high, of brick construction, and located
on West Main Street, in the heart of Rockwood. The
"Leader's" offices and printing plant occupy the entire
ground floor, which is fifty-two feet wide by ninety
feet deep.
Mr. Barber takes an active part in all civic affairs,
being a member of Rockwood Chamber of Commerce,
and the Somerset Lions Club. He is a trustee and
member of the Somerset Presbyterian Church, and is
a supporter of the Republican party.
William Sailes Barber married, in Pittsburgh, September I5, I926, Vera M. Smith, daughter of Lewis
A. and Alice (Robinson) Smith, both natives of
Johnstown.
WILLIS   LYMAN   MILLS-Willis  Lyman
Mills of Rockwood has been interested in the undertaking business since I9IO. He was born August 23,
1878, at Clarion, Pennsylvania, the son of James Austin and Ellen (Depew) Mills, both deceased. James
Austin Mills a native of Crawford County, was long
engaged in the oil business.
Willis Lyman Mills graduated from the Clarion
schools and then entered the mercantile business in
477ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Kingswood as a clerk. He later became the owner
of the business. In I9Io he had purchased an interest in an undertaking establishment, incidental to his
other duties, but enjoyed such success in this field
that he found it necessary to retire from all operations
as a merchant in 1923 to devote all his time to the
undertaking business. He became a partner of Mr.
Landis, but in I926 Roy David Mickey (q. v.), his
son-in-law, purchased Mr. Landis' interest, and the
firm has since operated as Mills and Mickey. Mr.
Mills is a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association.
He has been superintendent of the Sunday School
of the Church of God for thirty-five years, and is
active in the affairs of the Republican party having
been a justice of the peace for twenty-five years, and
a member of the County Committee. He is also a
member of the Modern Woodmen. He was married
November 3, I9OI, to Millie Brougher of Somerset
County, and they are the parents of two children: I.
Alta Mae, born September 27, 1902, married Roy
David Mickey, November 3, I923. 2. Jacob, born
October 29, I90o6.
ROY DAVID MICKEY-Roy David Mickey
has been identified with the undertaking business in
Rockwood since I923. He was born March ii, I896,
the son of Daniel and Minnie Bell (Wilson) Mickey.
Daniel Mickey, a native of Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, has long been an employee of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
After completing his grammar school education, Roy
David Mickey attended the Eccles College of Embalming and entered the undertaking business in I923 with
Mr. Mills and Mr. Landis. In I926 he purchased Mr.
Landis' interests, and since then has been the active
member of the firm of Mills and Mickey. He is a
member of the Western Pennsylvania and National
Funeral Directors associations. During the World
War, he saw service overseas with the 305th Ammunition Train of the 8oth Division, and was honorably
discharged June 9, I919. At present he is a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve Corps.
He is a member of the Church of God, and active
Democrat, and a leader in civic and fraternal life.
He is a school director, a member of the Rockwood
Volunteer Fire Department, and the Sportsman's Club,
and is active in the affairs of the local Chamber of
Commerce. He is also affiliated with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Fraternal Order of
Eagles, and holds membership in the Veterans of
Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, and
was commander of the local post of the American
Legion for three years. He is also identified with
the "Forty and Eight."
He was married, November 23, 1923, to Alta Mae
Mills, born September 27, I9o2, daughter of Willis
Lyman (q. v.) and Millie (Brougher) Mills. Mr. and
Mrs. Mickey are the parents of two children: Leo
Dale and Vivian Eileen.
HAROLD WICKERSHAM MUSSER-Since
I9IO, Harold Wickersham Musser has operated a large
department store in Rockwood, catering to the needs
of the people of this locality with a complete and varied
assortment of goods. He was born in Bedford County,
September 14, I88o, the son of Dr. U. S. and Ella
(Shaffer) Musser, both deceased. Dr. U. S. Musser, a
native of Brothers Valley Township enjoyed an extensive practice in this section, and was a highly distinguished member of the medical profession.
Harold Wickersham Musser graduated from the
Berlin public schools and later attended the Peirce
Business College. His first employment was with the
Brothers Valley Coal Company as a pay clerk, and
he retained this position for three years. He then
moved to Iowa, and for five years was an employee
of the Independent Telephone Company. In 199o he
returned to Pennsylvania, and became associated with
his brother-in-law, Fred Groff, in the department store
business. After a year he purchased Mr. Groff's interest in the firm and has successfully operated the business himself, for the past twenty-eight years.
Mr. Musser is a member of the Consistory of the
Reformed Evangelical Church, and is active in local
affairs, being a director of the Union National Bank,
and a former member of the Town Council. He was
married, January 4, 1905, to Edna Groff, a native of
Berlin, and they are the parents of two children: I
Dr. Harold Everett Musser (q. v.). 2. Eleanor Musser, born February 3, 191o, a graduate of the local
schools and Hood College, married Daniel Evans of
Somerset.
HAROLD EVERETT MUSSER, M. D.-Although established in practice at Somerset for only
the last few years, Harold Everett Musser, M. D.,
enjoys a fine reputation for untiring devotion to the
exacting duties of his profession, and the unusual
breadth of formal and medical education and hospital
experience. He is a native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, born
May 24, I906, son of Harold Wickersham and Edna
(Groff) Musser, and the grandson of U. S. Musser,
M. D., a veteran physician of Berlin, Somerset County,
Pennsylvania. Harold Wickersham Musser (a biogra478ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
479
phy of whom precedes this) is a merchant and substantial citizen of Rockwood, this State.
After attending the grammar and high schools of
Rockwood, Harold Everett Musser entered Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pennsylvania,
from which he received the degree of Bachelor of
Science.  For his professional training he went to
the University of Pittsburgh, where he became a Doctor of Medicine in I93I. From this time until I933,
Dr. Musser was resident surgeon at the Allegheny
Hospital, Pittsburgh, then coming to Somerset, where
he since has become increasingly successful in a general practice. He is equally popular with patients and
colleagues, and is generous in his treatment of the
poor or unfortunate, without regard for remuneration.
Dr. Musser keeps in close touch with his fellowworkers, scientific research and the development of
methods and means in practice, by memberships in the
Somerset County Medical Association, Pennsylvania
State Medical Association and the American Medical
Association, and the Clinical Pathological Society of
Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Theta Kappa Nu,
Phi Beta Pi and Kappa Sigma Pi, medical and scholastic fraternities. Numbered among his clubs are the
Rotary, of Somerset, the Somerset Country Club, and
he is affiliated with the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He
is a Democrat politically, and worships in the faith
of the Reformed Evangelical Church.
On July 9, I932, Harold Everett Musser, M. D.,
married Julia S. Evans, daughter of D. E. and Ilga
(Schlagg) Evans, of Somerset. Dr. and Mrs. Musser
are the parents of a son, Harold Everett, Jr.
DR. LAWRENCE E. SCHROCK-For the past
ten years, Dr. Lawrence E. Schrock has been engaged
in the practice of dentistry in Rockwood, and he's
also a well-known factor in the civic life of this locality. He was born in Fayette County, January 17,
I902, the son of L. J. and Elizabeth (Long) Schrock.
For many years L. J. Schrock has been employed as
a railroad conductor.
Dr. Schrock graduated from the Somerset County
public schools at Rockwood, and then attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his Doctor
of Dental Surgery degree in I927. He immediately
began the practice of his profession in Rockwood, and
enjoys an enviable reputation for the excellence of
his work.
He is a member of the Church of the Brethren, and
is active in Republican affairs, at present being a member of the Borough Council. He is a member and
past president of the County Dental Society, and a
member of the Pennsylvania State Dental Society, and
is also affiliated with the American Dental Association.
He was married in September, 1927, to Marie Miller
of Rockwood, daughter of J. R. Miller. Dr. and Mrs.
Schrock are the parents of a son, Lon, born May 22,
I93I.
JACOB THEODORE BOWMAN, M. D.-A
practicing physician since I907, Dr. Jacob Theodore
Bowman has been a leading figure in Somerset County
medical circles since the establishment of his offices
here, April I, I9IO. He was born in Cambria County,
June I7, I882, the son of William and Sarah Jane
(Woy) Bowman, both deceased. William Bowman, a
Civil War veteran, was long engaged as a farmer in
Somerset County.
After completing his early education in the Somerset County school, Dr. Bowman attended Eclectic
Medical College at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he received
a Doctor of Medicine degree in I907. He then entered
the general practice of medicine in Garrett, Pennsylvania, and continued there until he opened his offices
in Somerset.  In I916 he established the Bowman
Private Hospital, now known as the Somerset Memorial Hospital, and he is still affiliated with this institution, and his extensive practice for the past thirty
years is testimony of this locality's confidence in his
professional ability.
Dr. Bowman served two terms in the town council
and two terms as school director. He is an active
member of the First Christian Church, and for years
has served as choir director and Sunday school superintendent. He has always been interested in civic
affairs, having been past president and past district
governor and organizer of the Lions Club, and a
director of the Somerset Thrift Corporation. He is
a past president of the Somerset County Medical Society and also past president of the Pennsylvania Eclectic
Society, and a member of the Pennsylvania Medical
Society and the National Eclectic Society.  He is
widely known in Masonic circles, being affiliated with
Meyersdale Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Hebron
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Pittsburgh Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Oriental Commandery,
Knights Templar and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Altoona.
Dr. Bowman married Ada G. Flummer of Fayette
County, January I5, I926.
ROBERT E. BLACK-Becoming interested in
banking during his college days, Robert E. Black has
long been identified with this work in Confluence, and
since I932 he has also been active in the local insurance
field. He was born in this town December 7. I88I.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the son of Virgil M. and Mary E. (Pullin) Black,
both deceased. Virgil M. Black, a merchant and bank
president, was the son of A. G. Black, the founder
of A. G. Black's Sons Company, and one of the active
figures in the development of this section.
Robert E. Black was graduated from the Confluence
schools and later attended the University of West
Virginia.  While attending college he entered the
employ of the First National Bank, and continued
with this institution until I905, when he went to Ohio
to become associated with the Armour Packing Company.  After one year there, he returned to Confluence and entered his father's store, but at the end
of a year he decided to return to the First National
Bank as assistant cashier, remaining until January I,
1932, when he purchased the insurance business known
as the Earl Beggs Agency. He has successfully operated this business ever since, and is also associated
with the management of the A. G. Black's Sons Company. He also serves as a director of the First National Bank.
He is an active member of the Methodist Church,
serving as chairman of the Official Board and the
Finance Committee. He is also a prominent Republican, and has been borough treasurer for twenty-five
years. A well-known Mason, he is affiliated with Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and the Uniontown Lodge of
Perfection. He also holds membership in the Uniontown Country Club.
He married, November 6, I9I8, Sue W. Williams,
of Norfolk, Virginia, and they are the parents of a
daughter, Mary Virginia, born May I2, I922, a student
in the local high school.
DR. MILTON MOFFORD BROOKE-A
member of the dental profession for more than thirty
years, Dr. Milton Mofford Brooke has conducted his
offices in Confluence since I9I9, and he is also actively
identified with local public life. He was born December 27, I88o, the son of Frank L. and Mary Martha
(McCormack) Brooke.
Dr. Brooke, after completing his public school education, attended Madison Academy, and then entered
the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in I9o3. After practicing
his profession in Uniontown for a short time, he went
to Vienna, Austria, for nearly four years as a musical
student, and upon completion of his studies, returned
to the United States and spent the next three years
in New York City. Forced by ill health to abandon
an active musical career, he returned to Somerset
County, and resumed his practice of dentistry in Addison. Eighteen months later the World War broke out
and Dr. Brooke, unable to participate in active service,
joined the Young Men's Christian Association and went
overseas with the 88th Division, to which unit he was
attached for the duration of hostilities. After returning to America he established his offices in Confluence,
and has practiced here ever since, although for the
past few years he has not devoted his entire time to
this work. He was appointed by Governor Earle, to
fill the unexpired term of Register of Wills, and Clerk
of the Orphans Court of Somerset County and was
appointed May I5, I936, postmaster of Confluence by
President Roosevelt, which post he still holds.  In
addition he is well known in the world of music, both
in Confluence and Uniontown.
He is a member of the board of the Methodist
Church and also acts as choir leader. He is a staunch
Democrat, and in addition to his other activities, served
as borough councilman, and is a member of the school
board. He is affiliated with Meyersdale Lodge, Free
and Accepted Masons, Uniontown Lodge of Perfection and the Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite. He is also a charter member of the
Uniontown Post of the American Legion, and is Past
Commander of the Confluence Post of the American
Legion. He is also a member of the Uniontown Country Club.
He was married, August I4, I920, to Mary Esther
Black, daughter of Virgil M. and Mary E. Black. Dr.
and Mrs. Brooke were the parents of two children:
Milton M. Brooke, Jr., who died in infancy and a
daughter, Eleanor Black Brooke.
JAMES HILLIS ROGERS-Numbered among
the native sons of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is James
Hillis Rogers, president of the First National Bank,
and an officer in numerous other companies in this locality. He was born July IO, I9o00, the son of James
Nathaniel and Maude Jennie (Nicewonger) Rogers.
James Nathaniel Rogers, the son of John and Harriet
(Lloyd) Rogers, was engaged as a master mechanic
for the Vanadium Alloys Steel Company, at the time
of his death. His wife was the daughter of Jacob T.
and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Nicewonger, who was
born and raised in the vicinity of Ligonier. Jacob T.
Nicewonger, born June 8, I838, at the old Huston
place, west of Ligonier, lived in that section until
I884, except for the period spent as a soldier in the
Union Army during the Civil War. In I884 he moved
to Greensburg, and established himself successfully in
the livery business in which he was engaged until the
time of his death, July 3, I895. He was the son of
Colonel Joseph Nicewonger of the Pennsylvania State
48oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
481
Militia, who disposed of his holdings in Ligonier after
the Civil War, and moved to Latrobe to enter the
paper manufacturing business. Although this enterprise did not prove financially successful to him, he
lived to see the manufacture of paper at Latrobe a successful undertaking, in which he could be described as
a local pioneer.
After completing his studies in the Latrobe public
schools, James Hillis Rogers entered Penn State College for a special course in mechanical engineering,
after which he took a two-year course in business
training at the University of Pittsburgh and then, following, a short career in the business world.  Mr.
Rogers became president of the First National Bank,
vice-president of the McFeely Brick Company, vicepresident and treasurer of the Latrobe Die Casting
Company, treasurer of the General Explosives Company, a director of the Vulcan Mould and Iron Company.  Although his business activities are extensive, Mr. Rogers has always taken an active interest
in civic affairs, and he is highly regarded by the many
with whom he comes in daily contact. During the
World War, while a student at Penn State College, he
was enrolled in the Students Army Training Corps.
In religious life he is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and vice-president of its board of
trustees. He is also a member of the board of trustees
of the Latrobe Hospital, and a director of the Latrobe
Chamber of Commerce. He is affiliated with Loyalhanna Iodge, No. 275, Free and Accepted Masons,
Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh, Longvue Club of Pittsburgh, Hannastown Golf Club and the Latrobe Country Club, and while at college was a member of Theta
Xi Fraternity.
He was married September I6, 1925, to Nancy MAcFeely, daughter of Fred Brooks and Nancy (Kennedy)
McFeely. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of a
son, Fred McFeely Rogers, born March 20, 1028.
CHARLES B. HUMBERT-One of the leading
business men of Confluence, Charles B. Humbert has
been a funeral director since I912 and has maintained
the town's furniture store since 1925, as well as taking an active part in local civic concerns.
Charles B. Humbert was born in Confluence on July
22, I884, son of Adam R. and Maria J. (Bowling)
Humbert, both natives of Somerset County. Adam
R. Humbert, who was a funeral director, was one of
four brothers who served in the Union Army during
the Civil War, all of whom returned home. He was a
non-commissioned officer and served two enlistments.
The four brothers were the sons of Jacob Humbert,
the pioneer of the family in Somerset County.
After passing through the public schools of Confluence, Charles B. Humbert studied at the Pennsylvania College of Embalming in Pittsburgh and then
returned home in I9I2 to enter business with his
father. In I916, Charles B. Humbert took over the
family business and has conducted it ever since, extending its services to the citizens of Confluence and neighboring areas. In 1925, Mr. Humbert added a furniture store to his activities, an establishment which he
has conducted ever since.  Interested in all civic
affairs, Mr. Humbert has served the Republican party
and his town as a member of the Borough Council.
He belongs to several Masonic organizations, including Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and
Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
as well as the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection. A
member of the Confluence Methodist Episcopal Church,
he is also on its Board of Stewards and its Board of
Trustees.
Charles B. Humbert married, August 25, I918, Irma
L. Flannigan, a native of Somerset County. Mr.
and Mrs. Humbert are the parents of four children:
I. Betty Elaine, now attending Duff's Business College.
2. Marjorie, now in high school. 3. Norton. 4. Patricia.
THE BEGGS FAMILY-Prominent in the affairs of Confluence for nearly half a century, the
Beggs family was established in residence in Somerset
County by T. G. Beggs who was placed in charge of
a tanning plant in Confluence by the leather manufacturing firm of W. S. Cobb and Company. This
concern, having its headquarters in Woburn, Massachusetts, was at the time expanding its operations
through the establishment of small tanneries throughout the Northeast. Finding an abundance of oak and
hemlock, water-power and raw materials in and near
Confluence, the firm determined to build a tannery and
sent Mr. Beggs to take charge as superintendent. The
plant prospered, soon employing three hundred men,
and Mr. Beggs brought his family to Confluence and
they became an important part of the municipality.
Born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, May 30,
I856, Mr. Beggs died in Confluence in I926, having
remained a citizen of the town after the tannery closed
in I9I4. T. G. Beggs married Mary Elma Todd of
Massachusetts, who is still a resident of Confluence.
Mr. and Mrs. Beggs were the parents of seven children: I. Earle R. Beggs, born May 5, I878, in Massachusetts. After graduating from the Massachusetts
public schools, he attended Burdett Business College in
Boston and then became associated with the tannery in
Confluence. When the tannery closed in I914, he wentANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
into the real estate and insurance business, operating
under the title of the Earle R. Beggs' Agency. As
president of this agency, he remained very active in
its affairs until. I932 when he retired, although retaining the title of president through the present time.
Earle R. Beggs married Myrtle Frantz of Confluence.
Mr. and Mrs. Earle R. Beggs are the parents of two
children: i. Catherine, married to Hayes Swan. ii.
Donald, married to Anne Campbell. 2. T. G. Beggs,
Jr., born July 4, I88o. He has spent his active life
in the leather business, retiring in I925 and now dividing his time between his home in Vermont and St.
Petersburg, Florida. T. G. Beggs, Jr., married, Leah
Wheeler. They are the parents of three children: i.
Charles Wheeler. ii. Mary Elma. iii. Marjorie. 3.
Elise Beggs, born October I2, I882. She married S.
W. Whittaker. Mr. and Mrs. Whittaker are the parents of a son, S. W. \Vhittaker, Jr. 4. Charles D.
Beggs, born October Io. I884. In I904, he organized
the firm of Beggs Brothers and Company, an establishment which has developed into the best equipped
commercial printing concern in Somerset County.
Charles D. Beggs married Emily Knight. They are
the parents of six children: i. Helen, married Rev.
James Kainey. ii. Dorothy, in business with her father.
iii. Walter. iv. Martha. v. Elayne. vi. Richard. 5.
John K. Beggs, born August 30, I886. A salesman
with the Remington-Rand Company, he married Lula
Skillam. They are the parents of two children: i.
Robert. ii. Beth. 6. Elliott L. Beggs, born October 2,
I888. He has always been active with his brother,
Charles D. Beggs, in the printing company of Beggs
Brothers, being its secretary. Elliott L. Beggs married twice.  His first marriage was with Frances
Fichtner, who died in I914, leaving two children: i.
Sarah Lane, married to Dr. C. H. Ambrose. ii. Janet.
Elliott L. Beggs' second marriage was with Lucy
Lenhart. They are the parents of two children, William and Thomas. 7. Dora L. Beggs, born December 6,
I889, married to V. W. Wallace.
CHARLES F. SAYLOR-Supervising principal
of the public schools of Meyersdale, Somerset.County,
since I930, Charles F. Saylor of Meyersdale has devoted
his life to the profession of educating youth.
Charles F. Saylor was born in Milford Township,
Somerset County, November 24, I903, son of H. P.
and Anna (Critchfield) Saylor, residents of Milford
Township, where H. P. Saylor is a farmer.
After passing through the public schools, Charles
F. Saylor entered the Ca'ifornia State Teachers College, graduating in I92I, and then went on to take his
Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh in I927 and his Master of Arts degree from
the same institution in I93I. Mr. Saylor began his
career as a teacher in Menallen, Fayette County where,
after' a year, he resigned to teach successively in
public schools in Black Township, Garrett Borough
and Somerset Township, all in Somerset County. In
I930, Mr. Saylor was appointed Supervising Principal
in Meyersdale, a position which he has filled through
the present time. A member of the National Education Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Society, Mr. Saylor also belongs to Somerset
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Phi Delta Kappa
Fraternity and the local Rotary Club, of which he is a
past president. A member of the Lutheran Church,
Mr. Saylor is also a Republican in politics.
Charles F. Saylor married, July 29, I93I, Lillian
Carns of Westmoreland County. Mr. and Mrs. Saylor are the parents of two children: I. Anna C., born
July 25, I933. 2. Charles C., born February I2, I936.
W. HARRY  RYLAND,  D. D. S.-During the
thirty-five years Dr. W. Harry Ryland has practiced
in Meyersdale, he not only has won distinction as one
of the outstanding members of the dental profession in
this section but has also become widely recognized for
the contributions he has made to the social, civic and
business life of the community.
Dr. Ryland, a native of the State of Maryland and
member of an old and distinguished family, was born
in Garrett County in I870, the son of Sylvester H.,
also a native of that place and descendant of Sylvester
Ryland, who was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania,
on February 25, I763, and removed to Maryland sometime during the I79o's, where he acquired extensive
land holdings, among them the Hiram Umberson farm,
near Selbyport, Indiana where he spent the latter part
of his life. He died December 4, I824, and was survived by his wife, ne'e Eleanor Hagan, who was a
native of Ireland and came to this country with her
parents as an infant. He met and married her in
Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and they were the parents of ten children, among them, Sylvester, father of
Sylvester H., and grandfather of Dr. W. Harry
Ryland. Sylvester H. Ryland married Ella Slicer,
who left two sons and one daughter, Lillie. The two
sons, George and W. Harry Ryland, as legatee of
Acting Governor George W. Ryland of Lancaster,
Wisconsin, established a park and library in the Governor's home town.
Dr. Ryland received the early part of his general
education in the public schools, later completed this
part of his studies at preparatory school, graduating
from the Holbrook School, I894, Lebanon, Ohio; taught
482ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLTVANIA
49
After a few months at Camp Logan, Lieutenant McIlhattan was sent to the Brigade School of Fire at
Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he studied until July 5,
1918, when his company received orders to New York
for transport to France.  While overseas, Lieutenant McIlhattan was made an instructor in field artillery.
Later he was appointed reconnaissance officer for his
company and then assigned to military intelligence
duties. In I919, his unit was ordered to Fort Dix,
New Jersey, and there, in June, Lieutenant McIlhattan
was returned to civil life with an honorable discharge.
He returned to East Brady where he took up his old
duty as supervising principal but, after two years, he
went to Brookville, as supervising principal. In that
position, Mr. McIlhattan served for seven years, following his term there, with five years as supervising
principal in Somerset. And then, in I934, he was
elected superintendent of schools for Greensburg, his
present post. During his teaching, following his discharge from the army, Mr. McIlhattan has-been busy
increasing his talents in his profession.  In I922, he
was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree following his
graduation from  the University of Pittsburgh.  In
1927, he was awarded his Master of Arts degree from
Columbia University, New York City, and his superintendent's diploma from the same university.
Mr. McIlhattan is now a graduate student at the
University of Pittsburgh, studying for his Doctorate.
Besides his customary teaching duties during the regular school years, Mr. McIlhattan has also taught in
the summer session of State Teachers College at
Clarion, Pennsylvania, during the terms of I922 and
1928. His influence as an educator has been enlarged
by his activities also in educational organizations and
education committees. He is a member of the National
Education Association; a member of the Department
of Superintendence; a member of the committee
working with the Carnegie Foundation since I928 (a
post for which Mr. Mcllhattan was selected by the
State Superintendent of Education); a member of two
committees of the Ten Year Program of Education
for Pennsylvania (I. Committee on Teacher Preparation, 2. Committee on Secondary Education); a member of the Secondary Education Committee of the Department of Superintendence (1934); a member of
the Pennsylvania School Men's Club; and a member
of Phi Delta Kappa and Phi Sigma Pi. Mr. McI1hattan preserves his war associations by membership
also in the Robert G. Kotuch Post, No. 3I8, American
Legion, of Greensburg. He is a member of the Masonic
Fraternity, belonging to Edinburg Lodge, No. 550,
Free and Accepted Masons, and the Coudersport
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. A Presbyterian, and elder in the church, Mr. McIllhattan is
a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Brookville and
is, at present, a member of the Greensburg Rotary
Club. He also belongs to the Hannastown Country
Club. He finds diversion in hunting.
On March io, I922, William Hamilton Mcllhattan
married Katherine Stewart, a native of West Monterey. Her father, WV. W. Stewart, is a farmer in West
Monterey. Mrs. McIlhattan's mother was born in
Clarion County; she died in West Monterey.  Mr.
and Mrs. McIlhattan have two children, a son and a
daughter: I. Patricia, born on September I9, I923. 2.
Edwin Stewart, born on September 2, 1929.
JUDGE FRANCIS JACOB KOOSER--.Tudge
Francis Jacob Kooser was born at Somerset, Pennsylvania, June I5, 1846, and died there April 26, I932. He
was a son of Curtis and Emeline Kiernan Kooser. He
attended the public schools at Somerset, the State
Normal School, at Millersville, and later, Pennsylvania
College at Gettysburg. He taught several terms of
public school, one in Middlecreek Township, and one as
principal of Somerset Borough schools. He acted as
clerk for his father during the latter's term of office
as county treasurer. He studied law in the office of
the late General William H. Koontz, and was admitted
to the bar at Somerset September I3, I867. The following year he was elected district attorney, and
almost immediately gained State-wide prominence as
the vigorous prosecutor in a celebrated homicide case.
Pitted against the youthful prosecuting attorney were
leaders of the bar of Somerset and Bedford counties.
The defendant, a railroad contractor at Ursina, was
acquitted; but Lawyer Kooser's reputation as a fearless and able prosecutor was established. In the years
following, except during the periods he occupied the
bench as president judge, Attorney Kooser was engaged in most of the notable cases, civil and criminal,
heard in the local courts. Among trials in which he
was concerned as counsel were the Nicely Brothers,
Roddy Brothers, and Yoney Hostetler, homicides,
Wechtenheiser gang, and McClellandtown gang burglaries, and scores of civil suits in the district and
appellate courts.
Judge Kooser was elected prothonotary and clerk
of courts in I876, and served one term in that office.
He was twice nominated as Republican candidate for
Congress in Somerset County. In I9OI he was elected
president judge of the courts of Somerset County,
being the first to fill that position when Somerset was
separated from Bedford and became a single county
judicial district, the Sixteenth, of Pennsylvania. Upon
the death of Judge William H. Rupple, in I918, Judge
Kooser again held that office by appointment of GovANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
school as supervising principal for eight years in Maryland, and then matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, from which he was graduated with a Doctor
of Dental Surgery degree in the class of 1900. He
began his professional career in his native State, where
he continued until 1904, when he came to Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, and where he has since conducted
a highly successful general practice. He has an enviable reputation among his colleagues and is a member
of the Somerset County Dental Society, the Pennsylvania Dental Society and the American Dental Association.
As a resident of this community he has been actively
identified with all progressive movements and organizations, contributing generously and substantially to
the general welfare.  In a business capacity he was
president of the Economy Telephone Company, which
is now part of the Bell Telephone system.  He is a
member of the local Republican party organization,
is a charter member and former president of Meyersdale Rotary Club, and served six years as a member
of the local school board. He has been most active
in securing the erection of the new Meyersdale High
School.  In his fraternal affiliations he is secretary
of the Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, of the Free and
Accepted Masons, and holds the same position in the
Hebron Chapter, No. 272, of the Royal Arch Masons.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in which he serves as treasurer of the Sunday school.
On June Io, I904, Dr. Ryland married Mary Schuyler, eldest daughter of County Treasurer James Schuyler of Lonaconing, Indiana. They are the parents of
four children: I. Harry H., graduate of Staunton
Military College, Virginia, and now assistant manager
of the Liggett Drug Stores in Pittsburgh. 2. Mary,
graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, who did postgraduate work at West Virginia University and Pennsylvania State College; now a member of the faculty
of the Meyersdale High School. 3. Olive E., graduate
of the University of Pennsylvania, and now a teacher
in the Garrett School. 4. Paul R., a senior in the local
high school.
J. E. BENSON-Supervising principal of the
public schools of Salisbury since 1933, J. E. Benson of
Salisbury has risen rapidly through the ranks of his
chosen profession, that of education.
J. E. Benson was born in Johnstown, Cambria
County, February 25, I9oi, son of Hall M. and Emma
Mae (Roseveer) Benson of Johnstown. Hall M. Benson is a farmer in Somerset County.
After passing through the public schools of Johnstown. J. E. Benson entered Otterbein College, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from that institution
in I925 and, going on to the University of Pittsburgh,
graduated in 1935 with the degree of Master in Education. J. E. Benson began his career as a teacher in
I925 in the public school at Bolivar, resigning after
a year to go to East Conemaugh Borough, where he
spent four years, before going for two years as supervising principal of the consolidated schools of Stony
Creek Township. Then, after another two years as a
teacher at Gloucester City, New Jersey, in I933, Mr.
Benson was appointed supervising principal of the
Salisbury schools, the position which he has occupied
through the present time. A member of the National
Education Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Association, Mr. Benson also takes an active
part in the Salisbury Reformed Church, where he is
a teacher in the Sunday school.
J. E. Benson married, August 17, 1926, Virginia
Hern, of Johnstown. Mr. and Mrs. Benson are the
parents of one child: Doris Ruth, born July 9, I927.
HAROLD BURR STEVENS-Numbered among
those through whose efforts Fayette County has
gained a prominent position in the mining field is
Harold Burr Stevens, civil engineer and pioneer in
the development of this region, who superintended
coal operations here until the time of his death.
Mr. Stevens was born AMarch 22, 1879, in Rome,
New York, the son of Edward Livingston and Clara
(Catlin) Stevens. Edward Livingston Stevens, a native of and practicing attorney in Harpersfield, Delaware County, New York, died in 1900. Mrs. Stevens,
born in Dartford, Wisconsin, in 1854, died in I923.
Harold Burr Stevens attended Rome Academy and
later enrolled in Cornell University, graduating in
1903 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He entered
the service of the Frick Coal Company in Fayette
County; then became associated with the Lackawanna
Coal Company at Ellsworth, Pennsylvania; and then
entered the State Highway Department. After tlat
he became connected with the Carnegie Steel Company
at the Clariton By-products Plant, assigned there during the entire World VVar period, after which he became associated with the Rainey Coal Company as
their engineer in Uniontown. He devoted his time and
talent to this important undertaking and was a contributing factor in the growth and development of the
coal industry in this region.
He was a member of the Episcopal Church, the Psi
Upsilon Fraternity, and the Free and Accepted Masons. He was at all times devoted to any interests
which were advantageous to the welfare of his home
483ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
community, and actively engaged in local civic and
social affairs until his death on January I7, I922.
Harold Burr Stevens married, September 6, I9o5,
Elizabeth Porter Neff, daughter of Dr. and Mrs.
George W. Neff (see accompanying biography). They
were the parents of five children: I. Elizabeth Neff,
married John Patton Miller, of Uniontown, on June
5, I937. 2. George Neff, married Helen Marr Jones,
a native of New York State, December 2I, 1936. 3.
Polly Sutton, married William Way Walker, of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, November 28, I936. 4. Harold
Burr, married Eleanor Clapp, of Watertown, New
York, October I5, I936, and they are the parents of a
daughter, Margot, born July I2, I937. 5. Ida Ann
Stevens, at home.
The death of Harold Burr Stevens occasioned genuine grief among his fellow-citizens in Masontown,
for they realized that they had lost a real friend whose
loyalty to his community and his business was alwavs
unquestioned.
GEORGE W. NEFF, M. D.-The community of
Masontown will cherish among the select group of its
distinguished citizens the name of Dr. George W. Neff,
whose long and faithful years of service in the medical
profession brought fame to himself and family and
endeared him in the hearts of those he served so well.
Dr. Neff was born December i9, I844, at Masontown, the son of Dr. George and Mary Ann (Rhoads)
Neff. The senior Dr. Neff was a native of ILancaster
County, and was a practicing physician there, later
transferring his activities to Masontown. His wife,
born in Masontown, was the daughter of Dr. D. B.
Rhoads.
The younger Dr. Neff attended the Masontown public schools, and later matriculated at Waynesburg
College where he received his degree of Bachelor of
Arts. He then entered the Jefferson Medical College
in Philadelphia to prepare for a career patterned after
that of his father and maternal grandfather. Upon
receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine he became
associated with his father in the general practice of
medicine, and upon his father's death he took over the
complete practice himself, tending to the every day ills
of the community until death brought to a close an
honorable career of more than fifty years service in
behalf of humanity, just as the venerable doctor was
at the threshold of his eighty-sixth birthday.
Dr. Neff was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, Past Master of Valley Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, past president and an active member
of the Fayette County Medical Society, a member of
the American Medical Association and the Delta Tau
Delta Fraternity, and was a former school director for
two terms. He was a member of the Ioth Regiment,
Company C, and served for eighteen months in the
Philippines as major surgeon. He was a staunch
Republican, having served two terms in the State
Legislature, a notable distinction in itself, as he was'the first representative of the Republican party in this
section to obtain an elective position.
In 1874 he married Loretta Parshall of McClellandtown, the daughter of Elias and Hannah Matilda
(Grove) Parshall. Dr. and Mrs. Neff were the parents of five children: I. Robley. 2. Hannah Matilda.
3. Mary Ann. 4. Loretta. 5. Elizabeth Porter Neff,
married, September 6, I905, the late Harold Burr
Stevens, of Masontown (see accompanying biography).
Dr. Neff died December I7, I930. A wave of sincere sorrow passed over Masontown and the neighboring communities, for they had suffered a severe loss of
the type from which full recovery never can be made.,JOSEPH  M. MILLER-Since his coming tu
Windber in I9oo to enter the employ of the BerwindWhite Coal Company, Joseph M. Miller has been identified with every movement tending to the development
of this section, and he has been prominent in the civic
and political life of Scalp-Level, ever since its incorporation. He was born in Allegheny Township, Somerset County, June 8, I873, the son of William H. and
Annie (Croner) Miller, both deceased. William  H.
Miller was employed as a shoemaker and stone mason,
and was the son of Christian Miller, also a native of
Somerset County.
Joseph M. Miller was educated in the Somerset
County schools, and was later engaged as a school
teacher in Somerset County, in which work he remained
for eight years. He then became associated with the
firm of Thomas and Schreckengost, in charge of a
planing mill, and he served in this capacity until 90oo,
when he came to Windber as house inspector for the
Berwind-White Coal Company, and later was advanced to a position as clerk. In I902 he was appointed
storekeeper, in charge of this company's mine stores.
and he has creditably held this position to the present day. He has been an honorary member of the
Windber Fire Company for more than thirty-five years,
having served in I9oI as the first president of this
body. He also serves as president of Scalp-Level Fire
Department. Since I9OI he has been a member of the
Scalp-Level School Board.
Mr. Miller is a trustee of the Presbyterian Church,
and is an ardent Republican. He was the first assessor appointed in Windber Borough, and has also served
as burgess of Scalp-Level. He is also a director of
the Merchants and Miners Bank of Scalp-Level, and it
484ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
affiliated with Johnstown Lodge, No. 538, Free and
Accepted Masons, Williamsport Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He was married, November 28, I9o1, to Bessie Veil,
of Scalp-Level, and they are the parents of three children: I. Dr. John V., a graduate of the University
of Pittsburgh with Bachelor of Science degree, and
the Jefferson Medical College with Doctor of Medicine
degree, a first lieutenant in the United States Army
Reserve Corps, married Hulda Miller and they have a
daughter. 2. William H. (twin), a graduate of Windber High School and Springfield College, married
Ruth Meir of Springfield. 3. Elizabeth Louise (twin),
a graduate of Windber High School and Carnegie
Institute of Technology; married Forrest Varner of
Somerset, and they are the parents of three children:
i. Anne Varner. ii. Julia Varner. iii. Susan Varner.
RALPH WALDO MANEVAL-Entering the
banking field in I904, Ralph WValdo Maneval of Windber has been closely associated with this business to the
present day, and for the past five years he has been
president of the WVindber Trust Company. In addition he is one of the recognized leaders in the civic
and industrial life of this section. He was born March
3I, I88o, at Williamsport, the son of Peter M. and
Anne Catherine (Reutter) Maneval. Peter M. Maneval, also a native of Williamsport, was engaged in the
carpentry business at the time of his death. His wife,
now deceased, was born in Germany, came to the
United States at the age of six years, and spent most
of her life in Williamsport.
Ralph Waldo Maneval was educated in the Williamsport schools, and after graduating from the high school,
served as a clerk in a local general store until I9oo,
when he came to Windber to enter the employ of the
Berwind-White Coal Company. Four years later he
secured a position as a teller in the Windber National
Bank, and was later appointed cashier. In the latter
part of I909 this bank was liquidated, and Mr. Maneval became treasurer of the Windber Trust Company,
which position he held until I932, when he was appointed president, to succeed the late president, Mr.
Simpson.  In addition to this post, Mr. Maneval is
also president of the Merchants and Miners Bank at
Scalp-Level, president and director of the Windber
Era, Incorporated, director of the Houtsdale Trust
Company, and the Berwind Bank at Berwind, West
Virginia, treasurer of the Windber Lumber Company,
and the Windber Theatre Corporation, member of the
board of governors of the Windber Hospital Assoliation and treasurer and member of the executive
committee of the Windber Chapter, American Red
Cross. He is also greatly interested in the Boy Scout
movement, and has contributed considerable time and
effort to the development of this work in his home
city.
He is -treasurer, and a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, and is an active Republican, having
served for the past eighteen years as a member of the
local borough council, and now as president of that
body and also as chairman of the finance committee.
He is a well-known Mason, being a life member of
the Tohnstown Lodge, No. 538, Free and Accepted
Masons, and also affiliated with Portage Chapter, No.
I95, Royal Arch Masons, Oriental Commandery, No.
6I, Knights Templar, Williamsport Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is
also a member of Constance Conclave, No. I7, Knights
of the Red Cross, and is connected with the Bankers
Club of Pittsburgh, and the Windber Sportsman's
Association.
He was married, February 25, 19o8, to Floretta Pearl
Emigh, a native of Wallaceton, Clearfield County,
and they are the parents of four children: I. Martha
Katherine, a graduate of Windber High School, and
the University of Pittsburgh, a former teacher of
Latin in the New Kensington High School; married
Dr. John H. Bell, a practicing dentist in Windber in
I937. 2. Floretta Askey, a graduate of Windber High
School, and the University of Wisconsin, now a teacher
of mathematics in Windber High School. 3. Elizabeth
Anne, a graduate of Windber High School, now a
senior at the University of Wisconsin. 4. Ralph Waldo,
Jr., now in the senior class at Windber High School.
CHARLES W. SZEWCZYK-For many years,
active in the business life of Boswell, Charles W.
Szewczyk is also the builder and operator of one of
the most modern theatres in Somerset County, and in
addition is a well-known sports promoter, having sponsored all types of high school and amateur sporting
activities.
He was born here, December 7, 1905, the son of
Charles and Frances Catherine (Lacz) Szewczyk, both
natives of Poland. Charles Szewczyk, Sr., migrated
to the United States in 1903, and engaged in mining
until 1907, when he entered the grocery business, in
which he continued to his death, April II, I925. He
was most active in the civic and fraternal life of Boswell, and in his death this city sustained the loss of
one of its most outstanding citizens.
Charles W. Szewczyk received his early education
in the local parochial schools, and later attended Don
485ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Bosco Institute in New Jersey. He then became associated with his father in the meat and grocery business, and upon his father's death assumed complete
control of all activities of the firm. At the present
time he is in control of two grocery stores and two
meat markets, and also is the owner of a large feed
establishment. He was the organizer and at present
is a director of the Somerset County United Grocers,
Inc. Recently he added to the amusement facilities of
Boswell, a beautiful theatre with a seating capacity
of four hundred and fifty, and has named the edifice,
the "Mary Lee" in honor of his daughter. He has
always been keenly interested in the civic and social
life of his native city, and in his presentation of amateur athletic contests he has catered to a large and
satisfied clientele.
He is a communicant of the Polish Roman Catholic
Church, and an active Democrat, at present serving
as a member of the borough council. He is also a
member of the Polish Roman Catholic Union and the
Boswell Fire Company, and is president of the White
Eagle Club.
He was married, November 22, I927, to Mary Rose
Bobek, and they are the parents of two children: I.
Charles W., Jr., born April 3, I929. 2. Mary Lee, born
April ii, I937.
HARRY C. FORD-Entering the mining field
early in his youth, Harry C. Ford has devoted more
than thirty years to this work and at present is superintendent of the Davis Coal and Coke Company at
Boswell, Pennsylvania. He was born in Cambria
County, February 2, I89o, the son of John and Mary
(Hodgson) Ford. John Ford, a native of Wales, is
engaged as a mining superintendent.
Harry C. Ford attended the public schools of Cambria County, and after leaving school, secured empiloyment in the mines. Realizing after a few years that
the opportunities for advancement in his work might
be retarded through lack of further education, he began
taking courses with the International Correspondence
Schools of Scranton, and completed altogether, four
separate courses. In I917 he was appointed chief
electrician and master mechanic of the Bethlehem
Mines, and five years later was advanced to the position
of superintendent, in which capacity he remained until
193I, when he went to West Virginia to become superintendent of the Boone County Coal Company. After
a short time here, he returned to Pennsylvania to
assume a similar position with the Johnstown Coal
and Coke Company, and continued with this organization for two years, when he temporarily severed his
connections with this work to enter the gasoline business. However, in 1936 he returned to mining work,
accepting his present post with the Davis Coal and
Coke Company, where he is highly regarded by all with
whom he comes in contact.
He is a member of the United Brethren Church, and
An active Republican, and is affiliated with Patton
Lodge, the Free and Accepted Masons, Williamsport
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine at Pittsburgh.
He was married, June II, 193I, to Mary McGinnis,
a native of Seward, Cambria County.
DR. PETER LOUIS BACKMAN-Dr. Peter
Louis Backman has been engaged in the general practice of medicine in Jerome, Pennsylvania, since I927.
He was born in Montreal, Canada, October 5, I90I,
the son of Herbert and Esther (Ostro) Backman, both
dec-eased.
After completing his public and high school education in the Montreal schools, he matriculated at McGill
University, and was graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree in I926. He then devoted a year to his
interneship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania, after which he came to Jerome, Pennsylvania,
to establish his private practice. He is a member of
the Somerset County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
He was married, February 28, 1932, to Helen McNulty of Fayette County, and they are the parents of a
son, John Herbert, born September I4, I935; and a
daughter, Margaret Esther, born February I7, I938.
ROBERT C. VINCENT-Since his entry into
the automobile sales business in Jerome, Pennsylvania,
in I925, Robert C. Vincent has been successful in
building up his establishment to a position where it
now ranks eighth in the entire Pittsburgh area in the
total number of annual sales.
Mr. Vincent was born in West Branch, Iowa, June
4, I899, the son of H. and Mary (Swank) Vincent.
The father, a native of Missouri has been engaged for
many years in the merchandising field. His wife was
born in Somerset County.
Robert C. Vincent attended the Boswell public
schools, and at the age of nineteen years entered the
trucking business.  In 192I he opened a garage in
Boswell, and operated it until 1925, when he purchased
the Oldsmobile and Chevrolet Agency in Jerome, Pennsylvania. At that time, the sales of this concern
averaged about ten automobiles annually, but Mr.
Vincent erected one of the most modern and best
equipped garages in this section in 1928. and through
486ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
his reputation for honesty and fair dealing in all business relations, has succeeded in steadily increasing his
patronage and in 1936 his sales amounted to over six
hundred cars. He is also a director of the Peoples
State Bank, and was formerly borough councilman of
Boswell. He is now a member of the Conemaugh
Township School Board and from 1933 to 1936, served
as president of this body.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, a leading
Democrat and an affiliate of Johnstown Lodge, No.
I75, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Boswell Lodge, No. II72, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Cambria Lodge, No. 278, Free and Accepted
Masons and the New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
Mr. Vincent is the father of two children: Robert
C. Vincent, Jr., and Wayne S. Vincent.
ROBERT U. BITTNER-Robert U. Bittner has
been associated with the banking business since 1919,
and for the past five years has served as cashier of
the Peoples State Bank in Jennerstown. He was born
in Somerset Township, Somerset County, April 17.
I895, the son of Andrew E. and Nora (Boytz) Bittner.
Andrew E. Bittner, a native.of Germany, engaged in
farming for many years, and prior to his death operated a restaurant and grocery business in Boswell.
After finishing his public school education, Robert
U. Bittner joined with his father in the operation of
his grocery business, and continued with him until
April 4, 1918, when he enlisted for war service. He
was overseas from May 17, 1918 to May 30, I919, as
a member of Company H, 32oth Regiment, 8oth Division. He received his honorable discharge with the
rank of corporal, June 9, I919, and then secured a
position as a teller in the First National Bank of
Boswell. He was later advanced to the position of
assistant cashier, and continued with this organization
until 1923 when he secured a position in the same
capacity with the Peoples State Bank. Two years
later he was appointed cashier, and then in 1928, when
the Peoples State Bank was consolidated with the First
National Bank, he was appointed assistant cashier, continuing in this capacity until 1932, when he came to
Jennerstown to assume his present duties. He has
served on the executive committee of the Somerset
County Bankers Association, and is well known and
highly regarded in local banking circles.
He is a member of the Democratic party, and is
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He is also widely interested in American Legion affairs,
serving two terms as post commander, three terms as
finance officer, and one term as county chairman.
He was (first) married to Edith Schmucker, and
they became the parents of a daughter, Gloria Ann.
Mr. Bittner married (second) Patricia Jane Anderson,
and they are the parents of two children: I. Robert
Blaine. 2. Patricia Jane.
JAMES WILLIAM  P. ELLERMEYERThroughout his business career James William  P.
Ellermeyer has been associated with the firm of Ellermeyer Brothers, a well-known retail grocery and meat
market which has been a part of the business life of
Kittanning, Pennsylvania, for the past three generations. He was born here, March 23, 19go, the son of
Charles Bernard and Julia (Linnan) Ellermeyer.
Charles Bernard Ellermeyer, also a native of Kittanning, was born here in I866, and was engaged in this
same business with his brother, William L. Ellermeyer,
until his death August 28, 1930. His wife, born in
I866, died in June, I904. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bernard Ellermeyer were the parents of the following
children: I. Margaret, now deceased; married D. R.
McGrath. 2. Catherine, married Harold Craig.  3.
Charles B., Jr., married Mary Allgeier. 4. James
William P., of this record.
James William P. Ellermeyer was educated in the
parochial schools, and after attending high school became associated in business with his father. In 1918
he was made a partner in the business and he has continued in this capacity to the present day. He also
served as chief of Kittanning Hose Company No. I
from 1927 to I937, and has been a member of this
company for the past seventeen years. He is also
active in local political circles, and was elected in
November, 1935, to a four-year term as a member of
the Kittanning City Council. In January, I938, he
was elected president of the council.
He is a parishioner of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
Church, a popular Democrat and an affiliate of Council No. IOII, Knights of Columbus, of which he is a
Past Grand Knight, and a member of Lodge No. 203,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He was married, November 26, I924, to Mildred M.
McGrath, of Pittsburgh, daughter of Thomas F. and
Katherine (Fleckenstein) McGrath. Mr. and'Mrs.
Ellermeyer are the parents of six children: I. Rose
Mary. 2. James William P., Jr. 3. Charles William.
4. Mildred Alice. 5. Edward Albert, died in infancy.
6. Gerald Thomas.
RAYMOND ANDREW  FORGIE An outstanding educator of Somerset County, Raymond
Andrew Forgie of Stoystown, supervising principal of
the Stoystown schools and Quemahoning Township
487ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
schools, is also a writer on educational subjects and
prominent in professional organizations.
Raymond Andrew Forgie was born December 26,
1905, in Buena Vista, Allegheny County, son of Rev.
James A. and Anne (Lawton) Forgie. Rev. James
A. Forgie is a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
After passing through the public schools of Allegheny County, Raymond Andrew Forgie entered Allegheny College and graduated in I927 with the degree
of Bachelor of Arts, continuing his education with
summer courses at Pennsylvania State University and
the University of Pittsburgh. In 1928, he started his
career as a teacher, coming to Stoystown as an instructor and athletic coach. After a year in these positions,
he was made principal and then, in 1932, he was advanced to supervising principal, the position which he
has occupied through the present time and in 1938
was selected as supervising principal of the Quemahoning Township. schools in addition. An author of
several articles on school activities, Mr. Forgie has
held executive positions in his professional organizations, being past president of the Somerset County
branch of the Pennsylvania State Education Association and secretary of the Supervising Principals'
Association, as well as belonging to the National Education Association. He was delegate from Pennsylvania to the National Education Association at their
annual convention in New York City in June, I938.
A member of Kappa Phi Kappa Fraternity, Mr. Forgie
also belongs to the Lutheran Church, in which organization he is active, being both a deacon and a teacher
in the Sunday school.
Raymond Andrew Forgie married, June 2I, I932,
Clara Amelia Baker of York. Mr. and Mrs. Forgie
are the parents of three children: I. James. 2. Raymond Andrew, Jr. 3. Anne.
B. BLAINE BAREFOOT-Construction foreman for the White Coal Company at Windber for a
number of years, burgess of the community for over
two decades and one of the outstanding leaders of the
Republican party in southwestern Pennsylvania, B.
Blaine Barefoot, member of one of the oldest and most
distinguished families in this region, is perpetuating
the illustrious traditions of his forebears who for generations have been prominent in the farming, civic and
business life here.
Mr. Barefoot was born at Pleasantville, Bedford
County, March 19, 1876, the son of Samuel and Anna
Maria (Horne) Barefoot. Samuel Barefoot was a
direct descendant of James Barefoot, who was born
on May 20, 1787, came to Berks County in I8o9, and
died in I844. The progenitor of this family in Pennsylvania originally settled in St. Clairsville, where he
lived until I813, removed to Dunning's Creek and in
I817 purchased two hundred and twenty acres of wild
land from David Riley, on Gordon's Creek, where he
lived for the rest of his life. He was a farmer and
millwright and in 1842 built a sawmill on Gordon's
Creek, which was the first in this section. The first
member of this family to come to America from England was Dr. Walter Barefoot, who settled in the
State of New Hampshire in I657. The immediate family traces its lineage from Benjamin and Rebecca
(Ross) Barefoot, parents of James Barefoot and the
following children: I. Samuel Barefoot, born December Io, 179I, died March 15, 1814. 2. William Barefoot, born August 2, I793, died February 9, 1818. 3.
Ezibella Barefoot, born November II, I795. 4. Job
Palmer Barefoot, born May 27, I798. Benjamin Barefoot's wife, Rebecca Ross, was the daughter of Colonel
George Ross, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and first cousin of John Ross, who married
Betsy (Griscom) Ross, maker of the first American
flag.
Mr. Barefoot received a general education in the
public schools of his native community and after completing this part of his studies attended teachers'
training schools in Pleasantville and Schellsburg. Upon
leaving school he engaged in farming and continued
in this work until I9OI, when he became associated
with the Berwin-White Coal at Windber as construction foreman, an office he has retained ever since.
Throughout his life he has been keenly aware of his
civic obligations and been a keen and enthusiastic
leader in political affairs, being one of the most influential leaders of the local Republican organization and
serving as a member of the Republican State Committee. He has been a burgess in Windber since I917,
and prior to assuming this office had served as a member of the city council for nine years. He has also
been a very prominent and popular figure in other
phases of community life. For several years he was
president of the Windber Sportsman Association, is an
active member of the Windber Fire Company, and
fraternizes with Johnstown Lodge, No. 278, of the
Order of Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is
also a member of the Williamsport Consistory, and
the Jaffa Temple. In his religious convictions he worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Barefoot married (first) Lizzie Morris, now
deceased, and they were the parents of one son: Edwin,
d resident of Windber who is married to Leona Robertson, and the father of the following children: Morris,
Robert, Lucille and Carl. Mr. Barefoot married (sec488ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
489
ond) Lucy Bowden, now deceased, and they were the
parents of two sons: I. Alton, a Bedford mortician
who is married to Grace Herschberger. 2. Charles F.,
who lives with his father.
RAY HOLSOPPLE-For the past five years,
Ray Holsopple has efficiently fulfilled his duties as
chief of police of the Borough of Windber. He was
born in Paint Township, Somerset County, August I6,
1900, the son of Russell and Civilla (Faust) Holsopple.
Russell Holsopple, a native of Somerset County, is at
present retired from business.
Ray Holsopple acquired his education in the township public schools, and then for twelve years was
associated with railroad and mining work. In I928 he
became a member of the Windber Police Department,
and four years later was advanced to his present post.
He also serves as borough health officer and high
constable.
A communicant of the United Brethren Church, he
is a lifelong Republican, and holds membership in the
Tri-State Peace Officers Association. He was married, February 2I, 1925, to Elizabeth Hobba of Windber, and they are the parents of three children: I.
Ray, Jr. 2. George Levere. 3. Phyllis Jean.
DR. WILLIAM VINCENT FETCHO-Dr.
William Vincent Fetcho, a practicing physician in
Jennerstown, was born in South Union Township,
Fayette County, August 8, 19o6, the son of Michael
and Mary (Hudoch) Fetcho, natives of Austria Hungary, both deceased.
After graduating from the high school in South
Union Township, he entered the University of Pittsburgh, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Science in
1928.  He then matriculated at Loyola University
Medical School in Chicago, and was graduated with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1932. He then
entered St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh for a period
of interneship, and on September 2, I933, established
offices in Jennerstown for the general practice of his
profession. He is affiliated with the Windber Hospital, Somerset Community Hospital, and the Memorial and Mercy hospitals in Johnstown, and at
present is also serving as county medical director.
He is a communicant of St. John the Baptist Roman
Catholic Church, an active Democrat, and a member
of the Somerset County and Pennsylvania Medical
societies, and the American Medical Association. He
is also affiliated with Lambda Rho Fraternity.
He was married June I3, 1933, to Gertrude Cluck,
of Allegheny County, and they are the parents of a
daughter, Carol Louise, born July I, I937.
ROYAL CLARENCE RHOADS--Royal Clarence Rhoads was born in Jenner Township, Somerset
County, December 22, I88I, the son of Alexander and
Mary  (Stuft)  Rhoads, both deceased.  Alexander
Rhoads engaged in farming in Somerset County during
his lifetime, and he was the son of Jefferson Rhoads,
also a well-known farming operator in this section.
Mary (Stuft) Rhoads, a native of Jenner Township
was the daughter of the late Judge Daniel Stuft, of
Somerset County.
Royal Clarence Rhoads was educated in the township schools, and then joined with his father atrd
brothers in the operation of the family's farm. After
a few years he purchased his own farm, and has been
a successful operator in Jenner Township to the present
day. He now owns a tract of one hundred and ninetyseven acres, of which seventy-five per cent. is fully
cultivated. He raises a general crop, with potatoes
being his main product. He is also the owner of a
herd of thirty-two head of pure bred short horn milk
cattle. Mr. Rhoads is also president and a director of
the Jennerstown Bank. Although his extensive operafions require a maximum of time and effort, he nevertheless is available for participation in local affairs and
holds the respect and confidence of his neighbors and
friends.
He has served on the board of elders of the Lutheran
Church, and is a member of the Republican party. He
is prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
and was formerly treasurer of the Grange.
Royal Clarence Rhoads married, March I, I913,
Jeanette Shaulis, of Somerset County, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Amos Shaulis. Mr. and Mrs. Rhoads are
the parents of three children: I. Kathryn, a graduate
of the local schools and of Lockhaven State Teachers
College, now a teacher in Jenners School No. 2; married, May 30, Ia37, to David R. Miller. 2. Roval Clarence, Jr., a graduate of the local schools, now a student
at Penn State College. 3. Luella Mae, a graduate of
the Boswell High School and now a student at L,ockhaven State Teachers College.
DR. ALBERT M. UPHOUSE-Dr. Albert M.
Uphouse has been actively engaged in the general practice of medicine for the past twenty-nine years and
since 1922 he has conducted his offices in Stoystown
where' he is a highly respected member of his profession. He was born in Middle Creek Township, Somerset County, April 3, I877, the son of Hiram W. and
Martha (Cramer) Uphouse, both deceased.  Hiram
W. Uphouse, a native of Milford Township, was engaged during his lifetime as a farm operator.
After completing his public school education, Dr.
Uphouse entered Southwestern State Normal College,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ernor Sproul to fill the unexpired term of about one
year. In addition to the offices named, Judge Kooser
served a number of terms as solicitor for the county
of Somerset, and as member of the School Board and
Town Council of the Borough of Somerset. For fiftytwo years he resided at Center Avenue and Union
Street in Somerset Borough at the place sold by his
children to the United States Government for location
of its present post office. Because of his unabating
interest in the men and affairs of his county, and in its
progress and development, maintained until the time
of his death, it is doubtful whether any person had a
more thorough acquaintance of the county of Somerset,
or more friends among its people during his lifetime.
Judge Kooser was exceptionally well versed in the
law, highly regardful of its professional ethics, and an
unusually keen and skillful trial lawyer. While serving on the bench at Somerset he was frequently called
to preside in the courts of other counties of the State.
Appeals from his decisions were few in number, and
reversals by the appellate courts were very rare. In
trials at law he was at his best, as hundreds who have
been under the fire of his quick cross-examination, and
forceful presentations of law and fact have cause to
remember. As a companion Judge Kooser was unexcelled, and his society was sought by young and old.
His reading was wide and varied, and his memory,
reminiscences and anecdotes seemed inexhaustible. His
services as a public speaker were in much demand until
the time of his death.
On March I, I870, Judge Francis J. Kooser and
Maud Ogle were married. She was the only daughter
of the Hon. Andrew Jackson Ogle, the Somerset attorney and politician of the'forties, a former district
attorney, and a member of the National House of
Representatives, and later appointee as United States
Minister to Denmark. His wife was Harriet (Forward) Ogle, a daughter of Chauncey Forward, member of the bar and former congressman of Somerset.
Maud (Ogle) Kooser died September 7, I905. Her
memory continues to be cherished by the older residents of Somerset County because of her fine character,
and unselfish devotion to charitable, church and civic
endeavors.  Both were members of the Christian
Church, at Somerset.
Judge and Mrs. Kooser were the parents of three
children: I. Ernest Ogle Kooser, a member of the bar
at Somerset. 2. Mary Forward Sargent, widow of
William Dunlap Sargent, former president and general
manager of the New York and New Jersey Telephone
Company.  Mrs. Mary Forward Sargent's children
are: i. Dr. William Dunlap Sargent, Jr., of the Department of Biology, of the College of the City of New
York. ii. Maude Sargent, a landscape architect at
New York City. iii. Sarah Sargent Ramberg, wife of
Dr. Edward Ramberg, a physicist and research engineer in the Radio Corporation of America laboratories
at Camden, New Jersey. 3. Eleanor Parke Kooser, for
many years executive secretary of the Mothers' Assistance Fund at Somerset.
One of the tributes paid to the life and career of
Judge Francis J. Kooser appeared in the editorial
columns of the "Somerset Daily Herald," and reads:
In the death of the Hon. Francis J. Kooser, Somerset County loses a man who has been a conspicuous
figure in the legal and political affairs of Western
Pennsylvania for half a century. Thoroughly grounded
in the law, and with a highly developed analytical
mind, Judge Kooser was a wise counselor, and an
eloquent advocate. Aside from his outstanding legal
attainments, he took pleasure in art, literature and
social contacts. He had a pleasing personality, and a
host of friends and admirers. Perhaps the most fitting
tribute that can be paid to Judge Kooser is that he was
a good citizen, one whose daily example and standard
of conduct can be followed with profit by all.
ROBERT JOHN ARNETT-Having entered
the banking business at the age of nineteen years,
Robert John Arnett of Uniontown has been a wellknown figure in the financial circles of this section
for the past thirty years. He was born in Markleysburg, Fayette County, November 30, 1886, the son of
James Morgan and Emma (Umbel) Arnett. James
Morgan Arnett who was born in Indian Creek, Marion
County, West Virginia, in I848, was engaged as a merchant in Uniontown at the time of his death, in I926.
His wife, a native of Markleysburg, is still living.
Robert John Arnett secured his early education in
the public schools of Markleysburg and Uniontown and
later attended Mt. Pleasant Institute. He entered the
employ of the National Bank of Fayette County, November II, 19o6, as a clerk, and later was advanced to
trust officer. He remained with this institution until
March 5, 1924, when he transferred to his present banking connection, the Second National Bank of Uniontown, as cashier, later as vice-president and in December, I937, became president. He is also a member of
the Board of Directors of this institution and one
of the trustees of the Fitzgerald Fund and is co-trustee
of the John H. Davidson Estate.
He is treasurer and elder of the Second Presbyterian
Church of Uniontown, is a director of the Young
Men's Christian Association, and is prominent in the
affairs of the Republican party, and was a school director from 1920 to I925. He is one of the most
prominent members of the Masonic Order in Pennsylvania being affiliated with Fayette Lodge No. 228, Free
and Accepted Masons, of which he is Past Master,
50ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
graduating in I902. He next enrolled at Eclectic Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and while studying
for his professional career, was engaged in teaching in
the local schools for five winter terms, and in the
Summer Normal School for four terms. After receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine in I9o9 he served
an interneship at Seton Hospital in Cincinnati, and
then began his private practice in Hooversville, where
he remained for ten years. He then went to Stoystow'n
for a short period, after which he was appointed superintendent of the Somerset County Home and Hospital.
The following year he engaged in private practice in
Somerset, and in I922 returned to Stoystown, where he
is still engaged.
He is a member of the Church of the Brethren, and
serves as Sunday school teacher of the Men's Bible
Class. Active in Republican circles, he is now deputy
county coroner, and has been president of the Stoystown Borough Board of Education for six years. He
is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is also a member of the Somerset County and
Pennsylvania Medical societies.
He was married, May 2I, I9IO, to Iva May Spaugy,
of Quemahoning Township, and they are the parents
of a daughter, Dorothy Mae, a graduate of the local
schools and Cambria Rowe Business College, now a
student at Susquehanna College.
CLARENCE EDWARD WILLIAMS-Entering the lumber business more than thirty years ago,
Clarence Edward Williams has been actively identified
with this industry to the present day, and now serves
as secretary, treasurer and general manager of the
Boswell Lumber Company, one of the largest plants
of its kind in this section of Pennsylvania. He was
born in Beech Creek, Clinton County, September 24,
I886, the son of Henry C. and Mary (Fredericy) Williams. Henry C. Williams, also a native of Beechl
Creek, was engaged in the lumber and mercantile business prior to his death. His wife is still living in this
section, and has already passed her seventy-third birthday.
Clarence Edward Williams attended the local public
schools and then attended Valparaiso University at
Valparaiso, Indiana, where he completed a business
course in I905. The next few months he was engaged
as a stenographer for a law firm in Hammond, Indiana,
after which he returned to Beech Creek to enter the
mercantile field. After one year in this business he
became associated with the lumber establishment of
P. P. Griffin at Lockhaven, in the capacity of store and
office manager, and he has been connected with this
and its affiliated companies to the present date. In I9o09
the business was incorporated under the name, Boswe!l
Lumber Company, and Mr. Williams was appointed
secretary, which post he still retains, in addition to his
other duties as treasurer and general manager. He is
also a member of the Pittsburgh Association of Lumber Salesmen.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and a supporter of the Republican party. In the Masonic Order, he is affiliated with the Sunnehanna
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the Consistory at Asheville, North Carolina,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at
Altoona, Pennsylvania.
He was married, January 29, I907, to Magdalena
Holter, of Beech Creek, and they are the parents of
three children: I. Virginia, a graduate of Johnstown
High School and Memorial Hospital, married Robert
H. Cunningham, and they are the parents of a son,
Robert Fritz Cunningham. 2. Henry C., a graduate of
New Florence High School. 3. Robert C., a graduate
of New Florence High School, now a student at Pittsburgh Junior College at Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
HON. ANTHONY CAVALCANTE-The profession of law has provided a splendid medium through
which the Hon. Anthony Cavalcante has been able to
serve the people of Uniontown and of Fayette County.
He is widely and favorably known in this Pennsylvania
district, and the Commonwealth is the richer for listing such men among its residents and citizens.
Mr. Cavalcante was born February 6, I897, in Dunbar Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son of
Michael and Antonnetta  (Tate) Cavalcante.  His
father was born September 30. I874, in Nusco, Italy,
and came to the United States early in life, entering
the mining and coke business in Western Pennsylvania.
The mother was likewise born in Nusco, Italy, her
birth date having been January 24, I878. Both parents are highly esteemed residents of their Uniontown
community.
The public schools provided the early education of
Anthony Cavalcante, who attended them in German
Township and was graduated from the Township
High School in I919. As a boy he worked in the
coal mines and coke yards of this district for five years.
When he completed his formal schooling through the
secondary school grades, he had already had a broad
experience, including World War service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army on April
25, 1917, and was attached to Company D, IIoth Infantry Regiment, 28th Division. He was overseas for
fourteen months as a corporal, and while there, saw
490ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
49I
service in the second battle of the Marne and was
wounded. He is today a member of the Disabled
American Veterans of the World War, his affiliation
being with A. Cronkite Chapter, No. 58, of Uniontown.
He also belongs to the "40 and 8" and the Veterans of
Foreign Wars, and is connected with Lafayette Post,
No. 5I, of the American Legion. His war-time service was a valuable one to his country and one that
entailed much sacrifice on his own part. After being
wounded he returned to the Argonne front and there
saw further active service. Later he was honorably
discharged on June 9, I9I9, at Camp Dix, New Jersey.
He is justly proud of this service, and is today, out of
experience and conviction, an earnest advocate of
peace.
While he was in the service, his high school class
was graduated, and it was then necessary for Mr.
Cavalcante to take a year of special post-graduate
work in order to receive his high school diploma.
Continuing with the plans for his career, he became a
student at Bucknell University, taking a pre-legal
course in 1920 and 192I. Afterward he took a special
course of study at Pennsylvania State College, then
attended the Dickinson School of Law, at Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, there receiving, in June, I924, his degree
of Bachelor of Laws.
Admitted to the bar of this State, he took up his
practice of law in Fayette County, and down to the
present has continuously had offices in Uniontown. He
is admitted to practice in the Supreme and Superior
courts of Pennsylvania, as well as in the United States
District Court.  He belongs to the Fayette County
Bar Association and other organized groups in his
profession.
At the same time he is active in public affairs. A
staunch Democrat in his political convictions, Mr.
Cavalcante was elected to the Pennsylvania State
Senate in 1934 for a four-year term starting January
I, 1935. As a public official he has rendered further
service of distinction and worth, earning the warm
approbation of his constituents and of the people of
the State as a whole. He is an active fraternalist, belonging to Ansonia Lodge of the Free and Accepted
Masons, in New York City; Uniontown Lodge, No.
370, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks;
the Loyal Order of Moose; and the Fraternal Order
of Eagles. He worships in the faith of the Presbyterian Church. His favorite hobbies are outdoor recreations and sports, and he is particularly fond of fishing and hunting.
Anthony Cavalcante married, on September 5, 123,
E. Salome Diehl, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, daughter
of William J. and Bernice (Colman) Diehl. Two
sons were born to this marriage: I. Anthony Cavalcante, Jr., on June 25, 1926. 2. William Michael
Cavalcante, born November io, 1929.
JAMES  M. MILLER-Entering the banking
field in Windber in 1913, James M. Miller has been
actively associated with this business to the present
day, and since 1921 he has been identified with the
management of the Central City National Bank in
Central City, an institution which he helped organize,
and of which he is now the president. He was born in
Napier Township, Bedford County, August 6, I88I, the
son of Richard Hinton and Mary (Findley) MAiller.
Richard Hinton Miller, born and educated in Somerset County, spent most of his life in Bedford County,
taught school for many years, and was engaged in
farming at the time of his death. His wife, a native of
Bedford County is still living, and has already passed
her eighty-ninth birthday.
James M. Miller received his early education in the
township schools, and after completing his studies at
Normal School, entered the teaching profession in
Napier Township, where he was engaged for two
years. He then entered the employ of the BerwindWhite Coal Company in the capacity of shipping clerk,
and continued with this work until I913, when he became chief bookkeeper for the Windber Trust Conipany. After eight years at this post, he came to Central City in I921, and helped organize the Central City
National Bank, an institution which has been most
successful, and which enjoys an excellent reputation to
the present day. At first Mr. Miller served as cashier,
later as vice-president and cashier, and finally as president, in which capacity he is still working. In I929 he
was involved in an unusual experience when the bank
was held up by four armed bandits. All the bank
employees were disarmed, but Mr. Miller had a sawedoff shotgun hidden where the bandits were unable to
locate it. As they were leaving the premises with their
loot, Mr. Miller followed in pursuit, and although the
fugitives emptied the contents of three guns at him,
he escaped unscathed, but succeeded in wounding two
of them so that their capture was rendered easy. Mr.
Miller still holds in his possession several of the coins
retrieved from the captured bandits, and cherishes them
as mementos of his thrilling experience.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an
active figure in Republican affairs, and has served a
total of twenty years on the school boards of communities where he has resided. A prominent Mason,
he is affiliated with the Somerset Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, Williamsport Consistory, AncientANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Accepted Scottish Rite and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He was married, November II, I903, to Jennie
Hammer, of Bedford County, and they are the parents
of six children: I. Robert, married Elva Bertnett, who
has since died. They were the parents of two children:
James LeRoy and Elva Christine, both now living with
their grandparents. 2. Dorothy, married Charles M
Ashman, and they are the parents of a daughter, Sarah.
3. Joseph H., married Jennie Fetters. 4. Olin J., married Lavan Padmore, and they are the parents of two
children: Richard and Dorothy Ann. 5. Richard
Miles, married Edith McNeal. 6. Evelyn Lucille, still
attending school.
DR. CREED C. GLASS-Since his entry into
the field of medicine in I920, Dr. Creed C. Glass has
been actively engaged in the practice of his profession
in Meyersdale, where he has established himself as a
physician and surgeon of unquestioned ability, whose
efforts in behalf of humanity have been rewarded with
well merited success. He was born in Henry Clay
Township, Fayette County, May 2I, I892, the son of
John H. and Jennie (Hinebaugh) Glass. John H.
Glass, a native of Fayette County was engaged in
farfming at the time of his death.
After completing his public and high school education, he enrolled at Valparaiso University, graduating
in I9I5 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He
then entered Jefferson Medical College, and received
his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 9I99. After an
interneship of one year at the West Penn Hospital in
Pittsburgh he opened his offices in Meyersdale, where
he is still engaged. In 1922 he opened a small two-bed
private hospital, and this enterprise proved so success-'ful that it has now grown to a modern hospital containing fourteen beds. Dr. Glass is also a director of
the Second National Bank of Meyersdale and has always taken'an active part in local civic affairs. During
the World War, he was enrolled in the Students Army
Training Corps.
He is a communicant of Sts. Philip and James
Roman Catholic Church, and in his political allegiance,
a member of the Republican party. He has served as
president of the Somerset County Medical Society, and
is also affiliated with the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
He was married, in June, 1921, to Hazel Muriel
McGilbery, of Pittsburgh, and they are the parents of
three children: I. Shirley Ann, age eleven. 2. Emily
Jane, age nine. 3. Creed C., Jr., age eight years.
WILLIAM  J. LOGUE, M. D.-Dr. William  J.
Logue, a member of the Meyersdale medical profession, was born in Pittsburgh, February Io, I903, the
son of Patrick A. and Katherine I. (Stoker) ILogue.
Patrick A. Logue, was engaged as a mill worker at
the time of his death in I926.
After finishing his grammar and high school education in the Johnstown schools, Dr. Logue enrolled at
St. Bonaventure College, where he was graduated with
the degree of Bachelor of Science in I927. He then
entered Georgetown University Medical School, and
after receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine in
I931 served an interneship at St. Joseph's Hospital in
Pittsburgh. He then opened offices in Meyersdale for
the general practice of medicine, and has been engaged
there to the present day. He is affiliated with the
Glass Private Hospital and was formerly County
Coroner of Somerset County, from which position he
recently retired. Dr. Logue is also known as a sports
enthusiast, and for several years served as coach of the
Meyersdale football team, sponsored by the Meyersdale
Volunteer Fire Department.
He is a communicant of Sts. Philip's and James'
Roman Catholic Church, a Democratic member of the
School Board, and an affiliate of the Somerset County
and Pennsylvania Medical societies, and the American
Medical Association, and a member of the Rotary
International, and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Phi
Chi fraternities.
He was married, September I5, 193I, to Grace Ann
McCall, of Johnstown, and they are the parents of
three children: I. Patrick. 2. William J., Jr. 3.
Kathryn Logue.
LICHLITER FAMILY-The name of Lichliter
has been familiar in the history of the State of Pennsylvania for nearly two centuries, particularly in Somerset County, where today its representatives are perpetuating its fame as merchants and civic leaders.
According to family record the first member of this
family to come to this country is thought to have been
Johann Conrad Lichliter, who is said to have made the
journey aboard the "Friendship," in I74I. The reason
for this deduction rests in the fact that the aforementioned had a son named, John Jacob, of whom further.
(I) John Jacob married, in I784, Lidia Green, and
they were the parents of six children: I. Jacob, of
whom further. 2. David. 3. Samuel. 4. John. 5.
Sarah. 6. Margaret.
(II) Jacob lived and farmed in Turkeyfoot Township throughout his life and was twice married; (first)
to Jemima Campbell, a native of Ireland, who died in
492ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I826. The following children were born to this marriage: I. P. Campbell, who died in childhood. 2.
Thomas, who also died at an early age. 3. John Campbell, of whom further. 4. The Rev. Levi. 5. Samuel.
6. Elizabeth, who married Daniel Williams. 7. Mary
Ann, who married Jacob Crosson. 8. Lydia, who died
at a youthful age. In I830 Jacob married (second)
Martha Williams, and they were the parents of the
following children: I. David Williams Campbell. 2.
Martin, who married Sarah Brandt. 3. James who
married Lucretia King. 4. Jacob W. C., who married
Mary J. 5. William H. H., who married Susanna
Shultz. 6. George W., who married Harriet King.
7. Albert Marsden, twice married: (first). to Christiana Grinn, (second) to Flora Oliver. 8. Margaret
J., who married Joel Miner. 9. Jemima, twice married: (first) to Albert Harshman; (second) to a Mr.
Rush. Io. Martha E., who married Daniel Harshman.
I. Sarah A., who married William Workman.
(III) John Campbell, eldest of Jacob's children to
reach maturity, was born in Upper Turkey Township,
where he engaged in farming throughout his life and
married Susan Younkin, daughter of Henry I. Younkin,
prominent farmer in this district. They were the parents of the following children: I. Henry. 2. Harriet.
3. Levi, of whom further. 4. Elmira, who married
Walter H. Boucher.
(IV) Levi, was an educator during the early part
of his career, served as justice of the peace for thirty
years, and founded the grocery, flour, feed and maple
products business, which today is operated by his sons
and is one of the leading concerns of its type in Somerset County, where it is thought to handle more maple
syrup than all other concerns combined. During the
year of I937 it shipped more than twenty-five thousand
gallons to various sections of the State and Nation.
Levi Lichliter, though not a highly educated man, was
one of the most intellectual and highly respected
figures of his generation in this part of the county. He
married Sarah Smith, daughter of John Smith, and
they were the parents of the following children: I. C.
Stutzman, who married Minnie Enos, and they became
the parents of eight children: Emily Mae, Avoline
Lucille, Frances Florede, Effie Elmira, Levi Garrett
(q. v.), Wilbur B., David E., and Heil H. 2. Adeline
A., married Warren D. Keller, and they had two children; Sarah and Lee. 3. Emily Catherine, married
Frank Farner, and they had four children: Glen
William, Nita Marie (deceased), Mabel K., and Jean,
died May 20, I938. 4. Edith Susan. 5. John Calvin, of
whom further. 6. Frances Murphy, deceased. 7. Elmira. 8. William Cleveland, twice married: (first) to
Helen Rumgay; (second) to Nellie Brant, and they
had one child, Anne Marie.
(V) Jonn Calvin was born October I3, I875, in
Salisbury, Somerset County. He attended the public
schools here until he was fourteen years of age, when
he joined his father in business, a venture he has since
been associated with. Upon the death of the elder
Lichliter he became active head of the establishment,
which originally was operated on a partnership basis
with his brother and two sisters. More recently, however, he and his brother, William C. Lichliter, bought
out their sisters' interest. Throughout his life here
John Calvin Lichliter has been one of the most active
leaders of the community, where he is now president
of the Town Council, which is supervising the installation of a water system that is costing one hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars. For eighteen years he
served as a member of the local School Board. He
has been an active parishioner of the Reformed Church,
in which he is treasurer of the Sunday school. On
April I2, I903, he married Mary Jane Reese, of Somerset County, and they are the parents of the following
children: I. George Reese, attended the University of
Pittsburgh, married Margaret Riley, and they have
three children: Riley, Mary Elizabeth, and John C.
Lichliter, 3d, who is with the Pennsylvania State
Auditor General's Department. 2. John C., who attended Gettysburg College, married Elizabeth Boyer,
of Meyersdale, and is now in business with his father.
3. Winifred Jean, graduate of Duffs Business College.
4. Emily Jane, a student in the local high school.
LEVI GARRETT LICHLITER-A descendant
of a family which has been closely identified with the
industrial and civic life of this section of Pennsylvania
for almost two hundred years, Levi Garrett Lichliter
has achieved the same high reputation for honesty, fair
dealing and efficiency that have been characteristic of
other members of this family in the particular lines
of endeayor to which they have dedicated their various
careers.
He was born in Salisbury, Pennsylvania, January 6,
I9oI, one of eight children of Christopher Stutzman
and Minnie (Enos) Lichliter. C. Stutzman Lichliter,
a native of Salisbury, and its present postmaster, is
the son of Levi and Sarah (Smith) Lichliter, whose
records appear in the preceding review of the Lichliter family (q. v.).
After completing his public school education, Levi
Garrett Lichliter prepared for college at Mercersburg
Academy, and after graduating from this institution,
enrolled at Albright College. He later transferred to
George Washington University, and has since engaged
in extensive postgraduate work. In I92I he became a
member of the faculty of Boswell High School and
was placed in charge of athletics. In his four years
493ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
association with this school he earned the respect of
all with whom he came in contact, and he was highly
regarded for the proficiency with which he performed
his work. In 1925 he was appointed cashier, of the
Peoples State Bank, of Jennerstown, and continued
there until 1932, when he became district manager of
the Mutual Life Insurance Company, with offices in
Somerset, Pennsylvania. One year later, he was appointed by President Roosevelt to take charge of the
Home Owners Loan Corporation, covering twentyfive counties, with headquarters at Pittsburgh.  His
success in organizing this office was greatly appreciated
by his superiors, and he was later requested to go to
Johnstown to organize another office there. He remained in Johnstown until the campaign of 1934, when
as chairman of the Democratic County Committee of
Somerset County, he resigned to devote all his time to
promoting the candidacies of Governor Earle and
Senator Guffey. After the elections of that year he
returned to the insurance field and continued until
January 29, 1935, when he was appointed chairman of
the Pennsylvania Securities Commission. On June 30,
I937, he accepted the position as chairman of the newly
organized Labor Relations Board, and has held this
important office to the present date. Mr. Lichliter has
been most successful in his chosen field, and his brillian't career in politics is further testimony that honesty, capability and perseverance are rewarded in the
sphere of public life with the same opportunities for
advancement that are available in other branches of
activity.
Mr. Lichliter has always been most active in the affairs of the Lutheran Church, and in fraternal life he
is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
He was married, January I, 1926, to Louise Heffley,
of Berlin, Pennsylvania, a graduate of Indiana State
Teachers College, and a former member of the faculty
of Boswell High School, and they are the parents of
two children: I. Effie Lou, born January 12, I930. 2.
Sandra Lee, born December 5, I937.
ELMER BEECHER RUSSELL, M. A., Ph. D.
-At the time of his death, Dr. Elmer Beecher Russell
was head of the History Department of Westminster
College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. A recognized authority on American history, he occupied the
chair of history at this institution from 1921 onward,
growing steadily in professional stature and in the
regard not only of his college but of the community
of which it is a part.
Dr. Russell was born in Burlington, Vermont, on
January 15, i885, a son of William Julius and Katherine (Beecher) Russell. In the paternal line he was
descended from a family established in Massachusetts
in 1652 and long prominent in the life of New England. T'hrough his mother he traced his ancestry to
the same Beecher line which produced the celebrated
divine, Henry Ward Beecher, and the author, Harriet
Beecher Stowe. The Beechers first came to Boston in
I637 with the Davenport Company. Dr. Russell was
also descended from the Dudleys, who came to
America in I639 in the Rev. Henry Whitefield's company as a part of the Eaton and Hopkins expedition to
Connecticut; and through his grandmother, Lydia
Sabria Miner Russell, he traced his ancestry back
through seven generations to Lieutenant Thomas
Miner, who came to America in 1629 as a member of
the second Governor Winthrop's colony of Massachusetts Puritans. His father, William Julius Russell, was
a learned jurist who was active for many years in the
legal profession.
Elmer Beecher Russell received his preliminary education in Vermont public schools and after completing
the course in Burlington High School in 1902, he
entered the University of Vermont. From this institution he was graduated in 19o6 with the degree of
Bachelor of Philosophy. During the following year
he attended Harvard Law School and then studied at
the University of Wisconsin for an equal period. His
interest in education caused him to relinquish his
earlier intention of entering the law and accordingly,
in preparation for his chosen profession, he next matriculated at Columbia University, where he took the
degree of Master of Arts in 1910. Subsequently, in
I9I6, he took the further degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Columbia. His dissertation towards his Doctor's degree was a "Review  of American Colonial
Legislation, by the King in Privy Council," which
was published upon its completion.
During the year I9i8-I9, Dr. Russell was a member
of the faculty of Wells College, and in the following
year, taught at the University of Nebraska. Then,
after a year at Ohio State University, he came to
Westminster College as professor of history and was
a distinguished member of the faculty of this college
until his death. His presence on the faculty and his
service as head of the Department of History reflected
the highest credit upon the institution, and his scholarship and rare qualities of personal leadership brought
him the affection of associates and students alike. The
esteem in which he was held by Westminster's student
body is evidenced by the following inscription in the
1935 "Argo" Westminster yearbook, which was dedicated to him:
To Dr. Elmer Beecher Russell, since 1921 professor
of history at Westminster College-thinker, progressive, friend of both the past and future, respecting tra494ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
dition and welcoming change-we of the Class o,f I935
dedicate Volume 30 of the Argo.
In the life of the New Wilmington community, Dr.
Russell was equally conspicuous, and his influence was
recognized by all its people as a wholesome and constructive force. He was a charter member of the New
Wilmington Rotary Club, a member of the Vermont
Chapter of the Society of Colonial Wars and an active
Mason, being affiliated in this order with Washington
Lodge at Burlington, Vermont, and with all higher
bodies of the Scottish Rite, including the thirty-second
degree of New Castle (Pennsylvania) Consistory. He
was a Republican in politics and a member of the
United Presbyterian Church. He was deeply interested
in all aspects of cultural life, particularly music and
painting, which were his principal recreations. He was
a good citizen and a loyal patriot, and during the
World War was enrolled in the Officers' Training
Camp, Coast Artillery.
On July I4, 1922, at New Castle, Dr. Russell married Frances Foulke, daughter of the Rev. Charles and
Ella (Lupfer) Foulke. Her father, an aide to General
Meade in the Civil War, was a graduate of Allegheny
College and an ordained minister in the Methodist
Episcopal Church. Dr. and Mrs. Russell became the
parents of two children: I. Beecher Foulke Russell,
born November I9, 1924. 2. Katherine Foulke Russell,
born February 8, I93I.
Dr. Russell died at Boston, Massachusetts, on Mlarch
12, I938. The termination of his career was a source
of profound regret to his associates in the world of
education and a serious loss to the people of New
Wilmington and the institution which he served. "Dr.
Russell," wrote a local paper in an appreciation of his
life and character, "was a devoted husband and father,
a gentleman of the highest type, a man of outstanding
integrity and beloved by the whole community and by
the student body which he served. He was generous,
broad-minded and always willing to aid his friends, his
community, his church, his college and all who needed
his help or friendship.
"His influence for good, his scholarly attitudes. his
devotion to his work and his loyalty to the college will
make his loss irreparable to Westminster."
ROBERT FERGUSON GALBREATH, D. D.,
LL. D.-To Robert Ferguson Galbreath, D. D.,
LL. D., president of Westminster College, New Wilmington, the history of this institution and the story
of its progress, to which he has contributed in no small
measure, are of more import than his own attainments
and work.  A Westminster graduate of more than
thirty years ago, he was called to the executive headship of the college in I932, during a crisis in its affairs.
Under his leadership the New Wilmington school has
not only survived the tribulations of financial depression, but has reshaped its policies and curricula in
ways that have furthered its usefulness and given it a
larger place in the field of education in Western Pennsylvania.
As hundreds of graduates will attest, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, is a college town to which age has
given a beauty and dignity not readily forgotten. It
was founded during that wave of emigration which
flowed westward over the mountains after the Revolution. A purchase of Indian rights, made in I784, included the most of Western Pennsylvania, but it was
nearly the end of the eighteenth century before the fear
of the aborigine sufficiently disappeared to encourage
permanent settlement. While a number of families
had located in the region around the site of New
Wilmington, it was not until John Waugh took up a
claim here in I797, that there were definite beginnings
of a town. Within a few years there were a church,
a tannery, a gristmill and an inn. Not until I820 was
the town platted, the streets being laid out in imitation
of the Nation's capital.
The story of New Wilmington is told in.the historical volumes of this work, and above events are here
mentioned to furnish a background to the history of
Westminster College. The pioneers of the village were
church-going folk, and a place of worship had been
established as early as 1798-99. This was Presbyterian
in polity, and from it, in I804, came the Seceder, or
Associate Church, which in turn became the first
United Presbyterian Church. In 1849 there was talk
in the synod of Shenango of establishing a school of
higher learning. Nothing came of this until late in
1851, when the idea was revived and during the following year took definite form. The modern history
of New Wilmington starts with I852 and the founding
of what is now Westminster College: "before that it
was a cross-roads village, little known. New Wilmington was incorporated as a borough in I863, but
because it did not have the required number of inhabitants it was still obliged to vote with the township
until 1872 when it became a complete borough."
(Janette Shafer.)
Westminster College was founded at a meeting of
the Presbyteries of Ohio and Shenango, held in New
Wilmington, January 2I, I852. The purpose was to
set up an institution for "the mental and moral training of both sexes," under the name, "Westminster
Collegiate Institute." The Rev. C. C. Vincent was
chosen principal, and on the "3d Monday of April,
I852, the school held its first session in the old Associate Church, New Wilmington." The first president
495ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
5I
the Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, the Pennsylvania
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh, and he is an honorary
member of the Supreme Council, Thirty-third Degree.  He is also connected with Uniontown Lodge
No. 370, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and'
the Uniontown Country Club. He is also a member of
Fort Necessity Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution through his paternal ancestor, Colonel Zackwell
Morgan, a member of Morgan's Raiders, and after
whom the city of Morgantown, West Virginia was
named.
He was married September I, I9o9, to Rene Watson,
of Franklin Township, daughter of John D. and Jane
(Arnold) Watson, and they are the parents of two
children: I. Jean Beverly, wife of Willard S. Witlatch,
of Uniontown. 2. Robert John Arnett, Jr., born February 27, 1915, a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts
degree of the University of West Virginia, and now
associated with the Second National Bank of Pittsburgh.
OMER SHELBY VANCE-As head of the firm
of 0. S. Vance and Son, undertakers and funeral directors at Smithfield, Omer Shelby Vance continues an
enterprise originally established here by his grandfather before the Civil War had run its course. He
is one of the leading business men of Smithfield and
is active in many other phases of the community's life.
Mr. Vance was born in Smithfield on May 20, 1874,
a son of James R. and Sarah Ann (Eberhart) Vance
and a grandson of William Vance. His great-grandfather was the first of the family to settle in Fayette
County, engaging in farming in this section. William
Vance, the grandfather, was also a farmer in early
life, but in I864 he established the present undertaking
business and continued it until James R. Vance, his
son, bought out his interest in I884. James R. Vance,
who was born near Smithfield, was a carpenter by
trade, but devoted many years of his active life to the
undertaking business. He died on May 2I, I9I5. His
wife, Sarah Ann (Eberhart) Vance, who is also deceased, was born at New Geneva, Pennsylvania.
Omer Shelby Vance, representing the third generation of his family in his present business, received his
general education in the public schools of Smithfield.
In 1913 he was graduated from Eckels College of
Embalming in Philadelphia, and immediately afterward became associated with his father in business under the name of James R. Vance and Son. Following the death of the elder man in I915, Mr. Vance
continued the business alone until I928, when his own'
son, James Benjamin, became associated with him and
the present firm of O. S. Vance and Son was formed.
Complete funeral and ambulance service is supplied by
the firm, whose high standards have never been allowed to lapse. Its equipment is of the finest type
and every'detail of the business is given the personal
attention and consideration which has long marked the
conduct of the firm's affairs. The original location has'
continued unchanged through the years.
In addition to his business interests, Mr. Vance has
been very active fraternally. He is affiliated with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Encampinent of the same order; the Knights of Pythias; is a
member of Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, Benevolent and'
Protective Order of Elks, and also affiliated with the
Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, the Junior Order of United American Mechanics and the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Vance is also vice-president of
the Uniontown Motor Club. A Republican in politics,
lhe has always been interested in civic and public affairs, and has lent his influence as well as his time
and means to advance worthy community causes. He
is a member of the Baptist Church and a trustee of
the cemetery.
In August, I896, Mr. Vance married Maude C.
Brown, of Woodbridgetown, Pennsylvania, daughter
of Benjamin and Annie (Morris) Brown. They are
the parents of three children now living: I. Mrs.
Pearl Monaghan, of Smithfield. 2. Mrs. Mary Austin, of Smithfield. 3. James Benjamin, who was
graduated from Cincinnati College of Embalming with
high honors and has since been associated with his
father in the firm of O. S. Vance and Son, representing the fourth generation of the family in this business. He married Eileen Bernie, of Cincinnati, Ohio.
There are also three grandchildren: James Robert,
Pearl Louise and Vance Austin.
PAUL OVERHOLT MALONE-In banking
and business life Paul Overholt Malone has performed
a work of importance and value in Connellsville, earning the warm esteem and respect of his contemporaries
because of his distinctive contribution to the general
wtelfare.
Mr. Malone was born February 23, I903, in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Upon the completion of his early education he entered the employ of the First National Bank of Yukon,
Pennsylvania, where he remained for five years, after
which he became Assistant National Bank Examiner
in the Pittsburgh District. In I930 he became associated with The National Bank and Trust Company
of Connellsville, Connellsville, Pennsylvania, in theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
of Westminster Collegiate Institute was the Rev.
James Patterson, D. D., of Northfield, Ohio, elected
October I9, 1853, who served to I867. The succeeding
heads of the past century were: I868-71, Rev. Robert
Audley Browne, D. D.; 1872-82, Rev. E. Tupper
Jeffries, D. D.; 1883-84, Rev. J. K. McClurkin, D. D.,
I884-I9o6, Rev. Robert Gracey Ferguson, D. D. The
first institute evidently filled a definite need, for the
fall term there were a large number of applicants. As
early as January, 1853, plans were under way for a
building that would accommodate between three and
four hundred students. In May, I855, a building was
put in use at the fall term. It was burned to the
ground on February 27, i86i. Crushing as was the
loss, a new structure was ready for occupancy in the
autumn of 1862, a really fine and large building that
is still spoken of as "Old Main." Ladies Hall was
erected in 1884, the Mary Thompson Science Hall, in
1894; the Clark Chemical Laboratory, in I896, the
Music Hall in I9o8, and the Gymnasium in I92I.
The worst physical disaster to Westminster occurred on January 24, 1927, when "Old Main" was
completely destroyed by fire. All but courage seemed
lost. Seven months later, August 6, 1927, the corner
stone of a more beautiful and useful structure was laid.
Incidentally the formal beginning of the successor to
Old Main was in the year that the seventy-fifth, or
Diamond Jubilee, of the college was celebrated. The
cost of the new building exceeded the original estimate
of $280,ooo and shortly after it was dedicated a financial depression which became world-wide retarded
most institutions of higher education. WVestminster did
not escape. It was near the bottom of this depression
that Dr. Galbreath was called to the presidency, and
the heaviest of his administrative burdens has been
the financing of the college.
Robert Ferguson Galbreath was born at Cabot,
Pennsylvania, October 6, I884, son of Henry Albert
and Flora (Ferguson) Galbreath, and a member of a
family which traces its lineage to Sterling, Scotland.
The American progenitor of his branch of the Galbreaths settled in Central Pennsylvania, in about 1790.
After attending the Hesselgesser, Pennsylvania, public
schools and Cabot Institute, he matriculated at Westminster College, from which he was graduated in I907,
a Bachelor of Arts. He then studied in Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary, from which he received the degree of Bachelor of Divinity, with the class of I9I0.
That same year Dr. Galbreath initiated his ministerial
career in charge of the San Luis Mission in Colorado,
remaining two years before going to the Mission at
Woodlawn, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.  In  1915 he
accepted the pastorate of the Sixth United Presbyterian Church in the Northside section of Pittsburgh.
From I920 to 1932 he was pastor of the Bellevue
Presbyterian Church, resigning to accept the presidency of Westminster College.
Dr. Galbreath has been honored with the degrees,
Doctor of Divinity, by Westminster College, 1924, and
Doctor of Laws, by Waynesburg College, I932. His
work as an educator has been eminently efficient, not
alone in the field of finance, but in the establishment
of high curricular standards, the broadening of the
range and scope of Westminster's service to students.
He is recognized as an authentic leader, wise, influential, generous, as unmindful of himself as he is considerate of others. He plays well a part in New
Wilmington affairs, being a member of the Rotary
Club and lending his aid to any movement making for
the betterment of the town. During the World War,
he served with the Young Men's Christian Association
overseas.
At Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, on September 9,
igog, Dr. Robert Ferguson Galbreath, married Eva
Smiley, daughter of John and Mary (Rea) Smiley,
and they are the parents of the following children:
I. Robert Ferguson, Jr., born July Io, I9II, who married Dorothy Bigham, and they have a daughter, Carol
Ann. 2. Dale Smiley, born May 8, 1913, who married
Verle Morrison, and they have a son, William. 3.
John Henry, born in April, 1920. 4 and 5. (twins),
Mary Louise and Ruth Elizabeth, born May 14, 1923.
REV. HARVEY SYLVESTER BICKELSuperintendent of welfare work for the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, Rev. Harvey Sylvester Bickel has
behind him years of service as a clergyman and as
general secretary of the Railroad Young Men's
Christian Association.
Harvey Sylvester Bickel was born on a farm in
Catawisa Township, Northumberland County, son of
a family which reaches back into Pennsylvania to a generation before the Revolution. The sixteenth century
heads of the family were George and Anna Katherine
(Baumaemin) Lindenmuth, natives and residents of
Germany, whose son, John Michael Lindenmuth and
his wife, Maria Margaretha Wolf, also passed their
lives in Germany. The grandson of George Lindenmuth, John Michael Lindenmuth, came to Pennsylvania, arriving on May 5, 1752, where he married
Anna Katarina Geschwinden in 1764. A member of
the militia of Berks County, John Michael Lindenmuth first saw war service in Captain Morgan's Company, Colonel James Burd's regiment, in the campaign
against the French and Indians which resulted in the
capture of Fort Duquesne. In 1759 he was again called
into the service to fight against the Indians under
Colonel Bouquet, along the Forbes Road at Fort
496ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Ligonier. After this martial service, he returned to
his home in Berks County, where he became a substantial farmer, although continuing to hold a militia
commission. Then, in I777, when the Revolutionary
War entered Pennsylvania, he became a major, and
later a lieutenant-colonel of the 4th Battalion, Berks
County Associators and Militia, fighting against the
British. Colonel John Michael Lindenmuth kept a
diary of his military service and a part of this interesting narrative is quoted in Vol. I, Chapter 20, of this
work.
Harvey Sylvester Bickel, who bases his membership
in the Maryland Society, Sons of the American Revolution, upon Colonel Lindenmuth, passed through the
public schools and then, after attending college, entered
the ministry of the Church of God to be later ordained
to the Baptist ministry by the First Baptist Church of
Greensburg, where he continues to hold membership.
Becoming interested in the work of the Young Men's
Christian Association, Rev. Mr. Bickel entered the
service of the organization and became the general
secretary of the Railroad Young Men's Christian Association on the Pennsylvania Railroad, being stationed
at Derry for several years. In 1925 he was called to
the position of superintendent of welfare work for the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad with offices in Baltimore
and Brunswick, Maryland-a position which he has
occupied through the present time. In conducting his
substantial work among railroad men, Rev. Mr.
Bickel's management of the Young Men's Christian
Association on the railroad brings him into contact
with the trainmen and their social service organizations
at many points in Southwestern Pennsylvania, such as
Pittsburgh, Connellsville and Punxsutawney-making
him a prominent figure throughout the entire section
of P'ennsylvania, as well as in Maryland and West
Virginia.
EUGENE L. CONNELLY-Long one of the
active citizens and business men of Pittsburgh, Eugene
Le Moyne Connelly has interested himself in worth
while enterprises. Since I937 he has served as president of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind,
in Pittsburgh, and his labors in this and other connections have been of great value to his city and its
people.
Mr. Connelly was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
son of William Cavin and Elizabeth (Brown) Connelly. His family is an old and honorable one. His
great-grandfather, Captain Peter WVhiteside, organized
a company of Pennsylvania militia and served for a
time on the staff of General George Washington in
the War of the American Revolution. Tradition has
it that he was made a Mason on the field by General
Washington, and later was a civil judge at Louden,
Cumberland County, this State. Eugene L. Connelly's
father, William Cavin Connelly, was a native of Virginia, and was engaged until his death in the hotel
business. The mother, Elizabeth (Brown) Connelly,
was a native of Pittsburgh. Both are now deceased.
Pittsburgh's public schools provided Eugene L. Connelly's early formal education, and he also had special
tutoring and read law for a time. Completing these
studies, he went to work with the Pittsburgh Stock
Exchange. Later he became a reporter for the "Pittsburgh Leader," a daily newspaper, of which he ultimately became religious editor, sports editor, courts
reporter, assistant city editor, editorial writer and
Sunday editor and business manager. He continued
his work there for eighteen years, becoming one of its
owners, and utilizing his spare time to write fact and
fiction stories for "McClure's," "Leslie's," "Harper's"
and the Hearst magazines. He was also correspondent
for the "New York Tribune," the "Boston Globe," the
"Cincinnati Enquirer" and the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch."
While carrying forward his newspaper and magazine
work, Mr. Connelly became interested in the theatre.
Along with his other variegated activities, he served as
critic of music, art and the drama. From this position
he became publicity representative for Colonel Alfred
Joel, of grand opera fame. In I9o6 he resigned entirely from his position on the "Leader" in order to
handle publicity for the Harry Davis Enterprises. Two
years later, in I9o8, he added to this work the managership of the Pittsburgh Grand Opera House. In
I915 he became general manager of the Davis Enterprises Company, including the then new Davis Theatre, in Pittsburgh, in which he also was part owner,
carrying on that work until the corporation was sold
in I927. In that year he resigned from the theatre
managership to become active vice-president and general manager of the Harris Amusement Companies.
Remaining actively with this organization for four
years, and while still retaining its vice-presidency, he
established, in I931, his own bureaus of public relations, and private entertainment.  He has devoted
much time to grand opera and concert promotion in
this connection.
Mr. Connelly also became one of the.eight pioneers
in broadcasting, the first to employ the radio in the
theatre.  Most of the early experimenting in this
direction was done by the KDKA broadcasting station
in the Davis Theatre, in Pittsburgh, where he was then
manager. He founded, and now is the only life member of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, and he is
497ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
likewise one of The Hundred Friends of Pittsburgh
Art, and a life member of the Actors' Fund of
America. He organized and long was secretary of the
Theatre Managers' Association of Pittsburgh.
He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce of Pittsburgh and to many civic organizations. A Republican
in his political views, he was for four years president
of the Civil Service Commission of Pittsburgh and is
now chairman of the board of adjustment-the zoning
Board of Appeals. He is a member of the Sons of the
American Revolution and of the Round Table. He is
a past president of the McKinley Commemoration
Society and is a member of the Pittsburgh Press Club,
the Shrine Lunch Club, the Duquesne Club, the
Longue Vue Country Club, the Amen Corner (of
which he was formerly president). He is a trustee of
Shadyside Presbyterian Church.  Fraternally he is
actively affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons,
in which order he is a member of Crescent Lodge, No.
576, Zerubbabel Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Tancred Commandery of Knights Templar, all bodies of
the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple
of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is connected also with the Royal Order
of Jesters, of whose ritual he is author, and has been
honored as a Sovereign Inspector General of the
thirty-third degree of Masonry. He is a life honorary
member of Ansar Temple of the Shrine, at Springfield, Illinois.
Mr. Connelly began his work as head of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Blind, previously
mentioned, on June I5, I937. Before that date he was
for years vice-president of the school. He is now also
vice-president olf the Roselia Foundling and Maternity
Hospital, in Pittsburgh, and a director of the Civic
Club of Allegheny County. Carrying on these public
and semi-public activities in addition to his own work
as public relations counsel, he is one of Pittsburgh's
busiest men and one who has accomplished much valuable service.
Mr. Connelly married Minne Allyn Leonard, who
was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Two children
were born to this marriage: I. Elizabeth Leonard Connelly, who is now deceased. 2. Virginia (Connelly)
Thrasher, mother of his grandson and namesake,
Eugene Le Moyne Connellv Thrasher.
J. KIRK RENNER-A past president of the
Fayette County Bar Association, J. Kirk Renner has
been engaged in the general practice of law in Connellsville for almost three decades.
Mr. Renner was born March I7, I883, in Thurmont,
Maryland, son of John A. and Sophia (Gilbert) Renner. His father, who was born in I848 on a farm in
Frederick County, Maryland, enlisted in the Union
Army during the Civil War, and died at Connellsville
February 4, I9I6. The mother was born in I856 at
Thurmont, Maryland, where she died January I2, I89I.
After graduating from the Law School of the University of Michigan in I907, and being admitted to
practice in the State of Michigan, Mr. Renner returned
to Connellsville, and following his registration as a law
student in the office of Cooper and Van Swearingen at
Uniontown, he was admitted to the bar of Fayette
County in December, I909, and immediately established
himself in the general practice of his profession at
Connellsville, where he has since continuously maintained his office.
Mr. Renner has served without interruption as
assistant city solicitor and solicitor of the city of Connellsville since January, I918, and for some years has
been active in the coal industry.
A Republican in his political views, Mr. Renner was
a Presidential Elector in I932, and was alternate delegate to the national convention of his party in I936.
He is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of
Connellsville.
In December, I9IO, Mr. Renner married Geneva C.
Gilmore, of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, daughter of John
and Katharine (Taylor) Gilmore. Three sons were
born to this marriage: William C. (who died in September, I935, age twenty-four years); John A., a landscape architect, and Robert T., a student.
RAYMOND ALVIN WOLFF, M. D.-A member of the medical profession for more than twentythree years, Dr. Raymond Alvin XWolff has practiced
his profession throughout that entire period in New
Kensington, and for the past ten years he has been
specializing in obstetrics.
Dr. Wolff was born at Emsworth, Allegheny
County, October 3, I891, the son of Samuel Hamilton
and Flora Belle (Walton) WVolff, both deceased.
Samuel Hamilton Wolff, born in Armstrong County
in i86i, was engaged in the general contracting business for many years prior to his death on November
20, I938. He was the son of Valentine Wolff who
came to Armstrong County in I830, and was engaged
in general farm work in this locality for many years.
Flora Belle (Walton) Wolff, born in Beaver County
in I859, died March 17, I925.
After completing his preliminary education in the
Allegheny public schools, Dr. Wolff matriculated at
the University of Pittsburgh, where he was graduated
in I914 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. After
an interneship of one year at the South Side Hospital
in Pittsburgh, he came to New Kensington to inaugurate his private practice, and he has continued here
498ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
most successfully to the present day. In 1927 he began
specializing in obstetrics, and he has since then acquired a notable reputation for his achievements in this
particular field. During the World War he was stationed at Camp Gordon in Atlanta, Georgia, and was
honorably discharged from General Hospital No. 24
with the rank of first lieutenant.
Dr. Wolff is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
a supporter of the Republican party, and an affiliate of
Lodge No. 644, Free and Accepted Masons, Pittsburgh
Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, Lodge No. 5I2, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks; the Westmoreland County and Pennsylvania State societies and the American Medical
Association. He is also a member of the Hillcrest
Country Club, University Club of Pittsburgh and New
Kensington Post No. 347, American Legion.
Dr. Wolff is the father of two children: I. Raymond
A., Jr. 2. Martha Jane Wolff.
ALBERT STEELE YODER-A member of
the Pennsylvania legal fraternity for the past eighteen
years, Albert Steele Yoder has practiced his profession in New Kensington throughout that entire period,
and he still maintains his offices in the same building
where he launched his professional career in I920.
Mr. Yoder was born at Du Bois, Clearfield County,
Pennsylvania, April I6, I893, the son of the late William H. and Cora P. (Geist) Yoder. William H.
Yoder, born at Knoxdale, March I9, I862, served as
postmaster of New Kensington for ten years, and he
also for a time was secretary of the local Chamber of
Commerce. He departed this life February 26, I933.
Cora P. (Geist) Yoder was born at Worthville, Jefferson County, April 6, I865.
Albert Steele Yoder completed his preparatory education in the Du Bois public schools, and he then matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, where he
received his degree of Bachelor of Science in I9I7. He
continued his legal studies at this institution, and was
awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1920. He
was admitted to the bar later in the same year, and
began his law practice in New Kensington, where he
has been successfully engaged to the present day. He
is also a member of the board of directors of the First
National Bank, and for years he has been a trustee of
the Citizen's General Hospital. During the World War
he served with the Personnel Detachment at Camp
Lee, Virginia, where he received his honorable discharge, March 8, I919.
Mr. Yoder is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, an active Republican and a member of the
New Kensington, Westmoreland County and American
Bar associations. He also holds membership in the
American Legion Post No. 347, at New Kensington,
and the Hillcrest Country Club, and fraternally he is
affiliated with Lodge No. 644, Free and Accepted
Masons.
He was married July I6, I918, to Beatrice M.
Morgan, of New Kensington, daughter of John C. and
Elizabeth J. (Stitt) Morgan. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder
are the parents of a son, Robert M., born January 14,
1926.
CHARLES LYSLE SEIF-Since his admission
to the bar in 1929, Charles Lysle Seif has been engaged in the practice of law in Pittsburgh, where he is
a member of the firm of Seif, Evashwick and Best.
Mr. Seif was born at Canonsburg, September 22,
I903, the son of the late Dr. John Charles and Mlartha
Irene (Schmidt) Seif. Dr. Seif, a native of Pittsburgh, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, in
1902 with the degree of Doctor of -Medicine, and was
engaged in the general practice of medicine in the
vicinity of Canonsburg, at the time of his death in
I905.  Martha Irene (Schmidt) Seif was born in
West Virginia.
Charles Lysle Seif received his preparatory education in the Wilkinsburg public schools, and he later
entered Girard College in Philadelphia, from which
he was graduated in 1922. He next matriculated at
the University of Pittsburgh, and after receiving his
degree of Bachelor of Arts in I926 he continued his
legal studies at this institution, graduating in I929 with
the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He became a member of the Pennsylvania bar in the same year, and has
been practicing his profession in Pittsburgh since that
time.  He is recognized as one of the outstanding
members of the Allegheny County bar in the trial of
negligence and damage cases. He is considered an
authority on this phase of the law, and has compiled a
digest of the Pennsylvania Law of Torts.
Mr. Seif is a member of Trinity Reformed Church,
and an active member of the Republican party. In
1938 he was elected to the House of Representatives
in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Fraternally
he is affiliated with Wilkinsburg Lodge No. 577,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Samuel
Hamilton Lodge No. 746, Free and Accepted Masons,
Beldefield Chapter No. 299, Royal Arch Masons, and
the Theta Kappa Nu Fraternity. He also holds a
Reserve Commission as first lieutenant in the 503d
Anti-Aircraft, United States Army.
On August 5, I93I, he was united in marriage with
Dorothy Ethel Thompson, daughter of Frederic and
Anna (Hill) Thompson, both natives of Lincolnshire,
England. Mr. Thompson is a bridge designer and
499ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
engineer. Dorothy Ethel (Thompson) Seif is a graduate in I930 of the Pennsylvania College for Women
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and of Bryn
Mawr College in I93I with the degree of Master of
Arts. Mr. and Mrs. Seif are the parents of a son,
Charles Lysle, Jr., born February 2I, I937.
ESLER W. HAYS-Becoming a member of the
Pennsylvania bar in 1925, Esler W. Hays established
his law offices in Tarentum, and he has continued as a
prominent member of the local legal profession to the
present day.
Mr. Hays was born in Pittsburgh, June 7 I9oo, the
son of the late Thomas B. and Jean (Murray) Hays.
Thomas B. Hays born in Butler County in I874, was
employed for many years as a mill worker. He died
July I6, I934. The Hays family is one of the oldest
in this section: an ancestor, General Wesley Murray,
having served with the British forces under General
Wolfe at the battle of the Plains of Abraham during
the French and Indian Wars; and the great-greatgrandfather of Esler W. Hays, a native of Baltimore
came to Jefferson Township, Butler County, and the
family has ever since been identified with the civic life
of this locality. Jean (Murray) Hays was born at
Pittsburgh in I879.
After completing his elementary education in the
Pittsburgh public schools, Esler W. Hays entered
Tarentum High School where he was a member of
the class of I918. He next enrolled at the University
of Pittsburgh, and after receiving his degree of Bachelor of Arts in I923, he continued his studies at
the law school of this university graduating in I925
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. In October of
the same year he passed his bar requirements, and upon
his admission to legal practice, he established offices in
Tarentum, where he has continued to the present time.
In addition to his legal practice he was engaged as a
teacher of American -History  in  Tarentum  High
School from I925 to 1928. While in college, Mr. Hays
was prominent in athletics, being the 1923 captain of
the University of Pittsburgh track team, and during
the war period he was enrolled in the Students Army
Training Corps.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a
staunch Republican and an affiliate of Aerie No. 699,
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and Pollock Lodge, No.
506, Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member
of the Allegheny Valley Young Men's Christian Association and the local Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Hays was married in May, I936, to Dorothy
Sober, of Tarentum, daughter of C. M. and Anna
(Miller) Sober.
GEORGE J. KREBS-A veteran in the industrial world of Southwest Pennsylvania, George J.
Krebs is not only widely known as an able executive
but for his activities in Somerset County life. He takes
a constructive interest in civic affairs; is to the fore
in movements and organizations undertaken for the
better development of this section and its people, and
is a popular figure in fraternal and club circles.
Mr. Krebs was born at Danville, Pennsylvania,
October I2, I87I, son of Simon and Harriet (Schwartz)
Krebs. His father is reputed to have been the first
coal operator on the Somerset and Cambria branch of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and one of the first
in the county. Born in Germany, on April Io, I839,
he came from Muensterappel, Bavaria, to the United
States when about sixteen years -of age, and located
for a time in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, before he moved to Danville. In I892 he purchased a residence in Somerset Borough where he
lived until his retirement from industry a decade later.
Thereafter he called St. Petersburg, Florida, his home,
and enjoyed many years before his death in the Florida
city, in March, I933. His wife, Harriet (Schwartz)
Krebs, was a native of Schuylkill County.
George J. Krebs was educated in the public schools
of Danville, this State, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, and Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York, majoring in the latter institution
for two years in mechanical engineering. In the spring
of I892, he became associated with his father as the
manager of the Listie Mining and Manufacturing
Company. In I902 this firm was sold to the Somerset
Coal Company, and in the following year, George J.
Krebs went with the Reading Iron Company as general superintendent of its Somerset County coal mines,
a post he has filled ever since. He also is vice-president and a director of the Somerset Trust Company
and financially interested in other concerns.
The same abilities and outlook Mr. Krebs brings to
his business he gives to many phases of Somerset
activities. He has served as a member of the Borough
Council, is president of the Somerset Public Library
Association, a former president of the board of trustees
of the Presbyterian Church of Somerset, and a member of the Rotary Club. Fraternally, he is affiliated
with Somerset Lodge, No. 358, Free and Accepted
Masons, is a thirty-second degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and a member of the
Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. Among the clubs of which he is a
member are the Pittsburgh Athletic, the Pike Run
Country and the Somerset Country.  Professional
connections include memberships in the American In500ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
stitute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, and the
Coal Mining Institute of America. His technical
school fraternity is Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
At Elmira, New York, on August I4, I918, George
J. Krebs married Edyth Lyon, daughter of Frank F.
and Mary (DeVoe) Lyon. Her father, a mining engineer, was long superintendent o.f the Consolidation
Coal Company, of Somerset. Both the Lyon and the
DeVoe families were well established in America prior
to the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Edyth (Lyon) Krebs
is one of the popular hostesses of Somerset, keeping
open house to a legion of friends from all over the
country, whether industrial or professional associates
of her husband, or her own wide circle of acquaintance.
Prominent in club life, she was the first president of
the Garden Club of Somerset, an office which she held
for six years and is now first vice-president of the
same organization. She was a director of the Garden
Club Federation of Pennsylvania. She is secretary
and treasurer of the Somerset Branch of the Needle
Work Guild of America, a member of the Somerset
Community Hospital Association, and of other civic
and social organizations.
DANIEL HOY McCONNELL-For the past
twenty-three years, Daniel Hoy McConnell has been
engaged in the general practice of law in Pittsburgh,
where he is recognized as a leading attorney.
Mr. McConnell was born in Hanover Township,
Washington County, October I3, I882, the son of John
A. and Julia Ann (Plotts) McConnell. The McConnell family has been well known in Washington County
since the latter part of the eighteenth century: Daniel,
William and Alexander McConnell, brothers, coming
from Lancaster County in I784, and engaging in general farming operations on the old homestead, which
is still in the family's possession. John A. McConnell
was born in Hanover Township in I848, and for many
years followed agricultural pursuits. He resides in
Burgettstown.  Julia Ann (Plotts) McConnell was
born in Beaver County in I858.
Daniel Hoy McConnell acquired his elementary
education in the township public schools, and later
studied at Frankfort Springs Academy, after which
he enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College,
graduating in 1907 with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. He next enrolled at Detroit College of Law,
and after receiving his degree of Bachelor of Laws he
was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, since which time
he has been engaged in the general practice of law in
Pittsburgh.
He was married in I913 to Esther Nelson Kerr, of
Hookstown, Beaver County, daughter of Dr. Franklin
D. and Susan (Nelson) Kerr. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell are the parents of two children: I. Julia Ruth,
married J. Edwin Torrence of Hookstown, and they
are the parents of a daughter, Sue Carol Torrence.
2. Alexander Nelson, born in I916, now a student at
Columbia University and Juilliard School of Music in
New York City.
PETER   PAUL  REISING--An  interesting
career combining railroad work with activity in the
political field, has been enjoyed by Peter Paul Reising,
a present member of the Pennsylvania Legislature.
He was born November 2, I88I, on a farm near Greenville, Indiana, the son of Albert and Mary Annie
(Schad) Reising. Albert Reising was born in Burnstein, Bavaria in 1840, and was brought to America
by his parents two years later. He devoted his life
to farming, and during the Civil War, he worked
for the government as a teamster and overseer of
animals.
Peter Paul Reising was educated in the Greenville,
Indiana public schools, and then assisted his father on
the farm, where he remained until I899. Dissatisfied
with his education, he took a commercial course from
a well-known extension college, and then migrated to
Pennsylvania, where he secured various positions:
first at Charleroi, later in the oil fields at Oil City,
and then in Grove City with the Filer House Hotel.
He later returned to Charleroi in the employ of the
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, and then was connected with the Allegheny Glass Company until I9O1,
when he embarked on his career of railroading with
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Soon afterwards,
he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
and has remained there ever since. He has served as
brakeman, flagman, conductor and yardmaster.  He
became a member of the Railroad Brotherhood in 1902,
and has held every elective office in the local lodge. In
1907 he was legislative representative to Harrisburg
for the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen; 1928 and
193I represented this brotherhood at Cleveland, Ohio,
and Houston, Texas, conventions, respectively.  At
the present time he is a member of the Grievance Committee. Becoming interested in politics and wishing
to participate more actively, he returned to his position
as a conductor. He was later elected councilman of
Conway, and shortly became president of the Council,
in which office he was largely instrumental in compelling the Beaver Valley Water Company to sell its
large holdings to the city. In 1934 he was a candidate
of the Democratic party for the State Legislature, in a
normally Republican district. He was successful, and
was reelected in I936 by a large majority, and has
501ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
capacity of cashier and trust officer. In I936 he was
advanced to the position of vice-president and cashier.
In addition to his other activities, Mr. Malone is
president of the Connellsville Kiwanis Club, a director of the Connellsville Young Men's Christian Association and the Connellsville Board of Trade, and a
member of the executive committee of the Community Chest. He belongs to the Bankers' Club, of Pittsburgh, and is also active in fraternal circles, notably
as a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. In
the Masonic Order he is connected with Blythe Lodge
No. 593, at West Newton, and with Coudersport Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He'also belongs to the Pleasant Valley Country Club, and
in spare time particularly enjoys playing golf. He is
a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Connellsville.
In I927 Paul Overholt Malone married  Sylvia
Mayme Phillippi, of Cook Township, Westmoreland
County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Holmes J. and
Ora (Shaffer) Phillippi. Two children were born to
them: I. Richard H. Malone, on January 5, I930. 2.
Sylvia Anita Malone, on December 2, I932.
JOSEPH THEODORE PISULA-As superintendent of the Leckrone Mines at Ronco, Joseph Theodore Pisula is rounding out a career'that spans over a
quarter of a century with the Frick Coke Company.
During this period he has served in various capacities
for numerous company properties throughout this section of the State and made steady progress, being
delegated to ever-increasing responsibilities in the administration of company affairs.
Mr.' Pisula was born in Everson, Fayette County,
March 9, I893, the son of John and Josephine Pisula,
both natives of Germany. His father, who is now deceased, came to this country in 1872 and settled at
Everson, where he owned and operated a store, hotel
and real estate business until his passing. After receiving the early part of his general education in the
public schools of Everson, Mr. Pisula completed this
part of his studies at the Scottdale High School in
o909, and then attended Columbia University in New
York City for one year. The following fall he entered
the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New
York, from which he was graduated as a certified public accountant in I912.
Finishing his training he became associated with the
Frick.Coal Company as a clerk in the offices at Baggaley. In time he was promoted to the office of chief
shipper and paymaster and sent to the Frick plant at
Whitney where he remained for two and a half years.
He then served at the Newcomer Continental Mine,
No. 3, in Fayette County, where he was superintendent
for'two years and returned to Whitney in the same
capacity, continuing at the latter place for six years.
His next property was the Leisenring Mine, No. 3, at
Leisenring, and two and a half years later he took over
the combined management of the Footdale and Buffington mines, which he was to head as superintendent
from I927 to I930. The latter year he went to Mt.
Pleasant and in I935 came to Ronco where he has
since remained. By his broad and varied experience
Mr. Pisula is recognized as one of the outstanding
mining authorities of this section.
Aside from his business interests Mr. Pisula is a
member of the Latrobe Lodge, No. 970, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of
Columbus and the Masontown Rotary Club. He is a
Republican in politics and worships at the All Saints
Roman Catholic Church in Masontown.
In June, I914, Mr. Pisula married Harriett C. Dupree, of Latrobe, and they are the parents of three
children: I. Joseph Theodore, Jr., born May I, I915,
attended St. Vincent's College for two years. 2. Mary
Louise, born February I8, I917. 3. James Donald,
born February 14, I919, and now a student at the
Pennsylvania State College.
JAMES CARMAN NEWCOMER-As superintendent of schools at German Township and an active
figure in the civic, religious and farming affairs of his
surroundings, James C. (J. Carman) Newcomer is upholding the public-spirited traditions of his distinguished forebears who for generations have been
prominent in this part of Fayette County.
Mr. Newcomer was born in Balsinger, German
Township, November 22, 1890, the son of James Martin and Anna (Johnson) Newcomer, the former a native of his birthplace and the latter of South Union
Township. His father, who was born April 6, I848,
and died September i6, 1920, engaged in farming
throughout his life, cultivating the property which was
acquired by his grandfather during the early part of
the nineteenth century, was worked by his father and
is now owned by hi's son, who operates one hundred
and fifty-four acres which are devoted to a general
crop, and also conducts a dairy and live stock business. Mr. Newcomer's mother, who was born April
8, I852, passed away March 26, I9II.
Mr. Newcomer received a general education in the
public schools of German Township and after completing this part of his studies attended the Juniata
Academy and College, from which he was graduated
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in the class of
1917. Prior to this he had already begun his teaching
52ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
been deeply interested in all legislation affecting farming, education, labor and real estate taxation. He was
also most active in the movement for the stabilizing of
the county schools. He is a Roman Catholic, and a
member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a
member of the Pennsylvania Constitution Commemoration Committee for the years I937 and I938, celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the
adoption of the Constitution of the United States of
America. He holds a certificate of membership of the
above committee signed by the Governor of the Commonwealth and the chairman of the committee, getting forth their appreciation of his patriotic participation in the work of the committee. By a very small
majority for his opponent, Mr. Reising failed of reelection to the Legislature in the November 8, I938,
election.
On July I6, I903, he was married to Katherine
Johanna Brown, a native of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
They have four children: I. Joseph Albert, married
Helen Delaney, parents of one daughter, Janet Ann
Reising. 2. Mary Beatrice Reising, married Kenneth
Jacobson. 3. Paul Anthony, married Hannah Palmer.
4. Olivia Annie, married Karl F. Hansen, parents of
one daughter, Nancy Ann Hansen.
WILLIAM  MURRAY-For many years William Murray has been connected with the coal mining
industry in Pennsylvania, and he is now superintendent
of the mines at Emeigh, this State.
Mr. Murray was born September 9, I882, in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, son of Adam and Elizabeth
(Walker) Murray, both of whom were natives of
Scotland. His father, who died in I904. was long
engaged in mining operations. His mother died in
I924.
The public schools provided William Murray's
early education. He turned his attention while still
very young to the coal mining industry, in which he
has continued active practically all through his business career. His first work in this connection was in
Clearfield County. Then he went to Clymer, Pennsylvania, as assistant foreman, later becoming foreman
of the mines there. Finally, after a period at Arcadia,
where he was foreman and later superintendent he
was sent to Glen Richey and later to, St. Benedict,
where he served as superintendent for several years.
He is now employed at Emeigh as superintendent of
all the mines here. He now has more than four hundred men under his supervision, succeeding C. D.
Earley as superintendent and capably and efficiently
carrying forward his work. He is, as superintendent
of these mines, an outstanding figure in this region.
Not only does he direct the miners during their working hours, but practically supervises the community,
looking after the homes of the men, serving as arbiter
in disputes, and freely giving advice and counsel to all
who seek it.
Widely known throughout Cambria County, Mr.
Murray is deeply interested and active in the civic
and fraternal life of his district. In the Free and
Accepted Masons he belongs to many branches, holding
the thirty-second degree of Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite and belonging to Williamsport Consistory. He is
also an initiate in Jaffa Temple of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. During the World
War he served on different Liberty Loan drive committees and did considerable Red Cross work. He is
a member of the Merit Club, of Barnesboro, and of
the Presbyterian Church.
In 1912 William Murray married Iva L. McCall,
of Pennsylvania. Their son, Adam R. Murray, born
January 28, I9I4, is a student at Grove City College.
JOHN FLETCHER HENDERSON-Widely
and favorably known in the business life of Johnstown,
John Fletcher Henderson conducts one of the leading
funeral homes in this district of the State.
Mr. Henderson was born February 7, I882, in
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, son of John and Mary
(Alexander) Henderson and grandson of William and
Mary (Mahon) Henderson on the paternal side of the
house and of James and Martha (Gourley) Alexander
on the maternal side. John Henderson, father of the
subject of this sketch and who was also a funeral director, was born August I, I849, in County Donegal,
Ireland, and, after receiving a public school education
in his native land, came to America in I866, landing
in Philadelphia. Here he was met at the wharf by his
uncle, Mr. Orr. Next he came to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, learning the cabinetmaking business in the establishment conducted by William Orr and Son. He made
his home with the Orr family, studying under the
guidance of local educators in the evening hours. In
I870 Mr. Henderson branched out for himself, going
to Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and there engaging in the
furniture and undertaking business until I874. In that
year he came once more to Johnstown, purchasing the
business of William Orr and Son. This store was in
Clinton Street, Johnstown. In I88I he admitted a
partner, John G. Alexander, to association with him,
forming the firm of Henderson and Alexander. After
the I889 flood, Mr. Henderson again took up this
business. The State authorities placed him in charge
of burying all the bodies taken into the Millville
morgue after that terrific disaster.  That was the
502ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
closest morgue to Stone Bridge, where hundreds perished in the debris. John Henderson was helped by
W. W. Evans, of Evansburg, and for twenty-seven
years afterward Mr. Evans remained with him. The
total number of dead taken from this morgue was more
than six hundred. Mr. Henderson is said to have been
the first man in Western Pennsylvania to take up the
art of embalming, and for a long time his was the only
establishment of its kind outside of Pittsburgh and
Philadelphia. He was also active in community affairs,
having been the organizer of the Johnstown Trust
Company, the first banking house in the city to erect a
ten-story building, and was a member of the board of
directors of that institution. He was also second vicepresident of the Johnstown Savings Bank and one of
that bank's trustees. He was one of the original incorporators of Grandview Cemetery, where the bodies
of more than seven hundred unidentified victims of the
great flood of i889 were buried. He belonged to Cambria Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, and in
this order was connected with the Royal Arch Chapter
and Cambria Council of Royal and Select Masters.
He was one of the thirty-five charter members of
Johnstown Lodge of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and several times served as master workman. John Henderson died April 23, 1914, after having
won recognition as one of his city's outstanding men.
He married, September 3, 1874, Mary Catharine Alexander, daughter of James and Martha (Gourley)
Alexander. Mrs. Henderson died August 12, I898,
and three of their six children died in infancy. Two
sons, Ralph and John Fletcher Henderson, floated
down a, raft to the foot of Main Street in the great
flood, and were there rescued by Samuel Greer.
John Fletcher Henderson, one of these two children,
attended the public schools, and in 1905 was graduated
from Harvard University with the degree of Bachelor
of Science. He was first employed by the Cambria
Steel Company, with which he remained until I913. In
that year he became associated with his father in the
funeral directing business, which the elder man had
established in I870.  After the father's death, the
younger man assumed management of the enterprise,
which he proceeded to carry forward successfully. He
still heads the business, and there is no question of the
position of leadership that he holds in Western Pennsylvania. After the father's death, in 1914, John F.
Henderson continued the business, with his brothers,
Ralph and James A. Henderson, and W. W. Evans,
as partners. The business was incorporated in I926,
with John Fletcher Henderson as president and his
brother, Ralph Henderson, as the other executive
officer. Mr. Evans died in 1920. The company operates what is one of the most modern funeral homes in
the district, and its head officer is widely known.
Mr. Henderson has also concerned himself with
community affairs, being a charter member of the
Johnstown Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce
of this city and other clubs. He is a member of the
Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is affiliated
with Williamsport Consistory of the Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite and Jaffa Temple of the Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and he also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Patriotic Order
Sons of America, the Loyal Order of Moose and several other fraternal groups.
In I914 John Fletcher Henderson married Anne
Vinton, of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents
of the following children: I. John Fletcher Henderson,
Jr., born September I3, I916, studied at New York
University. 2. Barbara Henderson, born October 2,
I919, studied at Dana Hall.
BERNARD F. HANNA-Upon the reorganization of the banking system of Rockwood in I932, Bernard F. Hanna was summoned from retirement to
accept the presidency of the Union National Bank,
and he has continued in this position to the present
time. He was born in Addison Township, Somerset
County, Pennsylvania, April 20, I867, son of William
and Catherine (Critchfield) Hanna, both of whom are
deceased.
The Somerset branch of the Hanna family in
America, is directly descended from Alexander Hanna,
born either in Scotland or Ireland, in I737, who emigrated to this country, in I77I, with his wife Martha
and son, James Hanna, and settled in York County,
Pennsylvania. He removed with his children and
grandchildren to Somerset County, this State, in 1798,
and established a home in "the glades" in Milford
Township. James Hanna, the oldest son of Alexander
and Martha Hanna, was born in Ireland, November I,
I770, coming with his parents to America, York
County, and Somerset County, as above indicated. In
1794 he married Ann Leech, daughter of Thomas and
Phoebe Leech, of York County, and of their ten children, the oldest child was John Hanna. James Hanna
"to the manor born" died September I6, I819; his wife
Ann (Leech) Hanna lived to November 28, I857.
Bloth are interred in the New Centreville Cemetery.
John Hanna, son of James and Ann (Leech) Hanna,
was born April 26, I795, in York County, Pennsylvania. All his life he was essentially a farmer as was
his father. Like the older man he was prominent in
public life, being one of the first school directors when
the "free school system" was founded in the district;
5o3ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
a justice of the peace; county commissioner; member
of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and associate judge of
the Court of Common Pleas, Somerset County. He died
September I7, I882; his wife, the former Sarah McNeil, born October 27, I798, daughter of James and
Sarah McNeil, of the "Turkeyfoot region," whom he
married December 23, I8I9, died July 8, I875. They
lie buried in the Jersey churchyard. John Hanna was
the great-grandfather of Bernard F. Hanna, of this
record.
Bernard F. Hanna attended the township schools,
and the County Normal School, later being a student
at the Indiana State Normal School. After teaching
school for eight years, he entered the civil engineering field, but three years later entered the employ of
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. He spent an honorable career of forty-two years of faithful service
with this company, retiring in I932. Having always
taken a great interest in local affairs, he was soon
prevailed upon to assume his present duties, and lis
conduct of the bank's business has proved a verificafiot:
of the confidence placed in him.
Bernard F. Hanna is an active member of the
United Brethren Church and serves as general superintendent of the Sunday school, and president of the
board of trustees. Politically, he is a Republican, and
has served as a member of the Rockwood School Board
for eighteen years.
On October 30, I9o00, Bernard F. Hanna married
Mary B. Parks, a native of Cambria County, Pennsylvania, daughter of George and Annie S. (Coulter)
Parks, of Cambria County, who moved to Rockwood,
Somerset County, when their daughter was five years
old. George Parks was first a locomotive engineer with
the Pennsylvania Railroad, and then transferred to the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in a similar capacity.
Mrs. Hanna's grandfather, David Coulter, was Sheriff
of Cambria County.
ALBERT FREDERICK EISLER-Senior member of the firm of Eisler-Hoch Auto Company, Albert
Frederick Eisler of Butler, is one of the leading automobile dealers in Butler County, having maintained
an agency since 1912.
Albert Frederick Eisler was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, September I9, I883, son of John Martin and
Emma (Knees) Eisler, both natives of Germany. John
Martin Eisler, who was born in Goenning, Wiirttemberg, March 12, I843, and died in Butler, October I2,
I926, spent his early life in Germany learning the trade
of a florist and in serving in the German Army. After
his marriage in Germany, ihe came to Butler, where
he established himself as a florist.
John Martin and Emma (Knees) Eisler's children
were: E. William, Carl Martin, Emma B., Paul E.,
Bertha K., Mary M., Albert Frederick, of this record,
Margey L., and Walter J. Eisler.
After graduating from the grade schools and the
high school of Butler, Albert Frederick Eisler went to
work for the Bessemer Railroad as a bill clerk, following which he was engaged in the grocery business in
Butler for three years; then, was associated with his
brother, E. William Eisler, in the business of dealing
in coal lands, an activity which interested him for some
three years. In 1912 Mr. Eisler established himself as
an automobile dealer with the Chalmers agency, taking
over three other cars: the Chandler, Reo, and Franklin. Later when he entered into partnership with F. C.
Hoch, the firm of Eisler-Hoch Auto Company was
formed and the Dodge Brothers agency secured. They
have continued to conduct their business in Butler since
that time, maintaining a large show-room and garage
establishment with about thirty thousand feet of floor
space and employing fifty persons.
A non-partisan in politics, Mr. Eisler is active in
several forms of community interests, including the
Community Chest and the Chamber of Commerce. He
is a member of the Butler Lodge, No. 272, Free and
Accepted Masons and other higher bodies including
New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish
Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine of Pittsburgh; the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the Commercial Travelers' Association, the Butler Country Club, and St.
Mark's Lutheran Church.
Albert Frederick Eisler was married, November I5,
I9II, to Mabel Estelle Goucher, daughter of Henderson H. and Bertha (Koehne) Goucher, of Butler,
Pennsylvania.
The Albert Eislers reside at 555 Third Street,
Butler, Pennsylvania, in the winter and at their summer home, "Sleepy Hollow Farm," Renfrew, R. D. I,
the remainder of the year.
JAMES  ELIJAH   WALKER-For  the  past
fourteen years, James Elijah Walker has been engaged
in farming on a large scale in Brothers Valley Township. He was born in Summit Township, Somerset
County, March 9, I897, the son of Jared and Agnes
Christine (Lepley) Walker. The elder Mr. Walker,
also a native of Summit Township, was engaged in
farming in this section for many years. His wife is a
native of Elk Lick Township.
After finishing his public school education, James
Elijah Walker entered the employ of the Goodyear
Tire and Rubber Company, but shortly thereafter he
504ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
became associated with his father in the cultivation of
a one hundred and sixty-one acre farm in Summit
Township. In 1921 they purchased the present farm
of one hundred and eighty-four acres in Brothers Valley, known as the Lost Camp Farm, and they operated
it jointly until I925 when Mr. Walker purchased his
father's interests and since that date he has most successfully managed the entire farm himself. He specializes in dairying and the raising of potatoes and
about twelve hundred bushels of potatoes are produced
each year, and among his live stock is a herd of
twenty-five graded cows. For many years AMr. Walker
was connected with the Agricultural Extension Service, and at the present time he is a State committeeman
on the Agricultural Conservation Project.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is now
superintendent of the Sunday school where he has
taught since he was eighteen years of age. Politically
he supports the Democratic party, and he has been
a director of the School Board for ten years. He is
also a member of the Grange.
He was married, November II, I920, to Emma Marquardt, a native of Ohio, daughter of Herman and
Albertina (Kroeger) Marquardt. Herman Marquardt
was born in Ohio, while his wife is a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are the parents of two
children: I. Helen Emma, born June 23, 1923, now a
student in the local high school. 2. Lois Christine,
born July IO, I925, now attending the local grade
school.
DORSEY R. HOFFMAN - Although well
known as a civil engineer, and as a member of the
State Engineering Department for twelve years, Dorsey R. Hoffman has devoted most of his time the past
thirty years to farming, and at present is the owner
and cultivator of a plot of two hundred and eighteen
acres in Brothers Valley Township. He was born in
Somerset Township, December 2, I88o, the son of
Henry and Sadie (Moore) Hoffman. Henry Hoffman, who is still quite active despite his ninety-one
years, devoted his entire career to farming in this section. He is the son of Aleck Hoffman, also a Somerset County native and farmer, and a veteran of the
Civil War. Sadie (Moore) Hoffman, also a native of
Somerset County is in good health, and is approaching
her eighty-ninth birthday.
Dorsey R. Hoffman attended the local public schools,
and after completing his high school studies., he secured
a position in the Engineering Department of the State.
He continued in this work for twelve years, and has
been rather active in this field ever since, but after he
severed his connection with the State, he purchased
the two hundred and eighteen acre farm on which he
still resides, and his prime interests are now the raising of a general crop, and the caring of his fine herd of
forty-five head of cattle. He also raises poultry and
hogs, and his modern farm equipment is considered
among the best in this section.
He is a member of the Reformed Church, and has
served as a deacon, trustee and Sunday school teacher.
He is a Republican and a member of the Somerset
County Farm Bureau, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grange.
He was married, October 7,  90o8, to Nettie O.
Walker, daughter of Freeman Walker, a Brothers
Valley farmer, and Minerva (Hay) Walker. Nettie
0. (Walker) Hoffman comes from  one of the old
families of this section, has always been most active in
women's circles and in all local activities, and is the
first vice-president of the Pennsylvania Society of
Farm Women. She is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman are the parents of a daughter, born July i8, I916,
Minerva (Hoffman), a graduate of the local schools
and Lebanon College, and a member of the Daughters
of the American Revolution; married Paul Hay, son
of Walter Elbert Hay (q. v.).
WALTER  ELBERT  HAY-Devoting himself
to agriculture and business, Wralter Elbert Hay,'of
Berlin, is recognized as one of Somerset County's
leading citizens. He has participated helpfully in many
worth while enterprises, and his accomplishments have
been numerous and distinctive.
Mr. Hay was born January 22, 1887, in Brothers
Valley Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son
of Hiram P. and Ida (Walker) Hay and grandson of
Philip Hay. The grandfather founded the Farmers'
Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company, of which
Walter Elbert Hay is now a director. Hiram P. Hay,
the father, was a son of Philip and Anna (Olinger)
Hay, a grandson of Peter and Elizabeth (Walker)
Hay, and a great-grandson of Simon Hay, who came
to the New World from Germany in 1763, settling in
Eastern Pennsylvania and serving as a weaver. Hiram
P. Hay, father of Walter E. Hay, was born April 8,
1852, on the family homestead property, and attended
the public and normal schools. He worked on the
home farm until, coming of age, he taught for three
terms in the public schools. After his marriage, he
removed to the John Fritz farm, where he remained
for three years. At the end of that period, as a result
of his wife's death, he sold the property and returned
to teaching. In I884 he bought the farm on which he
made his home thereafter, giving his attention to farming and dealing in live stock and horses. The estate
505ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
consists of 370 acres of fine farming and grazing land,
abundant in fruit, principally apples, and having a
sugar camp of one thousand two hundred vessels producing from three hundred to six hundred gallons of
maple syrup yearly. The property is rich in coal deposits. Hiram P. Hay also became a director of the
Philson National Bank, of Berlin, and was interested
in the Berlin Mercantile Company and the Berlin
Improvement Company. He was for some years
president of the Union Association and the Farmers'
Fire Insurance Company of Somerset County. He was
a Democrat and a school director of his township and
a member of the Reformed Church and superintendent
of its Sunday school. He married (first), September
20, I877, Susan B. Fritz, who died in I88o, aged
twenty-eight years, leaving one son, Edwin Hay. He
married (second), May 9, I884, Ida Walker. Their
children were: I. Alberta G. Hay, born March I6,
I885, studied in the public schools and at the Woman's
College, Frederick, Maryland. 2. Walter Elbert, of
further mention. 3. Homer E., born December 4, I894.
Walter Elbert Hay attended the public schools, and,.completing his high school studies, became a student
at Cambria Business College, in Johnstown. Until he
was twenty-five years of age, he was engaged in farming activities with his father. He then bought the
home farm, on which he now lives and which he has
successfully operated since that time. He raises a general crop, though the most commercially productive
items are potatoes and live stock. Mr. Hay is probably
the largest dealer in cattle in the township, having an
average of two hundred head. He has brought keen
intelligence and sound business judgment into his
farming operations, with the result that he has found
the work profitable.
In addition to farming, he takes part in many enterprises of magnitude in Somerset County, where he is
recognized as one of the best known men. He is a
director of the Farmers' Union Mlutual Fire Insurance
Company, which was founded by his grandfather,
Philip Hay, referred to above. He also interests himself in a constructive way in general agricultural
affairs, particularly in farm improvement programs.
He has three hundred and eighty acres on the home
property, as well as a one-half interest with Edison M.
Hay in a two hundred and twenty-five acre farm some
miles away. On this farm coal has been discovered,
and there are two mines in operation on it. For many
years Mr. Hay has been a director of the Philson
National Bank, of which his father was a director
before him.
Politically Mr. Hay has held to the Democratic
rarty and its policies and principles. He is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Grange,
and the Firemen's Association. He worships in the
faith of the Reformed Church, in which he is an
elder.
On June I4, I9I1, Walter Elbert Hay married Anna
McLuckie, daughter of Robert and  Emma Ann
(Quinn) McLuckie, of Brothers Valley Township,
Somerset County. Mr. and Mrs. Hay became the
parents of two children: I. Paul, who was born March
28, I914, and was graduated from local schools and
academy; he is a farmer, and married Minerva Hoffman. 2. Dorothy, born May 9, I9I9, a graduate of the
schools of Berlin; she became the wife of Homer
Croner.
ED L. HAY-Since the turn of the century, Ed
L. Hay has been a successful farmer at Meyersdale.
His property is one of the finest in the vicinity devoted
to agricultural purposes and in its operation he has
established himself as one of the substantial citizens of
the Meyersdale district.
Mr. Hay was born on December 4, I879, a son of
Rufus and Mary (Berkeley) Hay, of Brothers Valley
Township, both now deceased. He received his education in the rural schools of Somerset County and
served a thorough apprenticeship in the occupation he
has since followed on his father's farm. He remained
at home until he was twenty-two years old, after which
he took over his present property and struck out for
himself. His farm comprises one hundred and ninetyfive acres of rich land, on which he raises a general
diversified crop, specializing in potatoes.  He also
keeps a herd of thirty-five head of cattle.
Mr. Hay is a member of the Somerset County
Potato Growers Association and other farmers' associations and is affiliated with the local Grange of the
Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Democrat in politics,
although he has never been active in public life, and is
a member of the Reformed Church of Meyersdale,
which he serves as trustee. To his neighbors and
fellow-townsmen he is known as a good citizen, interested in the public welfare and ready to support all
useful community causes.
On November 2I, I900, Mr. Hay married Molinda
Martz of Brothers Valley, daughter of Levi Martz,
who was a farmer in Northampton Township. Mr.
and Mrs. Hay have two daughters: I. Miriam, who
was graduated from local public schools and married
William L. Warner, who is engaged in the electrical
business. They have one daughter, Nancy Jane. 2.
Mable, also a graduate of local public schools, who
married Roy C. Brant, a railroad man.
5o6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
HARRY H. GLESSNER-The career of Harry
H. Glessner, of Berlin, Pennsylvania, has features
reminiscent of the pioneers from whence he sprang.
Reared on a farm, he taught school upon several
occasions, but ultimately returned to agriculture as his
vocation. His outlook upon life has always been broad
and modern, his leadership in local affairs constructive,
and his public service valuable to the community.
Mr. Glessner was born in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset County, January 26, I89o, son of Edward D. and Emma (Walker) Glessner, both natives
of Brothers Valley Township. His father is deceased.
After completing his formal education, Harry H.
Glessner became a school teacher for a time, and several times took up the work of an educator. By inheritance and choice he is a lover of the soil, and
ultimately devoted the major part of his activities to
agriculture. Since I9I3 he has operated a one hundred
and thirty acre farm, where the growing of general
crops is subordinated to the dairying with a herd of
thirty cows, and specializes in the production of potatoes on a large scale, averaging three thousand
bushels a year. Perhaps the most noteworthy recognition of his abilities and success along these lines came
in very recent years when he was appointed chief
supervisor of the Soil Conservation Project in Somerset County. He is a Democrat in his political allegiance. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His church is the
Reformed, which he served as deacon, and for nine
years, as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is
now an elder of the church and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school.
On January 27, 1912, Harry H. Glessner married
Emily McLuckie, daughter of Robert and Emma (Anguin) McLuckie, of Brothers Valley Township. Mr.
and Mrs. Glessner are the parents of two children:
I. Anna Pauline, a graduate from local schools who
took her degree of Bachelor of Arts from Ursinus
College. She is now teaching school in Washington,
District of Columbia. 2. Ray A., who graduated from
the local schools and was educated in the Franklin and
Marshall Academy and College.
MERLE R. SCHROCK-During the past
twenty-three years, Merle R. Schrock of Somerset has
served as assistant county superintendent of schools.
More than four decades in the public school system of
the county have given him an exhaustive knowledge
not only of teaching and the practical details of school
administration but of the special needs and problems of
the district over which he now has supervision. His
progressive outlook and vision are reflected in many
significant developments in the schools.
Mr. Schrock was born in Stony Creek Township,
Somerset County, on February I6, I875, son of William and Lavina (Walker) Schrock, both deceased.
William Schrock, a farmer, was the son of Michael
Schrock, whose father, Joseph, emigrated from Switzerland and was the pioneer of the family in this section.
Merle R. Schrock received his preliminary education
in the township schools and later attended the Somerset County Normal School. He studied, subsequently,
during several summers at Pennsylvania State College,
specializing in educational administration and superintendence, and continued his graduate work at California State Teachers College, where he took his
degree in 1925, and at the University of Pittsburgh,
where he completed a number of extension courses for
teachers and school administrators. Meanwhile, his
professional career was well under way. He began
teaching in a one-room school in Stony Creek Township and remained there for seventeen years. In I9IO
he was transferred to the grade schools in Shanksville, and three years later was appointed supervising
principal of the Stony Creek Township schools. In
1915 he was appointed to his present post as assistant
county superintendent of schools, serving without interruption since that time. Mr. Schrock's long years of
experience in the various phases of education have
been an invaluable aid to him in furthering the advancement of the Somerset County school system.
This ideal has always been his goal and in its
pursuit he has sponsored many progressive improvements which now feature the organization of the Somerset County schools. He was a pioneer in the development of the Consolidated School Plan in Somerset
County, beginning its study soon after he took over
his present office and effecting the first consolidation
in Stony Creek Township. The merits of the Consolidated Plan, stressed by Mr. Schrock and abundantly demonstrated in operation, have led to its wide
adoption in this section. Mr. Schrock also had a conspicuous part in the development of the music curriculum for Somerset County schools. He planned and
fathered the courses of study in vocal and instrumental
music which are now so valuable a part of school life
in all grades and labored tirelessly to make possible
the culmination of the music program in the Somerset
County School Music Festival. Hundreds of students
from all grades gathered to take part in the first
annual Music Festival, held at Somerset in I938 on
May fifth, sixth and seventh. The demonstrations of
507ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
53
career, serving in the grade school at Balsinger between 19o8 and I9I0.
Leaving college he returned to the old family homestead, located near Balsinger, and for the next four
years engaged in farming. At the expiration of this
period, in 1922, Mr. Newcomer resumed his teaching
career in the German Township High School where
he was a member of the faculty and vice-principal
until I926, when he left to become principal of the
Redstone Township High School. In I934 he returned
to German Township as supervising principal of the
schools here and three years later, on July I, 1937,
was appointed superintendent of schools, a post he has
since occupied with distinction and success.
Aside from his prominence professionally, Mr. Newcomer is also widely known in religious and agricultural circles. He is a member of the Grange and of
the Progressive Brethren faith in religion. Recently,
however, he has served as superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday school at the Grace Chapel in High
House. In politics he is a Republican.
On November 29, I916, Mr. Newcomer married
Ruth Moyer, of Chicago, Illinois, and the daughter of
Harvey and Elizabeth (Leslie) Moyer. Mr. and
Mrs. Newcomer are the parents of five children:
James Carman, Jr., Elizabeth Jean, Dorothy Eileen,
Mary Elinor and Benton Moyer.
MILTON A. BURRISS-With a wealth of experience obtained in the Pennsylvania mining fields,
Milton A. Burriss, of Brownsville, is now contributing
towards the development of mines located at Maxwell
and Bridgeport, acting in the capacity of superintendent at both locations.
Mr. Burriss was born  September 20, I886, at
Bethesda, Ohio, the son of Ross S. and Carrie
(Wright) Burriss.  Ross S. Burriss, a native of
Smithfield, Ohio, is a retired cigar manufacturer. His
wife, who was born in Indianapolis, is more than
seventy-five years of age, and both Mr. and Mrs.
Ross S. Burriss are remarkably active for persons
whose tenure of life is nearing the fourscore span of
years.
Milton A. Burriss attended the schools of Bethesda
and graduated from high school in 1903. The next two
years he studied at Ohio Wesleyan University, but
then decided to discontinue his schooling and enter
industry. His first position was with the H. C. Frick
Coke Company at Scottdale, Pennsylvania, where he
began work as a draftsman in the engineering department on October 12, 19o6. He remained here until
the latter part of 1909 when he was transferred to the
Danville, Illinois, plant of this company. He later
received an assignment as mining engineer for the
United States Fuel Company, a subsidiary of the
United States Corporation, remaining with this firm
until March 15, I915, when he reentered the employ
of the H. C. Frick Company as an inspector, with
headquarters in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The following year, as a mark of appreciation for his efficient
service, he was advanced to the position of superintendent of the Footdale Mines. In May, I9I8, he was
placed in charge of Phillips Mines, near Uniontown,
where he remained until I930 when he was transferred
to his present location.
He attends the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church
in Uniontown, and is a member of the board of deacons. Politically, he is a Republican, and interested
in all local affairs. He is a member of the Anchor
Lodge, No. 980, of the Free and Accepted Masons, of
Danville, Illinois, the Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Lodge
of Perfection, and Lodge, No. 370, of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a member
of the Brownsville Board of Trade and the Rotary
Club.
He was married to Grace Campbell, daughter of
George W. and Ida (Sparks) Campbell, of Connellsville, on March 31, 191. Mr. and Mrs. Burriss are
the parents of three children: I. Marguerite. 2. Virginia. 3. James C. Burriss.
ALBERT D. MAYER-For almost thirty years,
Albert D. Mayer has been active in the insurance
business at Point Marion. He is president of the A.
D. Mayer Agency, which he has built up to its present position from small beginnings, and is a wellknown figure in the general life of his community.
Mr. Mayer was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
on September 23, I8L6, a son of Joseph G. and Mary
Jane (Stevens) Mayer.  His father, who was born
at Jumet, Belgium, in I86o, came to the United States
in I877. He was a glass blower and was active in
that trade until his death on July 7, 1907. Mary Jane
(Stevens) Mayer, the mother, was born at Pittsburgh
in 1867 and died in June IO, 1936.
Albert D. Mayer was educated in the public schools
of Pittsburgh, Jeannette and Point Marion and at
Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh. He learned
the glass cutter's trade in his youth and followed it
from 1900 to 1909 in Point Marion plants. At the end
of this time, he turned to the insurance field, in which
he has since been active, establishing the business
which he conducted under his own name until I923 and
since that time as the A. D. Mayer Agency, Inc. Upon
the incorporation of his agency he became president.
Mr. Mayer carries on a general insurance business
which has grown to large proportions with passing
years. As a prominent figure in the life of his comANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
skill in both vocal and instrumental music there revealed and the quality of taste reflected in the performances attracted wide and deserved attention.
"The purpose of the Music Festival," wrote Guy N.
Hartman, superintendent of the Somerset County
schools, in his foreword to the program, "is threefold; first, it should bring to public attention what we
are doing in music in our public schools; second, it
should enable pupils from the various schools to observe what other schools are doing; and third, it
should create in all who participate as well as in those
who listen a more genuine love for music."
With these aims Mr. Schrock is thoroughly in sympathy, and his efforts, perhaps more than those of any
other single figure, made possible the success of the
Music Festival. "The man who deserves special recognition for carrying the burden of this festival," wrote
Mr. Hartman in the same foreword, "is Assistant
Superintendent, M. R. Schrock." Not only in the
organization of the festival, but in enlisting the aid
of such bodies as the Somerset Music Boosters Club
and arousing general public interest, he performed yeoman service.
Mr. Schrock is a Republican in politics and is affiliated fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He is a member of the Reformed Church,
in which he served as superintendent of the Sunday
school for fifteen years and has held the office of
deacon and elder. He has taken an active part in
the life of his community during the entire period of
his residence in Stony Creek Township, and his example as a citizen is valued no less than his professional attainments.
On September I2, I896, Merle R. Schrock married
Nellie Glessner, of Stony Creek Township, and they
are the parents of one daughter, Marguerite, born June
I8, I919, now a student at Indiana State Teachers
College where she is pursuing a musical course.
SILAS M. HAUGER and JAY M. HAUGERThe family of Hauger is widely and favorably known
in the vicinity of Berlin. The father, Silas M. Hauger,
and the son, Jay M. Hauger, have in particular made
a valuable contribution to the life of their times, and,
as farmers, they have earned the warm respect and
admiration of all who know them.
The elder man, Silas M. Hauger, was born May 29,
I86o, at Beachdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania,
and received his formal education in the schools of that
district. He began his farming career in association
with his father, who was also engaged in that kind of
work, continuing until he was twenty-four years old
with his parent. He then entered agricultural pursuits
on his own account, spending a year in Goodtown and
then buying his present farm, near Berlin, which he
has since operated. He has one hundred and sixty
acres of land, on which he raises a general and diversified crop. He has about thirty head of cattle, and
produces an average of about five thousand bushels of
potatoes each year.
His son, Jay M. Hauger, has been associated with
him in the conduct of this farming property, and since
I935 has devoted his full time and attention to this
work. Both father and son are Republicans in their
political views. The father has for many years been
an elder in the Reformed Church, in Berlin.
Silas M. Hauger married Rebecca Cober, daughter
of a well-known family of this district. She was, before her marriage, a resident of Brothers Valley
Township. They became the parents of the following
children: I. Luella. 2. Arlo. 3. Carson. 4. Jay M.,
of further mention.
Jay M. Hauger was born December I7, I90I, in
Brothers Valley Township, and here attended the
public schools, being graduated from high school.
Afterward he studied at the California State Teachers'
College, where he was graduated in I924. In I927 he
was graduated from Pennsylvania State College. Continuously from 1925 to 1935 he taught school, and then,
in I935, turned his entire attention to farming. He
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and is superintendent of the Sunday school of the
Reformed Church of Berlin and the youngest deacon
ever elected to the office.
Jay M. Hauger is unmarried.
JOSEPH ANTHONY RONAN, M. D.-Since
establishing his practice in Gallitzin in I93I, Dr.
Joseph Anthony Ronan has become an outstanding
physician and surgeon, and is one of the popular citizens of this progressive town. He was born in Altoona,
September 8, I905, the son of William F. and Mary
Agnes (Burke) Ronan. William F. Ronan, who spent
most of his life as an engineer in the Altoona Locomotive Yards, died in February, I937. His wife died in
June, I935.
Dr. Ronan was educated in the Altoona schools, and
St. Francis College, securing his degree of Bachelor
of Science in 1927. He then entered Georgetown University, and was graduated in I930 with his degree of
Doctor of Medicine. After a period of one year as an
interne in Mercy Hospital, Altoona, he established his
office for the private practice of medicine and surgery
at his present locality, and his efforts in behalf of his
fellow-citizens have met with marked success.
508ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He is a parishioner of St. Mary's Roman Catholic
Church, a prominent member of the Lions Club, and
well known socially throughout the community. He is
also a First Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania Reserves,
and is connected with the County and State Medical
associations. He was married, May 8, I934, to Marguerite M. Bonner of Gallitzin, and they are the parents of two children: I. Joseph Anthony, Jr., age
twenty-nine months. 2. William John Ronan, age
eight months.
DICK M. REESER, the youthful mayor of New
Kensington, Westmoreland County's largest city, was
born in New Kensington, August 2, I904. He is the
son of the late Dennis and Leone Stanton (Miller)
Reeser, who came to New Kensington from Des
Moines, Iowa, at the turn of the century with their
young daughter, Pauline. Mayor Reeser's parents
were both native Pennsylvanians; Mrs. Reeser, the
former Leone Stanton Miller, was of Newton Hamilton and Mr. Reeser was born near Shamokin. After
being engaged in the drug business, both wholesale and
retail, Dennis Reeser went with the Chamberlain
Medicine Company as manager of both the domestic
and foreign sales and traveled extensively through the
Latin American countries in the interest of this pioneer
medicine company. After ten years with the Chamberlain Medicine Company he resigned to return to
Pennsylvania to be near his aged mother and established a retail drug business in Pittsburgh. Shortly
afterward he chanced to visit a friend in the retail
drug business in a small town, with only mud streets,
which is now the bustling thriving city of New Kensington. The elder Mr. Reeser was greatly impressed
with the possibilities of this community and decided to
locate there and bought the business of his friend and
established the Reeser Drug Store, which is still operating. He immediately became one of the leading citizens of New Kensington, being very active in civic and
fraternal affairs. He was made a thirty-third degree
Mason in Boston in 1925 and was thrice elected
Exalted Ruler of New Kensington Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks No. 512. He died on November 7, 1936, and was greatly missed in the community he helped to build and in which he was held in
great affection and esteem by all who knew him.
Mayor Dick M. Reeser was educated in the public
schools of New Kensington and of the old borough of
Parnassus. He completed his preparatory work in
Morgan Park Military Academy in Chicago, where he
was commissioned second lieutenant in the Illinois
National Guard. He graduated in 1926 from the University of Pittsburgh, where he took an active interest
in campus activities, being a member of the Pitt
Weekly Newspaper staff and also a member of Sigma
Alpha Epsilon social fraternity.  Upon graduating
from college the elder Reeser and the mayor conducted
three drug stores, selling two of them in I933 but retaining the original store. The present mayor then
entered the insurance business, serving as district manager of the Reliance Life Insurance Company and also
as general insurance business agent.  He has been
active in the affairs of the Democratic party, and
after two years as local councilman, was elected mayor
of New Kensington in I937, assuming office January
I, I938. He is the first Democratic mayor ever to be
elected in this city and is the youngest man to hold this
office in the entire State of Pennsylvania. Despite the
pressure of his many duties, Mr. Reeser has always
taken an active interest in civic affairs, especially those
pertaining to the welfare of youth and the underprivileged. At present he is chairman of the local Boy
Scout Troop, and is active in all its affairs.
He is a director of the Chamber of Commerce and
a member of Tyrian Lodge No. 664, Free and Accepted
Masons, New Castle Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of
Eagles, Izaak Walton League, Minute Men and Kiwanis Club.
He was married, May I8, I933, to Emily Taylor
Irwin, of Wilkinsburg. They are the parents of a son,
Dennis Irwin Reeser.
HIRAM  WILLIAM  WALKER-Characterized
by those who know him as one of the progressive
young farmers of the thriving and fertile country
around Garrett, Hiram William Walker has made a
notable contribution to the welfare of the people of this
district.
Mr. Walker was born September 27, I904, in Summit Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son of
Frank and Minnie (Fritz) Walker. His father, also
of this township, was a farmer of note until his death
in I916. The mother came from Brothers Valley
Township, in this same county.
Until he was twelve years of age Hiram William
Walker attended the public schools, but he then had
to go to work to help support his family. His father
died at that time, and so it was that the boy's earlier
years were surrounded with difficulty. Until he was
twenty-one years old he worked for others. Then he
began operating the "Frank Walker Farm." as the
property was known, on his own account. This farm
comprises about 363 acres, and Mr. Walker has continued to operate it since that time. He produces a
general crop of fruits and vegetables, raises from
two thousand five hundred to three thousand five hun
509ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
dred bushels of potatoes per year, and has a herd of
about thirty-five head of cattle. His participation in
the dairy trade has brought him considerable attention
from other people, and his standing as one of the progressive younger farmers in this community is high.
He is a Democrat in his political views, and has
served as deacon in the Lutheran Church of Garrett.
On September I9, I924, Hiram  William  Walker
married Edna Miller, daughter of Wilson A. and Ida
(Hostetter) Miller, of Greenville Township. The
children of this marriage have been: I. Ruth Elaine,
a student. 2. Mary Jane, also in school. 3. Frank
Miller, now deceased. 4. Janet Irene.
L. ALEXANDER SCULCO--Since his admission to the bar in 1930, L. Alexander Sculco. has been
prominently identified with the legal profession in the
city of New Kensington, and in addition to his extensive private practice he is now serving as assistant
district attorney of Westmoreland County.
Mr. Sculco was born here July I9, 1903, the son of
Alexander and Maria (Mancuso) Sculco, both natives
of Platania, Italy. The elder Mr. Sculco came to the
United States in I896, and was associated with the
General Electric Company at New Kensington for
many years prior to his retirement.
L. Alexander Sculco secured his early education in
the Parnassus public schools, and was graduated from
Parnassus High School in 1922. He next enrolled at
Penn'State College, where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in I926. He then prepared for his
legal career by matriculating at Georgetown University in Washington, District of Columbia, and he was
graduated with his degree of Bachelor of Laws as a
member of the class of I929. He became a member
of the Pennsylvania bar in March, 1930, and immediately began' the practice of his profession at New
Kensington, where he has continued with great success to the present day.  He assumed his present
duties as assistant district attorney of Westmoreland
County in January, I938, and he has since that time
distinguished himself by the able manner in which he
has conducted all legal matters placed under his supervision.
Mr. Sculcol is a communicant of the Roman Catholic
Church, an active Democrat, and an affiliate of the
Knights of Columbus, and Lodge No. 512, Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks of which he is Past
Exalted Ruler. He is also a member of the Westmoreland County Bar Association.
He was married, June 24, I937, to Rose Condelli,
of New Kensington, daughter of N. and the late
Luigina (La Chimia) Condelli. Mr. and Mrs. Sculco
are the parents of a daughter, Lois Jean, born November I2, I938.
JOHN L. GIBSON-Entering the automobile
business in 1923, John L. Gibson is busily engaged in
the sale of Oldsmobile and Chevrolet cars, and his
establishment employs twenty men. He was born
March  I, 1889, at Roscoe, Pennsylvania, the son of
Samuel and Elizabeth (Lee) Gibson. Samuel Gibson,
who was born in Scotland in 1867, was a coal miner
and was treasurer of the Miners' Union in Roscoe,
Pennsylvania. He was a Republican in his political
affiliations. He died January 29, I9OI. His wife, born
in England, May 13, I869, died September 7, I936.
After his attendance at the Roscoe public schools,
John L. Gibson worked for the Eclipse Mine, near
Roscoe, for one year and then in 1902 entered the
employ of the Page Steel and Wire Company at the
Rod Mill, where he stayed until 1909, when he secured
employment with the Pittsburgh Steel Company at the
Rod Mill, and worked in various capacities until 1923,
when he entered his present business. He started as
an Oldsmobile dealer, but in 1933 added Chevrolet to
his line, and has enjoyed great success in the sale of
both models. He currently has twenty employees on
his payroll.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
a prominent Republican, and a leader in civic and fraternal organizations. He is a representative of the
Pennsylvania Automotive Association in Westmoreland County, and a member of the Pittsburgh district
of the Chevrolet Used Car Committee. He is a director of the Monessen Credit Bureau; president in
I937, and a past director of the Rotary Club; director
of the Monongahela Country Club; and a member of
the Chamber of Commerce, and the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks. Fraternally he is also associated with the Free and Accepted Masons of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh, and
he holds the thirty-second degree of Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite.
He was married at Monessen, March 30, I913, to
Mina Gallatin, a native of Dawson, Pennsylvania, and
daughter of Walter and Sarah Gallatin; the father,
now deceased, was likewise a native of Dawson. Mina
(Gallatin) Gibson was born also at Dawson. Mr. and
Mrs. Gibson are the parents of three children, all born
at Monessen: I. Jean, born February 22, I9I5. 2.
Betty, born February 8, 1I24. 3. Martha Jane, born
October 12, I927.
510ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
DR. ALAND C. DENT-Dr. Dent of Fayette
City was born here, November 14, I9IO, the son of
Thomas P. and Evelyn (Beeler) Dent. Thomas P.
Dent, who was born in I869 at Grandville, West Virginia, is an engineer for the Hillman Coal and Coke
Company at their Naomi Mine, near Fayette City;
his wife is a native of Webster, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania.
Dr. Dent received his elementary education in the
public schools of Washington Township, and later was
graduated from Monessen High School, class of I929.
He then enrolled at Penn State College for his threeyear pre-medical course, and afterwards studied at
Temple University, securing his degree of Doctor of
Medicine in I936. His period of interneship was spent
at the Allegheny General Hospital, and then he established his present office in Favette City. In addition
to his private practice, he also serves as company physician for the Hillman Coal and Coke Company at the
Naomi Mine.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an
independent in his political allegiance. He holds membership in the County and State Medical societies and
the American Medical Association as well as in the
Babcock Surgical Society in Philadelphia.  He is
affiliated with the Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity at
Penn State College, and the Alpha Kappa Kappa
Fraternity at Temple University. He was married,
August I5, I932, to Agnes Kelley, of Snow Shoe,
Center County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Logan
M. and Alice (Murray) Kelley.
THE "REPUBLICAN STANDARD"-The
history.of the "Republican Standard," which Elmer E.
Helman owned and published for nearly thirty-four
years, during which time he developed it into one of
the largest and most influential weeklies in V\estmoreland County, spans seventy years. It dates back to
July, I869, when its founder, B. M. McWilliams, then
a lad of ten published the first issue, a three column,
four-page monthly, under the name of the "Irwin
Times." The enterprising young editor wrote, composed, printed and delivered the paper on horseback
to subscribers who paid fifty cents a year. For a
period publication was suspended, but in I873, Mr.
McWilliams renewed his efforts, producing a larger
and more interesting chronicle which came to be known
as the "Irwin Spray."
Seven years later W. H. Johnson purchased Mr.
McWilliams' equipment and launched the "Irwin
Chronicle," a four-page, six-column weekly, which he
in turn sold to J. W. and J. C. Loughead, who changed
the name to the "Westmoreland Standard." A short
time later John C. Loughead became sole owner and
the paper became the "Irwin Standard," being published under that style for twenty years. His successors were C. A. Thompson and W. H. Morrow,
the former the owner and the latter, the editor. This
combine operated the paper from January I, I888, to
about I9oo, though there were several changes in
ownership during that period. The "Irwin Republican" had made its appearance in this section in IS9I.
The latter publication was owned by a stbck company
headed by George W. Flowers, with George Miller as
editor. Mr. Flowers purchased the "Standard" in
9goI, and during that year the two papers were consolidated under the name of the "Republican Standard."
A year later, in 1902, the "Republican Standard"
was acquired by Elmer E. Helman, and his brother,
S. Grant Helman who continued as managing editor
until I906, when ill-health compelled him to retire.
After this J. Fred Jones, of McKeesport, became a
partner in the venture and s'o, continued, carrying on
the duties of editor, until 1912, when he sold out his
interest to Elmer E. Helman, who up to the time of
his death on October 22, I936, was sole owner of
the publication. Mr. Helman added to his holdings
and increased the prestige of the paper when he purchased the "Westmoreland Journal" of Jeannette, from
A. F. Landis in I9I3. The following year he merged
this property with the "Republican Standard." Under
his expert guidance this publication grew to become
one of the outstanding of its type in southwestern
Pennsylvania, and enjoys a circulation of three thousand, which in itself is ample evidence of its popularity. After the death of Elmer E. Helman, his two
sons, Frank W. and William A., became owners of
the paper, the former as manager of the printing
department, and the latter as business manager and
editor. Both were associated with their father in the
business for twenty-five years, and are continuing the
progressive policies of their father.
To fully appreciate the success Mr. Helman had
experienced one has but to review his background.
He was born in Larimer, Pennsylvania, April Io, I86I,
the son of Peter and Hannah (Lauffer) Helman, both
members of old and distinguished Pennsylvania families. On his paternal side he was the great-grandson
of Michael Helman, a Revolutionary soldier, who came
from York County to East McKeesport, Allegheny
County, before 1786, and settled on a patent of land
which now forms the site of Grandview Cemetery.
He was living here when the historic Whiskey Rebellion broke out in I794, and after the insurrection was
put down the army made its first halt on its return
5IIANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
voyage at his farm. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, among them Daniel, who was
born in 1786, settled in Larimer, North Huntingdon
Township, Westmoreland County, in I836, and was
married to Catherine Ludwick in I807. They were
the parents of twelve children, the lineage being carried through their son, Peter, father of Mr. Helman.
Peter Helman, who was born in 1822, and died in
i88o, was a merchant and miller. During the'fifties
he operated general stores at Harrison City and Larimer, and later purchased the gristmill at Irwin, in
partnership with Daniel Beck. In I868 he sold his
interest in this enterprise and removed to Larimer,
where he purchased a flour mill which he operated
successfully for the remainder of his life. He was
one of the most outstanding citizens of his community
and for a number of years served as justice of the
peace at Larimer, and was one of the first councilmen of Irwin.
Elmer E. Helman received the early part of his
general education in the public schools of Larimer and
later completed this part of his studies in the private
schools of North Huntingdon Township.  Tte attended
Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh, from which he
was graduated in I882, and then returned to Larimer
to take over the management of his father's flour mill,
which he operated successfully until i888, when he sold
out and went to Irvona, Clearfield County, to erect a
foundry and machine shop. He conducted this business with measurable success and was destined to enjoy
a comfortable and increasingly larger return on his
investment but, his attention had turned to, the field of
publishing. It was at this time, in 1902, that he purchased, with his brother, the "Republican Standard."
Five years later he removed to Irwin, where he resided up to the time of his demise.
On September 30, I885, Elmer E. Helman married
Eva May Painter, who passed away February 3, I925.
She was the daughter of Thomas W. and Evaline
(Painter) Painter, of North Huntingdon Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Helman were the parents of six children: I. Mervyn P., born March 25, 1887, married
Ruth Kennedy, daughter of the late Thomas Kennedy
of State College, Pennsylvania, a prominent contractor.
They are the parents of six children: i. Mervyn P.,
Jr. ii. Evaline Elizabeth, deceased. iii. Ruth Marguerite. iv. John Painter. v. Fred Kennedy. vi. Richard Elmer. Mr. Helman, a graduate of Pennsylvania
State College, is employed as a mechanical engineer
at Fairmont, West Virginia. 2. Thomas L., born January 25, I89o, married Hazel Johnson, daughter of
G. L. Johnson of Irwin. They have one daughter,
Eleanor Girard, and reside in Irwin, Pennsylvania. 3.
Frank W., born July 5, I893, manager of the printing department of the Republican Printing Company
and prominent in Masonic circles. He married Esther
Gootee, and they have two sons: i. Frank Gootee. ii.
David Alexander. 4. Elmer G., born June I5, 1895,
died August 20, I930. He was a veteran of the World
War. He married Carrie Meerhoff, daughter of C.
W. Meerhoff, and they became the parents of two
daughters: Jeanne Yvonne and Sandra Joan, who, with
their mother reside in Irwin. 5. William A., born November I8, I897; married Emma Lauffer, daughter of
Dr. William M. Lauffer of North Irwin, and they have
three children: i. Emma Jean. ii. James Alvin. iii.
Sue Lauffer. Mr. Helman is business manager and
editor of the "Republican Standard" and "Westmoreland Journal"; a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, prominent in civic affairs and a World XWrar
veteran. 6. Evaline P., born March 9, I902, a graduate
of Margaret Morrison School of Carnegie Institute of
Technology; taught in Norwin High School, Irwin,
and St. Petersburg, Florida. She married, June 7,
1938, Charles Ewig Tefft, son of the late Levant C.
Tefft, prominent Sewickly Township farmer; he is a
graduate of Allegheny College, cum summi,ia laude. They
reside in Donora, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Tefft is a
member of the Senior High School faculty.
DR. JACOB MARCHAND SNYDER, a practicing physician and surgeon in New Kensington for
the past twenty-six years, and a leading figure in local
civic affairs, was born at Manor Dale, Westmoreland
County, December 26, I886, the son of Rev. Jacob F.
and Anna Mary (Kline) Snyder, both deceased. Rev.
Mr. Snyder, was born March 24, 1835 at White
Valley, Pennsylvania, and for many years was a minister in the Reformed Church. He died April I, 1935.
Anna Mary (Kline) Snyder born at Delmont in I848,
died December 6, I9I5.
Dr. Snyder received his elementary education in the
public schools of Franklin Township, and then entered
Laird Institute at Murrysville, where he was a member of the class of I9OI. During the next year he
studied at Greensburg Seminary, and then he matriculated at Franklin and Marshall College, where he was
graduated in I907 with the degree of Bachelor of
Arts. He next enrolled at Jefferson Medical College,
and he received his degree of Doctor of MIedicine as a
member of the class of I9II. After an interneship of
one year at the West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, he
came to New Kensington, where he established offices
for the general practice of medicine. Three years later
he began specializing in surgery, and since that time
has earned an enviable reputation in that field. At the
512ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
5I3
present time he is a member of the surgical staff of
the Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington.
During the World War he served with the 78th Division, 3IIth Field Hospital, 303d Sanitary Train, and
he was in active service overseas for thirteen months.
He received his honorable discharge with rank of
major June 12, I9I9.
Dr. Snyder is a member of the Reformed Church,
a supporter of the Republican party, and a member of
the Kiwanis Club. He is also affiliated with the Westmoreland County and Pennsylvania State Medical
societies and the American Medical Association, and in
addition he holds membership in New Kensington
Post No. 347, American Legion, 78th Division Veterans Association and the Veterans of Foreign V\rars.
He was married, July 26, I937, to Anna Dowds,
of Pitcairn, daughter of B. S. and Winifred Belle
(Marks) Dowds.
EDWARD  N. WALKER-Carrying on a general farming business in the upper part of Summit
Township, Somerset County, Edward N. Walker is
widely known in this, his native district of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Walker was born June 25, I885, in Summit
Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son of
Wilson E. and Clara (Hay) Walker. His father, also
of this township, was for years an active farmer and a
successful one, so continuing until his death. The
mother, born in Brothers Valley Township in I86I,
still makes her home in this part of Pennsylvania.
The common schools of his native district provided
Edward N. Walker's early education. Until he was
thirty-four years old he was engaged in farming operations in association with his parents, operating the
home farm until eventually ill health compelled him
to leave most of the active duties concerning it in the
hands of his son. He was himself at the head of his
farming operations until I936, operating two hundred
and forty acres of land and producing a general crop,
including about three thousand bushels of potatoes per
year. He has about forty head of cattle, and his farm
is one of the finest in his part of Summit Township.
Along with his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Walker
has participated actively in the political, civic and
social life of his community and district. A staunch
Democrat, he has served as one of Summit Township's
school directors. He is a member of St. Pauil's Lutheran Church, of Meyersdale.
On September 7, I9IO, Edward N. Walker married
Sadie Suder, of Brothers Valley Township, Somerset
County, Pennsylvania, daughter of Edward and Emma
(Glessner) Suder. Her father, of Brothers Valley
Township, is now deceased. Her mother came from
Stony Creek Township. She was born in 1855. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Walker were: I. Glenn
Suder Walker, born June 19, I911, graduated from
Gettysburg College, married Mary Hartley; they have
three children: Glenn Hartley Walker, and twins
named Donald Philip and David Edward Walker. 2.
Bernice May Walker, born May 23, 1915, graduated
from local schools and from Illman Training School
in Philadelphia, now actively engaged in teaching. 3.
Edward Wilson Walker, born November io, 1916,
graduated from Meyersdale High School, spent one
year at the University of West Virginia, now active on
his father's farm.
ANDREW G. SMITH-For many years a practitioner of law in Pittsburgh, Andrew G. Smith has
earned the respect and admiration of his fellow-citizens
in all walks and departments of life. Education and
civic affairs have deeply interested him, and his contribution to the life of his city has been a significant
one.
Mr. Smith was born in Scott Township, Allegheny
County, Pennsylvania, son of John Scott and Sarah
(Gilfillan) Smith and member of an old and honorable
family. His father, born in 1839 in Scott Township,
Allegheny County, was for years a successful farmer
and nurseryman until his death in 1903. The mother,
born in Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County,
came of an old Revolutionary family. She was born
in 1842 and died in 1926.
Born April 4, i868, Andrew G. Smith spent his early
life on the farm where the family has lived since I822.
He attended a rural school in Scott Township, in his
native county of Allegheny, and afterward became a
student in Pittsburgh Academy and at Jefferson Academy, in Canonsburg. He read law with the distinguished Thomas M. Marshall, Sr., and in September,
I893, was admitted to the bar of this Commonwealth.
Since that time he has carried on his practice of law
in Pittsburgh, continuing this work down to the time
of writing. For two years, before he undertook his
professional practice, he was a teacher in one-room
rural schools, and for a year he also served as principal of a public school in Jacksonville, Florida.
Since practicing law, he has served on the School
Board at Mount Lebanon. There he was president of
the first school board organized in the then new township. He was also a member for one term of the
City School Board in Pittsburgh, representing the old
Thirty-second Ward. School litigation has figured
prominently in his legal work, as has also school legislation. He likewise served as counsel to the contestantsANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
against the school code of I9II with relation to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Although Mr. Smith lives in Mt. Lebanon, which is
Pittsburgh's most active suburb, yet his home is on the
farm of his father and grandfather. He retains enough
acreage to continue his diversion in fruit culture and
ornamental shrubbery. He inherited the nursery technique of budding and grafting and has well proven its
practicability to the suburbanite in placing several varieties of fruit on the same tree; also different colors
of flowers of ornamental shrubs on the same bushincluding the Althea and the ornamental English and
Irish hawthorns, of which Mr. Smith has probably the
only extensive collection in the State. His home is
much visited by his British friends to see the "May"
in bloom.
Politically Mr. Smith is a staunch Democrat. He
has served as State examiner in public utility cases in
Western Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Historical Society
of Western Pennsylvania, and St. Clair Chapter of
the Sons of the American Revolution. IHe has made
a deep study of old school books and older methods of
education and how they served their times, and he has
a fine collection of books and records relating to the
earlier days of education.
In I9oI Andrew G. Smith married Anna Struss, of
the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, daughter
of Richard Struss. Four children were reared: I.
Dorothea Smith, who is now Mrs. Dorothea (Smith)
Van Duyl. 2. Emerson S. Smith. 3. Florence Smith.
4. Richard A. Smith. The Smiths have four grandchildren at the time of writing (I938).
JOHN LIVENGOOD BARCHUS-Long active in Pennsylvania affairs, John Livengood Barchus
has contributed in a substantial way to the business
life of this Commonwealth, figuring prominently in
the economic activities of the community of Salisbury. Numerous commercial and financial enterprises
have found in him a sound leader, and his influence has
been a consistently constructive one.
Mr. Barchus was born October Io, I865, in Fayette
County, Pennsylvania, son of Daniel and Barbara
(Livengood)  Barchus.  His father, a well-known
farmer, was a son of John and Elizabeth (Porter)
Barchus. John Barchus was also a farmer, born in
Maryland in I790. His family migrated to Ohio before I8oo but he returned to Maryland, in Allegany
County, in young manhood, and took up both mining
and farming. His teams, driven by his sons, Otho
Gwinn and Daniel Barchus, were used in teaming on
the National Pike. In Allegany County, Maryland. he
met Elizabeth Porter, who was of Scottish ancestry,
and married her on September I2, I8II. He died in
i868 and she, in I867. They were the parents of the
following children: I. Otho Gwinn Barchus, born in
I8I2, a wagoner and mail coach driver, who died in
I883. 2. Daniel, of further mention.
Daniel Barchus, father of John Livengood Barchus,
was born December 27, I8i8, in Allegany County,
NMaryland, and died in August, I900. He attended the
common schools, and in I838 began teaming on the
"pike" with his brother, Otho Gwinn Barchus. At
the time when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was
being built into Cumberland, Maryland, the first goods
to arrive included a consignment of freight for Wheeling, this shipment weighing six thousand pounds. AMr.
Barchus contracted to deliver it in six days and accomplished the feat, thereby winning great praise and
afterward being honored by public rejoicing and celebration. Later, Daniel Barchus took up coal mining in
the vicinity of Frostburg, then bought a farm in
Allegany County, Maryland. Later, he removed to a
farm in Somerset County, then to one in Fayette
County, Pennsylvania.  At one time he also ran a
hotel in Salisbury, Pennsylvania; the Valley House.
He was a Republican and a life member of the German Baptist Brethren Church. He married (first), in
I852, Harriet Poland, a Virginian, who died June 27,
I855, aged nineteen years, daughter of Moses Poland.
One child was born to this marriage: I. Annie Elizabeth Barchus, on January 9, I855. She became the
wife of Henry Loechel, who was later made proprietor
of the Valley House, in Salisbury, Pennsylvania. On
January I5, I857, Daniel Barchus married (second)
Barbara Livengood, daughter of David Livengood, of
Salisbury, and a direct descendant of Peter Livengood, a Swiss emigrant, who founded the family in
America. To this marriage two sons were born: I.
David L., who died in I864, aged five years. 2. John
Livengood, of further mention. Mrs. Barchus died
September I2, I884.
John Livengood Barchus was about five years old
when his parents removed to Salisbury from Fayette
County, where he was born. He attended the Salisbury schools until the family took up their residence
in Hagerstown, Maryland, where he studied at a local
academy. For a time he was a clerk in a Salisbury
business establishment. To perfect himself in business
methods, he entered a commercial college in Baltimore,
Maryland, taking a special course. Then, completing
it, he went to Kansas, where he was a clerk for a
friend in a store. On his return, in I889, he opened a
clothing and furnishing store in Salisbury. This
enterprise became, in I895, the firm of Barchus and
514ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
munity he has also been active in civic affairs and
since I930 has held the office of justice of the peace.
He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Point
Marion Rotary Club and is active fraternally in
Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and in the Free and Accepted
Masons. In this latter order he is affiliated with Valley Lodge, No. 459; the Scottish Rite bodies of the
Lodge of Perfection at Uniontown; and Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in
Pittsburgh. He is also director of Syria Caravan, No.
9. Mr. Mayer is a member of the Christian Church.
He married, on November 28, I9o8, Carrie B. Henkel, of Howard City, Michigan, daughter of Henry
and Barbara (Bruner) Henkel. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer
have two children: Barbara Jane, born September 6,
I918; and Albert D., Jr., born April 28, 1922.
AMNA  B. GAULT-Starting his career as a
clerk in one of the smaller stores conducted throughout this mining district by the Union Supply Company, Amna B. Gault has risen to the managership of
the business conducted at Leckrone, where he has
been stationed for the past twenty-nine years.
Mr. Gault was born January Io, I874, in lower
Tyrone Township, Fayette County, the son of William
F. and Ellen (Hutchinson) Gault. The Gault family
is one of the older families of this section, having first
settled here before the end of the eighteenth century.
William F. Gault, a farmer, was an active Republican,
holding many local offices. He saw service in the
Civil War, having participated as a member of Company I, Ioth Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers.
His wife, also a native of this district died in I912.
Amna B. Gault was a student in the township public schools, and later attended Jefferson College, after
which he assisted his father in the operation of his
farm, until I894. He then entered upon his career with
the Union Supply Company, and has been a valued employee of this company for the past forty-three years.
His first assignment was as clerk in the store at Sterling Mine No. 2, where he remained for six months and
then he was transferred, first to Bradford and later to
Morgan, as chief clerk. During his stay at the Morgan
store, he was promoted to manager of this and the
Summit store, and remained at this post until I9o8,
when he was appointed manager of the Leckrone store.
His complete knowledge of the business gained in his
long period of service has been an invaluable asset to
his employer's business.
He is active in religious, fraternal and civic affairs,
being a member of the Board of Elders of the Masontown Presbyterian Church, and a school director of
German Township, where he is now serving his second
term. He is affiliated with Valley Lodge No. 459,
Free and Accepted Masons of Masontown, and the
Iodge of Perfection of Uniontown.
He married Nellie G. Porter, daughter of J. D. and
Elizabeth (Owen) Porter, November I2, I899.  Mr.
and Mrs. Gault are the parents of two children: I.
Jesse, wife of I. W. Rider of Uniontown, who are
parents of two children: i. Marie Louise. ii. Virginia
Ann Rider. 2. James A. Gault, a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, and at present a teacher
in German Township High School, married to Marie
Sapper, and the parents of one child, Nan Arline
Gault.
CLARENCE FRANKLIN SMITH-A wellknown and important figure in the coal industry of
Star Junction is Clarence Franklin Smith, who is
superintendent of the Colonial Mine No. Four at
Grindstone, and the Washington Run Mine at Star
junction.
Mr. Smith was born September 20, I894, in Dunbar
Township, Fayette County, the son of William W.
and Ida (Bitner) Smith. The elder Smith, a native of
Smithfield, was employed by the Frick Coke Company
as superintendent of live stock for a period of thirtyfive years. The community of Smithfield received its
name from this branch of the Smith family which was
of Scotch descent.
Clarence Franklin Smith attended the Connellsville
public schools, Bellefonte Academy, and in I912 enrolled at the University of Michigan for one year,
and then transferred to Lafayette College.  Leaving
college, he entered the employ of the Echard Coal and
Coke Company of Star Junction. He remained here
as superintendent for one year, and then entered the
service of his country during the World War. He
was commissioned a lieutenant in the balloon division of
the United States Army, and served as an instructor,
being discharged December 29, I918, after a period
of fourteen months service. Returning to Pennsylvania, he became a member of the clerical force of
the H. C. Frick Coke Company at their Trotter office,
and later was transferred to other branch offices of
this company, serving in various capacities. In I923
he was appointed superintendent of the Juanita Mines
and afterwards was in charge of operation in other
localities until he took over his present duties in August, I930.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church
of UJniontown, and in politics, a supporter of the Republican party. He is also a member of the Uniontown Country Club. He was married on November 17,
54ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Livengood, being so named when A. E. Livengood was
admitted as a member. Subsequently they admitted
a third partner, Roscoe Wefley, changing the name
to Barchus and Livengood Company, the form that
was permanently retained thereafter.
In I889, in addition to his other activities, Mr.
Barchus opened a private bank in Salisbury-the
Valley Bank. He operated it as such until I902, when
he converted it into the First National Bank of Salisbury, of which he became the first president. He still
carries on his work as president of this banking institution, which has been wisely and conservatively conducted and enjoys the confidence of the banking
public. The deposits are unusually large for a town
the size of Salisbury. Mr. Barchus has also interested
himself in still other business enterprises, being a director of the Twentieth Century Manufacturing Company. The Pennsylvania and Maryland Street Railway Company built and operated an electric line from
Salisbury to Garrett, later consolidating with another
company with a view to extending the line through
Somerset County to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and
south to Frostburg and Cumberland, Maryland. He
was secretary-treasurer of the Pennsylvania and,
Maryland Street Railway Company until it was sold.
He has also served as a director of the Improved
Traction Engine Company and the Livengood Coal
and Coke Company (of West Virginia); the Citizens'
Light, Heat and Power Company, of Salisbury; and
secretary and treasurer of the Salisbury Coal and
Lumber Company of West Virginia.
Indeed, Mr. Barchus interested himself in every
project of importance to Salisbury and this region of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He was a staunch
Republican at an early period in his career, and he
continues today in this same political faith. For six
years he served as president of the Borough Council,
and for four years as school director. Fraternally,
Mr. Barchus is a member of the Blue Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, of Meyersdale, the Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, of Harrisburg, and Jaffa
Temple, Altoona, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He is a consistent member of the
Brethren Church, of Salisbury, in whose affairs he has
long been active.
John Livengood Barchus married, on October Io,
I899, Mary Edna McClure, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, who was born August 2I, I878, daughter of
Captain Quincy Adams McClure, of McKeesport,
Pennsylvania, who was a river boat captain anad was
recognized as one of the foremost rifle shots in the
world, and widely known throughout the United
States.
Mrs. Barchus traces her ancestral line of descent
from John McClure, born in Scotland, about I696, and
came to America in I7I5. He married, five years
later, Janet McKnight, born in Ulster, Ireland, in
17o2 and died in Pennsylvania, January 30, I780. Second of their eight children was John McClure, born
about 1723, and who came with his parents, about
I732, to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he
married Martha Denny. Of their seven children was
William McClure, oldest son, born at Willow Grove
Farm, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in I750. He married
there, in 1775, Mary McAllister, daughter of Daniel
and Elizabeth  (McDowell) McAllister.  Of their
twelve children, the eighth was Samuel McClure, born
August 6, I792, who married Mary Haines, and they
were the parents of six children, including Captain
Quincy Adams McClure, born February 24, I843, who
died December 19, I907. He married, on December
31, I873, Ellen Bradbury, born September I9, I857,
who died October 5, I909. She was the daughter of
VWilliam Elliot and Mary (Thomas) Bradbury, of
West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. Second born of their
six children was Mary Edna (McClure) Barchus.
Mrs. Barchus received her early education in the McKeesport schools and at Bucknell University, in Lewis.
burg, Pennsylvania. She is a Baptist. The following
children were born to John Livengood and Mary Edna
(McClure) Barchus: I. John McClure, on April Io.
I902, a graduate of the Staunton Military Academy
and the University of Pennsylvania, now associated
with the Hookless Fastener Company, in Boston, Massachusetts, and a resident of Winchester, Massachusetts; he married Malvina Caruthers Porter, of Mount
Savage, Maryland, and they became the parents of two
children: i. Mary Christine. ii. John Porter Barchus.
2. Dorothy, a graduate of the high school at Salisbury
and attended the Women's College of Maryland; she
also graduated from Miss Barrington's school in Harrisburg. 3. Daniel Quincy, graduated from Salisbury
schools and Pennsylvania State College, now a resident
of Melrose, Massachusetts; he married Mary Ellen
Knight, of Melrose, Massachusetts. 4. Eleanor, (lied
in infancy.
RALPH  ANDREW  POORBAUGH-As a
lumber manufacturer, farmer and landowner, Ralph
Andrew Poorbaugh occupies a position of leadership
and standing in Somerset County, carrying on his
many-sided activities from his home in Stony Creek
Township, near Buckstown.
Mr. Poorbaugh was born February 6, I889, in.Northampton Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son of Harvey McClellan and Anna Margaretta
515ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
(Scheller) Poorbaugh. His father, who is now deceased, was a resident of Glencoe, Northampton Township, Somerset County, for a number of years. He
was engaged in lumbering, farming operations, and
developed the largest apple orchard in Somerset
County. The mother came from Allegheny Township, and was a daughter of John W. and Mary (Miller) Scheller. John W. Scheller was a farmer and
lumberman in Allegheny Township.
In the public schools Ralph Andrew Poorbaugh
received his formal education. He then turned his
efforts to teaching, serving for one term in a school
in Southampton Township and for three terms in his
home township, Northampton. He afterwvard associated himself with his father in the lumber business,
becoming a manufacturer. After eight years he bought
out his father's holdings in the business, thereupon
assuming charge of the firm's activities and acquiring
a position of importance in the lumber industry of
this region of Pennsylvania. Sometimes Mr. Poorbaugh has operated as many as three sawmills at the
same time, and he has one in operation at the time
of writing. He produces in this mill an average of
about I,000,000 feet of lumber per year. He also owns
several farms in this district, renting these properties
to tenants. Aside from his extensive timberlands,
these farms include about seven hundred and fifty acres
of land in all. Mr. Poorbaugh has always been a
power on the side of educational growth and advancement in his community, and his service has, therefore,
been an all-around one.
A staunch Republican in his political alignment, he
has served on the school board of his community since
I924, being president of the school board since I928.
He has acted as president of the Somerset County
School Directors Association and otherwise has taken
a lively part in public affairs. While he was a member of the school board, he was largely responsible
for creation of the first consolidated school system in
Somerset County, this system being established in his
township (Stony Creek Township) in the year I929.
It has, moreover, been used as a model by other school
boards throughout Pennsylvania. Mr. Poorbaugh has
led in a number of civic movements, and he is now
chairman of the board of the Somerset County Tubercular Society, having been a director for a number of
years. He has been active in Boy Scout work, serving as chairman of Stony Creek Council and on the
Somerset County Executive Committee. He is one
of the best-liked men in the district, and his influence
has been widely and beneficially felt.
Along with his other attainments, Mr. Poorbaugh
distinguished himself in serving on the Pennsylvania
State Committee appointed by Dr. James N. Rule,
Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction of Pennsylvania, to reorganize the school system
of the State. He was instrumental in producing many
reforms in that connection, and was a member of the
committee that wrote a new school code. He has been
active to an unusual degree in the organization of the
Stony Creek Valley Community Association, and is
now chairman of the Religious Committee. Fraternally, Mr. Poorbaugh is affiliated with the Free and
Accepted Masons, a member of Hyndman Lodge, Williamsport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
and Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He likewise holds memberships in the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and is a director of the Somerset
Rotary Club, having served as its vice-president in
I937. He also is a member of the Grange, Patrons
of Husbandry, and one of its past masters. He is
a member of the Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the
American Revolution, through descent from Phillip
Wagerman, who served in the 3d Class of Captain
Samuel Rogers' Company of the 8th Battalion, Cumberland County Militia (Pennsylvania) in I779. Mr.
Poorbaugh's line from Phillip Wagerman, who was a
son of John Phillip Wagerman (born in 1713) and a
descendant of Ullerick Wagerman (born in I620) is
as follows: Phillip Wagerman (I744-I809); John
Wagerman (I789-I848), and Christina Gellar Wagerman (I789-I849) his wife; Jacob Poorbaugh (I823IgIo), and Harriett Wagerman (I827-92), his wife;
to Harvey McClellan Poorbaugh (I863-I926), his
father.
In the Reformed Church Mr. Poorbaugh has been
an elder since 1922, and for years has taught in the
young people's Sunday school class. Although leading a busy life Mr. Poorbaugh has made time for
recreation, especially travel. During the past four
years he has toured the United States, Canada, Alaska
and the West Indies.
Ralph Andrew Poorbaugh married, on January 3,
1917, in Corriganville, Maryland, Edna Leora Witt,
of Wellersburg, who died on September 22, I935,
daughter of George Washington and Alice (Moser)
Witt, members of old Colonial families. Four children were born to this marriage: I. Thelma, who is
now a junior at Hood College, Frederick, Maryland.
2. Arthur, a senior at Stony Creek High School. 3.
Karl, at Stony Creek graded schools. 4. Marlene, in
the graded schools of Stony Creek.
EDWARD TUDOR EDWARDS-For many
years recognized as one of Latrobe's leading business
men, Edward Tudor Edwards has performed a par5i6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ticularly valuable work as vice-president and general
manager of the Latrobe Electric Steel Company.
Mr. Edwards was born June 28, I877, at Darfield,
Staffordshire, England, son of Edward and Sarah
(Tudor) Edwards. His parents left, in I88o, their
home community of Darfield and came to America to
live. Edward Tudor Edwards was the older of their
two children, the other being NMildred Edwards, who
later became a teacher in the public schools at Duquesne, Pennsylvania. The father was employed as a
steel worker in Duquesne until his retirement.
Two years old when he arrived in the New World,
Edward  Tudor  Edwards  attended  the  Dtquesne
schools until he reached the age of thirteen years. Ite
then found employment in the great steel mills of the
region, carrying on that work while attending night
school classes in McKeesport and so preparing himself for college. Eventually he was able to enter the
University of Pittsburgh, there taking a course inl
mechanical engineering and being graduated with the
class of I903. The technical training that he gained
there opened up to him a much larger field of endeavor
than that of a steel mill worker, and so it was that,
soon after completing his formal studies, he became
a draftsman with the United States Steel Company, at
Clairton, Pennsylvania. For about twelve months he
remained with the Clairton organization. Then he
entered the employ of the Firth-Sterling Steel Company, in McKeesport. His abilities won him quick
promotion until he was advanced to control of the
melting department.
His labors in that connection caused him to be
known far beyond the borders of the company organization and gave him real prestige and standing in the
industry as a whole. Soon he came to be looked upon
as one of the best informed and most progressive of
the younger generation of mechanical engineers in this
region of Pennsylvania. In I9IO, coming to Latrobe,
he became one of the founders and active organizers of
the Vanadium Alloys Steel Company. When that
important business was finally organized, he became its
first president and manager, and the firm grew and
flourished as a result of his efforts in its behalf. He
was chiefly instrumental in the building up of its large
and constantly growing volume of business, and helped
it become one of the foremost industries of Westmoreland County.
Five years later, in I915, Mr. Edwards was once
more active in the formation of an important business,
the Latrobe Electric Steel Company, which, indeed,
owed its origin and existence to his genius for organization. He was made its vice-president and manager,
and was chiefly responsible for directing its production
of the highest grades of steel for special purposes. Its
market grew with the years and it became notably
prosperous.
Extending his activities beyond the scope of the
business world, Mr. Edwards interests himself in all
phases of Latrobe and Westmoreland County life. A
staunch Republican, he became a member of the
Americus Republican Club of Pittsburgh. He is active
in fraternal circles, being particularly prominent in the
Free and Accepted Masons. In the Masonic Order he
is affiliated with the lodge at McKeesport, as well as
with the Royal Arch Chapter, at Latrobe, the Commandery of Knights Templar at McKeesport, and
Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine in Pittsburgh. Sports and healthful
outdoor recreations have taken up a great deal of Mr.
Edwards' time, and he has not only encouraged others
in athletics but has distinguished himself as an allround athlete. He belongs to the Latrobe Country
Club, the Duquesne Club, and Pittsburgh Athletic
Club of Pittsburgh; the Engineers' Club of New York,
and was formerly an active member of the Engineers'
Society of Western Pennsylvania. At all times he has
sought to avoid becoming preoccupied with business
cares and has kept in touch with the activities and
problems of his times. His warm humanity has been
one of his outstandingly discernible characteristics.
On August 26, I9o8, Edward Tudor Edwards married
(first) Dora Belle Bailey, of Irvona, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Thomas W. and Mary (McNeal) Bailey.
Her father was a successful farmer and lumberman
in the vicinity of Irvona. Born in Maine, he came to
Pennsylvania in young manhood after learning the
details of the lumber trade in his native State. He
applied his knowledge to conditions in his adopted
community and became prominent in business, social,
religious and charitable affairs in Irvona. His daughter, Mrs. Edwards, continued these interests, and she
and her husband belonged to the Presbyterian Church
and were liberal contributors to charitable projects in
their home district. Mrs. Edwards was a graduate of
Northfield Seminary, Northfield, Massachusetts. Mr.
and Mrs. Edwards became the parents of two children:
I. Marion Elizabeth Edwards, born July 2I, I909. 2.
Dorothy Louise Edwards, born September 30, I9I0.
Mrs. Edwards' death occurred in March, I919. Mr.
Edwards was again married, in April, 1921, to Eleanor
Culbertson Sterling, daughter of James M. and Catherine (McConnell) Sterling of Latrobe. There are
three children by this marriage, namely: I. Eleanor
Jane Edwards, born in 1922. 2. Kathryn Ann Edwards, born in 1924. 3. Edward Tudor Edwards, Jr.,
born in December, I931.
517ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
THOMAS POMEROY HERRON-In many
ways Thomas Pomeroy Herron has served the community of Irwin, where he is now engaged in civil
engineering and in a variety of civic work. He was
formerly active in banking circles for some years, but
gave up financial activity in favor of his original profession-engineering.
Mr. Herron was born June I2, I86i, in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, son of Samuel D. and Mary Jane
(Pomeroy) Herron. His father was born May I7,
1835, in Pittsburgh, on the site where the Horne
department store now stands. He served from 1863
until his death, on February 2, I897, as cashier of the
Fourth National Bank of this city. The mother was
born at Roxbury, near Chambersburg. this State, on
December I2, I832, and died September Io, I9I9.
Public schools at Pittsburgh provided the early education of Thomas Pomeroy Herron, who, after leaving
high school, became a student for a time at a technical
school in Allegheny. His first employment was with
Edeburn and Cooper, civil and mining engineers, in
Pittsburgh, with whom he remained for about three
years. He was then engaged for eight years in banking
in Dakota Territory, returning in I891 to Pittsburgh
and being elected cashier of the First National Bank
of Irwin in I892. From I892 to I9II he served in
that capacity, rendering valuable service to the financial community. Then he returned to civil engineering,
which has been his profession down to the time of
writing. He practices under his own name in Irwin,
where his works are widely known.
At the same time he has rendered invaluable service
to his community in the civic sphere. He has been a
justice of the peace since I912 in the borough of Irwin
-a period covering five six-year terms, fifth term will
not expire till I942. Politically he is a Republican.
He performed his first public service in Dakota Territory many years ago, having been county surveyor of
Burleigh County there from I888 to I891. His second
term had not expired when he returned to Pittsburgh.
Giving his time to many organizations, he is a member
of the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society. He
was appointed by the court as one of the viewers of
Westmoreland County, and is still serving in this
capacity. He has held this office since I935. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church and is one of the
elders of his congregation. He served as a lieutenant
in Company A, Ist Regiment Infantry, National
Guard, in Dakota Territory; is one of the original
members from its organization in I883, by Governor
Ordway.
Thomas Pomeroy Herron married, February 27,
I889, Cora A. Barnes, of Bismarck, North Dakota,
daughter of Oscar R. and Lavinia (Chapple) Barnes.
The following children were born of this marriage:
I. Elsie, now Mrs. Elsie (Herron) Payne, of Clairton,
Pennsylvania; her children are John and Jeanne
Payne. 2. Virginia C. 3. Donald P., living at home
with his family.
JOHN LAUFFER RIDINGER-Much of the
progressive character of the community of Irwin, in
Westmoreland County, can be attributed to the ability
and accomplishments of John Lauffer Ridinger, who
until his recent retirement had been prominently identified with the commercial, industrial and financial activities of this place. For more than sixty years he
promoted its physical advancement through tile organization and management of utilities, manufacturing
establishments and banking institutions. He further
demonstrated his confidence in the future of Irwin
through the purchase and sale of extensive real estate
and contributed to its social and civic welfare by serving in public office and holding membership in leading
clubs and societies.
Mr. Ridinger was born in Harrison City, Westmoreland County, March iI, I855, the son of Stephen
Ridinger, Jr., and Catherine Mary (Lauffer) Ridinger,
both natives of this State, the former from Unity
Township and the latter from her son's birthplace. His
father, Stephen Ridinger, Jr., who was born November
14, I833, and died June 5, 1903, engaged in the mercantile business. His mother, born March 8, I835,
died January i6, I93I, at the advanced age of ninetysix years. She was a member of an old Pennsylvania
family and the daughter of John Lauffer, Jr., and
Ester (Brinker) Lauffer. Grandfather Stephen Ridinger, Sr., was born in i80o and died in I883; Grandmother Elizabeth (Pershing) Ridinger was born in
1797, during George Washington's administration as
the first President of this country. It is noteworthy
that Mr. Ridinger's mother and grandmother, in their
combined life span, had lived under every president
this country has had from the time it became a republic
to the first administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Mr. Ridinger received a general education in the
public schools of this State and holds the distinction
of being the last surviving pupil of the first public
school established in Irwin in I86i. After finishing
his studies he began his career, I869, in the employ of
Crookston and Ridinger's general store of this place,
where he worked until 187I.  He then entered his
father's establishment as a partner and conducted
this venture for the better part of twenty years. At
the expiration of this period, in I891, he began to
P88ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA        5I9
519-.
assume a prominent place in the business affairs of this
section, becoming secretary of the Penn Plate Glass
Company, with which he was associated until I894,
when he resigned to organize the Irwin Electric
Light and Power Company and its subsidiaries. He
served as secretary and treasurer of this organization
until 1898 and then founded the Monongahela Electric
Company, in which he was secretary-treasurer until it
was sold to the West Penn Power Company. In the
meantime Mr. Ridinger had acquired large property
interests in Irwin and for a number of years carried
on a large and lucrative real estate business. Through
these connections and accomplishments he assumed a
dominant place in the business life here, which he still
maintains as a member of the board of directors, and
vice-president from 1921 to 1931, of the Irwin Savings
and Trust Company, which he also headed as president from 1931 to 1935, when he resigned in order that
he might retire.
Despite the burden of these affairs Mr. Ridinger
did not and has not neglected his social and civic obligations. In an official capacity he has served the community as school director, councilman and road supervisor. Socially his activities have largely been confined to fraternal organizations; In this connection he
is a member and Past Master of Shidle Lodge, No.
60I Free and Accepted Masons, in which he holds a
thirty-second degree.  He also fraternizes with the
Order of United American Mechanics, is a Republican
in politics and worships at the Long Run Presbyterian
Church of Circleville, Pennsylvania.
On September 4, i888, at Circleville, Mr. Ridinger
married Sara Davidson Brown, who was born there
April 6, I86o, and is the daughter of Oliver and
Louisa Brown, of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger became the parents of
one son: Paul Brown Ridinger, who was born in
Irwin, June 8, 1889, and died January 4, 1904.
WILLIAM C. STORERI-n business and
public life William C. Storer has distinguished himself
in Brownsville, of which he is now postmaster. His
service here has extended into many fields of activity,
and he is widely known and respected among the
people of his community.
Mr. Storer was born July 23, 1882, in Bro.wnsville,
Pennsylvania, son of Thomas and Keziah (Carmack)
Storer and member of an old and honorable family.
His grandfather, Josiah Carmack, settled in Monongahela, where he was one of the early residents and the
owner of a foundry. He manufactured one of the first
cooking stoves in this part of Pennsylvania, and later
carried on this manufacturing activity in an extensive
way. Thomas Storer, father of William C. Storer,
was born in I836 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania,
and died in November, I9I0. The mother, Keziah
(Carmack) Storer, was born in I843 in Monongahela
City, Pennsylvania, and died June I4, I929.
The public school at Brownsville provided the first
formal education of William C. Storer, who was graduated from high school in I9oo. For thirty years he
was connected with the Crossan Construction Company, of Philadelphia, having charge of their field
offices in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. He was the purchasing agent of that organization, and served as auditor for their entire business.
From an early period in life Mr. Storer began taking an interest in politics and public affairs. As early
as in I924 he was elected to the Borough Council of
Brownsville, as a member of which he continued until
I933. On October 23, 1933, he was appointed acting
postmaster of Brownsville, receiving the official designation as postmaster from President Franklin D.
Roosevelt on March I8, I935. He has done much to
increase the efficiency of the local office, and has earned
the warm admiration and respect of all whose privilege it is to know him. Politically he is a staunch
Democrat. He continues today his interest in the
Crossan Construction Company, being one of its directors. He is also a member of the Brownsville Kiwanis
Club. In spare time he is fond of outdoor sports and
recreations.
In June, I91o, William C. Storer married Marie
Kribbs. They have one daughter, Mary Kathryn
Storer, who was born June 8, 1922, and is a student in
the Brownsville schools.
WILLIAM WILBERT STEVENSON--William Wilbert Stevenson has been a distinguished member of the New Castle legal fraternity for the past
thirty-two years. He was born in a log house in Scott
Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, July 25,
1867, the son of James Washington and Nancy Jane
(McFarland) Stevenson. The Stevenson and McFarland families were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, coming to
America from northern Ireland and took a prominent
part in the building up of Pennsylvania. James Washington Stevenson, who was a member of Company B,
I34th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, during the
War Between the States, was actively engaged in
farming near the Kennedy Mill Road in the northern
part of Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County,
Pennsylvania, at the time of his death. He was also
closely identified with local affairs, and at times held
various township offices.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Upon the completion of his early education, William
Wilbert Stevenson attended Slippery Rock Normal
School and Grove City College, later transferring to
the Normal Department of Rose Point Academy.
After graduating from this institution, he enrolled at
Mount Hope College, where he received a Bachelor
of Science degree. He then entered the teaching profession, and was engaged in this work for twelve years
in Lawrence County and one year in Allegheny
County. Meanwhile he was studying law in the offices
of Harry K. Gregory, and in I9O6 was admitted to the
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, bar. He has since
been admitted to practice in the Supreme and Superior
courts of Pennsylvania, and in the Federal courts, and
in his long career as an attorney, he has always maintained the highest ethical standards in his relationships
with his numerous clients. For six years he was a
member of Troop F, Pennsylvania National Guard,
which later became a part of the Io3d Infantry, and
was ready to be sworn into service during the SpanishAmerican War, but, was prevented by the ending of
the war. He was also a member of the Sons of Veterans Reserve, rising from private to the rank of a
colonel commanding a brigade, and this unit was
among those offering their services for duty during
the World War.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
a Republican, and president of the Shenango Valley
Humane Society. He is affiliated with the Lawrence
County Bar Association, and has served as secretary
and president of this body for many years. He is also
active in the affairs of the Sons of Union Veterans
of the Civil War, and has at times held all camp
organization offices.
William Wilbert Stevenson married, August 2I,
I895, at Rose Point, Pennsylvania, Anna Mary McMillin Forbes, daughter of John E., a Civil War veteran, and Sarah Martha (McMillin) Forbes. Mr. and
Mrs. Stevenson are the parents of a son: I. George
Waldo Stevenson, born in Ellwood City, July 20, 1896;
married (first) Helen E. McMichael, and they became
the parents of five children: i. Jean Louise. ii. Janet
Rose Marie. iii. Margaret Ruth. iv. Dorothy Byrd.
v. Hugh Campbell Stevenson. George Waldo Stevenson married (second) Mabel Mersheiner. He served
in the World War.
DR. ALEXANDER M. ALLAN-At Turtle
Creek, Allegheny County, where his parents came to
from Scotland not many years after the VWar Between
the States, Dr. Alexander M. Allan has been engaged
in the practice of dentistry for the past quarter of a
century. During this period his professional reputation has grown with a constantly enlarging clientele,
and with colleagues. His professional connections are
unusually large indicating something of the continuity
of his endeavors to keep abreast of improved methods
of practice and the results of modern scientific research. In community life he has been equally active,
thereby carrying high the tradition of his family for
professional, civic and cultural leadership.
Dr. Allan was born at Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania,
May I2, I892, son of the Rev. Thomas and Mrs. AMary
(McLoed) Allan, both natives of Scotland and both
born in the year I849. The Rev. Thomas Allan was
educated in the University of Edinburgh, coming to
America in I869 and finding his way to Turtle Creek.
He became a minister in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, a member of the Pittsburgh Conference. He
died in May, I929, greatly honored and beloved; his
wife had passed on in I9I7.
After completing his academic education at Turtle
Creek High School in I9IO, young Alexander M. Allan
entered the University of Pittsburgh, from which he
was graduated in I9I4, with the degree of Doctor of
Dental Surgery. In October of that same year he
established himself in the practice of his profession-at
Turtle Creek, where he has since continued with
marked success. Since I930 he has been school dentist
for the Turtle Creek elementary schools. Among his
professional connections are memberships in the
American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania State
Dental Association, the Allegheny County Dental
Association and the Odontological Society of Western
Pennsylvania. Fraternally, Dr. Allan is affiliated with
Turtle Creek Lodge, No. 6I3, Free and Accepted Masons, and is a Knight of Pythias. He is a member of
the Western Pennsylvania Historical Society, and of
the professional fraternity, Psi Omega. A supporter
of the Republican party, he worships in the faith of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. His hobby is painting.
In I916 Dr. Alexander M. Allan married Isabelle
Young, daughter of William  and Maude (Miller)
Young of Turtle Creek. Dr. and Mrs. Allan are the
parents of three children: I. Jeanne Mary, who will be
a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, in I939. 2.
Christine Mae, a member of the class of I94I, University of Pittsburgh. 3. William A., a sophomore in the
Turtle Creek High School.
MAURICE H. CLASTER--Maurice H Claster,
well known New Kensington attorney, and the junior
member of the firm of Claster and Claster, was born
here April I7, I903, the son of Isaac and Bessie (Per)
Claster. Isaac Claster, a native of Ponoviecz, Russia,
is a retired merchant.
520ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
521
After completing his elementary education in the
Parnassus public schools, Maurice H. Claster enrolled
at Schenley High School, where he was a member of
the class of 1920. He then matriculated at Amherst
College, but one year later transferred to the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his degree of
Bachelor of Arts in 1924. He continued his legal
studies at this university, and was awarded his degree
of Bachelor of Laws in 1927. He became a member
of the Pennsylvania bar in the same year, and then
became associated with his brother, Louis Claster
(q. v.), in the general practice of law. He is well
versed in the various phases of the legal profession,
and is now eligible to practice in the Pennsylvania
Superior Court, and Supreme Court and the United
States District Court.
He is a supporter of the Republican party, and a
member of the Westmoreland County, Allegheny
County and New Kensington Bar Association, serving several terms as president of this latter body. He
is also affiliated with Lodge No. 512, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and the Pi Lambda Phi
Fraternity and the Tau Epsilon Rho (legal) fraternity, and he is most active in civic affairs, being a
member of the Kiwanis Club and the president of the
New Kensington Jewish Club. He finds divertisement
from his professional work in the world of music,
being an accomplished pianist.
Mr. Claster was married, November 27, 1927, to
Jeanette Ives of Pittsburgh, daughter of Maurice J.
and Sarah (Braverman) Ives. Mr. and Mrs. Claster
are the parents of two children: i. Sally Ann, born
July 9, I930. 2. Joel Anthony, born May 28, I937.
LOUIS CLASTER-A member of the Pennsylvania bar for the past twenty-two years, Iouis
Claster has been engaged in the general practice of
law in New Kensington since 1919, and he is recognized as a leader in the professional, political and civic
life of this locality.
Mr. Claster was born at Lock Haven, March 24,
I890o, the son of Isaac and Bessie (Per) Claster, both
natives of Ponoviecz, Russia. Isaac Claster came to
the United States in i888, and for many years thereafter, he was well known in the mercantile field in
New Kensington. He is now retired from business.
Louis Claster received his elementary education in
the New Kensington public schools, and then he
entered Tarentum High School, after which he: prepared for his legal career at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in I916 with the degree of Bachelor
of Laws. For the next two years he practiced his
profession in Pittsburgh, and then he enlisted for
World War service, being attached to the 319th Infantry, Company A, 8oth Division. He served overseas for one year, and received his honorable discharge
with the rank of corporal June 12, I9I9. Upon his
return to civilian life, he renewed his private practice
at New Kensington, where he has continued with great
success to the present day. Since 1927 he has been
associated with his brother, Maurice H. Claster (q. v.)
in the firm of Claster and Claster, and he is also
counsel for the Springdale Building and Loan Association.
Mr. Claster is active in Republican affairs, and
served from 1920 to I936 as city solicitor of New
Kensington. He is a member of the Westmoreland
County Bar Association, the 1938 president of the
New Kensington Bar Association and also an affiliate
of Lodge No. 5I2, Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, Lodge No. 644, Free and Accepted Masons,
Royal Arch Chapter of Masons and the Pi Lambda
Phi Fraternity.  Like his younger brother and law
partner, Mr. Claster is a lover of music. He is unmarried.
JOHN RALPH McDOWELL-Having entered
the newspaper field early in his youth, John Ralph
McDowell has been actively identified with this work
to the present day, and for the past five years has been
owner and publisher of the "Wilkinsburg Gazette," a
newspaper whose circulation has increased more than
five hundred per cent. during his comparatively short
period as publisher.
Mr. McDowell was born November 6, I902, at Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, the son of John Ralph and
Eleanor (Allison) McDowell, both deceased. The
elder Mr. McDowell, born at Millhall, Clinton County,
Pennsylvania, in I863, was engaged in the retail hardware business at Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, for approximately fifty years. He was also the organizer, and for
many years president of the First National's Bank of
Pitcairn, and in addition he owned and operated a retail lumber yard in Pitcairn, and a furniture factory in
North Carolina. He died May 4, I920. Eleanor
(Allison) McDowell, born at Salona, Clinton County,
Pennsylvania in I87I, departed this life May 14, 1933.
John Ralph McDowell completed his early education
in the Pitcairn public schools, and later enrolled at
Randolph Macon Military School in Virginia, where
he was a member of the class of 1923. He began his
career in his present field by working as an errand boy
in the employ of the "Pitcairn Express," a local
weekly, and he was later advanced to more important
positions with this paper, contributing news items, etc.
He later became a correspondent for "The Grit," andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
still later served in the same capacity for the "Front
Royal Record" at Front Royal, Virginia, and the
"Richmond Times." He next spent two years as a
reporter for the "Tri-State News," and then was
appointed editor-in-chief for the "Kelly Publications,"
two weekly and one daily newspaper, located at Braddock, Clairton and Wilkinsburg. He remained in this
position until I933, at which time he purchased the
"Wilkinsburg Gazette" from Congressman Clyde
Kelly, and has succeeded in building the circulation of
this paper from approximately nineteen hundred to ten
thousand, five hundred copies. This paper, first established in I886 as the "Wilkinsburg Call" has undergone several changes in name and management since
that time. Mr. McDowell is recognized as a fearless
newspaperman, and his success with this publication
is clearly manifested in the rapid circulation rise during the five years he has guided the destinies of this
leading Wilkinsburg publication.
Mr. McDowell is a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and a staunch supporter of the Republican
party. When only twenty years of age he was appointed squire of Pitcairn, and he served in this post
for three years, being one of the youngest squires in
the State of Pennsylvania, and in November, I938, he
was elected by a majority of nineteen hundred votes as
Congressman from the Thirty-first Congressional District, representing more than three hundred and fifty
thousand people. He is an affiliate of Wilkinsburg
Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and
an active and progressive member of the local Rotary
Club. His hobbies are reading, hunting and fishing.
He was married, October 2, I929, to Virginia Crotty
of Pitcairn, daughter of Squire Samuel 0. and Nellie
(French) Crotty. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell are the
parents of a daughter, Patricia Kyle, born Mfay 2,
I932.
DON C. SPECHT-For over eight decades the
name of Specht has been prominently identified with
the social, civic and mercantile life of Somerset
County. Today its fame is being perpetuated by Don
C. Specht, who for the past twenty-eight years has
conducted a large general store in Stoystown. where
he is also an officer in several other business organizations, and an influential civic leader.
Don C. Specht was born in Stoystown, April 30,
I891, the son of Josiah and Josephine (Zimmerman)
Specht, both deceased and both natives of this county,
where Josiah Specht was one of the most able and
successful merchants of his generation. The elder
Specht, lifelong resident of Shade Township, began his
career in the milling business with his father. After
the family mill was destroyed by fire he began to
work on his own account and eventually established a
store in conjunction with the gristmill he had erected.
This, too, fell prey to flames, but despite the loss entailed he resumed operations and was to enjoy outstanding success until his passing. The stature of the
man is further evidenced by the fact that he was invited to serve as a director for numerous business and
financial concerns in this section. In this connection
he was a member of the board of directors of the Somerset County Bank, the Berlin Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, served as vice-president of the Somerset
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, was secretary of the
Lincoln Oil and Gas Company, and treasurer of Emert
and Cook, textile manufacturers. He was a school
director and for several years was president of the
Somerset County Commissioners.
After a general education in the public schools of his
native community, Don C. Specht became associated
with his brother, Harvey Josiah Specht (q. v.), in the
milling trade and continued at this occupation until he
was nineteen years of age, when he determined to
found a business of his own and organized the general
store which today is one of the largest and most complete establishments of its type in Somerset County.
Like his distinguished father he has manifested a keen
interest in the affairs of his surroundings and in addition to the aforementioned activity is also a member
of the board of directors of the Stoystown Water Company and the First National Bank of Stoystown. He
is a staunch supporter of the Republican party in his
political convictions, and fraternizes with the Johnstown Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, and the local lodge of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
On January II, I911, Mr. Specht married Jennie
Stahl of Stoystown, and they are the parents of the
following children: I. Frances, graduate of the local
schools. 2. Frank, who is now attending the University of Pittsburgh. 3. Ruth, a student at Susquehanna
College. 4. Dolores, attending Stoystown High School.
5. Arlene, also a student here.
HARVEY JOSIAH SPECHT-Tn keeping
with family tradition, Harvey Josiah Specht of Stoystown today is recognized as one of the most successful
and able merchants of Somerset County. For the past
twenty-eight years he has conducted one of the largest
and most completely equipped hardware stores in this
section of the State, which operates under the name of
H. J. Specht and Son.
Harvey Josiah Specht was born in Stoystown, January I5, I877, the son of Josiah and Josephine (Zim522ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
merman) Specht, both of this county. His father,
also a merchant and miller, came to enjoy outstanding
success as a business and civic leader, being identified
in an official capacity with a number of the largest
business and financial organizations of this region and
serving the county as commissioner for a number of
years. Throughout the history of the family in this
State, which spans nearly a century, every representative has engaged in milling and mercantile businesses.
The first to enter this business was Andrew Specht,
who also engaged in farming. He was succeeded by
his son Josiah, of Stoystown, who- in turn was succeeded by his son, David, grandfather of Harvey
Josiah.
Harvey Josiah Specht attended the public schools of
Stoystown and then became associated with his father
in the mercantile business. Later he learned the milling trade under his uncle, Jackson Spangler, who was
one of the best millers in the State, and eventually
founded a flour and feed mill business which he conducted successfully for twelve years.  His products
were marketed widely throughout this part of Pennsylvania and he won an enviable reputation as the producer of "Old Burr Flour," which found favor in many
homes and bakeries.
In I91o he sold his interest in this venture and established himself in a hardware and furniture business
which today ranks among the best of its type. In
more recent years he has been assisted by his son. Mr.
Specht is a Republican in politics and in his religious
convictions worships at the Lutheran Church.
On April I, 1897, Harvey Josiah Specht married Ida
Belle Miller of Stoystown, and they are the parents of
one son: Lloyd A., educated in the local schools and
now a partner in his father's business. - He married
Nell Custer and they have two children: i. Helen, a
student at Bucknell University. ii. Cecelia, who attends the local high school.
SAMUEL EDWARD DICKEY (S. E. Dickey)
-Prominently identified with the engineering profession throughout his business career, S. E. Dickey has
for the past twenty-five years actively served as president of S. E. Dickey and Company, Incorporated,
Civil, Mining and Consulting Engineers, Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, with which firm, although under different ownership or names, he has been associated since
November, 1905. He was born in Kittanning Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, March 30,
i880, the son of Samuel A. and Lucetta (Gray)
Dickey, both deceased. He has two brothers and
two sisters living, and one sister deceased.
Samuel A. Dickey, born in Armstrong County June
22, I855, was during his lifetime a mine foreman,
superintendent and coal operator in this section, and
at the time of his death, November I2, I914, was
actively engaged in this business. His wife died January 2I, I9I8.
S. E. Dickey was educated in the Leechburg public
schools and Leechburg Academy, a teachers' training
school. His engineering training consisted of practical work in and about the mines during his boyhood
days, during which time he did all branches of work
in and about the bituminous coal mines, including
assisting in mine surveys. In 901o he became associated
with the W.. G. Wilkins Engineering Company in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, during which- time he took a
three-year engineering extension course with the
Western University of Pennsylvania. He continued
his engineering education under private instruction
from eminent engineers consisting. of J. A. Morrow
of Western University of Pennsylvania, Frank B.
Ritchie of Western University of Pennsylvania and
Clark P. Collins of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
While associated with the W. G. Wilkins Engineering Company he was employed in West Virginia on a
survey for a proposed railroad from Wellsburg, West
Virginia, to Washington, Pennsylvania, for the Wellsburg and State Line Railroad Company; then on the
construction of the first division of this proposed railroad, consisting of heavy construction, including a long
wood trestle, three bridges and one tunnel. During
this employment he assisted on a survey of forty thousand acres of coal land in Brooke County, West Virginia, and the development of a large coal plant and
mine for the Wellsburg Coal Company.
Mr. Dickey was next employed by Elliot and Baton,
Civil and Mining Engineers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
and assisted on a preliminary survey for the extension
of the Ligonier Valley Railroad from Ligonier to
Bolivar, Pennsylvania. In I9o3 Mr. Dickey was employed by the United Coal Company of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, in the engineering department as transitman and division engineer, which included the engineering work at the Rich Hill mine, at Meadowlands;
Patterson No. I and No. 2 mines at Elizabeth; Ella
and Lynn mines at Webster;' Edna No. I and No. 2
mines at Manor; Naomi mine at Fayette City and
Jerome mine at Jerome, all in Pennsylvania. In addition to his general engineering work at these mines,
Mfr. Dickey laid out and was in charge of the construction of several modem tipples, including a large
river tipple at the Naomi mine near Fayette City,
Pennsylvania; also the surveying of the property, laying out of the shaft, railroad yards, the town site at
523ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Jerome, Somerset County, Pennsylvania; and the
developing of Jerome No. I and No. 2 mines to a
combined output of 5,000 tons of coal per day. The
Jerome mine is modern and a well-developed mine and
one of the largest producers of coal in Somerset
County.
In November, I905, Mr. Dickey came to Johnstown
and became associated with C. P. Collins, a civil, mining and consulting engineer, in private practice, as
principal assistant engineer.  Mr. Collins, together
with Messrs. Grazier and Smith, had founded this
engineering concern in 1895 under the name of Collins,
Grazier and Smith and it continued under this name
until all interests were absorbed by Mr. Collins in
1903. In 1912 Mr. Dickey purchased the business from
Mr. Collins and continued as a mining and consulting
engineer until 1916 when the concern was incorporated
under its present name (S. E. Dickey  Company)
with Mr. Dickey as president and general manager and
Thomas E. West as vice-president and treasurer, thus
constituting one of the oldest and largest companies of
its kind in Cambria County, which operates throughout several states.
Mr. Dickey laid out the plans for a suburban area
adjacent to the city of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, which
was rapidly developed and in I9I9 became incorporated
as the borough of Southmont, regarded as among the
most modern communities in Cambria County, and
from its incorporation up to the present time he has
served as borough engineer. Mr. Dickey is also serving as borough engineer of Franklin Borough, Cambria County, and Geistown Borough, incorporated in
1930, now a thriving and rapidly developing community.
Beginning in 1912, Mr. Dickey laid out and developed the mines of the Loyal Hanna Coal and Coke
Company and the village of Cairnbrook in Shade
Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, which has
developed into the most modern mine and mining town
in this vicinity. Mr. Dickey is still mining engineer
for the Loyal Hanna Coal and Coke Company. In
1914, Mr. Dickey developed and laid out the Central
City plan of lots, which developed into a thriving
community and later, in conjunction with the small
village known as Old Central City, became incorporated as Central City Borough and has become one
of the most up-to-date and prominent mining communities in Somerset County.
In I9I2 Mr. Dickey was appointed as a member of
the Permanent Board of Viewers of Cambria County
by the late Hon.' Marlin B. Stephens, then president
judge of the courts of Cambria County, which appointment he continues to hold up to the present time. In
1930 Mr. Dickey was appointed a member of a board
of engineers by the county commissioners for the revaluation of the coal and mineral lands for taxing
purposes in Cambria County.
In 1922 Mr. Dickey was engaged by the Wilmore
Coal Company to adjust and re-valuate its vast acreage
of coal holdings in Somerset County, at which time
he assisted the county commissioners and county engineer in developing a form or system for keeping a
permanent accumulative record of coal lands and assessed valuation, which has proved to be the best system in use for this purpose. Mr. Dickey was also
instrumental in the development of the Bird Coal Company at Kelso, Somerset County, near Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, and earned unanimous praise for the
great work performed during and after the disastrous
flood of March 17, 1936. His remarkable work during
the reconstruction period, during which he rebuilt an
entire steel bridge 270 feet in length, including one
entire new span 125 feet in length and a large concrete abutment so that mine motors and cars could
pass over it by April 27, 1936, truly establishing him
as an engineer of unquestioned skill and deserving of
the admiration of the entire populace. Mr. Dickey also
distinguished himself during the World War period
when he gave unsparingly of his time- and efforts as a
member of local boards and committees.
He is a member of the official board of the Franklin
Street Methodist Episcopal Church and also serves as
chairman of the finance committee. He is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is
well known in the Masonic Order, being a thirty-second
degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Valley
of New Castle Consistory, New Castle, Pennsylvania,
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine at Altoona, Pennsylvania, Oriental
Commandery No. 6I, Knights Templar, Portage Royal
Arch Chapter No. 195, Cambria Council No. 32, Royal
and Select Miasters and a Past Master of Cambria
Lodge No. 278, Free and Accepted Masons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He is also a member of I,ions
International and the American Institute of Mining
and Metallurgical Engineers.
He was married (first), in I906 to Mary Koch, the
daughter of Henry and Hannah Elizabeth (Peterson)
Koch, and they became the parents of four children:
I. Lucetta E., married William H. Willard. 2. Hellry
E., an engineer of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institulte,
died February 2I, I935. 3. Mary Helen, a gradtuate
of Dickinson College. 4. Mabel A., married Charles
B. Shaner. Mrs. Mary (Koch) Dickey died February
7, 1923, and Mr. Dickey married (second), June I9,
1924, Mary Edna Shaffer, of Jenners, Somerset
524ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
County, Pennsylvania, a former principal of the Southmont Borough schools, the daughter of the late Aaton
E. and Mary Amanda Shaffer. Mr. Shaffer was a
veteran of the Civil War, Company "G," 93d Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers.
JOHN C. WELLER-A  notable contributor to
education in Somerset County was John C. Weller,
superintendent of the county schools. He is now living
retired from his active endeavors at Rockwood, and is
widely respected and honored among his host of
friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Weller was born August 31, I852, at Somerset,
Pennsylvania, son of John Weller, who was then
sheriff of Somerset County. The son's birth took place,
interestingly enough, in the old stone jail in Somerset,
though he always has regarded himself as a Milford
Township man, since the residence of his parents at
Somerset was only a temporary one during the period
in which John Weller was sheriff.
John C. Weller, the son, attended the common
schools of Somerset County and later was a student
at the State Normal School at Millersville. His inclinations and his training led him naturally into teaching as his profession, and he readily qualified himself
for positions of ever expanding responsibility until he
was elected county superintendent of schools in I88I.
For two terms he held the superintendent's post,
proving himself a faithful and diligent administrator
of the schools here and doing much to build up their
efficiency and enhance their value. Not only did he
maintain the standards set by his predecessors, but he
directed the building and planning of many new schoolhouses. One of the notable features of his superintendency was the improvement of the County Institute.
Through the institute's work, teachers in this region
were brought to realize the importance of the trust
committed to their care in the education of children.
Parents likewise learned to manifest a greater interest
in the schools during Mr. Weller's superintendency,
though he gained this result in the most quiet and unostentatious ways. Their visits to the schools became
more frequent and the teachers were greatly encouraged by this manifestation.
So greatly were Mr. Weller's services as superintendent of school appreciated that he was later elected
to represent his constituents in the Pennsylvania State
Legislature. Three times, after his retirement from
school work, he was elected to the Legislature.
JOHN FRANCIS STADER-Widely and
favorably known in the business life of Latrobe, John
Francis Stader has come to be regarded as one of the
leading citizens here. He and his sons operate the
firm of Stader and Sons, an undertaking establishment, in this community, carrying on a work begun
by his father many years ago.
Mr. Stader was born June 24, I87I, in Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, son of Francis J. and Matilda (Henry)
Stader. His father, who was born in Adamsburg and
died in Latrobe, this State, was the founder of the firm
that later became Stader and Sons. He started that
undertaking firm in I866 at Latrobe and was for many
years engaged in this business, until his death. He
was a staunch Democrat in his political views and a
member of the Holy Family Church at Latrobe.
His son, John Francis Stader, received his early
education at the Holy Family School and St. Vincent's
School, in Latrobe, later becoming a student at the
Eckles School of Embalming, in Philadelphia. Early
in his career he became interested in his father's business.  After the elder man's death, John Francis
Stader carried on the enterprise, which he still heads
and which is now known as John F. Stader  Sons.
Associated with him in this business are his two sons,
Edward Vincent and John W. Stader, of both of whom
records appear under separate headings in this work.
In addition to his activities with the firm of Stader
and Sons, John Francis Stader carried on a livery
business in Latrobe for about a quarter of a century,
operating it in conjunction with his undertaking business. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors' Association. Fraternally he is connected with
Lodge No. 907 of the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks, and he also belongs to the Loyal Order of
Moose and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a
member likewise of the Froeshim Singing Club. His
religious affiliation is with Holy Family Church, and in
politics he is a Democrat.
In St. Vincent's Church, Latrobe, Pennsylvania,
on September 9, I896, John Francis Stader married
Estella J. Johnston, a native of Youngstown, Pennsylvania, daughter of Armstrong and Caroline (Fritz)
Johnston, who were both natives of this State, the
father of Kingston and the mother of Derry Township. The following children were born to them: I.
John W. Stader, of mention elsewhere in this work.
2. Edward V., also mentioned elsewhere herein.
JOHN  W. STADER-Prominently engaged in
the undertaking business in Latrobe, John W. Stader
is a member of the firm of Stader and Sons.
Mr. Stader was born July 23, I897, in Latrobe,
Pennsylvania, son of John Francis and Estella J.
(Johnston) Stader. His paternal grandparents were
Francis J. and Matilda (Henry) Stader. His grand525ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
father, a native of Adamsburg who died in Latrobe,
was the founder of the firm that later became Stader
and Sons.  He started that enterprise in I866 and
remained in business for the rest of his life. He was
a Democrat and a member of Holy Family Church,
in Latrobe. At his death the business was taken over
by his son, John Francis Stader, a record of whom
appears under separate heading in this work. As John
Francis Stader admitted his sons to the business, the
firm name became John F. Stader  Sons, and so
continues today.
Public and parochial schools provided the formal
education of John W. Stader, who was graduated from
Latrobe High School in I9I7. Matriculating at the
Eckles School of Embalming, in Philadelphia, he was
graduated there in I918, whereupon he immediately
joined hands with his father in business. He has been
connected since I918 with the firm of Stader and Sons,
assuming an ever growing r6le of importance in the
management of the business.
He likewise takes a lively interest in community
affairs, belonging to the Democratic party. He has
been chairman of the city organization of his party in
Latrobe since I926. He was a delegate to the Houston
convention of his party in 1928 and to the Chicago
convention in I932. He belongs to the Chamber of
Commerce of Latrobe. In the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks he is a Past Exalted Ruler of
Latrobe Lodge No. 907. He is a Past Grand Knight of
Lodge No. 940 of the Knights of Columbus, as well as
a Past District Deputy for Westmoreland County. He
belongs also to the Latrobe Country Club and worships
in the faith of Holy Family Church.
On June I6, 1921, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, John
W. Stader married Elizabeth Dillon, who was born
December 4, I898, in Latrobe, daughter of Nicholas
and Mary (Smith) Dillon, the father a native of
Dublin, Ireland, and the mother of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The following children were born of this marriage: I. Nancy Elizabeth Stader, born September 24,
I922, in Latrobe. 2. John Stader, 3d, born December
I6, 1927, also in Latrobe.
EDWARD VINCENT STADER-A member
of the funeral directing firm of Stader and Sons,
Edward Vincent Stader is one of Latrobe's leading
business men and public-spirited citizens.
Mr. Stader was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on
April 5, 900oo, son of John Francis and Estella J.
(Johnston) Stader. His grandparents were, on the
paternal side of his house, Francis J. and Matilda
(Henry) Stader, and, on the maternal side, Armstrong
and Caroline (Fritz) Johnston. The founder of the
business of Stader and Sons was the paternal grandfather, Francis J. Stader, who was born in Adamsburg and died at Latrobe, this State, and who started
the family business in I866. He was a Democrat and
a member of Holy Family Church, in Latrobe. His
son, John Francis Stader, of record elsewhere in this
work, continued the firm after the founder's death,
later admitting his sons to the business. These sons
are John W. Stader, a record of whom appears under
separate heading herein, and Edward Vincent Stader,
of further mention.
Edward Vincent Stader received his early formal
education in the parochial and public schools of Latrobe, his native place, completing his studies at Latrobe
High School in I919. In 1920 he was graduated from
the Eckles School of Embalming, in Philadelphia
Immediately thereafter he became associated in the
family business with his father and brother, so continuing down to the time of writing.
A staunch Democrat in his political alignment, he
belongs also to Latrobe Lodge No. 907 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and to Holy Family
Church.
THOMAS H. SHANNON-As a member of
the bars of both Pennsylvania and West Virginia,
Thomas H. Shannon of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania,
practiced privately for thirty-four years in both states
until his death on May I3, I938.
Thomas H. Shannon was born in Sun Hill, Wyoming County, West Virginia, June 13, 1879, son of
Albert and Sally (Justice) Shannon. Albert Shannon,
born in Wyoming, West Virginia, December io, I840,
and passing away in his ninetieth year on Septembet
9, I935, was a farmer who, as an active Republican,
served his county as sheriff from I884 to I888 and,
again, from I892 to I896, besides being county superintendent of schools for Wyoming from 1878 to I882.
His wife, Sally (Justice) Shannon, was born in Logan,
West Virginia, December, I852, and died on May 25,
I885.
After passing through the public schools at Oceana,
West Virginia, Thomas H. Shannon attended the
Concord Normal School at Athens, West Virginia, and
then, determining to follow the law as his profession,
he enrolled in the law school of the University of
West Virginia, graduating as a Bachelor of Laws on
June I6, I904. Coming to Waynesburg, Mr. Shannon
was admitted to the Greene County bar on December
I9, I904, and established himself in private practice.
In the following year, on September 9, Mr. Shannon
became a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
bar and the Superior Court bar on October of I928.
526ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
In I9o8 Mr. Shannon was admitted to practice before
the West Virginia Supreme Court, having become a
member of the West Virginia bar in I904. For many
years he conducted a large general practice in both
Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Like his father before him, Mr. Shannon was a member of the Republican party. He was a member of the Greene County
Bar Association, the Greene County Country Club,
Waynesburg Lodge, No. 757, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Waynesburg Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as well as having belonged to the First Methodist Episcopal Church of
Waynesburg.
Thomas H. Shannon, married at Cameron, West
Virginia, Anna L. Spragg born in Jackson Township,
Greene County, August I6, I877, daughter of J. I. and
Sarah Lough Spragg, both natives of Greene County.
Mr. and Mrs. Shannon are the parents of two children:
I. Edwin L., born, Cameron, West Virginia, June 27,
I9oI. 2. Wilmot P., born at Morgantown, West Virginia, January I, I903.
COLONEL JAMES ELDER BARNETTHonored as one of Pittsburgh's leading professional
workers, Colonel James Elder Barnett has performed
a valuable service as a member of the bar of this Commonwealth. His record of military achievement has
been a noteworthy one, beginning in pre-SpanishAmerican War days and continuing up through the
years of the present century.
Colonel Barnett was born at Elder's Ridge, Indiana
County, Pennsylvania, son of the Rev. John Morrison
Barnett, a native of Westmoreland County, this State.
The earlier Barnetts finally settled in Dauphin County,
at Hanover and Derry churches becoming prominent
members of their communities. On the Barnett side of
the house, one of Colonel Barnett's ancestors was
mayor of Dublin. Another served in the siege of
Londonderry. A third fought in the war of the
American Revolution. Elder's Ridge, his birthplace,
was named after his mother's family, who early settled
in the Paxtang Valley. The Rev. John Elder was
the builder of the Paxtang Presbyterian Church that
still stands there, and he not only came to be widely
known as a clergyman, but also held a commission as
colonel, dated July II, I763, and commanded all blockhouses from Easton to the Susquehanna River. His
command was known as the "Paxtang Boys."
James Elder Barnett was destined to play his r6le
in Pennsylvania life and affairs and so to uphold the
splendid traditions of his family. He attended Elder's
Ridge Academy, later taking the degree of Master of
Arts at Washington and Jefferson College and the
Bachelor of Laws degree at the Law School of Columbia University, New York City. In I890 he was admitted to the bar of Washington County and in I899
to that of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.  Since
that period he has carried forward his professional
work in a most helpful and constructive way. Today,
though a resident of Washington, he maintains offices
in the Oliver Building, Pittsburgh, and carries forward
his legal work.
Not content with professional achievement alone,
Colonel Barnett became active in public life and in
military affairs at an early stage olf his career. Serving as deputy prothonotary in Washington County and
as clerk to the county commissioners, he was appointed
in I895 to be deputy secretary of the Commonwealth
under Governor Frank Reeder, holding that position
until his resignation in I897. Two years later, in I899,
he was elected treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania.
In all these offices, his work was of a distinguished
character, earning for him the approbation and praise
of his contemporaries and bringing him a wide acquaintance throughout the State.
He began his military career in I884 by enlisting in
Company H, Ioth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania, and in I897 was made lieutenant-colonel. In
I898, at the time of the Spanish-American War, he
volunteered with his regiment for service and obtained
an assignment for himself and the regiment to duty in
the Philippines. He and his men participated in the
service rendered at the time of the Philippine Insurrection, being present at the attacks on Manila, Chinese
Hospital, La Loma Church, Caloocan, San Francisco,
Del Monte, Tuliahan River, Meycauayan, Marilao,
Bocaue, Giuguinto and Malolos, and engaging in much
of the dangerous fighting in that area. In May, I899,
Colonel Barnett was placed in command of the district
of Cavite, including the town and peninsula of Cavite,
Luzon Island, and two battalions of California heavy
artillery acting as infantry, one battery of Wyoming
Light Artillery with four guns, one troop of Nevada
Cavalry, and the Ioth Pennsylvania Regiment. When
he returned from the islands, he commanded the transport "Senator." In I900 he was promoted to the rank
of full colonel of the reorganized Ioth Regiment by
unanimous election. In I905 he was reelected to that
office, but he resigned from it in I907. Since I924 he
has been chief of the Third Procurement District of
the Chemical Warfare Service of the Army, consisting of the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland,
Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.
527528                ANNALS OF SOUTHWE
So it is seen that Colonel Barnett's many-sided
activity has been useful to his city, State and Nation.
Professionally and politically he has served well this
Commonwealth and its people and institutions, and his
military attainments have been of value in a still wider
area. Such citizens are the backbone of Pennsylvania,
and she may be justly proud of them.
HERBERT G. HEILMAN-For years the Heilman family of Kittanning has been prominent in the
lumber industry of Armstong County.  Today its
prestige is being ably maintained by Herbert G. Heilman, who has been active in this work for over twenty
years. Mr. Heilman has not only been successful in
the management of this business but also enjoys an
enviable reputation among his colleagues in other
phases of activity here.
Mr. Heilman was born in Kittanning, March I3,
I887, the son of John F. and Christena (Granninger)
Heilman. John F. Heilman was born in Kittanning
Township, Armstrong County, on March 26, I854.
After attending the common schools, he was graduated from Duff's Business College in I878. He then
joined his brothers as a member of the firm of Heilman Brothers Lumber Company and remained with
them until his death at Washington, District of Columbia, on May 25, I905.
Herbert G. Heilman received the early part of his
education under Mary S. Garretts, at the Home for
Deaf Children in Philadelphia, and later completed his
studies in I907, at the Kittanning Academy. He began
his business career with his uncles, William and James
Heilman, long successful lumber dealers here, under
the firm name of Heilman Brothers Lumber Company
and was associated with the firm until it was dissolved
on April I, I913. On March 27, I916, the present
firm, known as the Heilman Lumber Company, was
organized and began operations in Ford City, Pennsylvania. Much of the success enjoyed in recent years by
the Heilman Lumber Company can be attributed to
Herbert G. Heilman's able management. He is a
member of the Lumber Dealers Association of Western Pennsylvania, is a Republican in politics, and
worships at the St Luke's Reformed Church in this
city.
LLOYD A. HAY; EDWARD R. HAY--The
careers of the brothers Hay, Lloyd A. and Edward R.,
display many similarities. Both were educators before
turning to agriculture as a permanent vocation. Both
are prominent in civic, political and church life. They
are descended from one of the earliest settlers in
Brothers Vallev community. The line of their ancestry.STERN PENNSYLVANIA
in the New World, together with something of the
history of the American progenitor, is as follows:
On the good ship "Sally" from Rotterdam, landing
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 5, I767, there
were three brothers; namely: Simon, Frantz and
Valentine. Two of these brothers finally settled in the
neighborhood of Berlin, Pennsylvania, and were among
the first families of the Reformed Church. Simon Hay
was born at Zwei Brucken, Germany, near the borders
of France, on April I8, I742, and died February 3,
I842, at the age of ninety-nine years, nine months and
fifteen days. He married Anna Marie Shaver, of near
H-agerstown, Maryland, who died in the stone house in
the village of Hay's Mills, March I9, I8i8, aged sixtythree years, three months and six days.
On September 7, I784, Simon Hay was warranted
a tract of land containing over three hundred acres in
Brothers Valley Township, now the site of the home
of Edison M. Hay, and the E. E. Boger farms. Simon
Hay improved over one thousand acres of land in the
Brolthers Valley Township and built the stone house in
Hay's Mill in I796, which is still standing and in good
condition. The second gristmill was built in I8o6 and
continued operations until I9I6, or one hundred and ten
years. The first gristmill was built before I8oo and
was later used as a fulling and carding mill.
The Pittsburgh Historical Society considers the
Hay's Mill one of the outstanding buildings of WVestern Pennsylvania. In the Museum of Philadelphia is
the old loom of Simon Hay with the date I774. These
buildings are the oldest buildings connected with the
Hay family, in existence. The fulling and carding
mill has long since disappeared.
Five boys and five girls were born to Simon and
Anna Marie (Shaver) Hay: I. Michael, born February 2I, 1775, and died September 30, I840, who married Elizabeth Young, daughter of Ludwig Young.
Both are buried on their home farm one mile north
of Lavansville, Pennsylvania. 2. Jacob, born M.arch
20, I777; married Elizabeth Louder, and first settled
where Wellersburg is now  located, and afterward
moving to Millersburg, Ohio, where they raised a large
family. 3. Valentine, born June 26, 1779, and died in
the year I834 married Catherine Berkley. He was
part-owner with his father of the farm and mill property at Hay's Mill. 4. George, born May 7, T781, and
died June I8, I844; married Mary Countryman, who
was born September 2I, I789, and died March I4, 1872.
Mr. Hay is buried on the Peter S. Hay farm, and Mrs.
Hay in the Hay's Church Cemetery. 5. Susan, born
March 22, 1784, who married Jacob Baker.  They
emigrated to near Wooster, Ohio, where they reared
a large family. 6. Mary, born August I6, I786. andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
died July 27, I846; married Jacob Young, who was
born May 26, I78o, and died April 2, I867. They settled one and one-half miles north of Lavansville, where
they reared a large family. 7. Peter S., born April
I8, 1790, and died May 4, 1845. He is buried in the
Reformed Cemetery, in Berlin, Pennsylvania. He
married Elizabeth Walker, born September 30, 1794,
died July 8, I88o, and buried in the Hay's Reformed
Church Cemetery. Peter Hay owned the farm where
his father first pitched his tent under a white oak tree.
8. Elizabeth, born April 17, I792, married George
Weller, who was born April 27, 1792. They settled
on a farm on which the town of Wellersburg is now
situated, and from this family the name is derived. 9.
Eva., born April II, 1795, died August 6, 1883; married George Gebhart, born December 13, 1792, and died
March 17, 1852. They settled on a farm in Milford
Township, and he was the founder of Gebhartsburg.
They afterward located in Dayton, Ohio. io. Catherine, born in February, 1798, married Samuel Miller,
of Addison Township, who was born in I8oo, and died
January 7, 1875. They resided in Addison Township.
After the marriage of Michael Hay, oldest son of
the original Simon Hay, he bought a large farm, one
mile north of Lavansville, Somerset County, where he
erected a fulling and carding mill. Afterwards he
bought two more farms and followed farming extensively. He also had a cider press and distillery. Mr.
and Mrs. Hay were members of the Reformed Church.
To this union twelve children were born.
One of the sons, Andrew Hay, was born December
25, 1823. He married Mary Miller, who was born
November 23, I829. They were married in I854 and
followed farming for many years. Mr. Hay was a
veteran of the Civil War, and served in Company B,
53d Reg. Pennsylvania, Vol. Infantry. Mr. Hay died
in I9II and Mrs. Hay died in I9I8. Both were past
eighty-seven years of age and were buried in the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood, Pennsylvania. They were members of the Reformed Church. To this union were born three children: Abraham, of further mention; Annie, and Sarah.
Abraham Hay was born February 25, I855, and
married Lydia Kretchman, who was born July 4, i857.
They were married September 20, 1877, by the Rev.
C. U. Heilman. To this union were born ten children:
Herman W., Lloyd A., Frank R., Mary E., Edward
R.,.Pearl L., Mabel A., James E., John C., and Leora
G. They followed farming almost all their lives, and
were all members of the Reformed Church. Abraham
Hay served his church as deacon. Mrs. Hay died
March 24, 1926, and Mr. Hay August 26, 1935, and
both are buried in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Rockwood, Pennsylvania.
Lloyd A. Hay, son of Abraham and Lydia (Kretchman) Hay, was born in Summit Township, July I6,
I88o. After completing his education he taught school
for four years, and was rural letter carrier on Route
No. i, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, for one year and
seven months, then following the tradition of his forefathers, he centered his attention upon the land. He
farmed in Summit Township for six years, before
moving to Elk Lick Township in I913, where he
purchased a farm on which he has lived ever since.
This place comprises one hundred and sixty-seven
acres. One hundred acres good farming land, the balance pasture and timber land. He also owns three
tracts of one hundred and eighty-one acres of pasture
and timber land. He raises general crops, with emphasis upon potatoes and peas; but he probably is most
interested in his herd of forty-four Durham cattle.
A good citizen, he enters actively into local life and
affairs and has served in numerous public offices. He
has been auditor of Summit Township for three years;
for a similar length of term was secretary of the Summit Township School Board, and was a member of the
Elk Lick Township School Board for fourteen years.
At the present writing he is auditor for Elk Lick
Township. In politics, Lloyd A. Hay is an influential
Republican. A lifelong member of the Reformed
Church, he has acted as deacon for three years and
has been an elder for thirteen years.
On April I6, I9O6, Lloyd A. Hay married Ada
Lepley, daughter of Adam and Nancy Lepley, of Elk
Lick Township, and they have two children: Lillian
Irene and Lydia Grace.
Edward R. Hay, son of Abraham and Lydia
(Kretchman) Hay, was born in Summit Township,
April 9, I886. Inclined towards books in his youth,
he attended both the public and the normal school, and
for twelve terms taught in local schools. In 1918,
however, he began farming in Elk Lick Township. He
has a home place of two hundred and seventy-two
acres and, in addition he has over three hundred acres
of land where he does some farming, makes maple
syrup and pastures cattle. As is the modern practice
in this part of Pennsylvania, he combines cattle with
general crops, keeping always up-to-date in his methods
and equipment.
Edward R. Hay has been tax collector for fifteen
years, and for two terms has been justice of the peace'
He is a Republican in his political allegiance. For
eighteen years he has been a deacon in the local Reformed Church, and consistently lends his aid to reli529ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
gious, humanitarian and community organizations and
activities.
Mr. Hay was married to Althea Engle, a daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Engle, of St. Paul, Somerset
County. Mr. and Mrs. Hay are the parents of five
children: Ruth, Albert, Jean, Eleanor and Marie.
JOHN ALLEN BARR-Entering the undertaking business more than forty-five years ago. John
Allen Barr is still actively identified with this field,
and since I9o8 he has been operating in Marianna,
Pennsylvania, at the present time being the senior
member of the firm of Barr and Shrontz, the junior
member being his son-in-law, Arley G. Shrontz, who
has been associated with this work for twenty-four
years.
John Allen Barr was born at West Bethlehem
Township, Washington County, October I2, I867, the
son of John G. and Eunice (Craig) Barr. John G.
Barr, born in West Bethlehem Township, August I,
1841, the son of Samuel and Sarah (Gayman) Barr,
was engaged during his lifetime in farming. He died
August 2, 1912. His wife, a native of Greene County,
and daughter of Jesse and Sophrona (Cary) Craig,
died in I888.
John Allen Barr attended the public schools of West
Bethlehem Township, and then worked on his father's
farm for six years. He then purchased property at
Zellarsville, Pennsylvania, consisting of a home, general repair shop and undertaking business, and six
acres of ground, and he entered the undertaking field
and operated the entire establishment for seventeen
years. In 19o8 he purchased two lots at Marianna,
erected a large storeroom, and has conducted an undertaking and furniture business here to the present day.
He has also been president and a director of the Peoples Bank of Marianna since its organization in I9I9.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, and a
supporter of the Democratic party, and a member of
the American Bankers Association. He was married
at West Bethlehem Township to Amanda Ellen Gayman, daughter of Isaac and Mary Ellen Gayman. Mr.
and Mrs. Barr are the parents of a daughter, Iris A.,
who married Arley G. Shrontz, and they are the parents of three children: i. John H. Shrontz, born in
Gary, Indiana, married Virginia Miles. ii. Mary
Grace Shrontz, born in W\est Bethlehem Township,
married John Edgar. iii. Geraldine Marie Shrontz, also
born in West Bethlehem Township.
CAPTAIN JOHN CLARK MANSFIELDHaving been descended from four of the very first
settlers of the New Haven Colony and a score of other
New England families of the earliest Colonial period.
Captain John Clark Mansfield is noted for his militant
patriotism and the prominent part he has taken in the
activities of leading hereditary and war veteran societies.
Captain Mansfield was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 11, 1875, and was educated in the
public schools of that city and at Temple College. At
the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he enlisted
as private in Company A, 2d Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry. While serving in the army he received an
appointment as railway postal clerk, having previously
taken a Civil Service examination at which he obtained
the rating of 93.60 per cent.-standing number four
among a large list of eligibles in the State of Pennsylvania. He has continued in the United States Railway Mail Service throughout his life and many years
ago reached an official status.
During a period of five years he served as an officer
in the 2d Infantry, Pennsylvania National Guard, resigning as first lieutenant in 1912 when he and his
family moved to Sewickley, Pennsylvania, an important
Pittsburgh suburb. At the declaration of war against
Germany he demonstrated his patriotism by submitting
to an operation for inguinal hernia in order to qualify
physically for enlistment in the army. On graduation
from officers' training schools at Kelly Field, San
Antonio, Texas, and the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, he was commissioned second lieutenant in
the Air Corps. While on duty at Carruthers Field,
Fort Worth, Texas, he was appointed commanding
officer of the 209th Air Squadron of the regular army.
This squadron was highly commended for efficiency
and was pronounced by the Post Commander "the
best on the field." Lieutenant Mansfield's services
were so satisfactory that, as shown by the War Department records, he was recommended for a commission in the regular army at the close of the war, but
that he finally declined to consider. He was later
appointed captain in the United States Army Air
Corps Reserve. On his return to Sewickley after his
discharge from the army, April I7, 1919, he was elected
the first commander of Post 4, The American Legion.
In 1928 he was elected State Commander of the United
Spanish War Veterans and broke all records of the
order, State and national, by organizing thirty-one
new posts in Pennsylvania.
On March II, I929, he was appointed a member of
the board of trustees, Pennsylvania (State) Soldiers'
and Sailors' Home, Erie, Pennsylvania, and has served
under three governors of the Commonwealth. Since
I930 he has been president of the board. Recognition
was given him by the Sons of the American Revolution in 1934 when he was elected president of theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
53I
Pittsburgh Chapter. In 1937 he was elected Governor,
Pennsylvania Society, Order of the Founders and
Patriots of America.' Other affiliations of Captain
Mansfield are as follows: Army and Navy Club
(Washington, District of Columbia); Pittsburgh Athletic Association; Colonial Society of Pennsylvania;
honorary life member, Daughters of the Confederacy;
honorary life member, Ladies of the Grand Army of
the Republic; Military Order of the Crusades (6 ancestors); Society of Colonial Wars (22 ancestors);
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; and Western Pennsylvania Historical Society.
He was married at Forty Fort, Luzerne County,
Pennsylvania, February 25, 1902, in the Forty Fort
Methodist Episcopal Church, to Ella Mae Carey, a
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution,
and a daughter of George Daniel Kiefer Carey and
Charlotte (Sponsler) Carey. Mr. Carey was promoted
to corporal for bravery during an action on the James
River, Virginia, in the Civil War while a member of
Company D, 3d Regiment, Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. The marriage mentioned is recorded in the
Orphans' Court, Philadelphia, where the application for
the marriage license, No. I44698, is filed.
The children of Captain and Mrs. Mansfield all reside
in Pittsburgh and are as follows: I. Charlotte Sponsler
Mansfield, born at Forty Fort, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, October I7, 1903.  She was married to
Charles Andrew Stover, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
June 6, 1929. Mrs. Stover graduated in I927 from the
Department of Fine Arts, Carnegie Institute of Technology, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She is
a member of the national honorary fraternity of Mortar Board, College Club of Pittsburgh, Daughters of
Founders and Patriots of America, and the Daughters
of the American Revolution. They have one child,
Charles Andrew Stover II, a student at Shadyside
Academy in Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Stover are
members of the Oakmont Country Club, Pittsburgh
Field Club and the Pittsburgh Athletic Association.
2. Katherine Hoctor Mansfield, born at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, October 5, 1905; married, at Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, May 4, I929, Captain Edward Hoopes
III, a patent lawyer, and a descendant of the old
(I683) Philadelphia family of that name. Mrs. Hoopes
attended the Drama Department, Carnegie Institute of
Technology, two and one-half years. On January 27,
I932, she was awarded a Carnegie Hero Medal for
saving a girl from drowning near Indian Cove, Guilford, Connecticut, at the risk of her own life. She is a
member of the College Club of Pittsburgh, Daughters
of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of
Founders and Patriots of America. Issue: Edward
Hoopes IV, pupil at the Falk Elementary School,
University of Pittsburgh.  3. Clark Mansfield, the
third and last of the children, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, March I2, 19o8. He is a graduate
of the Swissvale, Pennsylvania, High School, and was
appointed second lieutenant, Field Artillery Reserve,
United States Army, October 6, I931.
The parents of Captain Mansfield were John Clark
Mansfield, born at Berwick, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1848, died in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, April 14, I920, and Catherine (Hoctor)
Mansfield, baptized at Borrisokane Parish, Tipperary
County, Ireland, October I I, I846, died at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 22, i886. They were
married in Philadelphia, October 5, I874. Mr. Mansfield, Sr., spent his early years in Berwick, and removed with his family to Connecticut to the old Mansfield homestead farm at Great Hill, in the town of
Seymour. When only sixteen years of age (claiming
to be eighteen) the father of Captain Mansfield enlisted for the Civil War in Company C, I5th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. In a skirmish at Weiser's
Forks, near Kinston, North Carolina, he was captured
by the Confederate Army, and pending parole was confined for a brief period in Libby Military Prison, Richmond, Virginia. After his discharge from the a'rmy,
June I5, I865, at Fort Schuyler, New York, he made
several trips to sea in sailing vessels, mostly to the
Australian coast on whale hunting expeditions. He
visited Shanghai and other cities in China, had experi
ences with pirates and cannibals, but his greatest thrill
came when he was washed overboard in a storm and
was washed back on board again by a returning wave.
In 1877 he took up a land grant at Fort Worth, Texas,
on land that is now valuable and located within the
city limits. Finding that the technique of Connecticut
farming was not adapted to the arid climate of the
Southwest, he gave up the ranch and was employed as
locomotive engineer on the Texas and Pacific Railroad, and subsequently as roundhouse foreman at Marshall, Texas. For the benefit of the health of his wife,
he returned in I88I to Philadelphia, where he was
elected in I892 commander of Post 21, Grand Army of
the Republic.
The mother of Captain Mansfield, Catherine (Hoctor) Mansfield, came to America from Ireland in I858
with her parents, Michael and Mary (Brien) Hoctor.
The latter was a descendant, so it is claimed, of Brian
Boru, a famous King of all Ireland. The Hoctor family came from Lissduff, Tipperary County, in the parish of Borrisokane and Eglish, not far from the ruins
of the Castle of Brian Boru. They were refined andANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
cultured people. The parents of Michael were James
Hoctor and Margaret (Howe) Hoctor.
The paternal grandfather of Captain Mansfield was
Stephen Mansfield, born at Great Hill, Derby (now
Seymour), Connecticut, January I, I8o8, died at
Bethany, Connecticut, August 8, I889. He was a
farmer but for a period was employed as a traveling
salesman by his brother, Nathan Glover Mansfield,
who conducted a wholesale house in Easton, Pennsylvania. During his travels he visited Berwick, Pennsylvania, and accepted an appointment as school teacher
and was postmaster at Berwick in I845. In I842 he
married Eliza Craig, born in Briar Creek Township,
Columbia County, Pennsylvania, March 29, 1824, died
at Allentown, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1875. Eliza
(Craig) Mansfield, a granddaughter of Silas Engle,
one of the pioneers of Columbia County, is buried in
the Mansfield family plot in the Pine Grove Cemetery,
at Berwick, but her husband, Stephen Mansfield, who
died in I899, is buried in Squantuck, Seymour, Connecticut, in the family plot of his grandfather, Nathan
Mansfield, a veteran of the Revolutionary War. The
earlier generations of the Mansfields are buried in the
Grove Street Cemetery, New Haven, Connecticut.
Practically all graves in all generations are well
marked by headstones, attesting to the prominence of
the family.
The progenitor of the Mansfields in America was
Richard Mansfield, who came from Devonshire, England, with his wife, Gillian Drake, and settled in New
Haven, Connecticut, in I639. Their son, Major Moses
Mansfield, was probate and county judge of New
Haven County and served in the General Court of the
New Haven and Connecticut Colonies for forty-two
sessions. He was given a large grant of land in Connecticut for services in King Philip's War-land that
became the town (township) of Mansfield. Mount
Mansfield, the highest mountain in the Green Mountains, Vermont, was settled by people from Mansfield,
Connecticut, and derives its name from that source.
Among the ancestors of Captain Mansfield are cofounders of the following towns:
New Haven, Connecticut--Roger Alling, Francis
Browne, Thomas Nash, Captain Robert Seeley.
Stamford, Connecticut-Lieutenant Francis Bell,
Robert Coe, Matthew Mitchell.
Wethersfield, Connecticut-Captain Robert Seeley.
Concord, Massachusetts-Rev. Peter Bulkeley, Rev.
John Jones.
Springfield, Massachusetts-Matthew Mitchell.
Watertown, Massachusetts-Captain Robert Seeley.
Elizabeth, New Jersey-Captain Robert Seeley.
East Hampton, Long Island, New York-Ralph
Dayton.
Hempstead, Long Island, New York-Robert Coe.
Huntington, Long Island, New York--Captain Robert Seeley.
Jamaica, Long Island, New York-Robert Coe.
Newtown, Long Island, New York-Robert Coe.
Space in this article does not permit further genealogical data, but the Register of the Society of Colonial Wars (1938) gives the records of twenty-two
ancestors of Captain Mansfield. Additional records
will appear in the next Register of the Colonial Society of Pennsylvania.  The Mansfield Genealogy
(I886) by Horace Mansfield, is authentic.
Captain Mansfield is an Episcopalian and a Republican. He is a member of St. Stephen's Church, Sewickley, Pennsylvania. His name appears in the said
church on a bronze World War Memorial plaque.
Residence: No. 12I3 Milton Avenue, Regent Square
(Swissvale Branch), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
DR. WILLIAM  THOMAS PYLE-In the
practice of medicine and surgery Dr. William l'horoas
Pyle has been engaged, at Swissvale, foi more tllan
four decades and is one of the most fame_iar and respected figures in the town.. He enjoys a large clit:ntele, is held in high repute by colleagues and is proiminent in community life. Few know the colorful background of his career, and with what difficulty his success was attained. He inherited a splendid tradition
from Revolutionary ancestors, and strong traits of
character from his parents, but he was left fatherless
as a child in arms, worked his way through the high
schools he attended and had made it livelihood in industry for a number of years before he could enter a
medical school. At an age when he might well have
been excused from military service, he enlisted in the
United States Medical Corps during the World War,
and while serving others also extended his surgical
knowledge along lines that stood him in good stead ir
later practice. Down the years his has been a busy life
in which all kinds of human activities have their part,
whether professional or social, civic or cultural. His
career might well serve as an example and inspiration
to the great number of young people who know him
by sight, reputation and long connection with the local
school affairs, but are unacquainted with the elements
entering into his achievements.
Dr. Pyle is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
born March I8, I867, son of Thomas Houston and
Mary Catherine (Colestock) Pyle and the greatgreat-grandson of William Lyons, who in the American Revolution served under Captain Percival Frazier
in the 4th Pennsylvania Battalion, commanded by
Lieutenant-Colonel Wayne, of the Continental Troops,
and also is a descendant of Thomas Houston, member
532ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
533
of Captain Jacob Bowers, 4th Pennsylvania Continental Line, who were a part of General Washington's
"ragged army." Thomas Houston Pyle was a native
of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was highly
placed in the baggage department of the old Union
Station, in Pittsburgh, when railroading was at the
beginning of its enormous development. He died June
15, I867, or three months after the birth of his son,
William Thomas, of this record. Upon the mother, a
native of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, who died
October 2I, I909, devolved the heavy responsibilities
of the family and its rearing. She was a thorough believer in the advantages of a sound education and
encouraged the future doctor to go as far as was possible under difficult circumstances to secure learning.
She lived to see her boy well on his way to success
as a physician.
Dr. Pyle attended elementary schools at Cross
Creek, Washington County, and in Woodvale, Dunbar
Township, Fayette County. He then studied at the
Western Pennsylvania Classical and Scientific Institute, at Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County and the
Iron City Business College, Pittsburgh.  His first
employment of major importance was with the J. M.
Schoonmaker Coke Company, at Alice Mines, Pennsylvania, as a payroll clerk. After three years he went
with the Southwest Connellsville Coke and Coal Company at Morewood Mines, where another three years
was spent as bookkeeper. One more year followed,
associated with the Norfolk Coal and Coke Company
as paymaster at Maybury, West Virginia, after which
he left to carry out an ambition which had grown with
the years: to become a physician.
Matriculating at Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio, he was graduated from its medical school,
in I897, a Doctor of Medicine, and that same year,
on August I, initiated the practice of his profession in
Swissvale, Pennsylvania. Here he has continued his
ministry of the ill ever since, except for sixteen months
World War service with the United States Army
Medical Corps. After his enlistment, he was assigned
to the 8Ist Division, at Camp Jackson, South Carolina.
Later he was sent to the Rockefeller Institute, New
York City, for special training in a new method of
treating wounds, and then was at Roosevelt Hospital,
where he rounded out his knowledge of war surgery.
Near the end of the World War, he was ordered to
Base Hospital, No. I40, at Camp Johnson, Jacksonville, Florida, where he continued his work until receiving his honorable discharge on December 6, I9I8.
His war service with the Medical Corps had won him
a commission of captain. After the war he was regimental surgeon of the Io7th Field Artillery, Pennsylvania National Guard, with the rank of maj or. From
I919 to I926 he was a major and lieutenant-colonel
in the United States Medical Reserve Corps.
Until more recent years, Dr.' Pyle has been active
prominently in varied phases of community affairs.
From  I926 to I934 he was a burgess of Swissvale,
and for a dozen years he was a member of the local
school board. Over a long period he has been an
influential Republican. He is a member of the Daniel
Brooks Post No. 63, of Swissvale, American Legion,
of which he was the first commander, and is affiliated
with the Military Order of the World War. By right
of ancient and honorable ancestry he is a member of
the Sons of the American Revolution, Pittsburgh
Chapter. He worships in the faith of the Presbyterian
Church.
In I894 Dr. William Thomas Pyle married Jennie
May Mechling, of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, daughter of George and Martha (Bingaman) Mechling, both
of whom are deceased. George Mechling was a veteran
of the War Between the States. Mrs. Pyle died on
October 22, 1934, leaving an only daughter, Mary,
wife of Paul B. Fleck, of Pittsburgh, and they are the
parents of two children: i. William  Pyle Fleck. ii.
Jane Lee Fleck.
SAMUEL McCARTNEY JACKSON, 2d-Mr.
Jackson was born in Apollo, September 25, I899, the
son of Frank W. and Caroline (Turney) Jackson,
both natives of this State, the former from Apollo,
Armstrong County, and the latter from Greensburg,
Westmoreland County. His father, who was born
May 7, I870, and died April I, I936, attended Washington and Jefferson and Grove City colleges. He
embarked on his business career as secretary of the
P. H. Laughlin Company, manufacturers of black and
galvanized sheet steel, where he worked until I899 and
the company was absorbed by the United States Steel
Corporation. He thereafter became secretary of the
Apollo Trust Company, Apollo, Pennsylvania, and
from  1903 to I9O6 was a member of the Legislature
from  Armstrong County.  At the expiration of his
term, he became examiner for the State Banking Department and continued in this office until I916, when
he became president of the Apollo Electric Steel Company. In I9I9 he returned to the State Banking Department as Liquidating Receiver in charge of closed
banks in Western Pennsylvania and continued in this
capacity until his passing seventeen years later. During
his career he established an enviable record of business
achievement and public service, becoming one of the
most highly esteemed and influential banking and political leaders in this section of the Commonwealth.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The Jackson family has figured prominently in the
history of Western Pennsylvania since the latter
part of the eighteenth century, when John Jackson,
great-great-great-grandfather of Samuel McCartney
Jackson, 2d, whose name heads this review, came to
Westchester, Pennsylvania, from Carrick Fergus, Ireland, in 1773, moving west to Hannastown, then the
county seat of Westmoreland County, in 1775, and
shortly thereafter to the Kiskiminetas Valley, near
the present Borough of Apollo, where members of the
family have continuously resided since.
General Samuel McCartney Jackson, the grandfather of Mr. Jackson, achieved distinction as a soldier
and legislator. During the Civil War he served in
the Union Army with the rank of colonel, IIth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves, participating in all the
campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, achieving
particular distinction at Gettysburg. In 1875 and 1876
he was elected to the State Senate and in 1882 appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for a term of
four years. In 1893 he was elected State Treasurer
of Pennsylvania. At the close of his term of office,
he returned to Apollo and resumed his duties of directing the affairs of Apollo Trust Company, of which he
was president.
After completing a general education at the Apollo
High School, Samuel McCartney Jackson, 2d, attended
the Pennsylvania Military College, at Chester, where
he was awarded a Civil Engineering degree in 1920.
He then matriculated in the law department of the
University of Pennsylvania, completing his course in
I923. The following year he was admitted to the
Pennsylvania State Bar and established himself in a
general practice in the city of Pittsburgh which he
has since conducted.
He is a member of the board of directors of the
Apollo Trust Company; vice-president and general
counsel for the First Federal Savings  Loan Association of Pittsburgh. Socially he is a member of several clubs here, including the Pittsburgh Athletic
Association, Monarch Club; and he fraternizes with
Apollo Lodge No. 437 of the Order of Free and
Accepted Masons, together with affiliated Masonic
lodges. He also belongs to the Pennsylvania Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion
of the United States, the Pennsylvania Society Sons
of the American Revolution, and through his military
service in the United States Army during the World
War, is a member of Apollo Post, No. 408, of the
American Legion. During the early part of his military career he served in the Student Army Training
Corps and was later transferred to the Officers Training Corps at Camp Lee, commissioned as a second
lieutenant. As an undergraduate Mr. Jackson was
elected a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
He is a Republican in politics and in his religious convictions worships at the Highland Presbyterian Church,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As an attorney he is identified with the Allegheny County Bar Association, the
Pennsylvania State Bar Association and the American
Bar Association.
He resides at 1129 Heberton Avenue, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania.
On June 26, 1929, Mr. Jackson married Martha
MacCallum, of Wernersville, Berks County, the
daughter of Malcolm and Martha (Shearer) MacCallum. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are the parents of
three children: I. Samuel McCartney, 3d. 2. Frank
Wilson, 2d. 3. Malcolm MacCallum.
ROBERT  J. DODDS-For  over thirty-five
years significance has been attached to the name of
Robert J. Dodds as one of the leading attorneys and
business figures of the city of Pittsburgh, where he
maintains a large corporate practice and is an official
in a number of industrial, financial, and manufacturing
organizations.
Mr. Dodds was born in Allegheny County, October
20, 1877, the son of Joseph Spratt and Sarah Jane
(Wallace) Dodds. After a general education he attended the University of Pittsburgh from which he
was graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Laws in
the class of I903. The same year he began his legal
career in Pittsburgh with the firm of Reed, Smith,
Shaw and McClay. He became increasingly prominent
in the Pittsburgh bar and, in the spring of 1920 was
appointed United States Attorney for the Western
District of Pennsylvania by the United States Court.
In the meantime he has also won recognition in the
business community of this city and was invited to act
in an official advisory capacity for a number of concerns here, which led to associations he still maintains.
Thus we find him listed as secretary and director of
the Columbia Steel and Shafting Company, and a
member of the board of directors in the following
organizations: the Kauffmann Department Stores,
Incorporated; the Mesta Machine Company; the
Thomas B. Moreland Company; the Pittsburgh-Erie
Saw Corporation: the Standard Steel Spring Company; the Superior Steel Corporation and the Equitable Life Assurance Company of the United States.
While he is widely known for his business and professional accomplishments, he is equally prominent in
social and civic affairs and in this connection serves as
a member of the advisory committee of the Salvation
Army, Inc., is a trustee for the American University
534ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
I917, to Elizabeth B. Cooke of Uniontown, daughter
of William H. and Elizabeth (Breckenridge) Cooke.
Mr. and MIrs. Smith have one son, William Stanley,
born March I5, 1925.
WILLIAM HENRY SOISSON, Sr.-For many
years William Henry Soisson, Sr., of Connellsville,
has served as secretary and treasurer of the Connellsville Manufacturing and Mine Supply Company, and
his service to the city has been such as to earn for
him the warm respect and admiration of his fellowcitizens.
Mr. Soisson was born March 23, I866, in Blair
County, Pennsylvania, son of Peter and I,ouisa
(Houck) Soisson and member of a family long prominent in the business history of Fayette County, Pennsylvania. The Soissons came originally from Alsace,
and early records tell of a Joseph Soisson, an Alsace
merchant, who, on his mother's side of the house, was
related to the great Philadelphia banker, capitalist and
philanthropist, Stephen Girard. He had four sons:
John, Joseph, Peter, and Leo. Peter Soisson, father
of William Henry Soisson, Sr., was born August 20,
I830, in Walscheid, Alsace-Lorraine, and coming to
the United States in I851, settled near Hollidaysburg,
Blair County, Pennsylvania. Later he lived at Gibson,
Fayette County, the town which afterward became
South Connellsville, there beginning work as a brick
manufacturer. After a time he became a butcher; then
he secured a controlling interest in the old Snyder
Brewery, which was eventually destroyed by fire. Stubsequently, he operated the Connellsville Brewery. In
politics he was a Democrat; and a Catholic in his religious faith. He married Louisa Houck, born October
23, 184I, at Gallitzin, Cambria County, daughter of
Joseph Houck, a shoemaker, born at Lebanon, I,ebanon County, this State, and Katherine (Buser) Houck.
Peter and Louisa (Houck) Soisson were the parents
of eleven children; the first four born passed away in
infancy, and those surviving were as follows: 5. Catherine Sylvester, born April 26, I868, married Michael
Weidinger, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, the latter
deceased, in January, I938. 6. Mary Martinae, born
May 24, I864, married George Werner. of Derry,
Pennsylvania, both deceased. 7. William Henry, Sr.,
of whom further. 8. Ida, born August 25, I870, married Daniel Wilhelm, formerly of Fairbanks, this
State, both deceased. 9. Augustin D., of Connellsville, born here December i5, I872; married, February
Io, 1902, Mary G. Marietta. Io. Gertrude, born MAay
IO, I874, of Connellsville, but now makes her home in
Los Angeles, California.  ii. Theresa, born May 9,
1877, the widow of James Gibson, a resident of Los
Angeles, California.;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                               55
William Henry Soisson, Sr., was two years of age
when his parents moved to Fayette County, settling at
White Rocks, now South Connellsville. He attended
public schools at Gibson Station, then for a few years
studied at a parochial school and at Connellsville High
School, where he was graduated with the class of
I883. In that same year he began business life in
association with John D. Frisbee's department store,
serving as bookkeeper and cashier. For fifteen years
he continued his work in that responsible post, being
so engaged until I898. At that time he acquired an
interest in the brewing business established by his
father, and became secretary and treasurer of the
Uniontown branch of the enterprise.  In I899 the
brewing plants of the Soissons in both Uniontown and
Connellsville were sold to the Pittsburgh Brewing
Company, and for two years William H. Soisson, Sr.,
remained with that company, being in charge of their
Connellsville offices. In I90I he joined in the organization and incorporation of the Connellsville Manufacturing and Mine Supply Company. He was elected
a director of that company, and at the first meeting
of the board of directors was chosen secretary and
treasurer, a position that he effectively filled. He has
held this same post since January, I9oi.
This company, which makes all kinds of mine machinery and hoisting and pumping devices, has received
a notable impetus from the diligence and enthusiasm
of William Henry Soisson, Sr., whose untiring efforts
have served to carry it forward to success. The products made here are sold throughout the United States,
Canada, Mexico and India, and the organization represents one of Connellsville's foremost commercial
enterprises. The progress that it has shown through
the years has been distinctive and noteworthy. Nor
has Mr. Soisson's absorption in its welfare prevented
his participation in other business undertakings of
magnitude, for he is also secretary and treasurer of the
Connellsville Coke and Fuel Company. He was also
vice-president and a director of the Title and Trust
Company of Western Pennsylvania. and has been
financially interested in many other firms.
His strong executive ability has found expression
also in the civic, social and cultural groups with
which he is affiliated. During the World War period
Mr. Soisson took a leading part in many war measures. He was a member of the Committee on Liberty
Loan Drives, which was credited with having sold
more Liberty Bonds than any of the several other
committees in Connellsville, and holds a document of
recognition of his services by the United States Government from  the Governor of the Federal Reserve
Bank of Cleveland and the chairman of the board. He
was also a member of the Productive Committee of theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
535
in Cairo, Egypt, and belongs to the University Club,
the Duquesne Club, the Pittsburgh Country Club, and
the Longue Vue Country Club.
On February 14, I914, Robert J. Dodds married
Agnes J. Raw, of Southport, England.
DEMASS ELLSWORTH BARNES, M. A.Assistant headmaster of Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, Demass Ellsworth Barnes, M. A., has made a
career of education almost from his graduation from
college. During his later Harvard and other university
graduate work he majored in history, which continues
to be his specialty in instruction and greatest interest.
He served overseas for more than a year in the World
War.
Professor Barnes was born at Gambier, Ohio, April
12, 1893, son of Thomas Ellsworth and Lydia Belle
(Rolston) Barnes. His father, now retired, is noteworthy for his civic and political activities. He has
been a township trustee, member of the Coshocton
(Ohio) Health Board, and a County Republican committeeman.
In June, I913, after three years' study, Professor
Barnes was graduated from Ohio Northern University,
with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He had majored
in philosophy. Matriculating at Harvard University,
in the fall of that same year, he remained at Cambridge, Massachusetts, for three years doing graduate
work in history and government, for two of these
years, 1914-16, as a university scholar. He received
his Master's degree in Arts, June, I9I5.  In the
scholastic year, 1915-16, he was assistant in government, Harvard University, and during the second half
of that period was assistant in government at Radcliffe
College.  Professor Barnes completed his resident
work for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in June,
I9I6. He was instructor in history at Monson Academy, Monson, Massachusetts, from I916 to May, I918.
Being of that generation whose careers were interrupted, in most instances, by World War service, Professor Barnes was identified with the United States
military forces from May, I9I8, to August, 1919, holding the rank of second lieutenant in the infantry from
August, I918, to August, I919. He was with the
American Expeditionary Forces from September, I918,
to August, I919, and with the American Army of Occupation, during January and February, I919. Later
as a member of the American School Detachment,
from March to June, I919, he pursued courses in history and international law at the University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
Upon his return to civilian life, Professor Barnes
went to the Morristown School, Morristown, New
Jersey, as an instructor in history. After a year he
was made head of its department of history, continuing
as such from I920 to 1922. As already indicated, Professor Barnes came to the Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, in 1922, where he has since been head of the
department of social studies. He was director of the
Summer School, I924 to 1937; acting headmaster, September I, 1937, to August 3I, I938; and since September I, 1938, has been assistant headmaster.
In connection with the broad field of education, Professor Barnes was reader in American history, with
the College Examination Board, June, 1922, and from
1924 to 1935; and was examiner in American history
on this same board, in 1933, 1934, and I935. The
number and variety of professional and other organizations, with which Professor Barnes is identified,
reflects something of the scope of his interests and
attainments. He has been a member of the American
Historical Association since I916; and a member of
the Middle States Association of History Teachers,
the National Council of Social Studies, Historical
Society of Western Pennsylvania, Historical Association of Pennsylvania, Foreign Policy Association, Ohio
Northern University Alumni Association, and the
Harvard Club of Western Pennsylvania. He is a
director of the Animal Rescue League, Pittsburgh.
Fraternally, he is affiliated with Warsaw Lodge, No.
225, Free and Accepted Masons, of Ohio. He has been
a vestryman of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, and since 1929 serves on the Committee on
Religious Education, Diocese of Western Pennsylvania (Episcopal) and on the Committee of Education
of the Civic Club of Allegheny County.
In Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Pittsburgh, on
June 19, 1929, Demass Ellsworth Barnes married
Helen Elise Garden, daughter of the Rev. Alfred William  Savery  Garden  and Mrs. Maude Elizabeth
(Woodhouse) Garden. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes are the
parents of a son, Thomas Garden Barnes, born April
29, I930.
DON C. LONGANECKER served as assistant
county superintendent of schools from  I926 until his
recent election in the spring of 1938 to his present
position as superintendent of schools of Greene County.
He has devoted his entire active career to education,
rising to his present post on merit, and is today well
known as an educational administrator in Western
Pennsylvania.
Mr. Longanecker was born in Greene Township,
Greene County, on August 3, I892, a son of Sylvester
and Ida (Debolt) Longanecker. His father, a farmer,
was born at Mapletown in 1854, and his mother, in theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
same town in I865. Don C. Longanecker was one
of two children in this family. He received his preliminary education in the rural schools of Cumberland
Township and after his graduation from Cumberland
Township High School, with honors, in I913 he
entered Allegheny College, at Meadville. At this
institution he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in
I9I7. Subsequently, Mr. Longanecker carried on postgraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh and at
Waynesburg College, from which latter institution he
received the degree of Master of Arts in I930. He is
taking extension work at the University of Pittsburgh
leading to his degree of Doctor of Education. He
began his career in I917 as a teacher in the Cumberland Township High School and became its principal
in I918, serving during the following academic year.
In I919-2o he was teacher of history and social science
in Mount Pleasant High School and during the summer of the latter year served as instructor in the
Mount Pleasant Township Summer Normal School
for Teachers. In the fall of I920 he became a teacher
in the high school at Jeannette, where he continued
from 1920 to I925. During I925-26 he was supervising principal of the public schools of Bentleyville,
resigning at the end of this time to assume the post
as assistant county superintendent of public schools of
Greene County, which he capably filled until his election in 1928 as superintendent of schools of Greene
County. He has since devoted himself without interruption to the duties of his office and has had a principal part in the development and effective administration of the county's schools.
Mr. Longanecker's home and office are in Waynesburg, the county seat. He has been active in the life
of this community during his residence here and has
exerted his influence in behalf of many worthy civic
causes. He was a member of the Waynesburg Kiwanis Club, of which he served as president in I931;
is a member of the Presbyterian Church; and is affiliated fraternally with Greensburg Lodge, No. 225, Free
and Accepted Masons. In this Order he is also a
member of various higher bodies of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, including Pittsburgh Consistory.
In addition, Mr. Longanecker is a member of Kappa
Phi Kappa and Phi Delta Kappa, National Educational
Fraternities; a member of the National Education
Association; and a life member of the Pennsylvania
State Education Association. He was president of the
County Superintendents Association of Southwestern
Pennsylvania in 1938 and served as president of the
Washington-Greene County Schoolmen's Club the following year. Mr. Longanecker is fond of outdoor life
and finds his principal recreation in hunting.
Don C. Longanecker married, on July 2I, I917,
Carrie Gwynne, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, daughter of John R. and Laura (Martin) Gwynne. Mr.
and Mrs. Longanecker are the parents of two children:
I. Don C., Jr., born February 23, I924.  2. Jean
Gwynne, born July 4, 1926.
NICHOLAS POLKABLA Nicholas Polkabla.
attorney of Monessen, was born December 19, I905,
at Donora, Washington County, Pennsylvania, the son
of Joseph and Anna Polkabla, natives of Czechoslovakia. Joseph Polkabla was engaged as a mill worker
in Monessen, and, until he passed away in I929, took
a keen interest in the professional achievements of his
son.
Nicholas Polkabla attended the Donora public
schools and high school, graduating from the latter
institution in I923. He then enrolled at Washington
and Jefferson College, receiving his degree of Bachelor
of Arts in I927, and afterwards entered the University
of Pittsburgh L,aw School, to he graduated in I930
with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the Westmoreland County bar on October 30
of the' same year, and immediately opened his own
office for the general practice of law. He has since
become associated with the office of Frank A. W\hitsett, and has built for himself an extensive and exacting clientele.
He is a member of the Greek Catholic Church, a
devotee of the Republican party, and president of the
Monessen Literary Association. He is a progressive
member of the local Chamber of Commerce, and holds
membership in the Pennsylvania and VWestmoreland
County Bar associations. He married Mable A. Childs,
daughter of George and Cecil (Ward) Childs, of
Washington, Pennsylvania, on October I4, I933. Mir.
and Mrs. Polkabla are the parents of one son, Jay
Nicholas, born October 21, I935.
ROBERT HORNER JOHNSTON-After more
than eighteen years as proprietor of a printing office in
Salisbury, Pennsylvania, Robert Horner Johnston
entered the banking business in I9I8, and has been
associated with the First National Bank for the past
twenty years, now serving in the capacity of cashier.
He was born in Emmitsburg, Frederick County, Maryland, March 28, I869, the son of Rev. E. S. and Ann
Margaret (O'Dell) Johnston, both deceased. Rev. E.
S. Johnston, D. D., a native of Altoona, was engaged
for fifty years in the service of God as a Lutheran
preacher. His wife was a native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
536ANNALS OF SOUTHWES'
Robert Horner Johnston received his education in
the local public and private schools of Emmitsburg,
after which he secured a position as clerk for a wholesale carriage and saddlery hardware company in Pittsburgh. Three years later he came to Salisbury to
enter the employ of the Merchants' Coal Company, as
shipping clerk, later being placed in charge of a store
conducted by this company. He remained here until
I900 when he purchased a local printing business, and
operated this office until I918. Meanwhile, he also
worked as conductor of the street car operating between Salisbury and Garrett for the Pennsylvania and
Maryland Electric Street Railroad Company. In I918
he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank,
and later advanced to the position of cashier, which
post he has capably filled to the present day.
He is an Elder of the Lutheran Church, and has
been secretary of the church council for many years.
An active Republican, he served a term as burgess,
and has been secretary of the Borough Council for
twenty years. He is also a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and has served as Grand Master
of the local lodge.
He was married, November 9, I899, to Caroline
Smith, of Salisbury, and they are the parents of three
children: I. Elizabeth, a graduate of the local schools
and the University of West Virginia; now a teacher
of English in the Monongahela High School. 2. Robert, a graduate of Altoona High School; now working
as a shipping clerk at the Winton Engine Company of
Cleveland, Ohio, married Armour Wallace, of Cleveland. 3. Louise, a graduate of the local high school,
married H. G. Bender, owner of Bender Implement
Store, Meyersdale.
HERBERT HENRY STATLER-Herbert
Henry Statler, a retired coal operator, and a prominent
figure in the civic life of Salisbury, Pennsylvania, was
born here November 24, I884, the son of Emanuel and
Susan (Hartline) Statler, both deceased. Emanuel
Statler, a native of Brothers Valley Township, was
engaged during his early life in farming; then became
a shoemaker; later became identified with the coal
industry; and in later years organized the firm of E.
Statler and Sons, coal operators. He was a descendant of Caspar Statler, the family pioneer, who settled
in this section shortly after the close of the Revolutionary War.
After finishing his public school education, Herbert
Henry Statler entered the mercantile field, and conducted his own business for fifteen years. He then
became associated with his father's business, and after
fourteen years as a successful coal operator, he retired
from business in I927. Mr. Statler has always been an
TERN PEN N SYLVANIA                             537
active participant in local affairs, and was one of the
leading figures in the establishment of the new and
modern water company.  He has also served many
years as a member of both the School Board and the
Town Council, and is a director of the First National
Bank of Salisbury.
He is a member of the Reformed Church, and for
years served as a deacon. Politically, he is a supporter
of the Republican party. He was married, June 30,
I9o09, to Sadie Grace Randolph, of Westmoreland
County, and they are the parents of four children:
I. Nellie May, a graduate of the local high school and
Beckley College, married Robert L. Hoke. 2. Herbert
Kenneth, a graduate of the local schools. 3. Marie
Randolph, a graduate of the local schools and Duff's
Business College. 4. Wanda Alice, a student in the
local schools.
HARVEY H. MAUST-Although he is now retired from active participation in business, Harvey H.
Maust can look with great pride and satisfaction to his
long career in various business enterprises, the success
of which has verified his keen business foresight, and
caused him to be regarded throughout this section as
an outstanding leader, both in the world of business
and in the advancement of the civic life of Salisbury
and the surrounding territory. He was born in Elk
Lick Township, Somerset County, November I6, I86o,
the son of Abraham A. and Mary (Newman) Maust.
Abraham A. Maust, a native of Somerset County engaged in farming during his lifetime, and he departed
this life after attaining the remarkable age of one hundred years. He was born in I83I and died in I93I.
The Maust family has been singularly blessed with
long tenures of life, as the father of Abraham A.
Maust passed his ninety-sixth birthday before his death,
and his grandfather lived to celebrate his ninety-fourth
birthday. Mary (Newman) Maust, a native of Garrett County, Maryland died at the age of eighty-five
years.
After completing his public school education, Harvey
H. Maust began his business career in the lumber
business and remained at this work for many years,
later becoming a partner and finally vice-president of
the H. C. Huston Lumber Company. He also, during
this time, served as president of the Salisbury Coal and
Lumber Company. His keen business judgment and
complete knowledge of the advantages of this section
caused his entry into many other business enterprises,
and in his notable career, he served for many years as
general manager and vice-president of the Pennsylvania and Maryland Street Railway Company, also
treasurer and one of the active managers of the Boynton Coal Company, Inc.; president of the BoyntonANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Smokeless Coal Company, the Elk Lick Mining Company, the Salisbury Light Company, the Salisbury
Coal and Lumber Company, the Twentieth Century
Manufacturing Company; and a partner in the operation of the Maust Coal Company. He has also been
identified with numerous other business activities, and
his great success in his many undertakings has
brought him State-wide renown and a great amount of
well deserved credit, as he is entirely a self-made man.
Mr. Maust has also acquired a great reputation as a
geologist, and in his many explorations he has uncovered large resources of coal and Mt. Savage clay in
this section. He also served as vice-president of the
First National Bank of Salisbury from its organization
until a few years ago.
He is a member of the Reformed Church and has
been a member of the Consistory and served as elder
during the past forty years. A Republican, politically,
he has been a lifelong supporter of his party, and at
times has held at all local public offices. He is also
prominent in the Masonic Order, being affiliated with
Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, Free and Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and
Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine.
Harvey H. Maust was married, October I, I889, to
Jennie Stanton, of Grantsville, Garrett County, Maryland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Stanton. Mr. and
Mrs. Maust are the parents of two children: I. Florence Stanton, married Albert Ernest Livengood (q. v.).
2. Bayard S., born April 25, I899, a graduate of the
local high school, attended Mercersburg Academy and
Waynesburg College, and later graduated from Eastman Business College. He entered the lumber business
and has been actively identified with it to the present
day, now operating the Bayard S. Maust Company. He
has been a school director for several years, and during
the World War was a member of the Students Army
Training Corps. He is active in civic affairs, and is
affiliated with the Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, Free and
Accepted Masons, Harrisburg Consistory, Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He married, May 20, I926, Marion Groff, of Berlin, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Groff. Mr. and
Mrs. Bayard S. Maust are the parents of two children:
i. Elizabeth Jane. ii. Patricia Ann Maust..
ALBERT ERNEST LIVENGOOD-Becoming
associated with his father in the firm of Barchus and
Livengood at the conclusion of his college work, Albert
Ernest Livengood of Salisbury, Pennsylvania, has been
with this organization to this day, and at present is one
of the partners in the firm. He was born here, September 4, I879, the son of Jacob D. and Lizzie (Beachy)
Livengood, both deceased. Jacob D. Livengood, a native of Elk Lick Township was long engaged as a
banker, and as a member of the mercantile business of
Barchus and Livengood, which he established with J.
L. Barchus.
Albert Ernest Livengood graduated from the local
public and high schools and then matriculated at the
University of Pittsburgh.  Upon completion of his
college courses he entered the employ of Barchus and
Livengood, where conscientious devotion to his duties
has made him an asset to this company's business. He
is now a partner of this company, and also holds a
directorate in the Twentieth Century Manufacturing
Company. He is also connected with the First National Bank, having served for years as a director, and
he now holds the office of vice-president of this organization.
He is a member of the Evangelical Reformed
Church, and a follower of the Republican party. He
is a prominent Mason being affiliated with Meyersdale
Lodge, No. 554, Free and Accepted Masons, Hebron
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Harrisburg Consistory,
Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Jaffa Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He also holds membership in the Meyersdale Rotary
Club.
Mr. Livengood was married, June 26, I917, to Florence Stanton Maust, daughter of Harvey H. (q. v.)
and Jennie (Stanton) Maust, she attended Hood College. Mr. and Mrs. Livengood are the parents of a
daughter, Jane Elizabeth, nineteen years of age, a
graduate of the local schools, and now a student at
Hood College.
CHARLES  A.  MERRILL-Becoming  connected with the coal industry at the beginning of his
business career, Charles A. Merrill is now the president of the firm of W. A. Merrill and Sons, and also
the Enterprise Coal Mining Company, and his many
duties as the active head of both these concerns, together with his extensive farming interests, have
caused him to be regarded as one of the most energetic
and tireless workers in this locality. He was born in
Garrett, Pennsylvania, February 27, I894, the son of
W. A. and Alice (Judy) Merrill. Mr. W. A. Merrill,
a native of Oil City came to Garrett, Pennsylvania,
early in his youth and engaged in the coal and lumber
business as head of the W. A. Merrill and Sons Com538ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
pany. He retired from this business in I9I6, and is
now identified with the hotel business at Palm Beach,
Florida. His wife is a native of Somerset County.
Charles A. Merrill completed his public and high
school education in the local schools, after which he
studied for two years at Franklin and Marshall Academy. He then enrolled at the Eastman Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and, upon his graduation, became associated with his father's business. In
I9I6 he was made the active head of this firm as well
as the Enterprise Coal Mining Company, which operates four mines in this section with a weekly payroll
of from one hundred and fifty to two hundred workers.
Other officers of this company are: W. J. Bryan, vicepresident; Howard E. Merrill, secretary; Emma Merrill Shipley, assistant secretary; and Harold J. Merrill,
treasurer. Charles A. Merrill is also well known in
the farming industry in this section and he is active in
the cultivation of his large farm which produces a
general crop. In addition, he serves as a director of
the First National Bank.
He is superintendent of the Sunday school at the
Grace Reformed Church, and is a member of the Republican party. He is also well known fraternally,
being affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, also, Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, Free and
Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar, and
Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
He was married, August 6, I916, to Elizabeth Todt,
of Monroe, New York, and they are the parents of two
children: I. Charles A., Jr., a student at Franklin and
Marshall College. 2. William A., 2d, a student at
Franklin Marshall Academy.
JACOB B. SCHROCK-Throughout his long
and distinguished career in Somerset County, Jacob B.
Schrock, of Berlin, has been an influential leader in the
social, civic and business life of his surroundings. Since
1928 he has represented this district in the State Legislature and as a resident of the aforementioned community has been prominently identified with a number
of organizations here, including the First National
Bank of Berlin, which he now heads as president.
Mr. Schrock was born at Stony Creek Township,
Somerset County, December 2I, I872, the son of John
M. and Elizabeth (WVeigle) Schrock, both natives of
his birthplace and deceased. His father, who served
as a first lieutenant in Company H, ISt Battalion of
the Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War,
was a farmer and merchant. The family traces its
American ancestry to Caspar Schrock, who came to
this country from Switzerland during the latter part
of the eighteenth century, married Mary Stuckey and
removed to what is now Somerset County in I772.
Lineage is traced through their son, John, and through
his son, Michael, who was Jacob B. Schrock's grandfather.
Mr. Schrock received a general education in the
public schools of his native county and then attended
the Southwestern Normnal School at California, Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in I895. Finishing his studies he began a career in teaching and
continued in this work in Elk and Somerset counties
for eleven years. At the expiration of this period he
retired to take a clerical position with the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad at Connellsville, where he remained
until I9OI, when he came to Berlin as cashier of the
First National Bank, a post in which he was to serve
for thirteen years. He resigned to become secretary of
the Co6perative Mutual Fire Insurance Company and
in I9I6 retired from this concern to help organize the
Pine Hill Fuel Company, miners and shippers of bituminous coal. He was named vice-president of this
organization and later was appointed superintendent
and general manager, holding these offices as long as
the company was in operation. Since that time he has
served as president of the Fi'rst National Bank of
Berlin.
In conjunction with his business activities Mr.
Schrock has been one of the most active and publicspirited citizens of the county, a fact which is evidenced by the important offices he has been chosen to
fill. He was elected a member of the Pennsylvania
State Legislature in I928 and has been reelected during each successive contest, which in itself indicates
his ability as a legislator and the esteem he is held in
by the public at large. As a former educator he has
served as a member of the Berlin School Board for
twenty years and is also a director of Hood College in
Maryland. He was also a member of the Berlin Board
of Health and in his political affiliations subscribes to
the principles of the Republican party.
Mr. Schrock fraternizes with the Somerset Lodge of
the Free and Acccepted Masons in which he is also a
member of Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; the
Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar; the Harrisburg Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and
the Jaffa Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine. He is president of the Berlin Brothers
Valley Community Association, belongs to the Grange
and is a member of the Meyersdale Rotary Club. In
his religious convictions he worships at the Reformed
539ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Church in Berlin, for which he has been both an elder
and a deacon.
On October 29, I9o2, at Berlin, Mr. Schrock married
Edith Zorn, of this community, and the daughter of
Jacob J. and Jemima (Statler) Zorn.
JOHN  O. REAM-As proprietor of the leading
food establishment in Berlin, and also with his extensive farming interests, John O. Ream is numbered
among the most progressive citizens in this locality, and
through his numerous efforts towards the development
of this section, and his deep interest in the welfare oi
his fellowman, especially the younger generation, he
has endeared himself to the many with whom he has
become associated in his long career in this part of
Somerset County.
He was born in Brothers Valley Township, September 20, I869, the son of Michael and Mary (Shaffer) Ream. Michael Ream, the son of Joseph and
Elizabeth (Zorn) Ream, was born on November 5,
I834, and was a carpenter and contractor by trade. He
enlisted in Company F, I42d Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, August 20, I862, and was honorably discharged at the close of the Civil War. He then engaged in farming near Berlin and in I89o entered into
partnership with his son, John O. Ream, first in the
meat business and afterwards in the livery business in
I898. Mary (Shaffer) Ream, was born October 26,
I838, daughter of John and Eve (Zerfoss) Shaffer.
John Shaffer was a farmer of Somerset Township
and a Democrat in his political belief.
John O. Ream received his education in the township
public schools, and then became associated with his
father in the butcher business under the name of M.
Ream and Sons. In 1905 he assumed complete management of -the business, and the new firm, John O.
Ream Company added a complete line of groceries,
and it is now recognized as the largest establishment
of its kind in this section. Mr. Ream is also engaged
in extensive farming operations, and his many tracts,
embracing more than seven hundred acres, produce a
large general crop, and provide pasturage for his herds
of beef cattle. In addition, Mr; Ream is also the owner
of the National Hotel, a well-known hostelry, and
among his other activities can be numbered his eleven
years as a member of the Somerset County Poor
Board, his efforts towards the organization of the
Somerset Fire Association, of which he has been treasurer since the beginning, and also his assistance in the
forming of the Somerset County Farm Bureau, and
his ten years as vice-president of this body. Mr. Ream
also served for many years as chief of the Fire Department, and in I937 was one of the chief figures in the
planning of the Centennial Pageant in Berlin, Pennsylvania, and as president, devoted much time towards the
success of this affair. He also was closely identified
with the organization of the Berlin-Brothers Valley
Community Association, and its growth and development are largely attributable to his efforts. He has
also devoted time and financial assistance to afford
recreational facilities for the younger people of Brothers Valley and Berlin, Pennsylvania. The four-acre
field used as a baseball park by the students of the
high school for many years was donated by Mr. Ream,
and he also provided a basketball court for their use.
He has always been an active member of the Luthern Church, serving for several years as a member of
the council, and now holding the office of president of
the Men's Bible Class. A Democrat, he has been a
member of the Town Council, and in Masonic circles
he is affiliated with Meyersdale Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
He is married to Zella Whetmeiler, of Berlin, and
they are the parents of five children: I. John, born
November 9, I917, a graduate of Berlin High School,
and a student at Gettysburg College. 2. Norman B.,
born December 29, I919, a graduate of Berlin High
School, now attending Franklin and Marshall College.
3. Frank C., born February 17, I92I, a graduate of
Berlin High School and now attending Staunton Military Academy, Virginia. 4. Mary A., born March Io,
I924, now attending Berlin High School. 5. Joseph
M., born July 29, 1928, now a student in the local
schools.
ALLEN C. MILLER-For the past thirty years,
Allen C. Miller has been an active figure in the insurance field in Berlin, Pennsylvania, and other parts of
Somerset County. He was born in Brothers Valley
Township, October 25, I873, the son of William J. and
Samantha (Fritz)) Miller. William J. Miller, also a
native of Brothers Valley was engaged in general
farming for nlany years prior to his death. His wife
is still living, and is now approaching her eighty-fifth
birthday.
Allen C. Miller completed his public school education and then learned the cigar manufacturing trade,
with which he remained associated until I905, the last
seven years of this period being devoted to the operation of his own business in Confluence, Pennsylvania.
In 1905 he came to Berlin, Pennsylvania, and entered
the employ of C. A. Floto, but in I9o7 severed his connections with this field and became assistant secretary
of the Mutual Fire Insurancc Company. In 1920 he
540ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PE'NNSYLVANIA
54I
was appointed secretary of this organization, and continued in this capacity until 1928, when he discontinued
his active association with this office, to represent numerous companies as their agent in this section, and
this work has kept Mr. Miller busily occupied to the
present day.  He still retains a directorship in the
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and has also spent
twenty-four years as a justice of the peace in this
section.
He is an active member of the Lutheran Church,
having been a member of the church council many
terms, and also librarian of the Sunday school for
many years. Politically he supports the Republican
party, and has served as a member of the Town Council. He has always taken a keen interest in local
civic affairs, and in fraternal life he is affiliated with
the Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons and
Berlin Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married in April, I897, to Nellie Zorn, of
Berlin, Pennsylvania, daughter of Jacob J. and Jemima
(Statler) Zorn. Mr. and Mrs. Miller became the parents of four children: I. Robert L. (q. v.). 2. William J., a graduate of the Berlin schools and now employed as an electrician. 3. Eleanor B., a graduate of
the Berlin High School, a student at Margaret Morrison College for one year, a graduate of Lockhaven
State Teachers College, now a teacher in the Brothers
Valley Township schools. 4. George I. Miller, who
died when six years of age.
ROBERT L. MILLER-Like his distinguished
father, whose life is reviewed elsewhere in this work,
Robert L. Miller, secretary of the Co6perative Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, has become one of the most
successful and prominent business men of Berlin, Somerset County, where he is also active in social and civic
affairs.
Mr. Miller was born November I3, I898, the son of
Allen C. and Nellie (Zoirn) Miller, both of Berlin
where the former has been an influential leader for a
number of years. After a general education in the
public schools of this community, Mr. Miller attended
the Carnegie Institute of Technology and then completed his training at the Eastman Business College in
Poughkeepsie, New York, from which he was graduated. He began his career in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was associated with the Union National
Bank for two years. At the expiration of this period
he removed to New York City, where he worked for
the Mechanics and Metals National Bank for a like
period and later joined the American Can Company.
He continued here until 1925, when he returned to
Berlin to join the Cooperative Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, which he has been associated with since and
in which he succeeded his father as secretary in I929.
In conjunction with this position he is also agent for
a number of large national insurance companies. His
background and general aptitude have not only
equipped him eminently for his present undertaking
but insure further success.
Socially Mr. Miller has devoted most of his attention
to fraternal organizations, including the Somerset
Lodge, of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Hebron
Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and the local encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
is a Republican in politics and during the World War
enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to
the officers training school at Camp Gordon, Georgia.
Through his military service he is an active leader
in the local post of the American Legion in which he
is former commander and adjutant. In his religious
convictions he worships at the Lutheran Church.
On March Io, I920, Mr. Miller married Ethel
Peeler, of Rockwell, North Carolina, and the daughter
of J. WV. Peeler. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents
of the following children: Barbara Yorke, John Statler, and Rachel Ann.
SHERMAN BRUCE BERKLEY-Throughout
his active career, Sherman Bruce Berkley has been
associated with the farming industry in Brothers Valley, and in addition to his extensive farming operations
he is recognized as one of the most active participants
in local civic affairs. He was born here November 27,
1890go, the son of Lewis and Sarah (Hay) Berkley.
Lewis Berkley, also, a native of Brothers Valley Township, was engaged in farming during his lifetime, and
he also served as a bank director, and was well known
politically, having at various times held many township offices.
Sherman Bruce Berkley received his early education
in the township public schools, and later attended the
County Normal School in Berlin, Pennsylvania. After
discontinuing his studies, he became associated with
his father in farming operations, and at the age of
twenty-four, assumed complete management of the
family farm. In addition to the production of a general crop, Mr. Berkley deals extensively in live stock,
and at present has a herd of approximately eighty
short horn cattle. He also serves as a director of the
Philson National Bank.
He is an elder of the Reformed Church, and a member of the Republican party, being now a member of
the Berlin-Brothers Valley School Board. He is alsoANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
an active member of the Berlin-Brothers Valley Community Association, and is affiliated with the Grange
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married (first), in I915, to Lucille Gernagy,
and they became the parents of a son, Van, born in
November, I917, now a student at Juniata College.
MIrs. Berkley died in I917, and Mr. Berkley married
(second), October 30, I9I9, Anna Hay, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. R. Hay (q. v.). Mr. and Mrs.
Berkley are the parents of three children: I. Wilma,
born December I I, I92I, now a student at BerlinBrothers Valley High School. 2. Lucille, born May
I9, 1928. 3. Lewis, born April 26, I93i, both students
in the local grade schools.
FRED GROFF--For a period extending since
I89I, Fred Groff has been in business for himself in
Berlin, Pennsylvania, and at present is proprietor of
the largest department store in this part of Somerset
County. He is a native of this region, being born in
Berlin, Pennsylvania, January I9, I869, the son of
John A. and Eleanor (Swope) Groff, both deceased.
John A. Groff, a farmer during his lifetime, was a
member of Company F, I42d Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, during the Civil War, and was wounded
in action at the battle of Fredericksburg. He was the
son of Frederick Groff, a native of Germany, who,
came to this section in his youth, and was the pioneer
of his family in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Fred Groff was educated in the local public schools,
then taught school for two years in Allegheny and
Northampton Township, and later studied at the Iron
City -Business College. At the age of twenty-two
years, he launched his business career, opening a small
grocery store in Berlin, Pennsylvania. Strict adherence
to business, and a policy of honest and fair dealings
in all his business relations, resulted in the rapid
growth of this enterprise, and Mr. Groff gradually
added different departments to his store, and today it
is the headquarters for a complete assortment of general merchandise. Mr. Groff also, assisted in the forming of the Co6perative Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and has served continually as the treasurer of
this organization. He was also one of the organizers
of the First National Bank, and the first cashier of
this institution, but the pressure olf other duties did
not permit him to remain in this capacity. He still.
however, is a member of the board of directors, and
manages to take an active part in all phases of cormmunity life.
He is a member of the Reformed Church, and a
staunch supporter of the Prohibition party. He has
served one term as burgess of the town, and has also
been a member of the Borough Council.  He is a
prominent Mason and is affiliated with the Somerset
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is
also a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, Chamber of Commerce and the Fireman's
Association.
He was married, in I890, to Elizabeth J. Musser, of
Berlin, Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Spangler) Musser. Mr. and Mrs. Groff are the
parents of four children: I. Margaret, married Professor B. S. Walker, and they are the parents of two
children: i. Benjamin Frederick. ii. Margaret Ellen
Walker. 2. Eleanor, married Richard J. Gould, and
they are the parents of a son, Richard J. Gould, Jr.
3. Marion, married Bayard S. Maust, son of Harvey
H. Maust (q. v.). 4. Ena G., at home.
JAMES BUCHANAN HOLDERBAUMThere are few better loved or more respected men in
Somerset than James Buchanan Holderbaum. He has
spent all of his eighty-five years in the borough, and
during four decades was the owner and developer of a
large commercial establishment.  A  member of the
sixth generation of his paternal line in America and
Pennsylvania, he has added new lustre to an honored
name and to the splendid traditions of his forebears as
enterprising business men, patriotic citizens and exemplary contributors to the progress and betterment
of communities and the happiness of their people.
The first member of this Holderbaum  family to
settle in America was Johan Peter Holderbaum, who
arrived in Philadelphia on September 9, 175I, with his
wife and four children: three daughters and one son,
Michael. This son, Michael Holderbaum, a captain
in the Revolutionary War, married Juliana Ullrich.
Their son Martin (i) Holderbaum and his wife Margaret, became the parents of Martin (2) Holderbaum.
This member of the fourth generation of Holderbaums
in America, born and educated in Bedford County,
removed to Somerset in I817, married Catherine Anawalt; they were Lutherans and became the parents of
John M. Holderbaum, born at Somerset June 4, I8I9,
and there reared and educated. After clerking for
Neff and Stahl from I833 to I847, Mr. Holderbaum
bought a general store from John Snyder, Somerset's
first merchant. In connection with this business he
sent Conestoga wagons twice weekly to Mounlt Pleasant, carrying pine lumber and bringing back corn and
wheat which could not be grown in the mountainous
areas until the local farmers learned to put lime in the
542ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
United States Fuel Administration for Fayette and
Westmoreland counties. In recognition of his valuable
and outstanding services in connection with the Fuel
Administration, he was awarded a Medal of Honor by
the United States Fuel Administration Productive
Committee, being one of the members of the committee
of the two counties so honored. He has been particularly interested in library work, and since 1917 has
been a member of the Connellsville Carnegie Free
Library Board, of which he is now president and a life
trustee, and since 1928 has served as president of the
board of trustees. On December I, I938, he was appointed a trustee of the Connellsville State Hospital,
by Governor George H. Earl. Politically, he is a
Democrat. He is a charter member of the Connellsville Rotary Club, a charter and life member of Connellsville Lodge, No. 503, of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and an active worker in the
Church of the Immaculate Conception.
William Henry Soisson, Sr., married, on August
15, 191, Geula Flynn, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
born in Clearfield County, this State, daughter of the
late Anthony and Mary (Sturtevant) Flynn. Mrs.
Soisson is a member of the Daughters of the American
Revolution and of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the
Daughters of I812. Mr. and Mrs. Soisson, Sr., are
the parents of a son, William Henry, Jr., a lawyer of
Uniontown, whose biography follows.
WILLIAM H. SOISSON, Jr.-One of the
prominent younger attorneys of Fayette County, William H. Soisson, Jr., was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, May I8, I9II, son of William Henry and
Geula (Flynn) Soisson, Sr. (see accompanying biography). He was educated in the public schools of his
native city and Georgetown University, Washington,
District of Columbia, where he received his Bachelor
of Arts degree in I932, and his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1935. He was graduated third in his class and
was admitted to practice the same year. He is now
associated with the law firm of McDonald, Cray and
McDonald, of Uniontown, Fayette County. He has
been admitted to practice before the Supreme and
Superior courts of Pennsylvania, and the Federal
courts of the United States. He is a member of the
Fayette County Bar Association.  In 1936 he was
appointed a Special Deputy Attorney-General, representing the Commonwealth 6f Pennsylvania, in the
Department of Banking, Division of Closed Banks.
Upon his graduation from Georgetown University,
Mr. Soisson, Jr., was commissioned second lieutenant
in the United States Army Reserve Corps, and was
the only man in his class who was recommended for
a commission in the regular army because of his outstanding scholastic and military attainments.  He is
now a first lieutenant in line for a captaincy in the
Officers' Reserve Corps, and is personnel adjutant of
the 394th Infantry. While in law school he was Supreme Court editor of the "Georgetown Law Journal," covering the work of the United States Supreme
Court, and reporting on all decisions rendered by that
Tribunal.
Mr. Soisson, Jr., is a member of the Delta Chi
Fraternity, having been president of the Georgetown
Chapter for two years, and also, of Pi Gamma Mu,
national social science honorary fraternity.  Tn his
fraternal affiliations he is a member of Connellsville
Council, No. 948, Knights of Columbus, and the Connellsville Lodge, No. 503, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the Connellsville District Committee of Boy Scouts of America,
and belongs to the Immaculate Conception Church, of
Connellsville.
On May 22, I933, William H. Soisson, Jr., married
Pauline McCaffrey, of Washington, District of Columbia, and they are the parents of three children: I. Mary
Louise. 2. William H., 3d. 3. Frances Pauline.
WILLIAM WALTERS MERWIN-After a
successful career both as a mining engineer and a
supervisor of operations for the H. C. Frick Coke
Company, William  Walters Merwin was assigned in
I93o by this company to superintend all work done in
their Colonial No. 3 and Colonial Dock Mines in
Grindstone.
Mr. Merwin was born in Block Haven, July Ii,
I89I, the son of Walter Lee and Maria Louise
(Moore) Merwin. Walter Lee Merwin, a native of
Durham, Connecticut, was a graduate of Yale University, class of I878, and was a practicing attorney
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He died February 7,
I905. His wife who was born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1854, died April 21, I934.
WATilliam Walters Merwin attended Thurston Preparatory School in Pittsburgh, and later Shadyside
Academy, graduating in I905. He then attended the
University of Pittsburgh for one year, and completed
his education in Lehigh University. He entered the
engineering department of the Susquehanna Coal Company of Pittsburgh, and worked at their Nanticoke
and Shamokin Mines from  I910 to 1912.  He next
entered the employ of the North East Coal Company
and was assigned to their Paintsville, Kentucky Mines
where-he remained until I916 when he began his career
with the H. C. Frick Coke Company, first being stationed at Lambert, Pennsylvania, as assistant superinttendent of their Lambert, Gates, Edenborn and Fil56ANNALS OF SOUTHWES
soil. These grains Mr. Holderbaum had ground into
flour at his mill, near the creek on present East Main
Street. Butter and wool gathered from the farmers
he sent by Conestoga wagons twice weekly to Johnstown and Cumberland for shipment to Philadelphia
and Baltimore, where these products of the farms were
exchanged for carpets, cotton and wool fabrics, clothing and other general merchandise. When the end of
the fiscal year showed an unfavorable balance for Mr.
Holderbaum it was the custom of those days, before a
system of paying by check had been established, to
gather together the amount of "hard cash" necessary
to meet the obligations of distant creditors, put this
money in a butter crock especially marked, and bury
it for safe-keeping. John M. Holderbaum married
Julia C. Imhoff, who was born in Somerset on Octobe.
i6, 1824, and died in July, 1896. John M. Holderbaum
died November 4, 1904.
Their son, James Buchanan ("Buck") Holderbaum,
was born in Somerset on February 6, I854, and was
educated in its schools. As a boy he heard the reverberations of the War Between the States, and it was
with difficulty that he obtained a sound education when
the aftermath of that conflict created unprosperous
times. It is interesting to recall, in this connection,
that James Buchanan Holderbaum has lived through
more than half of the history of our country since the
signing of the Declaration of Independence, and has
witnessed the many changes that have taken place since
the days of the log cabin, the tallow candle and the
complete absence of a hundred things now a commonplace necessity: electricity, rapid transit, the automobile, airplane and radio.
Mr. Holderbaum began making his own livelihood
as a youth of eighteen in association with his father
running the general store at Somerset, already mentioned. The year 1872 witnessed a conflagration which
destroyed many of the wooden structures in Somerset.
Another great fire four years later, changed the trend
of business to brick and stone, and a more firmly established Somerset. In 1884 Mr. Holderbaum purchased
from John F. Blymier a hardware store in what was
then known as the Baer Block and located on what is
now the site of the People's National Bank. He threw
all of his already well-tested abilities, experience and
acumen into this enterprise, and within a few years had
progressed to the point where he had to move to more
commodious quarters in the Beerits Building. This
was in 1889 and from then on, not only did the center
of his business expand, but four warehouses were constructed to take care of his growing trade. His establishment won recognition as one of the largest and
niost successful of its kind in Southwest Pennsylvania,;TERN PENNSYLVANIA                               543
employing numerous traveling salesmen, and constantly
increasing the scope of the products it sold.  Like
others of our country's commercial leaders, Mr.
Holderbaum progressed mainly by the development of
old ideas along new and broader lines. As a boy he
was familiar with the country store which tried to
stock a little of everything for which local customers
might ask. The Holderbaum concern did this on a
continuously larger scale, specializing to a major extent on hardware, builder's supplies, and agricultural
requirements. The items on his stock list are too
numerous to mention. When contractors began to
construct better buildings, he kept pace with the new
supplies demanded. From the old cast iron stove to
the latest thing in pipeless furnaces and all manner of
heating devices was a great change, as was the advance
from the kerosene lamp to electric lights and a hundred other electrical devices; but he never fell behind.
He always kept in stock everything that had to do with
horses and a variety of horse-drawn wagons and
buggies; but he also was one of the first to sell bicycles, although he retired before the motor car became
widely popular. From the first to the last he sold
sawmills and their equipment, many sorts of household
wares, sewing machines, agricultural machinery through
all its remarkable development, and other products
beyond recounting. His warehouses were kept full,
and his clients reaped the advantages of buying from
a man who purchased in carload lots, and was the
distributor for the best manufacturers in the United
States. In I924 Mr. Holderbaum felt that he had done
his share in promoting progress along commercial
lines, and since then has devoted his attention to the
care of personal holdings, but even more to civic, social
and home life.
There are few undertakings, worth while in character, in Somerset and Somerset County, in which Mr.
Holderbaum does not take a keen helpful interest, although his public activities have lessened with the
years. Politically he is a Democrat, as was his father
and grandfather, influential in party councils, but never
a seeker of political office. Fraternally, he is affiliated
with Somerset Lodge, No. 358, Free and Accepted
Masons, in which he has filled all the chairs of the
Order, and he is a member of the Somerset Lodge, of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his
family  are  members of the  Methodist Episcopal
Church, and prominent in religious and humanitarian
works. As illustrating a phase of Somerset history,
it may be related that one of the warehouses of Mr.
Holderbaum  served as a temporary courthouse when
the present "stone temple of justice" was building,
more than a third of a century ago. Later he soldANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
this place and residence to the Christian Church congregation, taking in exchange the property now occupied by a business firm. At this time he built the
home where he now lives with his daughter, Harriett
R. Holderbaum.
On February I2, I878, James Buchanan Holderbaum
married Anna A. Jones, daughter of Isaac C. Jones
of Somerset, and they were the parents of six children:
Julia Catherine, John I., Cora Madge, Robert P.,
Harriet R., and Ethel M. Mrs. Holderbaum died on
April 2, I904.
DANIEL W. SEIBERT-During the years of
an active life, Daniel W. Seibert, of Somerset, participated in many phases of community affairs. He was
a native of Somerset County, born May 20, I873, son
of Solomon and Mary (Trent) Seibert. His education was gained in the Somerset Borough High School,
of which he was a graduate, and the California Normal College, of the place of that name, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Seibert taught in the public schools of Berlin
and had been principal of the Somerset High School
prior to I902, when he was elected superintendent of
county schools, a post he filled with great executive
and administrative ability for sixteen consecutive vears.
One of his major achievements while in office was the
introduction of vocational training in rural schools.
Shortly after his retirement from the field of education, Mr. Seibert removed to a farm  in Somerset
Township, and turned his well recognized gifts to the
management of this place. He also became a realtor
and was responsible for a number of real estate deals.
Until about a year- before his death he had served as
head of the rental department of Area No. I8, of the
State Emergency Relief Board. At first his connection with this work was chiefly confined to relief
activities in'Somerset, but when the district offices
were moved to Johnstown, he made his headquarters in
that city.
There were few features of community life in which
Mr. Seibert was not interested, or to which he failed
to contribute constructively. Fraternally, he was a
popular figure in Masonic and Odd Fellows and
Grange circles, being a seventh degree member of the
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, long affiliated with
the Somerset Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of
which he was secretary; and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, No. 438, into the mysteries of which
he was initiated on November I6, I896. He was
elected secretary of the lodge on April 2, 90o6, and
served as secretary and Degree Master of all the degrees of the Subordinate and Encampment branches.
He also was president of the Past Grands Association
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Daniel W. Seibert married Cora Madge Holderbaum, daughter of James B. and Anna A. (Jones)
Holderbaum. A record of James B. Holderbaum appears on the preceding pages. The Holderbaum family
has been established in Somerset County for eight
generations. The Jones family came originally from
Cambria County. Mr. and Mrs. Seibert were the parents of seven children: James H., Helen, Daniel W.,
Jr., John Evan, Wayne, who died when three years of
age; Carl Martin and Robert Edward Seibert.
Upon the death of Mr. Seibert, on December i8,
1936, there were numerous expressions of regret by
friends, organizations and the press.  Some of the
feeling of many was expressed in a resolution passed
by Somerset Lodge, No. 438, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, two paragraphs of which read:
Resolved, that his genial nature, his pleasant faculty
of endearing himself to all who sat around him, his
unforgetful courtesy and friendship, his distinguished
personality, his statesmanship, his personal attachments, his purity of mind and purpose, his exemplary
habits, his patience, his scholarship, his keen wit, his
sense of humor, his sternness tempered with sympathy,
his toleration towards those who disagreed with him,
his love for the good and true, his hatred for the
ignoble, his leadership, his sterling integrity, his fidelity
to the right, his estimate of thrift-he never ate the
bread of idleness, his sturdy independence of character, his valuation of men for their mental and moral
attainments rather than material possessions, his disgust of tinsel, glitter, pomp, vanity, extravagance and
luxury, that all these be commended to our fellowship.
Resolved, that while we fully realize no words,
however well chosen, can express our sympathies or
heal the broken hearts of the family of our Brother,
that we nevertheless, tender the same in the hope that
our appreciation of his faithfulness, sincerity, patience
and sterling qualities will in some measure comfort
them.
ED D. BALDWIN-After a long career in the
hardware business in Berlin and Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, Ed D. Baldwin purchased the general mercantile business of W. H. Dively in Berlin in I926,
and he has to this date successfully operated this wellknown establishment. He was born in Meyersdale,
Somerset County, June 2, I868, the son of Joseph and
Lucinda (Dickey) Baldwin, both deceased. Joseph
Baldwin, a native of Berlin was engaged for many
years prior to his death, as a miller.
Upon completion of his public school education,
Ed D. Baldwin accepted a position as clerk in the
hardware store operated in Berlin by C. W. Cresinger.
544ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
545
Later this store merged with another establishment in
Berlin, and the new business was operated under the
name of the Berlin Mercantile Company. After several years with this concern, Mr. Baldwin went to
Meyersdale to become road representative of the
Shipley Hardware Company and later transferred to
the H. K. Croner to serve in a clerical capacity. In
I9II he secured a position as traveling salesman for
the Scobie and Parker Company, and remained in this
capacity until 1926, when he purchased the business
of W. H. Dively. In addition to his extensive business activities, Mr. Baldwin has also been very proninent in musical circles, and even at the early age of
seven years had his own band., He is an accomplished
cornet player, and for twenty-five years has been the
leader of the Berlin Concert Band, which he himself
organized.
A prominent member of the Lutheran Church, he
has long been a trustee and a teacher in the Sunday
school, and has spent the past thirty-five years as a
member of the church choir. He has also been prominently identified with the Democratic party, at present
serving his sixth year as burgess. He has also had
one term as a school director. He is affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also holds
membership in the Firemen's Association and the
Berlin-Brothers Valley Community Association.
Mr. Baldwin was married (first), in I891, to Cora
Walker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Walker.
Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin became the parents of six
children: I. Ruth, married Clinton Christner, and they
are the parents of six children: i. Edwin. ii. Evelyn.
iii. Marjorie. iv. Mary v. Eugene. vi. Betty Lou
Christner. 2. Roy, a druggist in Pittsburgh, and a
member of the United States Army during the World
War, married Mary Carroll, and they are the parents
of a son, Roy Baldwin, Jr. 3. Merle, also a druggist
and World War veteran, married Winifred Robison.
and they are the parents of a son, William Baldwin.
4. Myrtle, married Harold Albright, and they are the
parents of two children: i. Harold, Jr. ii. Mary Ann
Albright. 5. Kathryn, married Homer Cober, and they
have two children: Henry and Vera Cober. 6. Vera,
married Henry Davis, and they are the parents of a
daughter, Lois June. Cora (Walker) Baldwin died
in 1912 and Mr. Baldwin married (second), June 29,
1912, Ada Dively, daughter of William H. and Susan
(Altfather) Dively.
R. ELWOOD COUNTRYMAN-R. Elwood
Countryman, a well-known Brothers Valley farmer,
and the fourth generation of his family to engage in
the cultivation of the same farm tract, was born in
this township, October 6, I894, the son of Harvey L.
and Ella (Musser) Countryman.  Harvey L. Countryman, a native of Somerset Township, was engaged
in farming in Brothers Valley Township for many
years prior to his death. His wife, is the daughter of
Alexander Musser, whose father, Henry Musser, was
the first to engage in farming on this land which has
ever since been under the supervision of his descendants. A record of Jacob H. Countryman, brother of
R. Elwood Countryman, appears under separate heading in this volume.
R. Elwood Countryman acquired his early education
in the township schools, and then entered California
State Normal College, graduating in I9I7. For the
next two years he was engaged in pedagogical work in
Brothers Valley Township, and then upon his father's
death in I919, entered the farming industry and assumed the management of the family farm. He has
successfully operated this farm to the present day,
and produces a large and varied general crop. He also
has a fine herd of mixed cattle, and in addition, maintains a sugar camp on his land.
He is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church,
has served on the church council, and at present is
a deacon and also secretary of the Men's Bible Class.
He is an ardent Republican, and is now serving his
second term as a director of the Berlin-Brothers Valley School Board. He is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He was married, June 4, I919, to Verna Dickey, of
Brothers Valley Township, and they are the parents
of two children: I. Paul, born March 9, I92I. a.
Kathryn, born February I9, I925, both students in
the local schools.
EDISON M. HAY-In his accomplishments
Edison M. Hay is ranked among the most progressive
and successful farmers in Somerset County. It is to
his everlasting credit that he has taken initiative in
introducing new equipment and practicing new agricultural methods that have proved of distinct benefit
to the advancement of farming in this section of the
State. His contributions have been widely recognized
by his county neighbors and the State at large, a fact
which is evidenced in that he is one of the few to
hold the title of "Master Farmer," which is conferred
by "The Pennsylvania Farmer," an agricultural organization. On the property which he operates he raises
a general crop, specializing to an extent in potatoes
and live stock. This farm, the ownership of which has
always been in the Hay name since the days of theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
first Hay settler, has yielded rich coal veins and today
a section of it is the site for five mines. As a resident
of Meyersdale Mr. Hay has been very active in social,
civic and business affairs, serving as an officer for
several of the largest financial institutions here and
belonging to a number of clubs and societies.
The Hay family, which is of old Pennsylvania
Colonial stock, trace their American ancestry to Simon
Hay, who was born in Germany April i8, 1742, came
to this country in 1763. He and his wife, Anna May,
were the parents of a large family, among them Peter
S. Hay, who was born April I8, I790, and married
Elizabeth Walker. Descent is traced through their
son, Philip Hay, grandfather of Edison M. Hay, who
was born April 3, I820j, and married, February 5,
1846, Anna Olinger.
Mr. Hay was born at Brothers Valley, Somerset
County, April 2, I884, the son of Sylvester and Alice
(Berkley) Hay. His father, who was born January
8, I855, and is now deceased, engaged in farming on
the homestead, which he eventually purchased from
his father, Philip Hay. The elder Hay was also
prominent and active in Meyersdale, being a stockholder in the Citizens' National Bank of this city, and
the Economy Telephone Company. He was a Democrat in politics and worshipped at the Mount Zion
Congregation of the Reformed Church.
Edison M. Hay received the early part of his general education in the public schools of his native county
and later completed his studies at Mercersburg Academy, from which he was graduated with the class of
I904. Directly after leaving school he began his career
in farming, working under the expert guidance of his
father until he was twenty-eight years old, when he
took over the management of the family farm which
he has since conducted with outstanding distinction and
success. He now owns three hundred and twenty-five
acres and holds a half interest in an adjoining property
of two hundred and twenty-five acres which belong to
his cousin, W. E. Hay, whose life is reviewed elsewhere in this issue. Although he has devoted the
greater part of his career to raising a general crop,
Mr. Hay has specialized in several items, notably potatoes and live stock. His achievements are reviewed
in a citation made at the time he was chosen a Master
Farmer. The account reads in part:
Edison M. Hay with his never-failing interest in
new ways of doing things is always one of the first
in Somerset County to adopt the best new methods and
equipment. The foundation stock for his fine herd of
registered Milking Shorthorns was part of the first
carload of purebred cattle ever imported into the
county. He was one of the first to make variety tests
on potatoes and now by field selection of seed he is
helping develop strains of corn better adapted to
Somerset County's uplands... He has conducted
pasture and potato improvement demonstrations and
soy bean variety tests. He has supported the cowtesting association, tuberculin testing, boys' and girls'
clubs and many other forward-looking activities sponsored by the county agent. Thus, like many another
public-spirited farmer, Mr. Hay has been able to make
many valuable contributions to his own and his community's welfare by his co6peration with the agricultural extension service..... Purebred Milking Shorthorn cattle, beef steers, potatoes and oats are the major
products of Fairview Farm. The Shorthorn herd
ranks with the best in the State. For many years Mr.
Hay has handled beef cattle for his neighbors, besides
feeding a considerable number himself. His average
yields of oats range between fifty and sixty bushels
per acre. He has qualified for the 400-Bushel Club
every year since it started except one season when
the proper official did not arrive in time to make the
necessary measurements.
There we have a concise appraisal by the members
of his own vocation. He received the Master Farmer
award in 1928 and has continued to enjoy equal distinction and success since. The Master Farmer movement is described as an effort to "dignify agriculture
by recognizing and dramatizing its successes; to encourage farmers to take pride in their calling; to inspire farm boys and girls by showing them that outstanding success is possible in agriculture as in other
occupations-not only the success that is measured in
money, but what is more important, the success that
comes from an upright and useful life in family and
community." Its sphere of influence and action extends throughout the states of Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. One can readily
appreciate the honor of being recognized by such an
organization.
With all, Mr. Hay has been one of the most active
and influential leaders of his surroundings. In a business capacity he is a member of the board of directors
of the Citizens National Bank of Meyersdale, the
Meyersdale Fair Association, and the Farmers Mutual
Fire Insurance Company. He is a Democrat in politics
and fraternizes with the Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554,
of the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he is also
a member of Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons;
Oriental. Commandery, Knights Templar; and Jaffa
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He also is very active in the Grange, belongs
to the Meyersdale Rotary Club and worships at the
Reformed Church, for which he has served as deacon
and is now superintendent of the Sunday school. Further reviewing his community activities "The Pennsylvania Farmer," sponsors of the Master Farmer
award says:
546ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
547
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hay are active in church and
Grange. The former has been the moving spirit in
numerous community organizations-among them some
successful farmers' baseball teams-while Mrs. Hay is
past president of the local farm women's society and an
active worker in the Pennsylvania Society of Farm
Women. Both daughters are members of the baby
beef and potato clubs; the younger girl's baby beef
entry won the county championship last year (I927).
In addition to this Mr. Hay is a talented singer and
has been very active in musical circles.
On October 22, I9o8, Mr. Hay married Anna Stuff,
of Franklin County, and the daughter of John Stuff.
Mr. and Mrs. Hay are the parents of two daughters:
I. Josephine, who is a graduate of Wilson College and
now a student at the College of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, where she is one of the honor students.
2. Mary Alice, a graduate of the Illman Training
School of Philadelphia, and now married to George
Reed Paxton, field manager for the Eastern States
Farmer's Exchange, and former agricultural teacher
at the Meyersdale High School. Mr. and Mrs. Paxton
have one child, Mary Ellen Paxton, born March 16,
I938.
CLAUDE ROY BAUERMASTER-During his
distinguished career, which spans over twenty years,
Claude Roy Bauermaster has achieved outstanding success by employing business principles in the operation
of his one hundred and ninety-acre farm near Berlin,
which is adjudged one of the best in Somerset County
and which earned him the Master Farmer Award for
this section in I929. Throughout this period he has
devoted his interests to the raising of fine pure bred
poultry, potatoes and the operation of a fine modern
dairy.  In conjunction with his business methods he
has been a strong exponent of machine farming, which
has helped him to solve labor difficulties to a great
extent and increase the efficiency of his establishment.
Mr. Bauermaster was born at Elk Lick Township,
September 29, I89I, the son of Edward and Missouri
(Lentz) Bauermaster, both natives of his birthplace.
His father, who is now seventy-three years of age, has
engaged in farming throughout his life. His mother
passed away in I908. After a general education in
the public schools Mr. Bauermaster attended the
County Normal School and upon completing his studies
here embarked upon a teaching career at Brothers
Valley, where he was to remain for four years. At
the expiration of this period he abandoned the aforementioned profession and turned to farming, operating
as a tenant for five years.  In I917 he bought his
present one hundred and ninety-acre farm at Brotherton which he has since operated with great success.
Of the total, one hundred and five acres are tillable the
balance being pasture, woodland and a maple sugar
grove.
In reviewing his achievements that led to the Master
Farmer's Award "The Pennsylvania Farmer" says:
In a State of good potato growers, Mr. Bauermaster
ranks with the best, having made the 400-Bushel Club
five times in six years. He not only plants certified
seed but produces it, and in doing so follows to thc
letter the latest approved practices of spud production.
Last summer (1928), when dry weather was playing
havoc with potato hopes in this State, the Bauermaster
13 acres were as green and luxurious looking as if
rain had fallen at ideal intervals, a fact which he
attributed to the practice of spraying more than seemed
necessary. Twenty-five Holsteins and Milking Shorthorns contribute the largest single item to the farm
income. The herd is tested and accredited free from
tuberculosis. A pure-bred Holstein bull is used and
the best heifer calves from the registered Holstein
cows kept to establish an all pure-bred dairy herd.
Silage is fed eleven months of the year. The cows are
comfortable in modern stanchions and have water
served in drinking cups with no effort to them other
than to drink it. The average production has increased
about 8oo pounds of milk in the last five years. The
milk goes on the Pittsburgh wholesale market. Eight
hundred white leghorn hens show their care and breeding, for they make a flock of exceptionally fine appearance in type, vitality and uniformity. The poultry
products are sold direct to the consumer from the
farm.
Mr. Bauermaster was chosen a Master Farmer in
I929. In conjunction with the operation of his farm
he is also district sales manager for the Farmers
Bureau Mutual Life Insurance Company, and is a
member and former director of the Agricultural Extension Association for which he has been secretary for
the past eight years. He is a Republican in politics
and worships at the Church of the Brethren, in which
he has served as an officer since he was twenty years
old, occupying posts which included that of Sunday
school superintendent and deacon.
On April 7, I9I2, Mr. Bauermaster married Orpha
Grace Mosteller, of Stony Creek Township, and daughter of A. F. and Emma (Reiman) Mosteller. Mr.
and Mrs. Bauermaster are the parents of five children:
I. Fern June, who attended Juniata College and is
now married to Benjamin J. Donner, and the mother
of the following children: Lee B., and Robert Linn.
2. Genevieve Joy, graduate of Juniata College and now
in charge of the English Department at the Stony
Creek Township High School. 3. Claude Roy, Jr., a
student at Stony Creek High School. 4. Robert Mosteller, also a student at Stony Creek High School. 5.
Emma Evangeline, who is attending grade school.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
JOSEPH W. CRONER-For almost thirty
years, Joseph W. Croner, has been engaged in the
operation of his own farming land in Berlin, Pennsylvania, and his farms, with an aggregate acreage of
seven hundred acres, are considered among the finest
and most fertile tracts in the Berlin-Brothers Valley
region. He was born in Brothers Valley Township,
December I3, I884, the son of John and Ellen (Kimmel) Croner, both deceased.  John Croner, also a
native of Brothers Valley Township, was engaged during his lifetime in the farming industry. His wife, was
a native of Stony Creek Township.
Joseph W. Croner was educated in the township
schools, but due to his parents' death when he was
only twelve years of age, he was compelled to discontinue his studies and seek employment. From that
time until he reached his twenty-sixth birthday, he
worked for various employers, and then in I9IO he
came into the possession of the Hauger farm, where he
has lived ever since. Two additional farms have been
added to the family tract, and although a general crop
is produced, potatoes and dairy products are the chief
resources.  More than three thousand  bushels of
potatoes are produced annually, and the herd of more
than one hundred and forty head of cattle is among
the best of this locality. Mr. Croner also serves as a
director of the First National Bank of Berlin, Pennsylvania. He also has served on the board of directors
of the local schools for the past twelve years.
He is a former deacon of the Reformed Church, and
a member of the Republican party. He was married,
June 7, I9II, to Irma May Hauger, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Wesley Hauger. Mr. and Mrs. Croner are
the parents of four children: I. John, born December
13, 1912, a graduate of the local schools, now associated with his father in farm work. 2. Harold, born
April I4, I914, a graduate of the local schools; married Catherine Brubaker; now operating his own farm
of two hundred and forty acres. 3. Earle, born October
6, I9I5, is a graduate of Juniata College. 4. Richard,
born April 3, I919, will be graduated from Penn
State College in I940, in agricultural engineering class.
GEORGE S. DIVELY-George S. Dively, principal of the Berlin-Brothers Valley grade schools, was
born in Berlin, November 28, 1904, the son of W. C.
and Kathryn  (Stahl) Dively.  The father, a native
of Stony Creek Township, moved to Berlin early in
life, and followed the carpenter's trade there for many
years prior to his death. His wife, a native of Berlin,
was the daughter of Sarah Stahl who, after passing
her ninety-third birthday, died August 29, 1938.
George S. Dively received his grade and high school
education in the Berlin schools, and later attended
California State Teachers College. He has since engaged in extensive postgraduate study at the University
of Pittsburgh and Penn State College. In I923, Mr.
Dively entered the teaching profession in Brothers
Valley, and has spent his entire professional career in
this community, and for the past few years has served
as principal of the grade school system. In addition he
has always been active in civic affairs, and is president of both the Berlin Borough Council and the Berlin Fire Company.
He serves in the capacity of recording secretary of
the Church of the Brethren, and is also a teacher in
the Sunday school. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and is an active member of the BerlinBrothers Valley Community Association.
He was married in Berlin, June I6, I927, to Florence Philson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Philson. Mr. and Mrs. Dively are the parents of three
children: Phyllis and William Albert, both students
in the local public schools, and Thomas Philson Dively,
born April I7, I938.
PETER CALARIE-Peter Calarie was born at
Yatesboro, Armstrong County, March 8, I908, the son
of John and Teresa (Crosina) Calarie, both natives of
Italy. John Calarie has been engaged in coal mining
in Pennsylvania for several years, and politically, is a
supporter of the Democratic party.
Peter Calarie received his early education in the
public schools of Yatesboro, and then entered the high
school, later transferring to Rural Valley High School,
from which he was graduated in I926. He then matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving
his degree of Bachelor of Arts in I930, and continued
at this institution until February, 1934, when he was
graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. He
next entered the law offices of Harry P. Boarts, to
serve his clerkship, and was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar, June I, I934. He has been engaged in the
general practice of law in Kittanning to the present
day, and in addition, from  March, I934, to October,
I936, served as sub-district manager of Armstrong
County for the Home Owners Loan Corporation.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
and an active Democrat, having served as committeeman of Cowanshannock Township. He is also a
member of the Armstrong County Bar Association,
and is affiliated with the Kittanning Lodge, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  Mr. Calarie is
unmarried.
548ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
bert Mines. After a year, he was advanced to the
superintendency of the Leckrone Mine and he remained
here until I919, when he was placed in charge of the
Footdale Mine. In May, I934, he was again transferred, going to the Leisenring No. 3 Mine, but on
December 15 of the same year he came to Grindstone
to superintend operations at the Colonial No. 4 Mine.
His faithful service merited him another promotion in
August, I930, when he was sent to his present post
which he has filled in a most capable and satisfactory
manner.
He is a member of the Episcopal Church, an active
member of the Republican party, and widely known in
fraternal circles. He was school director of the Jefferson Township schools from I926 to I930, and is
affiliated with the Uniontown Lodge, No. 370, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Sigma Phi
Fraternity. He holds membership in the Sons of the
American Revolution through his great-grandfather,
Major William Henderson Miles Merwin, and he
is also eligible through his mother's ancestors. He is
also a member of the Society of the War of I812.
He was married July 7, I930, to Mary Frances
Yeutsey of California, Pennsylvania, daughter of Samuel Kent and Anne (Killius) Yeutsey. Mr. and Mrs.
Merwin are the parents of one child, William Walters
Merwin, Jr., born January I4, I932.
JOSEPH ANDREW  KALMAN-Since I912,
Joseph Andrew Kalman has been catering to the
needs of the citizens of Perryopolis, and his wellstocked general store has long been the headquarters
of an extensive variety of merchandise.
Mr. Kalman was born December I6, I892, in Spaska
Zupa, Czecho-Slovakia, the son of John and Katherine
(Bockay) Kalman, both deceased. He came to the
United States with his parents at the age of eleven,
and settled in Perryopolis, attending the local schools
for two years. For a time he followed various trades,
and then secured a position as clerk in a general store,
where he gained experience which proved of value to
him in later years. In I912 he purchased the store of
George Corry, and has operated it under his own
tame ever since. In I928 the business was moved to
its present spacious quarters on Independent Street,
and dealing in all modern home conveniences, in addition to its large meat and grocery departments, it enjoys the patronage of a large and satisfied clientele.
Mr. Kalman is a member of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, an active Republican, and well-known in
church and civic affairs.  He is a member of the
Slovak Catholic Sokol, and is on the Board of Finance
Committee of the national organization. He is also a
director of the Perry Township School Board, and of
the First National Bank of Perryopolis.
In I915, he married Susan Danko of Monessen,
daughter of Michael and Mary Danko. Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Andrew Kalman are the parents of three children: I. Albert Joseph, a medical student at St. Vincent College. 2. Thomas John, a student at Notre
Dame University. 3. Mary Catherine, a student at
Seton Hill College.
GILMORE  FINK  BELL-Since  coming  to
Nemacolin, in 1917, as an employee of the Buckeye
Coal Company, Gilmore Fink Bell has been a leading
figure in all municipal and church affairs, and is
recognized as one of the most progressive and active
citizens of this community.
Mr. Bell was born at Indiana, Pennsylvania, April
3, I888, the son of Hugh Montgomery and Mary
Jane (Kerr) Bell. Hugh Montgomery Bell, born
in Blacklick Township, Indiana County, December
13, 1853, the son of George Bell, a farmer, was superintendent of a foundry in Indiana, Pennsylvania, at the
time of his death, April 7, I9go. His wife, a native
of Green Township, born May 28, I855, is still living.
Gilmore Fink Bell attended the Indiana schools, and
graduated from the high school in I9o6. After taking
a course in a Business College, he worked for one
year as a telegraph operator for the Western Union
Telegraph Company, and the next four years in the
same capacity for the old Buffalo, Rochester and
Pittsburgh Railroad. He then worked for the Lackawanna Steel Company in their department of operations
at Wehrum, Pennsylvania, and after four years here
he secured a position with the Bethlehem Steel Company, as chief clerk in their Heilwood offices. He remained here until July I, I917, when he was appointed chief clerk for the Buckeye Coal Company,
which position he has filled in an efficient and satisfactory manner ever since.
He is active in the affairs of the Nemacolin Community Presbyterian Church, being clerk of the Session, and superintendent of the Sunday School. He
is a popular member of the Republican party, and
having been elected to the Cumberland Township
School Board in I92I, he was chosen president the following year, and has held that office to the present
day. He is widely known in Masonic circles, being
affiliated with Lodge No. 313, Free and Accepted
Masons at Indiana, Pennsylvania, the Williamsport
Consistory, Thirty-second Degree, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite, the Chapter and Commandery, Knights
Templar at Uniontown, the Syria Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Pitts157ANNALS OF SOUTHWE'
JOSEPH VIZZA-Born December 28, I905, at
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Joseph Vizza is the son
of Vincent and Josephine Vizza, both natives of Italy.
After graduating from the local schools, Joseph Vizza
worked at various occupations, and in I92I entered the
Sweeney Auto Training School to take a course in
automobile mechanics. He then worked for several
years at this trade, and in I930 opened his own shop
at Webster, Pennsylvania. In 1933 he moved to Belle
Vernon, Pennsylvania, where he took over the Hilltop garage, operating the Dodge and Plymouth agency,
and also carried an assortment of auto supplies, in conjunction with his repair shop. In 1938 he took over
the agency for Chrysler and Plymouth automobiles,
and his expanding business now employs twelve workers. He is also the builder and owner of a modern
gasoline station in Belle Vernon, and in his years of
business he has established the reputation for furnish--
ing efficient, reasonable and courteous service.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church,
and a popular figure in civic life. He is affiliated with
the Belle Vernon Rotary Club, the Italian Beneficial
Association, and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks at Charleroi, Pennsylvania.
On June 4, I930, he married Rachel Favo, a native
of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, born February I4, 1903,
daughter of Nicholas and Marie Favo. Mr. and Mrs.
Vizza are the parents of two children: I. Vincent
Joseph, born August 6, I93I. 2. Donald Roger, born
April 21, I933.' THOMAS NESBIT RALSTON-Thomas Nesbit Ralston for many years a well-known figure in the
farming industry, mercantile and banking business, in
Elderton, Pennsylvania, was born in this town, January 29, I844, the son of John and Jane (Sloan)
Ralston.
John Ralston, a pioneer merchant and private banker
in Elderton, was the son of David Ralston, a pioneer
of Scotch-Irish descent who settled in Plum  Creek
Township, Armstrong County, in I8oo. John Ralston,
born in Armstrong County, January 30, I807, was the
maternal grandson of Captain Sharp, an army officer
in the Revolutionary War. Captain Sharp, who came
from Cumberland County, settling near the Armstrong
County line in I784, was the father of Agnes Sharp,
the first white child born in this section and who later
became the wife of David Ralston and the mother of
John Ralston.
Thomas Nesbit Ralston was educated in the old
Elderton Academy, and then entered the farming and
stock raising business. John Ralston, his father, was
one of the original members of the Ralston Oil Conm3TERN PENNSYLVANIA                              549
pany, early operators along Oil Creek and in the
Tidioute oil territory. Thomas Nesbit Ralston was
identified with this work and also with the operation
of a general store and had an interest in the banking
house of John Ralston and Company. He was a member and for many years president of the Black Top
Sheep Breeders Association of Washington County,
Pennsylvania. Mr. Ralston was an elder of the United
Presbyterian Church and was active in all its affairs.
He was also prominent in the political activities of the
Republican party, and served as school director over
a long period of years. He was married in I870 to
Elizabeth Jane Reed of Indiana County, daughter of
Augustus J. and Mary (Anderson) Reed. Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Nesbit Ralston became the parents of
four children: I. Jane, a graduate of the local schools
and Elderton Academy, and with a Bachelor of Science
degree from Westminster College. She also pursued
special courses at the Chautauqua, New York, summer
schools, and was a member of the local teaching fraternity for many years. 2. Thomas N., now a resident
of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, associated with the
Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company;
married Eva Grier Stewart, of Oakdale, Pennsylvania,
and they are the parents of four children: i. John.
ii. Mrs. Margaret Wherry. iii. William Stewart. iv.
Thomas Eugene. 3. Eugene Sloan, an extensive farm
operator in Elderton, also a land surveyor, and also
county viewer, of Armstrong County. 4. Edith, married Rev. W. W. Willis, of New Galilee, Beaver
County; died December 25, I936.
T'he death of Thomas Nesbit Ralston on May 5,
I926, was the occasion of general sorrow among his
townsfolk in Elderton, as it removed from the sphere
of local activity, a man who spent his entire lifetime
in Elderton and who devoted his efforts towards the
development of this locality.'WALTER A. JOHNSON-B'ecoming associated with his father in the furniture and undertaking
business in I919, Walter A. Johnson has continued in
this field to the present day, and together with his
brother, Eugene C. Johnson (q. v.), now operates the
firm of Johnson and Sons in Berlin, Pennsylvania,
established by his great-grandfather, John Johnson, in
I830 and who was succeeded by his son, A. K. Johnson,
and then by his son, John N. Johnson, the father of
Walter A. Johnson. He was born in Berlin, Pennsylvania, May 3I, I897, the son of John N. and
Rebecca (Heinemeyer) Johnson. John N. Johnson,
also a native of Berlin, Pennsylvania, graduated from
the local schools and entered the furniture and undertaking business early in life, founding the present JohnANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
son and Sons establishment, and continuing as the
active head until I937, when he transferred the duties
of managing the business to his two sons. He has
always taken an active part in the affairs of the
Lutheran Church, and served for many years as deacon and also as Sunday school teacher. Prominent in
civic life and in fraternal circles he is affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, Free and Accepted Masons,
Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Oriental Commandery, Knights Templar, and Jaffa Temple, Ancient
Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
Walter A. Johnson is a product of the local educational system, and later, after completing his high
school studies enrolled at Carnegie Institute of Technology. While at college, during the World War, he
was a member of the Students Army Training School.
In I919 he entered his father's business and today,
with a new and modern establishment together with
the original headquarters, this firm has grown to its
present recognized position as the leading institution
of its kind in this section. John N. Johnson married,
April 6, I892, Rebecca Heinemeyer and they are the
parents of three sons: Walter A., of further mention;
Eugene C., and Alfred Hermann Johnson.
Walter A. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran
Church, and an active Republican, and has been a
member of the school board for twelve years, the last
eight of which he has acted as secretary of this body.
He is also active in fraternal life, being affiliated with
Meyersdale Lodge, No. 554, Free and Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Oriental
Commandery, Knights Templar, and Jaffa Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.
He is also a trustee of the local American Legion Post.
and holds membership in the "Forty and Eight"
Society.
He was married in June, I919, to Elizabeth Mae
Knepper of Somerset County, daughter of Charles and
Elnora (Critchfield) Knepper.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of a daughter, Geraldine, born in
1920, a graduate of the local schools, and at present
a student at Indiana State Teachers College.
EUGENE C. JOHNSON-Eugene C. Johnson,
a member of the well-known furniture and undertaking
firm of Johnson and Sons, was born in Berlin, Pennsylvania, August 13, I9o8, the son of John N. and
Rebecca (Heinemeyer) Johnson. After completing his
grammar and high school education in the Berlin
schools, he matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, and was later graduated with a Bachelor of
Science degree. He immediately became associated in
business with his father and brother, and upon the
former's retirement from active management in I937,
Eugene C. Johnson and his brother Walter A. Johnson (q. v.), took over the control of the business in
which they had been well trained and to which they
had devoted their entire business careers.
Eugene C. Johnson is a member of the Lutheran
Church, a Democrat, and an affiliate of Sigma Alpha
Epsilon Fraternity. He is also an active member of
the Meyersdale Rotary Club, director of the BerlinBrothers Valley Community Association, and of the
Brothers Valley Fair Association. He was married,
October I5, I935, to Dorothy G. Thomas, a native
of Greensburg, daughter of Theodore and Grace
(McK.) Thomas. They are the parents of a son, John
Theodore Thomas, born July 30, I938.
PETER SHERMAN DAVIS-The name of
Peter Sherman Davis has been prominently identified
with the lumber industry of southwestern Pennsylvania
and northwestern Maryland for over thirty-five
years. Throughout this period he has also attained
wide recognition as a surveyor in these sections and
is probably one of the best informed men regarding
the natural resources of this territory in the entire
State of Pennsylvania. As a resident of Salisbury he
has also been interested in the social and civic affairs
of the community.
Mr. Davis was born at Elk Lick Township, October 7, I877, the son of John Nelson and Dinah (Shrack)
Davis, the former a native of his birthplace and the
latter, of Summit Township. His father, who was born
April 8, I835, and served with Company K, of the
I7Ist Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, began his career as a school
teacher and later engaged in the "shook" business, was
superintendent of a foundry at Salisbury, held several
official positions in this community and elsewhere and
won note as a surveyor, having laid out and constructed
additions to Salisbury and graded its streets.  The
elder Davis was a Republican in politics and worshipped at the German Baptist Church.
After a general education in the public schools Peter
Sherman Davis attended the Teachers Normal School
and upon completing his studies here began to teach
in Elk Lick Township, continuing here for three years
At the expiration of this period he went to Virginia
and took an engineering course. Returning to Pennsylvania he resumed his teaching activities at the
Elizabethtown College in Lancaster, where he was to
teach mathematics for three years. He then began
his career in the lumber business, becoming superintendent of a Salisbury concern. Two years later, in t904,
550ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
he and his brothers formed a partnership in a lumber
firm which they have operated ever since. In the
management of this enterprise they have acquired
extensive tracts of timber land in the southern part
of Somerset County and the northern part of Garrett
County, Maryland, which include a four hundred-acre
tract of virgin hemlock and oak, located on Negro
Mountain. Like his distinguished father, Mr. Davis
has also become a surveyor of note, doing extensive
contract work throughout this section. In conjunction
with these activities he is a notary public and enjoys
a substantial patronage.
Mr. Davis is a member of the board of directors
of the First National Bank of Salisbury, has served
as a member of the Board of County Viewers for the
past seventeen years, is a Republican in politics and
worships at the Church of the Brethren, in which he
has served as Sunday school superintendent for a
number of years and is also a former deacon.
On October 6, 19o7, Mr. Davis married Mary Early,
of Virginia, and they are the parents of the following
children: I. Maureen Virginia, who is married to
Jesse Huffington, a member of the Penn. State College faculty, and the mother of one child, Dale. 2.
Vera, who is married to John Newman, and the
mother of twins, Richard and Carol. 3. Carl M., a
student at the Pennsylvania State College, where he is
taking a course in engineering.
CHRISTIAN HOWARD SHOCKEY-Entering the insurance field in I913, Christian Howard
Shockey has been closely associated with this work to
the present day, and during this long period he has
served as the Meyersdale representative for the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York. He was
born in Greenville Township, Somerset County, December 30, I886, the son of Herman and Susan (Werner)
Shockey. Herman Shockey, a native of Greenfield
Township has long been engaged in the farming industry in this locality.
Upon the completion of his public school education,
Christian Howard Shockey matriculated at Teachers
Normal School, and after graduating from this institution  entered the teaching profession  in Somerset
County, where he was engaged for six years. Then,
in I913 he became associated with the Equitable Life
Assurance Society of New York, at their Meyersdale
offices, and in his twenty-five years of service with
this company has established himself as an authorit-y
on insurance matters.
He is a member of the Lutheran Church, the Republican party, and the Volunteer Firemen's Association.
He was married, February 14, 1909, to Estella Beal
of Somerset County, daughter of Andrew  0. and
Barbara (Yutsy) Beal, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Shockey are the parents of three children: I. Anna
Althea, a graduate of the local schools, married Dr.
Hoke of Meyersdale, now a practicing physician at
Acosta, Pennsylvania. 2. James Beal, a graduate of
the local schools, now engaged in the electrical appliances business in Meyersdale, married Maggie Miller
of Greenville Township, and they have a daughter,
Barbara J. Shockey and a son, David G. Shockey. 3.
Howard Leo, a graduate of the local schools and the
American Academy of Embalming in Philadelphia;
now an embalming interne, associated with Price Morticians.
JOHN B. WAGNER-A man whose achievements in the business life of Salisbury and western
Pennsylvania have been distinctive, John B. Wagner
has performed a particularly valuable work as general foreman of the Twentieth Century Manufacturing
Company.
Mr. Wagner was born September 8, I869, in Salisbury, Pennsylvania, son of S. A. and Elizabeth
(Wright)  Wagner, both  of whom  are now  ceceased. The father was for twenty years postmaster
of Salisbury and was one of the community's leading men. The mother came from Garrett County,
Maryland.
The common schools of Salisbury provided the early
education of John B. Wagner, who early in his career
began working for his grandfather, driving a team for
him. Later he went into the sawmilling business with
the Bayard S. Maust Company, with which organization he has remained connected in one capacity or
another down to the present. He has, from time
to time, added other business responsibilities, having
been general foreman of the Twentieth Century Manufacturing Company since I917. He is also executor of
his father's estate.
Taking a lively interest in community affairs and
in the whole of the life of this Commonwealth, Mr.
Wagner is a staunch Democrat. For six years he
served on the Town Council of Salisbury, and in
other positions he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow-citizens.
On December 25, I894, John B. Wagner married
Elvira Martin, of West Salisbury. The children of
this marriage have been: I. James S., who died at
the age of eight years. 2. Robert H., a mechanic in
Pittsburgh. 3. Elma E., killed in an automobile accident at the age of twenty-five years.
551ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
EARL GLENN WALKER--Throughout an
active life, Earl Glenn Walker has been engaged in
agriculture on what is said to be the only farm in the
Brothers Valley Township section of southwestern
Pennsylvania that has remained in the family since before the American Revolution. He was born upon the
estate, March 7, I892, son of Norman and Missouri
(Stahl) Walker, both natives of Brothers Valley
Township. The father is deceased. His great-grandfather came to this part of the State in I770 from
Frederick County, Maryland. His mother's people
were the owners of the farm from late Colonial times.
Earl Glenn Walker was sixteen years old at the
time of his father's death, when he took over the
operation of the home place. As from the beginning
it has been used for the growing of staple crops, but
in line with modern practice, Mr. Walker specializes
as well. Potatoes have become one of the large cash
crops, and instead of sending grains and hay to market
at comparatively low prices, he has given a great deal
of attention to feeding these crops to stock, sending
to market a more condensed and higher priced product. He has a mixed herd of a half hundred or more
cattle. Mr. Walker gives due place to good citizenship,
being ready to contribute his best for the promotion
of the better interests of the community and its people.
He is a Democrat politically, but is no seeker of public
office. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Meyersdale
Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and is an elder
and Sunday school teacher in the Lutheran Church.
On June 14, I919, Earl Glenn Walker married Alder
Beachly, of Brothers Valley Township, and they have
a daughter, Gladys Walker.
EMANUEL  L. KNEPPER-Despite his seventy-four years, Emanuel L. Knepper, stock breeder,
farmer, business and civic leader of Berlin, is still
one of the most active and influential leaders in this
section of Somerset County, where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather were prominent.
Mr. Knepper was born in Brothers Valley Township, March 22, I865, the son of Lewis J. and Magdalena (Meyers) Knepper, the former a native of his
birthplace. His father, who was born November 29,
I8I9, and died April 6, I888, taught school in this
section for twenty-one terms and then abandoned the
profession in favor of farming, an occupation he was
to engage in for the balance of his life. He was a
Republican in politics, served in several township
offices, and worshipped at the Church of the Brethren,
in which he was a deacon for thirty-five years. He
was twice married: (first), on September 9, I849, to
Magdalena Meyers, who was born January 24, I824,
and died in October, I865. She was the daughter of
Jacob and Hannah (Lichty) Meyers. They were the
parents of the following children: I. Mary A. 2. Jacob
M. 3. Solomon M. 4. William M. 5. Elizabeth S.
6. Ellen R. 7. Emanuel L., of this review. After the
death of his first wife the elder Knepper married (second) Elizabeth Walker, and they had the following
children: I. Charles W., a farmer. 2. Edward, also a
farmer. 3. Henry, who died in childhood. 4. Emma,
who also died during her youth.
The Knepper family traces its Somerset ancestry to
John Knepper, Emanuel L. Knepper's great-grandfather, who was born in I765, and in his youth removed
to Brothers Valley Township, where he was a shoemaker by trade. He married Anna Maria Glessner,
and they had twelve children, among them  William,
who served with the American forces during the War
of I812, and John, through whom the immediate descent
is carried. John Knepper won distinction as the first
Abolitionist in Brothers Valley Township and the only
citizen to cast his vote for the Free Soil candidates.
He married Susan Stahl, and they were the parents
of eleven children, among them, Lewis J., father of
Emanuel L. Knepper.
Emanuel L. Knepper received a general education
in the public schools of his native township and after
completing this part of his studies attended the Berlin
Normal School. During this period he assisted on the
family farm and so continued until he was sixteen
years of age, when he began to teach school himself.
Six years later, at the age of twenty-three years, he
married and retired from the educational field in
favor of farming. With his bride he settled on a
two hundred and sixty-acre farm which he had purchased in I892, and part of which he still owns. At
one time it embraced a sugar camp of twelve hundred
vessels, which yielded about four thousand pounds of
maple sugar. Shortly after he took over the farm,
however, he began to buy and sell cattle and has since
enjoyed an enviable reputation in this phase of farming.
As a resident of Berlin he has contributed usefully
and substantially to the general welfare of the community. He has been a member of the board of
directors of the First National Bank of Berlin, and
the Farmers' Fire Insurance Company of Somerset
County, for over thirty years, was school director for
fifteen years and has also held numerous other township offices. In politics he is a staunch Republican
and in his religious convictions worships at the Church
of the Brethren, of which he has been a deacon since
I897, and served for many years as superintendent of
552ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
the Sunday school and teacher of the Men's Bible
Class.
On October 2I, i888, Mr. Knepper married Emma
S. Schrock, daughter of Rev. William G. Schrock.
She was born November 3, I865, and was educated
at the Berlin Normal School, and Juniata College,
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper
are the parents of one son, Lewis S., who was born
September I, I889, was educated in the local schools,
taught here three terms and then matriculated at
Juniata College from which he was graduated. Returning to Brothers Valley Township he farmed for seven
years, but gave this occupation up when he was elected
to the ministry. For some time he served as pastor
of the church in Brothers Valley and later took over
the pulpit at Scalp-Level. He not only possessed a
marked talent in his calling but also showed marked
ability as an executive and was elected field secretary
of Juniata College.  Shortly thereafter he was appointed alumni secretary and has since continued in
this capacity with marked success, which is easily
appreciated when one considers his many personal
attributes. Lewis S. Knepper married, in June, I913,
Grace Berkley, daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Hay)
Berkley. They are the parents of one daughter, Beulah,
who is married to George Donnelly, and the mother
of one child, Barbara June.
DR. JAMES DeVORE SPENCER-Dr. James
DeVore Spencer has been engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery in Somerset since I935.
He was born in Marion County, West Virginia, February 28, 1902, the son of Benjamin Lewis and Emma
(DeVore) Spencer. Benjamin Lewis Spencer, also a
native of Marion County, was a school teacher, and
was later employed by the Standard Oil Company. He
died in I918.
After completing his early education in the Miarion
County schools, Dr. Spencer took a pre-medical course
at the University of West Virginia, and earned his
Bachelor of Science degree in I927. He then enrolled
at the University of Tennessee at Memphis, where he
received his Doctor of Medicine degree in I929. After
a one year interneship at Lakeview Hospital in Chicago, he began active practice at Shinnston, West Virginia, and became associated with the Consolidated
Coal Company. After two years he was transferred to
Jenners, Somerset County, where he remained for
three years. He then took a postgraduate course in
surgery at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and at
its conclusion came to Somerset to conduct his private
practice here. He is particularly interested in surgery,
and is on the staff of the Comnmunity Hospital.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, an ardent
Republican, and affiliated with the Fraternal Order of
Eagles and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is
a member of the State and County Medical societies,
and the American Medical Association. He is also a
first lieutenant in the 396th Regiment, Medical Reserve
Corps.
He was married, November 9, 1929, to Rhea Mable
Sidell of New Martinsville, West Virginia, and. they
are the parents of four children: I. Janet. 2. Jean.
3. Judith. 4. Jacqueline.
JACOB H. COUNTRYMAN-Extensively engaged in potato production on his farm at Berlin,
Jacob H. Countryman has distinguished himself in
agricultural circles here, and at the same time has
taken a lively interest in the civic life of his community.
Mr. Countryman was born June 9, I892, in Berlin,
Pennsylvania, son of Harvey L. and Ella (Musser)
Countryman. His father, a native of Somerset Township, was for many years engaged in farming in Brothers Valley Township. His wife, Jacob H. Countryman's
mother, was the daughter of Alexander Musser, who
was a son of Henry Musser. Harvey L. and Ella
(Musser) Countryman were the parents of two sons,
R. Elwood and Jacob H. Countryman. A record of
R. Elwood Countryman appears under separate heading in this volume.
The public schools provided the early education of
Jacob H. Countryman, who was engaged in farming
operations with his father until I9I5. In that year he
bought a one-half interest in his father's-in-law farm
of one hundred and thirty-one acres. The father-inlaw, J. W. Menges, and Mr. Countryman together
operated this farm as partners for about seven years,
at the conclusion of which period Mr. Countryman
bought out the elder man's share in the enterprise.
Since that time he has conducted it independently,
raising a general diversified crop of farm produce and
coming to be widely and favorably known for his
accomplishments. Without at all specializing in potatoes, he none the less produces from I,ooo to 2,000
bushels per year and is recognized for his work in
this field. He also has about thirty head of cattle and
some fine horses, and takes a lively interest in general
agricultural problems. His farm is beautifully situated, and Mr. Countryman makes it the center for the
broadly constructive activities in which he is engaged.
He is a staunch Republican in his political views,
and has taken a lively interest in local politics and
civic activities. He has served as a school director of
Berlin and of Brothers Valley Township. In his
553ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
religious views he is a Lutheran and for four years he
served on the church council.
On August 26, 1914, Jacob H. Countryman married
Nellie C. Menges, who represents the fourth generation of her family to live on the same farm. Her
parents were J. W. and Ella C. (Miller) Menges, of
Brothers Valley Township. Her father, John W.
Menges, was a great-grandson of Adam Menges, a
native German, who emigrated to the United States.
Adam's son, also named Adam Menges, born April 4,
i8o8, married, March 30, 1828, Elizabeth Burkhardt,
born October 6, I8o5. They had several children, and
Adam Menges, the father, was a millwright by trade
until his death in 1854. One of their children was
Jeremiah Menges, born June 26, 1831, died June 24,
I87o, who was educated in the public schools and was
for two years a teacher, afterward becoming a teamster.
He was a Republican and a Lutheran, and his wife
was also active in Lutheran Church affairs. Their
marriage took place in 1857 in Allegheny Township.
She was Rebecca Fair, born April 17, 1837, and was
educated in the public schools. One of their children
was John W. Menges, Mrs. Countryman's father, who
was born April 30, I858, in Allegheny Township, and
received a good public school education there. He
farmed in youth, and at eighteen years of age began
learning the shoemaker's trade, continuing to work at
it until his marriage five years later. He lived in
Berlin for a time, there serving as an expressman at
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station. In 1884 he
removed to his farm in Berlin, purchasing it in I9oo00.
It is a one hundred and thirty-one-acre estate adjoining
Berlin, and nearly all this acreage is under cultivation.
The farm was stocked, under his direction, with fine
horses and cattle, and a sugar camp of three hundred
and seventy-five vessels was established on it. Rich
coal deposits underlie it, and these deposits were disposed of to the Niver Coal Company. For three years
Mr. Menges was a school director. He was a member of Camp No. 7I70 of the Modern Woodmen of
America, in which he held many offices. Politically, he
was a Republican and later a Prohibitionist. He and
his wife were Lutherans in Berlin, and he served ac
both deacon and elder of his church, and was prominently connected with Sunday school work. On November 9, I882, John W. Menges married Ellen C.
Miller, daughter of Jonathan A. Miller and member
of a family of German origin. Her father was a
Republican and a member of the Progressive Brethren
Church. He held several town offices. Ellen C. Miller's mother was Caroline (Walker) Miller, and she
had a brother, William J. Miller, a farmer near Berlin. Ellen C. Miller was born February 25, I86i.
She and her husband were the parents of the following children: I. Harry E., born August 30, I883, graduated from Berlin High School, took a business course
with the International Correspondence Schools, at
Scranton; later lived at home with his father. 2.
Merle J., born October 22, 1887, graduated from Berlin High School, employed as time clerk at the Westinghouse Electric Works, East Pittsburgh. 3. Nellie
C., born December IO, I889, attended the Berlin
schools, became the wife of Jacob H. Countryman.
4. Mary E., born November 27, I891, died in I895.
Jacob H. and Nellie C. (Menges) Countryman became the parents of two children: I. E. Geneva Countryman, a graduate of the high school at Berlin. 2.
Ruth Countryman, died in infancy.
CLARENCE WILLIAM ALTFATHER-In a
variety of ways Clarence William Altfather has effectively and usefully served the community of Berlin,
carrying on an extensive trucking business here and
also acting as chief of the local Fire Department.
Mr. Altfather was born in Berlin, Pennsylvania, on
June 20, I898, son of Daniel Nevin and Mary (Ream)
Altfather and member of an old and distinguished family of this region. Both his parents were residents of
Brothers Valley Township. The father is a carpenter
by trade.
The public schools provided the early education of
Clarence William Altfather, who learned the carpenter's trade with his father and worked for the elder
man until he was twenty-three years of age. He then
went to Pittsburgh, spending two years as a carpenter
there. He was in Akron, Ohio, for three years, there
being associated with the Akron Street Railway. Returning to Berlin, he was associated for' some time
with the coal mining industry here. Then, in I927,
with a Ford pick-up truck, he went into the trucking business in this region of Pennsylvania, becoming successful in this enterprise from the very outset.
He now owns a fleet of trucks, and engages in a general hauling business. His equipment is thoroughly
modern, and his service to the Berlin community and
district has been a notable one.
As chief of the local Fire Department, he has performed a valuable service, and he is widely and favorably known in fire-fighting circles. He is a Republican in his political views, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and an active worker in
the Reformed Church.
On December 8, I92i, Clarence William Altfather
married Mary Crouse, of Brothers Valley Township,
Somerset County, Pennsylvania, daughter of William
and Nellie (Smith) Crouse, both of this same town554ANNALS OF SOUTHWE!
ship. On the Smith side of her house, Mrs. Altfather's
great-great-grandmother was captured and held prisoner by the Indians when the district was first being
settled by the white people. Clarence William and
Mary (Crouse) Altfather became the parents of the
following children: I. Clarence William, Jr. 2. Mary
Elizabeth. 3. Helen Jean. 4. Betty Lou. 5. Dorothy
Ann.
LEWIS FREDERICK ALTFATHER-The
family of Altfather has long been active in the affairs of
the district around Berlin, Pennsylvania, where Lewis
Frederick Altfather has for years been engaged in
farming.
Mr. Altfather was born June 4, I902, in Brothers Valley Township, Somerset County, this State, son of
John Calvin and Mary Elizabeth (Levi) Altfather,
both of the same township, and member of an old
and honorable family. He was descended in the fifth
generation from Frederick Altfather, a native of Germany. Frederick Altfather's son, Daniel Altfather,
was born in I8o8 in Berlin, Pennsylvania, and became
a farmer and miller. Politically, he was a staunch
Democrat, and he was a member of the Reformed
Church. He married, in I830, Maria Johnson, of
English descent, who was born in I8Io in Berlin, this
State, and who lived to a ripe old age. Their children were: I. John, of further mention. 2. Henry D.,
a farmer of Ursina, Pennsylvania. 3. William P.,
an electrician in Texas. 4. Daniel, a farmer in Virginia. 5. Susan, wife of William Dively, of Roxbury,
Pennsylvania. 6. Margaret, wife of Albert Krissinger,
of Berlin, Pennsylvania.
Of these John Altfather was the grandfather of
Lewis Frederick Altfather. He was educated in the
township schools and worked on the home farm until
he was sixteen years of age. He then took employment in a flour and gristmill, learning the miller's
trade. He followed that occupation, along with farming, until I867, when he purchased his present farm,
giving his entire attention to it until his retirement.
This farm was situated favorably, and was particularly well adapted to stock and grain raising. Politically, he was a Democrat, casting his first vote for
James Buchanan for President in I856. He never
sought public honors for himself. He was active in
church affairs as a member of the Reformed Church,
serving on the building committee, as deacon and then
as elder. For years he taught in the Sunday school,
and he was on the committee that was in charge of
the building of the new church edifice. He was an
early advocate of good roads. He married, February
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                               555
I4, I86I, Catherine Hay, daughter of Simon and Lydia
Hay, a prominent family of Somerset County. The
following children were born of this marriage: I.
Annie, in I864, who became the wife, in February,
I903, of Frank L. Meade, an engineer. 2. John Calvin,
of further mention. 3. Edgar T., born in I869, lost his
life when caught in the belting of a flouring mill at
Ursina at the age of twenty-one.
John Calvin Altfather, father of Lewis Frederick
Altfather, was born July I8, I867, and studied in the
township schools, later taking up farming. He married, on July 30, I895, Mary Elizabeth Levi, and both
of them still reside in Brothers Valley Township,
Somerset County.
The public schools provided the early education of
Lewis Frederick Altfather, their son, who afterward
was graduated from high school and took up farming
with his father. He farmed on shares with the elder
man until he was thirty-three years old, when he took
over the farm himself, operating it down to the time
of writing. He has two hundred and three acres, one
hundred and two of which are under cultivation. Here
he raises a general crop of farm produce, and has a
herd of thirty-two head of cattle. Mr. Altfather is a
member of the D. S. C. A., a group of milk producers
who have banded together in this district of Pennsylvania. The Altfathers also own a mine, which is on
their farming property and which they lease to a mining company.
In public affairs, as in the conduct of his own farm,
Mr. Altfather has taken a lively part and has been
appointed a member of road committee of the BerlinBrothers Valley Community Association, of which he
and Mrs. Altfather are active members. He is a
staunch Democrat in his political views, and is a member of the Reformed Church, in which his father has
been an officer since I892. He has served as trustee,
deacon and elder.
On October 24, 1923, Lewis Frederick Altfather married Helen Mercedes Miller, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, daughter of E. A. and Mary Catherine Elizabeth (Faupel) Miller. The children of this marriage
have been the following: I. Evelyn Marie. 2. Walter
Richard. 3. Anna Carolyn. 4. Lewis Clay. 5. Elmer
Calvin. 6. Robert Miller.
Lewis Frederick Altfather invented the first power
driven seed "Potato Cutter"; Patent No. I824798
granted to him on September 29, I93I. He invented
the machine and manufactured the first actual machine in the little blacksmith shop on the home farm.
This shop is the same one in which Lewis Frederick
Altfather's father and grandfather worked. This machine is in use on the present farm.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
burgh, and Washington Council No. I, Royal and
Select Masters at Washington, Pennsylvania. He
has been a director of the First National Bank of Carmichael, since I918, and is also a director of the
Nemacolin Ferry Company. He is also affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Carmichael,
and the Rotary Club, having been its first president,
and in addition is a charter member of the Greene
County Country Club.
He was married October 4, I920, to Mary Kathryn
Schnebly of Hagerstown, Maryland, the daughter of
Andrew W. and Mary (Cromer) Schnebly. Mr. and
Mrs. Bell are the parents of two children: I. Helen
Elizabeth, born July i6, I92I. 2. Edna Mae, born October 3, I928.
JAMES HENRY HANKINS-James Henry
Hankins, a native of Uniontown, has been one of the
prominent business men of this locality since I920. He
was born January Io, I89o, the son of John Foster and
Mary E. (Rankin) Hankins, both deceased. John F.
Hankins, a native of North Union Township, was engaged during his lifetime as a merchant.
James Henry Hankins attended the local public
schools and the Kiskiminetas School, and was graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1913.
He established his own automobile business in Tucson,
Arizona, but after five years he returned to his natal
city, and became treasurer of the Fayette Fuel Company, coal brokers, and he is still identified with this
organization. In addition he became treasurer of the
Hankins-Paulsen Company in I922, and this firm,
dealing in lumber and building supplies, is employing
sixty workers at the present time. During the late
war, he served in the Motor Transport Corps, No.
329, at Camp Lee, Virginia, and received his honorable
discharge February Io, I919.
Mr. Hankins is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church, a prominent Republican, and a popular member of the local civic and fraternal organizations. He
was the I937 president of the Uniontown Merchants
Club; is president of the Uniontown Thrift Club, a
director of the Chamber of Commerce, and was president and is director of the Uniontown Credit Bureau.
He is well known in Masonic circles, being a member
of Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons at Tucson,
Arizona, the Arizona Consistory, Ancient Accepted
Scottish Rite at Tucson, the E1l Zaribah Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
at Phoenix, Arizona, and Chapter No. 165, Royal Arch
Masons, at Uniontown, Pennsylvania. He is also
affiliated with Lodge No. 85, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Tucson, Arizona, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He also holds membership in
Lafayette Post, No. 5I, of the American Legion, the
Uniontown Country Club, and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and is a member of the Fort Necessity Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. He was married February 6, I918, to Maybelle Pusch, of Tucson,
Arizona, daughter of George and Matilda (Feldman)
Pusch.
JOHN LESTER HANKINS-A native of
Uniontown, John Lester Hankins has been an active
figure in the business world of this locality since I919.
He was born here, March 28, I894, the son of John
Foster and Mary E. (Rankin) Hankins, both natives
of North Union Township. The elder Mr. Hankins, a
descendant of a family long interested in farming, also
in the development of the coal fields in this area, was a
Uniontown merchant at the time of his death, September 2I, I916. His wife who was born in I863, died
April 6, 1934.
John Lester Hankins attended the local public
schools and the Tucson (Arizona) High School and
afterwards matriculated at Stanford University in
California, but when the United States entered the
World War he enlisted and saw service in the Aviation
Corps. He returned to Uniontown in I919 to become
general manager for the Hankins Coal and Coke Company, which office he is still conducting. He has also
been vice-president and sales manager of the HankinsPaulsen Lumber Company since 1925, and in addition
is president of the Fayette Fuel Company, distributors
of Texas  Company  products throughout Fayette
County.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
a Republican, an active club member, and a prominent
figure in the Masonic Order. He is affiliated with
Uniontown Lodge, No. 65I, Free and Accepted Masons, the Pittsburgh Consistory and the Syria Temple,
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of
Pittsburgh, and is a member of the Uniontown Country Club and the Chestnut Ridge Hunt Club. He is
greatly interested in fox hunting, and when his business connections permit, he is very fond of engaging
in this most exciting sport.
He was married, February 20, I933, to Margaret
Miller, of Uniontown, daughter of Marling C. and
Helen (Miner) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Hankins have
one daughter, Nancy Lee Hankins, born February 6,
I935.
HARRY  JACOB  BELL, M. D.-During his
long and active career at Dawson, Dr. Harry Jacob
Bell has won distinction both in his profession and in
public life. A Fellow of the American College of
58ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ALVIN  R. KNEPPER-Operating a two hundred and fifty-acre farm in Stony Creek Township,
Somerset County, Alvin R. Knepper has earned the
respect, admiration and confidence of his fellow-citizens, particularly those concerned with agricultural
affairs in his county.
Mr. Knepper was born September I4, I88I, in Stony
Creek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son  
of Jacob M. and Susan (Reiman) Knepper. His
father, of Brothers Valley Township, was for years
an active farmer. He is now deceased. The mother,
of Stony Creek Township, is also deceased.
Receiving a public school education, Alvin R. Knepper carried on farming operations with his father until
he was twenty-five years old, whereupon he took over
the home farm.  He has operated it ever since that
time. The property comprises two hundred and fifty
acres in all, and on it Mr. Knepper raises from I3,000
to I4,oo000 bushels of potatoes per year and has an
average herd of twenLy-five head of cattle. He is
president of the Stony Creek Community Association
and supervisor for the district in effectuating the soil
conservation program.  He is also secretary of the
Stony Creek Township School Board, a member of
the Somerset County Potato Growers' Association and
a leader in the work of the D. C. S. A.
A Republican in his political alignment, Mr. Knepper has held a number of different township offices.
Worshipping in the faith of the Church of the
Brethren, he is a teacher in the Sunday school and
also its assistant superintendent, as well as a deacon
of the church itself.
In October, I9o2, Alvin R. Knepper married Susan
M. Meyers, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Miller)
Meyers, the father of Milford Township and the
mother of Jefferson Township, Somerset County. The
following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Knepper: I. Meyers E., graduated from the local schools
of Stony Creek Township, spent a term at the State
Normal School, now associated with the International
Harvester Company, at New Castle; he married Olive
Schrock, of Somerset County, and they have one
daughter, Sarah Joann Knepper, and one son, James
Schrock Knepper. 2. Leora, a graduate of the local
schools of Stony Creek Township, wife of Earl Saylor, of Somerset; their  children:  Glenn, Alvin
James, Jane and Ivalena Fay Saylor. 3. Gladys graduated from Stony Creek High School, wife of Fred
Darr, of Somerset County; they have five children:
Wayne, Lois, Fred, Jr., Phylis and Robert Eugene
Darr. 4. Emerson, graduated from the local schools,
later attended Penn. State College for one term, now
living at home with his family. 5. Thelma A., attending high school.
MILTON  BODES-Engaged in general farming operations of magnitude, Milton Bodes is an outstanding citizen of the community of St. Paul.
Mr. Bodes was born November 5, I876, in Garrett
County, Maryland, son of Henry and Mahala (Folk)
Bodes, of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The father.
long prominent as a miller and farmer, is now deceased.
The mother, who was born in I856, passed away in
April, I938.
The common schools provided Milton Bodes' early
education. He turned his attention, while still very
young, to agricultural pursuits, farming with his parents on the Jackson farm in Elk Lick Township until
he was thirty years old. He then took over management and operation of the property on his own account.
Here he has carried on his farming activities ever
since. He has three hundred and thirty-two acres of
land in his home farm, as well as two hundred and
seventeen acres on the other side of the mountain. He
raises a general crop of farm products, also producing
his own cattle and having twelve or thirteen cows in
his dairy department and about seventy head of beef
cattle. He also raises goats, chickens and horses, and
operates both a sawmill and a coal mine.
Politically, Mr. Bodes is a staunch Republican, and
he worships in the faith of the Reformed Church.
On March 22, I898, Milton Bodes married Alice
Sipple, of Elk Lick Township, daughter of Richard
Sipple, of the same township. The following children
were born to them: I. Ray, married Esther Shrock.
2. Edna, wife of George Keim. 3. Mary, wife of Fay
Harris. 4. Earl, married Mamie Stevanus. 5. Carl,
unmarried. 6. Harry, married Myrtle Johns. 7. Ruth,
wife of Clay Bowser. 8. Anna, unmarried, living at
home with her family. 9. Grace, wife of Jack Pyle.
io. George, unmarried.
JOSEPH  D. SNYDER-For forty years Joseph
D. Snyder has been engaged in the wholesale and
retail bakery business, and during that time he has
witnessed the progress of this enterprise from a small
bakery to an institution now employing twenty-four
people and serving a public that extends throughout
Slomerset County, and also includes Fayette and Westmoreland counties.
Mr. Snyder was born March I5, 1875, the son of
Zachariah and Roseanne (McClay) Snyder, both deceased.  Zachariah  Snyder, a native of Somerset
556ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
557
County, was engaged in farming, and during the War
Between the States, was a corporal in Company K,
85th Pennsylvania Regiment. Near the close of the
War Between the States, in 1864, at Petersburg, great
numbers of soldiers were in the open field on cots, ill
with typhoid fever. Each day trenches were dug where
were buried the dead. Zachariah Snyder, on each of
three consecutive days, had a burial tag placed on his
cot and was taken on the back of one of the men who
carried out the dead to the trenches, but each time he
doubled over the man's shoulder and the man realized
that he was still alive. The third time this happened,
the physicians were notified. For eleven days he remained in a state of coma and, neither water, food nor
medicine-no nourishment of any kind passed his lips.
On the eleventh day he sat up and asked the time and
date. When the nurses told him, he said: "It cannot
be possible I have lain here eleven days." He got up
the next day and took the train to Cumberland, and
on the following day walked from  Cumberland to
Upper Turkeyfoot Township in twenty-four hours---a
distance of between forty and fifty miles. This is a
remarkable but true story. Many years later, at the
age of seventy-two years, he passed away of typhoid
fever. His father, Adam Snyder, was the pioneer of
the family in Somerset County and lived to the age of
ninety-two years. He was engaged as a farmer, cobbler and a tanner.
Joseph D. Snyder attended the local schools, and
after graduating from the high school, he entered the
jewelry business.  He still holds possession of this
enterprise, but takes no active interest in its operation,
as' he devotes his entire time to the management of his
bakery, which is the second oldest business in this section. Great progress has been made since the inauguration of a delivery trucking system in June, I926, and
the one truck which was first used has been increased
to nine. The products of the J. D. Snyder Bakery are
known and are in demand in most families throughout
this section.
Mr. Snyder is a leader in religious, civic and fraternal life, being an active member of the Evangelical
Church, superintendent of the Sunday school for
fifteen years, a delegate to the Pittsburgh Conference
for twelve years, and the delegate to the Evangelical
General Conventions at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and
Akron, Ohio, and the Moxam Church, held on October
6, I938, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He is a member
of the Lions Club of Somerset, and Commander of the
Sons of Veterans, Post No. I85, of Rockwood. Fraternally, he is affiliated with Somerset Lodge, Free and
Accepted Masons, Hebron Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite; the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen
of the World, and the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows.
Joseph D. Snyder married, December I3, I896, Sadie
S. Bricker, of Somerset County, and they are the
parents of two daughters: I. Emmaline S., a graduate
of the local schools, who married Joseph E. Boland.
2. Ella, a graduate of the local schools, who married
W. Earl Fetters, and they were the parents of two
sons: i. Earl Robert. ii. William Joseph, who died at
the age of nine years.
WILLIAM ERNEST GNAGEY-For many
years prominently engaged in farming operations in
the district of Pennsylvania in which he lives, William
Ernest Gnagey is a resident of St. Paul, this State.
Mr. Gnagey was born March 22, 1887, in Grantsville, Maryland, son of Jonas and Lizzie (Swauger)
Gnagey and member of an old and honorable family.
He represents the fifth generation in direct line of
descent from Christian Gnaegi (as the surname was
then spelled), who came in I750 or I760 from Switzerland to America. In I774 Christian Gnaegi took up a
large tract of land called Elkton, containing about
five hundred and three-quarters acres, two miles west
of Meyersdale, Brotherswalle Township (now Summit Township), Somerset County, Pennsylvania. He
lived on the property owned in recent times by Elias A.
Yoder. From time to time he sold different plots of
land to his sons and to others, remaining himself on
the east portion of the original farm, his portion containing two hundred and twenty-six acres. On April
Io, I8o6, he sold these acres to Henry Yoder, who in
I825 sold it to his son, Yost Yoder, who in I840 sold
it to his son, Adam Yoder, who in I868 sold it to his
son, Elias A. Yoder, the present owner.
Christian Gnaegi, the immigrant ancestor of the
Gnagey line, and Elizabeth Gnaegi, had a son, Christian
Gnaegi, who changed the surname to Gnagey. He married (first), December 5, I813, Barbara Plucker, born
August I, I792. Their children were: I. Sarah Gnagey,
born March 26, I815. 2. Elizabeth Gnagey, born March
30, I8i6. 3. John Gnagey, born April 27, I817. 4.
Jonas Gnagey, born January II, I819. 5. Emmanuel
Gnagey, of further mention. 6. Christian Gnagey, born
May I2, I822. 7. Jacob Gnagey, born February 2o,
I825. 8. Barbara Gnagey, born April I, I827. 9. Benedict Gnagey, born May 2, I829. 10. Andrew Gnagey,
born November 20, I83I. II. Joel Gnagey, born February 9, I836. Christian Gnagey, who was a Dunkard,
died June I, I88o, and his wife passed away May 6,
I836. He married (second), November 5, I843, CaroANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
line Walter, who was born February 2I, I8o6, and died
July 27, I892.
Emmanuel Gnagey, above mentioned, born July 17,
1820, died October 2, 189o, was a farmer by occupation and a member of the Dunkard Church. He married, October II, I846, Eliza Livengood, who was born
January 22, 1829. They became the parents of the
following children: I. John Gnagey, born November
I3, I847. 2. Jonas Gnagey, of further mention. 3.
Mary Gnagey, born April 22, I853. 4. Sarah Gnagey,
born April 4, I855. 5. Elizabeth Gnagey, born July ii,
I857. 6. Charles Gnagey, born March 29, i86i, died July
25, i866. 7. Abraham Lincoln Gnagey, born April 4,
I864. 8. Fannie Gnagey, born July 8, I867. 9. Edwin
Gnagey, born January 26, I870, died February 22,
I875.
Jonas Gnagey, the second-named of the above children and the father of William Ernest Gnagey, was
born January 25, I85o. He lived at Grantsville, Garrett County, Maryland. He married, August 7, I873,
Lizzie Swauger. The children of this marriage were:
I. Cora Gnagey. 2. C. Edward Gnagey. 3. Harry
Gnagey. 4. Annie Gnagey. 5. Mary Gnagey. 6. Bertha
Gnagey. 7. Ollie Gnagey. 8. Lula Gnagey. 9. Naomi
Gnagey. IO. Blaine Gnagey. II. Garfield Gnagey. 12.
Elmer J. Gnagey. 13. William Ernest Gnagey, of further mention. I4. Raymond Gnagey. I5. Homer H.
Gnagey.
Of these children, William Ernest Gnagey, attended
the public schools of Grantsville, his Maryland birthplace, later going to the New York Trade School, then
spending ten years in California. He took a special
course at a San Francisco school while on the West
Coast.  Then, returning to Maryland  in I916, he
bought a farm which he operated for two years before
he sold it. In the fall of I917 he became associated
with Norman D. Hay, who later became his father-inlaw, in farming and stock raising activities. Mr. Hay
is now deceased; a further account of his life and
works is to be found under separate heading in this
volume.
In addition to his other activities, William Ernest
Gnagey has interested himself in the work of the
Grange. He is a member of the Reformed Church
and one of its deacons.
On June 5, I92o, William Ernest Gnagey married
Maud Hay, daughter of Norman D. and Agnes (Glotfelty) Hay. Four children were born to this marriage: I. Norman Hay Gnagey. 2. Raymond Edward
Gnagey. 3. William Ernest Gnagey, Jr. 4. Mary
Ann Gnagey.
NORMAN D. HAY-Widely known for his contribution to business and agricultural-life in Somerset
County, Norman D. Hay was long a loved resident of
Meyersdale. His service to his community was a
notable one which justly brought him the respect and
admiration of his fellow-citizens. He was an individual
whose kindness and essential integrity made him an
outstanding citizen, and his sincerity of purpose stood
out as a leading characteristic.
Mr. Hay was born October 2, I854, in Elk Lick
Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son of
David and Mary Ann (Rauch) Hay and member ot
an old family. The Hay line was founded in this
country by Simon Hay. The line is as follows:
(I) Simon Hay, born near Berlin, Germany, came
to America in I763 with his brother, John Francis
Hay, settling first in Eastern Pennsylvania, where he
was a weaver. While temporarily doing some threshing, he became acquainted with a Mr. Countryman, who
was his assistant. Mr. Countryman owned a large
tract of land in Brothers Valley Township, and he
persuaded Mr. Hay to go there and buy three hundred
acres of land. On this land Mr. Hay built a gristmill
and later a fulling mill which he operated to the advantage of himself and his neighbors. He was one
hundred and three years old at the time of his death
in 1842. He had several children: Mary, Elizabeth,
Catherine, Susan, Valentine, Michael, Jacob, George
and Peter S. Hay.
(II) Peter S. Hay, the last named, was born in
I79o  and succeeded to the farm  of his father.  At
the death of his brother, Valentine, he also succeeded
to the gristmill. He was a farmer all his life, and
he and his wife belonged to the Reformed Church.
He died in I845. He married Elizabeth Walker, who
died in I88o. Their children, twelve in number, included the following who reached maturity: David,
Michael, Philip, Peter S., Valentine, Mary, Susan,
Elizabeth, Catherine and Caroline Hay.
(III) David Hay, the first-named of these children
and the father of Norman D. Hay, was born September 3, I814, in Brothers Valley Township. He
purchased his father's gristmill, which he ran till I850.
In that year he disposed of it and removed to Southampton Township, bought a farm there, but later
abandoned agriculture and spent two years as a teacher
at a salary of $Io per month, supplementing his income
by other occupations. After his second marriage he
removed to Elk Lick Township, settling on land that
was mostly unimproved and uninviting in appearance.
He built a fine building, which his wife designed.
558ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He was interested in real estate, dealing in farms in
the West as well as in Pennsylvania, and was a successful financier. He settled a number of estates for
others. In I857 he was elected to the State Legislature on the Democratic ticket. He was a member of
the Reformed Church and gave $2,ooo toward erection
of the present church edifice, as well as $I,ooo toward
a trust fund for the church, the proceeds to be used
in alleviating the sufferings of the poor of the neighborhood. He died April I4, I878.
David Hay married (first) Polly Cook, who died in
I85o, leaving two sons, William H. and Calvin Theodore Hay. David Hay married (second) Mary A.
(Rauch) Boose, born in I825, daughter of John Rauch
and widow of John A. Boose, to whom she was married in I846 and who died in I847 in his twenty-second
year. One son was born of her first marriage, John
Rufus Boose, who was recorder of Somerset County.
Mrs. Hay's great-great-grandfather on the Rauch side
of her house, came to Brothers Valley Township from
Hagerstown, Maryland, becoming one of the first settlers here. David and Mary A. (Rauch) Boose-Hay
were the parents of a son, Norman D. Hay.
(IV) Norman D. Hay, above mentioned, attended
the common schools of his native Elk Lick Township
until he was nineteen years old. At the death of his
father he took charge of the home farm, of which
he became the owner and which he afterward kept
and managed. He added to his education from time
to time by studies at normal schools and at a music
school in Grantsville, Maryland, but for the most part
devoted his energies to his farming activities.  His
property consisted of two hundred acres, and after
I891 he also owned and worked the Rauch farm in
Brothers Valley Township. He was interested in
mineral lands in different parts of Somerset County,
and was also a stockholder in the Farmers' Bank of
Somerset, a stockholder and director in the First
National Bank of Salisbury, and vice-president of the
Farmers' Union Association and Fire Insurance Company of Somerset County. For many years he was a
prominent Democrat in his political views, and he
served as a school director of his community.
One of Mr. Hay's farms, near Berlin, was underlaid with coal deposits, and other properties that he
owned were of great value. He took a particularly
active interest in the affairs of the Reformed Church,
holding all important church offices. For many years
he was a deacon and for the last twenty years of his
life he was an elder of the congregation, and he likewise served as trustee and treasurer. He was also a
teacher in the Sunday school and Sunday school
superintendent.
Norman D. Hay married, December II, I879, Agnes
Glotfelty, born in I856, daughter of John and Mary
Ann (Dively) Glotfelty. Her father, when eleven
years old, carried mail from Grantsville, Maryland, to
Ebensburg, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, a distance
of ninety miles, along unfrequented roads crossing the
Allegheny Mountains, taking a week to make the trip.
Mr. and Mrs. Hay became the parents of the following children: I. Mary, who graduated from Hood
College, Frederick, Maryland, now engaged in teaching. 2 and 3. Blanche and Pearl (twins), both graduates of Salisbury High School and California State
Teachers' College. 4. Maud, wife of William Ernest
Gnagey (q. v.), and also a graduate of California
State Teachers' College, following the profession of
teaching until her marriage. 5. Florence, a graduate
of Meyersdale High School and is a bookkeeper.
The death of Norman D. Hay occurred January 4,
I9I9, at his home near Keim, Pennsylvania, and was
a cause of deep sorrow and regret in the wide circle
of his acquaintance. His accomplishments were manysided and constructive, and he was honored, trusted
and loved in an ever-widening quarter. His good
influence will continue to be effective in the world.
JAMES WESLEY LOHR-The prominent position held by James Wesley Lohr in the Davidsville
section of Somerset County was largely attained
through his own constructive efforts and vigorous
enterprise. As the head of several lines of business
and a citizen devoted to the best interests of the community, he has fostered the better elements in local
life and affairs.
Mr. Lohr was born in Hollsopple, Pennsylvania,
November 28, I884, son of Hiram J. and Ellen (Wolford) Lohr. His father, a native of Shade Township,
is a retired lumberman and miller. The mother, now
deceased, was born in Stony Creek Township. After
completing his general education, James Wesley Lohr
became associated with his father in the lumber business at South Fork, Pennsylvania, and continued this
activity for fourteen years. In I918, the older man
purchased the milling business of N. H. Blough in
Davidsville, and changed the name to H. J. Lohr. The
son assisted his father in the operation of this concern
until I926, when he became a partner with Ray L.
Henninger in the purchase of the mill property, when
the name was changed to Davidsville Flour and Feed
Mill. Two years later Mr. Henninger sold his interest
to Mr. Lohr who continued alone until I933 when he
took in Foster D. Custer, of Windber, as a partner.
They have run the business since with marked success, serving a trade from an area of a fifteen-mile
559ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
radius. Complete lines in flour, feed, seed and other
supplies are kept in stock.
Mr. Lohr is also president of the Citizens Telephone
Company, president of the Firemen's Relief Association, and vice-president of the Somerset County Fire
Association. He is a Republican in politics, and fraternally is affiliated with the Knights of Malta. He is
of the Lutheran religious faith.
In Davidsville, on November 28, I9o8, James Wesley
Lohr married Elizabeth Kaufman, daughter of K. and
Rebecca (Schaffer) Kaufman.  At the time of the
death of Mr. Kaufman, in 1934, he at the age of eightyseven years, had been married for sixty-one years.
Mrs. Kaufman is living (I938) at the age of eightyfour years. Mr. and Mrs. Lohr are the parents of two
children: I. Ralph B., a graduate of the local schools,
and of Susquehanna College, with the degree of
Bachelor of Science. He attended State Teachers College for one year and is now engaged as an instructor.
2. Harold E., a graduate of the local grammar and
high school, now associated with the Penn Equipment
and Supply Company, of Johnstown.
ROBERT WALTER LOHR--Since entering
the farming industry in Somerset County about forty
years ago, Robert Walter Lohr of Boswell has become
one of the leading farmers in this section producing a
large crop of potatoes on his two hundred and ninetyfive acre plot, and also raising for the last ten years,
an annual flock of two thousand to four thousand
turkeys. He was born September 2, I873, in Jenner
Township, within two miles of his present residence,
the son of Noah and Ruth (Walter) Lohr. Noah
Lohr, a Somerset County farmer throughout his lifetime, was the son of Jacob Lohr, and grandson of John
Lohr, also natives of Somerset County, and well known
farmers. John Lohr was the son of the pioneer of the
family in Somerset County, who came from Lancaster
County.
Completing his public school education, Robert
Walter Lohr attended the local Normal School, after
which he followed the teaching profession in the local
schools for nine years, and in the Normal School during five summer sessi'ons. In I898 he purchased the
farm on which he now lives, and at that time the tract
comprised one hundred and forty-three acres. The
acreage was increased until it totaled five hundred and
fourteen acres, but a few years ago Mr. Lohr sold a
two hundred and nineteen acre plot to his son, and has
since cultivated the remaining two hundred and ninetyfive acres himself. He was the first farmer in this
section to raise potatoes on a large scale, and today
he produces a huge annual crop. About ten years ago,
Mr. Lohr became interested in turkey raising, and his
annual supply is now recognized as the largest and
finest in the State of Pennsylvania, and has earned for
him the title of the "Turkey King." In I93I, as a
tribute to him, his daughter was crowned, "Turkey
Queen of Pennsylvania," at the Annual Pennsylvania
Farm Show. In addition to his extensive farming
operations, Mr. Lohr is also a well-known figure and
a man of wide experience in public life. At the age of
twenty-three years he was elected justice of the peace,
and served in this capacity for ten years. In 1912 he
was elected to represent Somerset County in the State
Legislature, and during his four-year tenure, he was
chairman of the Agricultural Committee. He has also
served six years on the State Board of Agriculture,
and has represented Jenner Township for twelve years
on the School Board and six years as road supervisor,
and he was also president of the Somerset County
Agricultural Association for fourteen years. In addition, he was appointed by Governor Sproul to represent the State of Pennsylvania as one of a five-man
board at the National Farm Congress at Chicago,
appointed later by Governor Pinchot to serve in the
same capacity at Hagerstown, and by Governor Fisher
for the gathering at Washington, District of Columbia.
He was also appointed by Governor Pinchot as a
member of the Greater Pennsylvania Council, consisting of fifty men from all sections of the State.
He is an active member of the Lutheran Church, and
has been an officer of the church for forty years. He
also served for many years as superintendent of the
Sunday school. In political faith he was a follower of
the Republican party for forty years.
He was married in March, I894, to Laura M. Horner, of Somerset County, and they became the parents
of six children: I. Lester J., a graduate of Indiana
State Normal College, married Gladys Ayers of Bradford County, and they are the parents of five children:
Florence, Lester J., Jr., Frances, Robert and David.
2. Florence M., a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, married Ernest C. Johnson of Somerset County,
assistant superintendent of county highways, and they
became the parents of twin girls, Joan and Jean Johnson. Mrs. Florence M. Johnson died at the time of the
children's birth, and they were reared by her sister,
Bertha M. Lohr. 3. Walter E., married Isabella Fee
of Indiana County and they are the parents of a son,
Donald. 4. Edith O., a graduate of Penn State College, married James A. Beaver, Jr., of Philadelphia,
also a graduate of Penn. State College, and they are
the parents of two children: Arleen and Kenneth
Beaver. The Beaver family now reside in Washington, District of Columbia. 5. Bertha M., a graduate of
56oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Penn. State College, reared the two children of her
deceased sister, Florence M. (Lohr) Johnson, and
later married Ernest C. Johnson, and they are the
parents of two children: Ernest C. Johnson, Jr., and
James Johnson. 6. Robert W. Lohr, Jr., a graduate of
Penn State College, married Helen M. Croner of
Berlin.
JOSEPH MILLER--The building firm universally known as Joe Miller and Son, is held in high
repute in Somerset County, where the elder member of
the combination has been in business since I9I3. He is
a building contractor who has erected, during a period
of a quarter of a century, many fine homes, schools
and public buildings, all of which have stood the test
of time and use. He has an unblemished record, and
is greatly esteemed by all who know him well.
Joseph Miller was born at Bedford, Pennsylvania,
September 29, i88i, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Eash)
Miller, both natives of Somerset County, and both
deceased. The Miller family came to this part of
Pennsylvania from the State of Indiana. Joseph Miller was reared on his father's farm; was educated in
the public schools of Cambria County; and until I913
was employed in varied capacities by other people. In
this year, however, he struck out for himself, and became a contractor. He soon made a name for himself,
and down the years has been busily engaged in the
erection of all kinds of buildings. His own beautiful
home, at Hollsopple, is a good example of his work.
It is located in Conemaugh Township. His son, Clarence Miller, in recent years has been associated with
him in business, and they are known as Joe Miller and
Son. Some sixteen men are employed, on the average,
and despite the recession in the building trade during.recent years, a large amount of work has been carried
on. A full line of modern equipment is used and
everything is done in an up-to-date way. Joseph Miller
is of the Mennonite faith, and for a long time has been
a teacher in the Sunday school of the local church. He
also enters heartily into movements and organized
efforts as are undertaken for the benefit of the community.
At Somerset, Pennsylvania, on October I, I905,
Joseph Miller married Fannie Hershberger, of Somerset County, daughter of Daniel D. and Katie
(Weaver) Hershberger, the former of whom is living
at the age of seventy-six years, the latter, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of a son, Clarence C., born November 23, I907, who received his
education in the Conemaugh Township public schools
and has taken numerous technical courses at accredited
correspondence colleges. At present he is associated
with his father in the contracting firm of Joe Miller
and Son. Clarence C. Miller married, June I, I929,
in Conemaugh Township, Fannie Croyle, of Somerset
County, daughter of Frank S. and Annie (Custer)
Croyle.
HOWARD   R. REED-As president of the
Brothers Valley Coal Company of Somerset and sole
proprietor of the Evergreen Nurseries, Howard R.
Reed occupies an important place in the business life
of Somerset County. His activities have centered in
Southwestern Pennsylvania since I911 and his interests
have grown steadily during the intervening years.
Mr. Reed was born in Canton, Ohio, son of Joseph
A. Reed, who was superintendent of the Cemetery
Association there, and Ida (Lupher) Reed, both now
deceased. He received his preliminary education in
public and private schools at Canton and later continued his education in Philadelphia. After several
years in the advertising business and on the road as a
salesman, Mr. Reed came to Somerset County, joining the Brothers Valley Coal Company in I911 as
chief clerk. Through the merit of his services he rose
gradually within the organization and eventually assumed the chief executive responsibility as president
of the company. Meanwhile, in addition to this interest, Mr. Reed also became proprietor of the Evergreen
Nurseries, with headquarters in Berlin and branches
in Somerset and Reels Corners. This concern, which
is by far the largest of its kind in the county, operates
throughout a territory having a radius of one hundred
and fifty miles.  Its nurseries feature twenty-five
acres of ornamental trees and shrubs of all varieties,
mainly evergreens, which find a ready market among
purchasers of all classes.
Mr. Reed has a number of other interests, both in
business and in civic life, and has served for a period
of years as vice-president of the Somerset Community
Hospital. He has always sought to meet the duties
of good citizenship and his influence has been a wholesome and constructive force in the section where he
makes his home. In politics he is a Republican.
On September 9, I920, Mr. Reed married Margaret
Jane Yost, of Pittsburgh.
CLARENCE A. MAUST-In business, agricultural, civic and social life, Clarence A. Maust has
shown himself to be one of Salisbury's valued citizens.
Mr. Maust was born October 22, I90I, in Elk Lick
Township, Somerset County, son of Morris S. and
Annie (Reiman) Maust. His grandfather, Samuel P.
Maust, and his great-grandfather, Peter Maust, were
both farmers. Morris S. Maust, the father, was born
56iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
in Elk Lick Township, Somerset County, and was a
farmer who was long active in the political and social
affairs of his community. He died in I932. The
mother, Annie (Reiman) Maust, was born in Stony
Creek Township, Somerset County.
The common schools of Elk Lick Township provided the early education of Clarence A. Maust, who
attended Salisbury High School and then became a
student at Southwestern State Teachers' College, at
California, Pennsylvania, and graduated in the year
1923. For thirteen years he was a teacher in Elk Lick
Township, and during that thirteen-year period he was
principal of the Boynton School. Stopping his teaching work in 1934, he proceeded to devote his time
thereafter to the other interests that he had acquired.
In I930 Mr. Maust was elected justice of the peace in
his community, and he continues in this office. He
started his work in insurance at about the same time,
and has likewise continued in this activity, handling all
types of policies except life insurance. He does a great
deal of work in handling bankruptcy cases in the
capacity of receiver, and also has an interest, along
with his mother and brother, in the Maust farm in
Elk Lick Township. This property has been in the
Maust family since I79o. It includes two hundred
and twelve acres, on which they produce a general
crop of farm vegetables and fruits.
In a variety of ways Mr. Maust reveals his concern
for the civic and social well-being. He is a staunch
Republican, and serves as borough tax collector of
Salisbury. He is a member of the Church of the
Brethren, and is clerk of his congregation.
On September 20, 1923, Clarence A. Maust married
Harriet E. Maust, daughter of Aaron C. and Roberta
(Stanton) Maust, both of whom are now deceased.
Both were of Salisbury Borough. Clarence A. and
Harriet E. (Maust) Maust are the parents of two
children, Phyllis and Mary Ruth Maust, both of whom
attend the Salisbury schools.
NORMAN S. HAY-For many years successfully engaged in farming in Summit Township, Somerset County, Norman S. Hay later turned over his
agricultural interests to his sons and came to Meyersdale to live.
Mr. Hay was born May 17, i88o, in Brothers Valley
Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son of
Simon F. and Sarah (Suder) Hay, who were the parents also of Howard Hay, Nevin Hay, Robert Hay,
and Nellie Hay. The mother died in I935. The grandfather was John Hay.
The common schools of his native township provided
Norman S. Hay's early education, and until he was
twenty-six years old he was engaged in farming with
his parents. He then was married, and he bought the
Silas Walker farm in Summit Township, proceeding
to operate it and so continuing from that time forward.
In 1937 he removed to Meyersdale, taking up his residence in the town and turning over the actual duties
of running the farm to his sons on a share basis. Mr.
Hay owns four hundred and fifty-four acres and his
farming has been of a general nature. He has a herd
of about fifty head of cattle and produces approximately three thousand bushels of potatoes each year.
Politically he is a staunch Democrat, and he is a
member of the Lutheran Church. For some years he
was an elder of his congregation, though he now no
longer serves in this capacity. For twelve years he
was treasurer of the Sunday school.
Norman S. Hay married, in I9o6, Ada Walker, of
Summit Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Wilson E. and Clara (Hay) Walker, of
Summit Township and Brothers Valley Township,
respectively. Wilson E. Walker died in 191o. Clara
Hay Walker still survives. The following children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hay: I. Clara, wife of
Homer Saylor; they have two children: Harold and
Mary Saylor. 2. Wilson S., married Nellie Spangry;
their children are: Dorla Jean and Marlene S. Hay.
3. John, married Elizabeth Romsberg; they have a
daughter, Sally Jo Hay. 4. Elizabeth, wife of Walter
Fike; they have a daughter, Gail Elizabeth Fike.
GUY CORRADO--Widely and favorably known
in the coal industry and among the Italian-speaking
people of Connellsville, and Southwestern Pennsylvania, Guy Corrado performed a work of importance
in this district of Pennsylvania. He headed several
organizations in the coal trade and was also interested.
in banking and other kinds of business activity. Participating in many philanthropic enterprises, he aided
both groups and individuals, and where there were
needy people he responded to the need, distinguishing
himself by kindness, generosity and wisdom in all the
relationships of life.
Mr. Corrado was born October 29, 1887, in Marietta,
Ohio, son of the late Cataldo and Marie Josephine
Corrado. His family came after a time to Connellsville to live, and here the father died on June 17, 1897.
The public schools of Connellsville provided Guy
Corrado's early education. At the age of fourteen years
he took his first employment as labor foreman with
the Pittsburgh, McKeesport and Connellsville Street
Railway Company, a system which was later joined
with the West Penn system. In I902 he formed a
partnership with his uncle, James Palladino, under the
562ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
563
firm name of Palladino and Corrado, to engage in the
banking and foreign exchange business, as well as to
handle general merchandise. Until I9o8 he continued
with this undertaking, then withdrew to take charge of
the foreign department of the Colonial National Bank.
In the ensuing eight years he remained with this institution, which is now no longer operating, leaving it in
I916 to devote all his time and attention to the mining
of coal and the manufacture of coke, in which he had
meanwhile become interested in a comparatively small
way.
In the course of his busy career Mr. Corrado served
as president, general manager and director of the
Bell Coal and Coke Company, the Corrado-Schenck
Coal Company and the Federal-Connellsville Coal and
Coke Company. He also became president of the Carpenter Candy Company, the Bradford Coal Company,
the Cobrrado Fairmont Coal Company, the Corrado
Supply Company, the Nellie Coal and Coke Company
and the Union Building and Supply Company. He was
president and a director of the Corrado, Gas Company,
the Corrado Coal Company, the Finleyville Gas Coal
Company, the First State Bank of Yukon, the Italian
Star Publishing Company, Inc., the Suterville Coal
Company, the Vanderbilt Coal and Coke Company and
the Vanderbilt Supply Company. He was vice-president and a director of the old Colonial National Bank
of Connellsville and of the Connellsville Macaroni
Company, Inc., as well as treasurer and a director of
the Crawford Coal and Coke Company and the Laurel
Coal Mining Company, and a director of the National
Veterans' Bank, o.f Rome, Italy, and the Title and
Trust Company of Western Pennsylvania, of Connellsville.
Along with his purely business activities, Mr. Corrado became an outstanding figure in social and civic
life. He was made, in I916, a member of the board
of trustees of Connellsville Hospital. At one time he
was president o,f the Merchants' and Miners' State
Bank, of Uniontown. He was a charter member of the
Columbus Fraternal Society, of Connellsville, and a
member of the Kiwanis Club and the Pleasant Valley
Country Club. In many local activities, he was for
years an outstanding figure, and his contribution to the
life of Connellsville was a notable one. He worshipped
in the faith of St. Rita's Italian Roman Catholic
Church, and he sought to live the teachings of Catholicism in his every day life. Particularly did he endeavor
to help those underprivileged members of the Italian
race who lived in the Connellsville district, and his
many-sided social work won for him in I924 a decoration by King Victor Emmanuel as Chevalier of the
Crown of Italy. The honor was bestowed upon Mr.
Corradb in Pittsburgh by the Italian Consul in recognition of notable social work in Fayette County.
On September 25, 1913, Guy Corrado married Angelina Bell. They became the parents of three children:
I. Albert. 2. Josephine. 3. Gloria Corrado.
The death of Mr. Corrado occurred June 4, I938,
and was an occasion of deepest sorrow in Connellsville
and Fayette County, where his work was of an outstanding character from  many aspects.  His career
was rich in service, and he will be affectionately remembered by all who knew him. The influence of his
life will continue to be a power for good in a world
made better by his deeds.
BIRD BROTHERS: CHARLES E. BIRD,
CYRUS M. BIRD-To the average person a turkey is a turkey, a choice holiday delicacy. Some may
recall that it is descended from the native North
American wild turkey so beloved of the Puritans.
But few, however, know that the Thanksgiving bird
that graces our table is so large yet so delicious, because generations of breeding have domesticated the
tough king of the forest, and that there are men who
have devoted years to this breeding. Charles E. and
Cyrus M. Bird, of Meyersdale, are such men, and the
trade name "Bird Brothers" is known all over the
world for pedigreed bronze turkeys. Their "Goldbank" and "Copper Bronze" strains of turkeys, have
been kept pure and improved over a period of a third
of a century, and descendants are to be found on the
best ranches of every continent.
The Bird brothers became interested in turkeys in
their youth on a Pennsylvania farm. As they reached
an age where they could take full care of the birds,
they decided to make their breeding a hobby, a side
line to teaching school and general farming. Shortly
after the turn of the century, the Bird brothers went
in for raising exhibition turkeys, and since the first
important showing in Pittsburgh, in February, I903,
they have continued what started as a hobby as a
major business. Without doubt they are the leading
growers of fancy bronze stock in the world, and their
Goldbank strain has taken more prizes at the principal
and minor shows than the production of any other
breeder, or perhaps all breeders taken together. The
Madison Square Garden Show, and its successors, attracts more and better exhibitors than any show in the
world, and from all countries. With the exception of
I915, when Charles E. Bird was judge of all turkeys,
and therefore could not exhibit his own fowls, Bird
Brothers have shown in Madison Square Garden for
twenty-seven consecutive years and never withoutANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
taking blue ribbons, often making complete sweeps.
These statements cover a great deal of territory but
are borne out by authenticated facts and records.
However prominent the Bird brothers are in the
breeding of turkeys it cannot be said of them that they
have "put all their eggs in one basket." The farm on
which the turkeys are reared comprises about six hundred and forty acres, the most of which is given over
to diversified crops. Naturally the feed grains and the
grasses have a large place in the agricultural scheme,
but potatoes are produced by the thousands of bushels
and there is a herd of thirty head of dairy cattle. The
Birds also operate several coal mines, and are actively
interested in several other local enterprises. They are
the sons of Orville Ross and Hulda (Schultz) Bird,
the former a native of Addison Township, and the latter of Meyersdale, Somerset County. Both are deceased. The paternal grandfather was Archibald Bird,
a pioneer of Addison Township.
Charles E. Bird was born in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, March 3, I875, and was educated in local schools.
He taught school for about six years prior to going
into the turkey breeding business, in I9o00. He has
been a director of the Second National Bank of Meyersdale since I9I8; secretary-treasurer of the Keystone
Lime and Coal Company; president of the Niverton
Coal Company; secretary-treasurer of the Economy
Coal Company and has been president of the Elk Lick
Township Road Board for eight years. He is the
secretary and treasurer of the National Bronze Turkey
Club, a director of the Partridge Plymouth Rock Club,
for many years; and superintendent of the poultry
department of the Meyersdale Fair. Fraternally he
is affiliated with the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry;
is a Republican and is a member of the Brethren
Church.
Cyrus M. Bird was born in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, April I3, 1877, and like his brother was a school
teacher. After five years as an educator he turned
his attention to the bronze turkey business. In I898
he served in Company G, 5th Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry during the Spanish-American War. He is
president of the Summit Township School Board,
president of the Economy Coal Company; a director
of the Keystone Coal Company; secretary-treasurer of
the Niverton Coal Company, and a director of the
Meyersdale Fair Association. Over a period of five
years he was president of the International Turkey
Association, one of the organizers of the association
and its first head. He is a member of the SpanishAmerican War Veterans; of the Grange, Patrons of
Husbandry, and of the Brethren Church. He is a
Republican.
Cyrus M. Bird married Laura Hostetler, daughter
of Cyrus M. and Anna (Livingood) Hostetler, and
they are the parents of two daughters: I. Anna W.,
graduate of Ashland College, who is a school teacher.
2. Miriam Mae, a Bachelor of Arts, Ashland College,
and a Master of Arts, University of Pittsburgh, who
is also an educator.
DANIEL W. LONG-Engaged in general farming at Meyersdale, Daniel W. Long has earned the
respect and admiration of his fellow-citizens in many
walks of life, and his position here is one of true
leadership and standing.
Mr. Long was born January 2I, I888, son of Levi
and Elizabeth (Platt) Long, both of Somerset County,
Pennsylvania, and both of them now deceased. His
father was a farmer.
Receiving his early education in the public schools,
Daniel W. Long later attended Juniata College. For
ten years thereafter he was clerk and manager in the
store of the Enterprise Supply Company, of Garrett,
Pennsylvania.  After his marriage, September 24,
1913, he took up his home on the farm, where he continues his work today. That was in IgI3. He -has
two hundred and twenty-five acres of land and raises
a general crop of farm produce, which he distributes
over a wide area.
In addition to his active farming operations, Mr.
Long interests himself extensively in political and civic
life in his community. He is a staunch Republican in
his own party affiliation. He has particularly concerned himself with the cause of education, serving
for four years as president of the Summit Township
School Board and for eight years as the board's secretary. He worships in the faith of the Church of the
Brethren, and serves on the official board of his congregation.
On September 24, I9I8, Daniel WV. Long married Sue
Elizabeth Guagey, of Summit Township, Somerset
County, daughter of John D. Guagey. The children
of this marriage have been the following: I. John D.,
graduated from Juniata College, now a clergyman in
charge of four churches in this district of Pennsylvania, and has enrolled as a student in Bethany Biblical
Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. 2. William J., a graduate
of local schools, working on the home farm with his
father. 3. Mary Elizabeth, a senior in Meyersdale
High School. 4. Paul Lincoln, now a freshman in
high school. 5. Ruth Virginia, a student at the graded
schools in Summit Township.
PETER A. KREGER-A prominent figure in
Somerset County, Peter A. Kreger has been active both
in business and public life. He has been a merchant,
564ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
banker and farmer and for eight years served as
county commissioner, becoming widely known through
these interests. His present activities center in Kingwood.
Mr. Kreger was born in Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, on December I4, 1877, a son of
George and Sarah Catherine (Zufall) Kreger, both of
whom died in the early years of the twentieth century.
Both were also members of local families. His father
was a farmer and Peter A. Kreger spent his boyhood
on the family farm, assisting in its operation until he
attained his majority. Meanwhile he received his education in the common schools. After reaching the
age of twenty-one he began his independent career and
farmed until 1904, when he entered the mercantile
business. In I913, after nine years, he returned to
farming, continuing successfully until I924. In the latter year he was elected county commissioner of Somerset County for a four-year term and in I928 was
reilected for a second term, expiring in I932. As a
public official he brought to his duties the soundness
of judgment, moderation and zeal which have distinguished him, meeting all responsibilities devolving upon
him with efficiency and success. Upon his retirement
from public office, Mr. Kreger resumed his activities
as a merchant, establishing the store at Kingwood
which he has since conducted. It is a well-known commercial institution of the district and carries on an extensive business. Mr. Kreger also operates a small
farm in the vicinity, and has served as a director and
vice-president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of
Rockwood. As one of the outstanding men of the
section in which he makes his home, his counsel is
valued and he continues to exercise an important influence in civic affairs.
Mr. Kreger is a Republican in politics and was
elected to office on the ticket of this party. He is a
member of the United Brethren Church.
On January 6, I9o00, Peter A. Kreger married (first)
Ida Tripey, of Upper Turkeyfoot Township, who died
in I9o09. They became the parents of two children:
I. Bertha, who married Jesse Sonner and has one
child, Betty. 2. Gladys, who married Oscar Broucher
and has one child, Yvonne. On January 7, I913, Mr.
Kreger married (second) Carrie Kreger. Six children have been born of this marriage: Elsie, Sarah,
Mary, Abbie, George, and Alice, deceased.
LESTER CLYDE HOSTETLER-During the
past decade Lester Clyde Hostetler has been active as
a general contractor in Kingwood. He returned to this
section of Somerset County, where he was born, after
a number of years spent in the steel industry at Pittsburgh, and since resuming his residence here he has
taken a leading role both in business and civic life.
Mr. Hostetler was born in Kingwood on September
Io, I894, a son of E. B. and Florence (Kreger) Hostetler. His father, a bricklayer and stone mason, is
still living. His mother died a number of years ago.
Mr. Hostetler received his preliminary education in the
public schools and later attended the local normal
school. For four years afterward he taught in the
rural schools of Somerset County, but turned from
this pursuit to seek employment in the Pittsburgh
steel mills. There he remained until after the entry of
the United States into the World War. In February,
I918, he enlisted in the army and continued in service
until May, I9I9, when he received his honorable discharge. At that time he resumed his employment in
the Pittsburgh steel mills. Failing health forced him
to relinquish his position in I927 and to seek the more
healthful surroundings of the open country. He returned to Kingwood and lived here during his enforced
idleness of two years while he gradually regained his
constitutional vigor. In I929, he entered the painting
business, selecting this field because it allowed him to
remain in the open. During the intervening years he
has developed his business gradually, working successively on many construction contracts in the Kingwood
section.
Mr. Hostetler has also interested himself in civic
affairs, contributing effective support to movements
designed to advance the public welfare, and is active
socially in many connections. He is a veteran of the
I I2th Infantry, 28th Division, Pennsylvania National
Guard, with which he went overseas during the war,
and a member of the American Legion. Mr. Hostetler
is affiliated, in addition, with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Church of
God and is a teacher in the Sunday school of his
church.
On August 26, I926, Lester Clyde Hostetler married
Caroline Meyers, of Allegheny County, daughter of
John and Catherine Meyers, both now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Hostetler are the parents of five children:
Lester Clyde, Jr.; Helen Louise; Richard Allen; Shirley Ann; and Betty Jane.
CHARLES EMMET DICKEY, LL. D.-As
superintendent of schools in Allegheny County, Dr.
Charles Emmet Dickey has performed a work of importance and value, and he is highly regarded in educational circles wherever he is known.
Dr. Dickey was born September 24, I871, in Brothers
Valley Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, son
of Ephraim F. and Josephine (Carns) Dickey. He
565ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
completed his preliminary schooling, then was graduated from the California State Normal School, at
California, Pennsylvania, in I89I. There followed
many years of active teaching before, in I919, he took
the degree of Bachelor of Arts at the University of
Pittsburgh. Postgraduate work at Columbia and Harvard universities helped to round out his formal education, and in 1932 he was made the recipient of the
honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University
of Pittsburgh.
After teaching in rural schools, high schools and
normal schools, he served for twelve years as supervising principal at Avalon, Pennsylvania, and for two
years in a similar capacity at Elk Lick. In I907 he
was made assistant county superintendent of schools
of Allegheny County, so continuing until, in 1922, he
was elevated to the county superintendency. He still
heads the school system of this county, and is widely
and favorably known in educational circles here and
elsewhere. He has his headquarters in Pittsburgh, at
the County Office Building, and also makes his home in
this city.
His participation in general business, civic and social
affairs has been noteworthy. Dr. Dickey is president
of the Ohio Valley Building and Loan Association.
He was a member of the board of directors of the
Pennsylvania Safety Council during the WVorld War.
He is a trustee of the Thomas Patton Institution for
Boys, chairman of the Pennsylvania State Commission
for Studying Institutions for the Blind and Deaf, was
a member of the Pennsylvania State Council of Education for twelve years, is a member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (of which he was
president in I926), and the National Education Association. He also belongs to the American Academy of
Political and Social Science and the Phi Delta Kappa
Fraternity. A Republican in his political views, he
worships in the Presbyterian faith. In the Free and
Accepted Masons he holds the thirty-third degree and
is affiliated with many branches, and he is a member
of both the Pittsburgh Lions' Club and the Butler
Country Club.
On June Io, 1896, Dr. Charles Emmet Dickey married Della M. Boyer, of Elk Lick, Pennsylvania. The
children of this marriage were: I. Paul Hamilton
Dickey. 2. Lloyd Emmet Dickey. 3. Josephine S.
Dickey. 4. Harriet Katherine Dickey.
JOHN  W. HUNGER-As justice of the peace
of Arnold, Pennsylvania, for the past seventeen years,
and the local representative of several casualty and fire
insurance companies, and due to his active participation in all local civic and social affairs, John W. Hunger is recognized as one of the leading citizens in this
locality. He was born in Leechburg, July 28, I893, the
son of George A. and Kathryn (Kisler) Hunger.
After completing his elementary and secondary education in the local public schools, John W. Hunger
entered Gettysburg College, and was a member of the
football squad of 1909, after which he went to Vandergrift, where he was employed in the steel mills until
1920. He then came to Arnold, and after a short
association with the electrical business, he established
the insurance agency with which he has been actively
interested to the present day, dealing in a general line
of casualty and fire insurance. On January I, 1922, he
became local justice of the peace, and has continued in
this office steadily to the present day, and his offices are
always alive with activity, since they are the headquarters wherein are transacted, practically, all the
important business of this community. Mr. Hunger
has always interested himself in amateur photography
as a hobby, and has many interesting pictures of events
of importance that have occurred in this section. He
also possesses one of the finest collections of autographed photographs of famous people in the United
States.
He is a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church,
and was on the first official board of this church, having been one of its organizers. He is a well-known
Republican, having served as burgess of Arnold from
I93I to I934, and as a delegate to the national convention of his party in I936. Fraternally, he is affiliated
with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks,
Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Loyal Order of
Moose, and he also holds membership in the Lions
Club, Ukranian City Club, Hillcrest Country Club,
Arnold Business Men's Association, German Beneficial
Union, Protective Home Circle, Arnold Fireman's
Association and the Italian American Educational
Society and Rotary Club.
He was married (first) to Stella Steele, and they
became the parents of six children: I. Jack. 2. Donald. 3. William. 4. Kathryn. 5. Marjorie. 6. Jean.
Mrs. Stella Hunger died in I919, and Mr. Hunger
married (second), July 17, I923, Caroline Christopher,
of New Kensington.
JOHN  M. ARMSTRONG-Almost forty years
ago, John M. Armstrong established himself as a
funeral director at Leechburg and today conducts the
Armstrong Funeral Home, one of the best known
enterprises of its kind in this section. He is a leading
figure in the life of Leechburg and has many civic interests in the community.
566ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Armstrong was born in Natrona, Allegheny
County, on August 26, I868, son of Samuel Smith and
Martha Jane (Blackwood) Armstrong, members of
old Pennsylvania families. His father served for a
short period with the Union forces during the Civil
War in pursuit of the Confederate raider, General
Morgan.
John M. Armstrong spent his boyhood in Allegheny
Township, Westmoreland County, where he was educated in the little red schoolhouse near his home. At
fourteen he began his active career and for some years
was successively a farmer, traveling salesman and a
merchant, dealing in groceries and milk. Eventually,
he decided to become a funeral director and entered the
Pittsburgh School of Embalming, from which he was
graduated in March, I9oo. Immediately afterward he
established himself as a furniture dealer and funeral
director in Leechburg and continued both enterprises
until I930, when he sold his furniture store. Since
that time he has devoted himself entirely to the operation of the Armstrong Funeral Home, located at No.
I69 Main Street, Leechburg, in which business his son,
J. Bruce Armstrong, is now associated. Mr. Armstrong
has provided a completely equipped and beautifully
furnished funeral home for the service of the Leechburg community. He has always employed the most
modern facilities and for years has been a recognized
leader of his profession in Armstrong County.
In addition to his own business, Mr. Armstrong is a
stockholder in the First National Bank of Leechburg
and for years has been active in various community
enterprises, including the Rotary Club, of which he is
past president. He has shown his public spirit in his
support of many useful institutions of the town and for
thirty-five years has served as president of the board
of trustees of the First United Presbyterian Church
of Leechburg. Mr. Armstrong is a past president of
the Western Funeral Directors Association and the
Pennsylvania State Funeral Directors Association.
Although he has never entered public life, he is known
as a strong Republican in politics and is influential
locally in his party.
On June I2, I895, in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, John M. Armstrong married Minnie
M. Blair, who died on October 9, I927. She was a
daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Taylor) Blair.
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong became the parents of three
children: I. Eleanor L. Wilson, born November 22,
I897. 2. Elizabeth V. Cline, born March I9, I900. 3.
John Bruce Armstrong, born October 22, I903.
GUY  ESPEY  WHEELER-After more than
twenty-two years of railroad work, in which he served
in various capacities, Guy Espey Wheeler was named
acting postmaster of West Brownsville in I933, and
two years later was appointed to a four-year term as
postmaster, which post he is filling in an efficient and
satisfactory manner. He was born in Lynn, Fayette
County, March 28, I893, the son of Samuel S. and
Lucinda (Haines) Wheeler, both deceased, Samuel
S. Wheeler, a veteran of four years' service in the
War Between the States, a carpenter by trade, and
well known Republican, departed this life in September, I9IO. His wife, a native of Somerset County, died
December 28, I893.
Guy Espey Wheeler received his early education in
the public schools of Uniontown and Scottdale, and
graduated from Scottdale High School in I9IO. The
following year was devoted to courses at the Peterson
Business College at Scottdale, and in December, I9II,
Mr. Wheeler entered the employ of the Pennsylvania
Railroad, in a clerical capacity. Two years later he
became cashier for the Monongahela Railroad, and then
in 1915 returned to the Pennsylvania as a Federal airbrake inspector, remaining here until 1922, excepting
the period spent in war service. From May, I9I8, to
July, I919, he was a member of the American Expeditionary Forces and was attached to the 74th Company,
Railway Transportation Corps, Railway Service Advance Sector of the S. O. S. He received his honorable discharge, with the rank of corporal. In I922
Mr. Wheeler reentered the employ of the Monongahela
Railroad as transportation timekeeper, and continued
in this capacity until he was named acting postmaster
of West Brownsville, in May, I933. On January 29,
I935, he began his present duties as postmaster, his
term running until 1939.
He is a member of the Brownsville Presbyterian
Church, and an active Democrat, having served seven
years as a member of the West Brownsville School
Board, and at present, is the secretary of that body.
He holds membership in the Pennsylvania State Postmasters' Association and the National Association of
Postmasters, and is affiliated with the Brownsville
Kiwanis Club, Post No. 295, American Legion, and
Post No. 377, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Guy Espey Wheeler married, in Cumberland, Maryland, June 25, I915, Lulu White, a native of West
Brownsville, born May I5, I9OI, daughter of George
and Ada (Marker) White. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are
the parents of a daughter, Marcelene, born December
I5, I916, and now a teacher in the West Brownsville
schools.
ISAIAH BAER-Long recognized as one of the
leading farmers and lumbermen in Greenville Township, Somerset County, Isaiah Baer was one of the
highly respected citizens of the district. He took a
567ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
leading part in civic, social and religious activities.
and his accomplishments were many-sided and constructive. His friends admired his warm sincerity of
purpose and his unmistakable friendliness and gener
osity, and the influence that he exerted on every sid,'
was both powerful and beneficial.
His family was an old and honorable one, dating
back four generations in America, as follows:
(I) Daniel Baer, great-grandfather of Isaiah Baer,
and founder of the family in America, came from
Germany, and settled in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania.
(II) Ludwig Baer, son of Daniel Baer, was born
in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, and died September
4, I820. He moved to Somerset County, where he
owned and operated farms, a tannery and distillery.
He was a Whig and a member of the Lutheran Church,
first belonging to the Berlin Lutheran Church, and
afterwards to the Pine Hill Lutheran Church, in which
churchyard he is buried. Twice married, his first wife
was Elizabeth (Boyd) Baer. To that union were
born five children: I. Johan. 2. Lewis. 3. Obsley. 4.
Jacob. 5. Modaline. On January Io, I797, he married (second) Catherine Shaulis, who was born February 7, I773, the daughter of Sebastian and Catherine
Shaulis. Ludwig and Catherine (Shaulis) Baer were
the parents of eight children: 6. William, of further
mention. 7. John. 8. Daniel. 9. Katherine. Io.
Rosenna. II. Margaret. I2. Elizabeth. I3. Suzanne.
Catherine Shaulis Baer, died March 3, or February
28, 1854.
(III) William Baer, son of Ludwig and Catherine
(Shaulis) Baer, and father of Isaiah Baer of this
record, was born March 30, 1813, and died February
27, 1877. On October 6, I833, he married Sally (Deal),
daughter of Jacob and Susanna (Engle) Deal. Sally
(Deal) Baer was born September II, I8i6, and died
April 20, I9O3. Twelve children were born to William
and Sally (Deal) Baer: I. Margaret, married John
Gumbert. 2. Eliza, married Samuel Fadley. 3. Samuel
married  Elizabeth  Fullern.  4. Catherine, married
Jacob Miller. 5. Susanna, died at the age of six. 6.
Daniel, died at the age of seven. 7. Francis, married
Kathlene Lowrie. 8. Isaiah, of further mention. 9.
Jacob, died at the age of eleven months. To. Edwin,
who died single. II. Harriet, married Daniel Bowman.
I2. Sarah, died at the age of seven years.
(IV) Isaiah Baer, son of William and Sally (Deal)
Baer, and who was born June I6, 1848, proved himself
a worthy scion of an old and honorable family whose
members had long contributed to agriculture, the professions and public life. Completing his formal schooling, he turned his attention from time to time to different business pursuits, owning a lime quarry, called
the Finley Quarry in Elk Creek Township, and operating it in the season of the year when it would not
conflict with his coal mining and farming activities.
Lumbering also came to occupy a prominent place in
his scheme of things.  His public-spirited attitude
toward his contemporaries and his community led him
to be universally respected in the circle in which he
was known. In I9IO he was one of the building committee for the building of the new church edifice of
the Greenville Lutheran congregation, of which he
was a member.
Isaiah Baer married Elizabeth Miller, daughter of
Peter Miller. They became the parents of ten children: I. Ella. proprietress of the Somerset House, a
leading hotel of Somerset County, and owner of other
real estate in Somerset.  2. Rosa, married twice:
(first) to France Lint, to which union were born
three children: i. Elmer Lint, of Somerset, Pennsylvania, married  Pauline Albright.  ii. Pearl Lint,
married  George  Clark, Baltimore, Maryland.  iii.
Marie Lint, married Charles Keith Griffith, of Washington, District of Columbia. Rosa (Baer) Lint married (second) James Weigle, of Somerset, deceased.
3. William  G., of Greenville Township, Somerset
County, married Annie Jones, of Somerset, and they
were the parents of seven children: i. Thelma (deceased).  ii. Arlene, married  William  Rose.  iii.
Sylvia, now Mrs. Sylvia Hutzel. iv. Pearl. v. Estelle.
vi. Ruth. vii. Lucille. 4. Levi, died at the age of two
years and seven months. 5. Ida, an infant, died at the
age of five days. 6. Sadie, married John Albright, of
Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, who died February I5, I9r5.
7. Eliza, who died February 28, 1920, married John
Kretchman, of Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, and they
had one daughter, Margaret, who married Bruce Phillips, and reside in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. 8. Martha, married Frank Kiefer, of Somerset, Pennsylvania;
they had one daughter: i. Violet, who married Darl
Wagner and had one daughter, Shirley Ann. Mrs.
Violet (Kiefer) Wagner died in I934. 9. Elmer Sylvester, died at eighteen years of age, the victim of a
sawmill accident in the year I9IO. Io. Grace Alverta,
married Bruce Cook, of New York City, and had one
daughter, Betty.
The death of Isaiah Baer occurred April I6, I914,
and was an occasion of deep and sincere sorrow in
every circle in which he was known. His achievements were many-sided and constructive, and he will
long be remembered by all whose privilege it was to
know him. His good influence will continue to be felt.
568ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
MICHAEL J. HOBAN-After a career of more
than fifteen years in the machinist trade, Michael J.
Hoban was appointed postmaster of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, in 1936, and he is still performing the many
duties of this office in a manner which has won for him
the appreciation and thanks of the local populace. He
was born in Trimble, Ohio, March IO, 1887, the son of
Patrick and Ellen (Byrne) Hoban. Patrick Hoban,
a native of County Mayo, Ireland, has been engaged
for many years in the mining industry.
Michael J. Hoban received his early education in the
local schools, and after graduating from Carnegie
High School, attended the night sessions at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He has since taken
courses from the International Correspondence School
at Scranton. After becoming well acquainted with the
intricacies of the machinist trade, he held various positions for approximately twelve years, and then in I917
became mechanical estimator for the firm of Heyel and
Patterson, where he remained until 1932. He next became associated with the Ochitree Electric Company
for two years, and then, until I936, was employed as a
salesman, continuing in this field until his appointment
to the postmastership of Carnegie, Pennsylvania.
He is a communicant of St. Luke's Roman Catholic
Church, and is active in the affairs of the Democratic
party, having served four years as local chairman
from I932 to I936. He is well known in fraternal and
civic life, being affiliated with the Knights of Columbus,
the Mercantile Association and the local Democratic
Club.
He was married at St. Luke's Roman Catholic
Church in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, November 26, I916,
to Catherine McGarry, born in Cecil, Washington
County in I896, the daughter of Daniel J. and Ellen
(McQuade) McGarry, both natives of England. MIr.
and Mrs. Hoban are the parents of two children: I.
Mary Ellen ("Nellie"), born November 27, I917. 2.
Michael J., Jr., born April 24, I9I9.
ROBERT McBURNEY DICKSON-A native
of Robinson Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, Robert McBurney Dickson for the past forty
years and more has played a prominent part in the
commercial civic and religious activities of Midway,
Pennsylvania.
Born February 23, I863, in Robinson Township,
Washington County, Pennsylvania, he is the son of
William Andrew and Elizabeth R. (McBurney) Dickson. Young Dickson was brought up on his father's
farm, attended the nearest public school and Ingleside
Academy, and also took a short course of study at a
commercial school. He did not make any final decision
affecting either his commercial or matrimonial career
until he had passed his thirty-second birthday and
then, on March I, I895, he became a member of the
firm of Dickson and Wallace, dealers at Midway in
lumber, hardware and builders' supplies. Another
lifelong partnership established that same year, in June,
was with Ina Mary Andrews, whom Mr. Dickson married at Midway and by whom he was blessed with
three children: I. William Andrews, born in I896. 2.
Elisabeth Reed, born in I898 and now the wife of F.
C. Ewen. 3. Robert McBurney, Jr., born in I9II.
Robert McBurney Dickson, now in his seventy-sixth
year maintains an active interest in his firm's business
and continues to participate in any movement which
he believes will work out for the general good of his
community. He is an honored member of the Center
United Presbyterian Church and has been ruling elder
for the past forty years. A Republican in his political
beliefs and affiliations, he served fifteen years here on
the Town Council and twenty years on the local school
board.
ELIJAH E. HALL-Elijah E. Hall, postmaster
of Elizabeth, Pennsylvania, was born here June 8, I888,
the son of Elijah and Sarah Ann (Holmes) Hall. The
elder Mr. Hall, a native of England, has been employed
in the mines and has also engaged in the shipbuilding
business. His wife, also a native of England, died in
September, I925.
Elijah E. Hall was educated in the local school, and
after graduating from Elizabeth High School, obtained
a clerical position with the J. W. Robinson Company,
well known Elizabeth merchant. Five years later he
became assistant postmaster, and held this post until
I916, when he entered the electrical field, first with the
United Coal Company and later with the Jones and
Laughlin Company. After six years of this work he
went into business with L. M. Morris, under the name
of Hall and Morris, with a complete garage service,
and also as an automobile agency. At first this company operated the Star Agency, but later became the
local representatives of the Pontiac car. After ten
years association with Mr. Morris, Mr. Hall disposed
of his interests in the firm in I932, and opened the Hall
Service Station, which he managed until 1936, when he
was appointed to the position of acting postmaster.
Shortly thereafter, on June 20, I936, he was appointed
postmaster for a four-year term, and he has gained a
host of friends through his efficient management of this
important position. During the World War he was a
member of Company E, 2Ioth Engineers, and was stationed at Camp Mills, New York. He enlisted in May,
S69ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
I9i8, and received his honorable discharge in February.
I9I9.
He is a member of the Methodist Church, an enthusiastic Democrat, and an affiliate of the Free and
Accepted Masons. He is also active in the affairs of
the American Legion, being a member, and for many
years treasurer of Alonzo L. Weigel Post No. 553. He
also holds membership in the National, State and
Western Pennsylvania Postmasters' associations.
He was married, in Uniontown, December I9, I934.
to Gladys Pearl Matthews, daughter of Mr. and Mrs
Thomas Matthews.
THOMAS WILLIAM  GRAY-For almost half
a century, Thomas William Gray has been connected
with mechanical and machine shop work, and for the
past nine years, in his capacity as superintendent of
mechanical equipment for the Pittsburgh Coal Company, he has been in charge of all this company's
equipment, and now directs the activities of the one
hundred and fifty employees who are attached to his
department. He was born in Banksville, February 20,
I873, the son of Matthew Henry and Ella (Deere)
Gray. Matthew Henry Gray, born in Banksville in
I852, was engaged in the engineering field for many
years prior to his death. He was active in local affairs, and in politics was a supporter of the Republican
party. His wife, a native of Butler, was born in I853.
Thomas William Gray was educated in the public
schools of Banksville and Glenshaw, and later secured
employment with the Pittsburgh and Western Railroad, which later became the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad. After about six years in machine shop work,
he went with the New York and Cleveland Coal Company, and one year later became an employee of the
Beadling Brothers Coal Company at Beadling, Pennsylvania. In I898 he entered the employ of the Pittsburgh Coal Company, and worked in various capacities,
including supervision of mine machinery boilers and
machinists supplies until I907, when he was appointed
superintendent of the Nixon Central Shop, taking
charge of all supplies and mine machinery. Six years
later he was appointed assistant superintendent of
electrical and mechanical equipment, and he continued
at this post until I929, when he assumed his present
duties. He is considered most efficient in his field, and
is highly regarded by both his employers and those
under his charge.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of
Carnegie, and is a staunch Republican, having served
many years as a member of the Heidelburg Borough
Council, and also as a member of the School Board.
He is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of
the Western Pennsylvania Engineering Society.
Mr. Gray was married (first), in Pittsburgh, to
Jane Fisher, daughter of Thomas and Mildred (Brady)
Fisher, and they became the parents of three children:
i. Mary Frances, born in Beadling, Pennsylvania. 2.
Helen Alberta. 3. George Bell Gray, both born in
Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Jane (Fisher) Gray
died in I904 and Thomas William Gray married (second), July 6, I907, Della Phillips, a native of Cecil
Township, Washington County, born February 7, I871,
the daughter of John C. and Jennie (Herron) Phillips.
SILAS CLARK DAUGHERTY-One of Jeannette's pioneer druggists, Silas Clark Daugherty operates a store that is one of the city's best equipped and
most modern. He is respected and honored in an
ever-widening business circle, and his accomplishments
are of outstanding character.
Mr. Daugherty was born May 27, I867, in Indiana,
Pennsylvania, the youngest son of James Robinson and
Mary Ann (Hart) Daugherty.  He was descended
from Hugh Daugherty, who was born in I770 in
County Derry, Ireland, and his wife, Mary (Blaney)
Daugherty. They were married in that Irish County
in I792. Mary (Blaney) Daugherty was born in I775.
Hugh Daugherty and his wife first settled in Lycoming
County, Pennsylvania, near Williamsport, in I793,
afterward removing to Mount Pleasant Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1802. The
children of the family were all born in the vicinity of
Weaver's Old Stand, formerly Mechling's Mill, and
the whole family later went to Saltsburg, Indiana
County, Pennsylvania, in the Loyalhanna district,
where the Loyalhanna and Conemaugh unite to form
the Kiskiminetas River. The oldest son, John Daugherty, established a home in Mahoning Township, in
Northern Indiana County, from which his descendants
went forth. One daughter, Martha Daugherty, became the wife of John Weaver; another, Mary Jane
Daugherty, the wife of David B. Weaver; and a third,
Margaret Daugherty, the wife of Joseph Walkinshaw.
The youngest son, Hugh Daugherty, married Margaret
Waddle.
James Robinson Daugherty, father of Silas Clark
Daugherty, was born November I6, I813, near
Weaver's Old Stand, and died October 30, I893, at
Indiana, Pennsylvania. As a young man he learned
the carpenter's trade in association with William Hart,
who became his father-in-law. He not only built canal
boats, but also erected several wooden bridges spanning
streams close to Saltsburg, particularly the famous
old wooden structure across the Kiskiminetas, which
57oANNALS OF SOUTHVW'ESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
was burned some years ago. He was burgess of the
Borough of Saltsburg in 1845, 1848 and i86I, and in
1863 was elected sheriff of Indiana County, so serving
for three years. He served a second term as'sheriff
beginning in 1872. He was elected a trustee of the
Indiana Normal School, now known as the Teachers'
College, on May 17, 1875, so serving for the rest of his
life. After his first term as sheriff, he bought the old
Coleman and Ewing Planing Mill and Lumber Yard,
continuing that business until it was taken over by his
son, William S. Daugherty, and his grandson, Hart
Daugherty, who carried it on down to the time of
writing.  James Robinson and Mary Ann (Hart)
Daugherty reared a large family. She was also a
descendant of an old and honorable family.
Her ancestor, Edward Hart, a pioneer of New Jersey, commanded a corps of New Jersey "Blues" in the
French-Canadian War. His son, John Hart, was born
in Stonington, Connecticut, in 1708, and died May II,
I779, near Hopewell, New Jersey. He was a signer of
the Declaration of Independence, and after much difficulty in keeping his whereabouts secret he was finally
permitted to return to his farm following the battles
of Princeton and Trenton. He was tall in stature,
with heavy black hair and blue eyes, and possessed an
affectionate disposition. He was called "Honest John
Hart" and highly esteemed in his community. He
married Deborah Scudder, daughter of Richard Scudder, in I740, Richard Scudder having died in 1776 from
distress and hardship incident to the war. John Hart
II, son of John and Deborah (Scudder) Hart, was
born October 29, I748, and died March I, I829, at
Congruity, Westmrnoreland County, Pennsylvania, and
was buried in Congruity Churchyard. He married
Martha Taylor, who died in I817. He first enlisted in
the Colonial Army before the Revolution, in 177I, becoming a private in Captain Charles Harrison's company of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Militia.
Later, in 1776, I777 and I778, he was in the companies
of Captains George Cree, Henry Phillips, George
Anderson and Robert Quigley, in the ist Regiment of
New Jersey Continentals. William Hart, fourth child
of John and Martha (Taylor) Hart, was born in I79I
and died in I854. He married Elizabeth White as his
second wife, whose daughter, Mary Ann Hart, was
born May 5, 1822, and died September 6, I897, at
Indiana, Pennsylvania, and was the wife of James Robinson Daugherty.
James Robinson and Mary Ann (Hart) Daugherty
were the parents of the following children: I. Robert
Johnston Daugherty, born March 15, I840, killed in
the battle of the Wilderness on May 5, I864. 2. Mary
Eliza Daugherty, born September 5, I842, died October 4, I849. 3. William Sterrett Daugherty, born
January 22, I846, died September II, 1934. 4. Martha
Jane Daugherty, born January 17, I849, died October
I5, I931, wife of John P. St. Clair. 5. James Robinson
Daugherty, born August 24, I85I, died October 9, I938.
6. Frank Hart Daugherty, born September IO, I855,
died June 7, I938. 7. Anna Mary Daugherty, born
May 3, I858, died December i6, 1882, married D.
Blair Taylor. 8. John Martin Daugherty, born December I4, I86o. 9. Harry H. Daugherty, born April
29, I864, died August 22, I865. I0o. Silas Clark Daugherty, of further mention.
Spending his early boyhood in Indiana, his Pennsylvania birthplace, Silas Clark Daugherty came, in I889
at the age of twenty-two years, to Jeannette, here joining his brothers, John Martin and James Robinson
Daugherty, in the drug business under the firm name
of Daugherty Brothers, later becoming sole owner.
In I912 Mr. Daugherty was graduated in optometry,
and at that time he added that department to his business, and served for nine years on the State Board of
Optometric Examiners.  He also served as school
director for three years in the city of Jeannette, and
was postmaster of Jeannette from 1902 to I9I0.
Mr. Daugherty has been one of Jeannette's most
active business men for nearly a half century, and his
store is widely known in this region. He was one of
the founders of the First Presbyterian Church, of
Jeannette, of which he and his family have been active
members. Mr. Daugherty is a member of Jeannette
Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, as well as of
several higher bodies of Masonry, including Syria
Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine.
Silas Clark Daugherty married, on August II, I892,
Annetta Bunting, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of
Jeannette's pioneer school teachers, who during her
married life has been one of Jeannette's most active
women in the cause of civic righteousness. The following children were born to them: I, James Robinson
Daugherty III, born May 2I, I893. 2. Dr. Charles
Bunting Daugherty, born May I9, I894. 3. Harry
Egbert Daugherty, born January I7, I896. 4. Marian
Hart Daugherty, born June I3, 1899, wife of Robert
Z. Chew. 5. Nettie Louise Daugherty, born March
26, I9OI, wife of James F. Landis. 6. Silas Clark
Daugherty II, born August 6, I903. 7. John Marshall
Daugherty, born May 15, I9IO.
GUY MARLIN  NEIGH-Extensively engaged
in farm insurance activities of magnitude, Guy Marlin
Neigh is one of the substantial citizens of Washington
Township, Westmoreland County.
57IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Neigh was born April 25, I892, on a farm in
Cowanshannock Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, son of Edgar Taylor and Amanda V.
(Raraigh) Neigh. His family figured prominently in
the American Revolution. Michael Ney (the name was
then so spelled) was born in Germany in I729, came to
America with his parents and settled in Northampton
County. Michael Ney (or Neigh) died in I796.
Andrew Neigh (as the name came to be spelled in
America), the oldest son, was born in 1750, and, after
enlistment on December Io, 1776, in the nine months'
service, took part in the battles of Brandywine and
Germantown. He served two other enlistments as a
private in Captain Johannes Van Etten's Company,
5th Battalion, in I78I, and in I78i and I782 in Captain
Hugh Gaston's Company of Northampton County
Militia. In the military records the name is spelled
Neigh.
Andrew Neigh's oldest son, Lawrence Neigh, was
born in Mount Bethel Township, and moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he married Nancy Welsh,
born in May, I789, in Ireland, and died January 2I,
I86I. Joseph Neigh, son of Lawrence and Nancy
(Welsh) Neigh, was born in Fairfield Township,
Columbiana County, Ohio, and entered the Methodist
ministry, serving at Coshocton, Ohio, and Marshalltown, Nevada, as well as in Boone and Jefferson, Iowa.
He was born April I7, I82I, and died at Jefferson,
Iowa, October 5, I865. He married, September 27,
I859, Lavina Elias (Lias). Their son, Edgar l'aylor
Neigh, was born November 2I, I863, in Iowa and spent
most of his life on the farm in Cowanshannock'l'ownship.  He married, October I7, 1889, Amanda V.
Raraigh, and his death occurred on June 27, I930; the
children of this marriage were: I. Zillah B. Neigh,
born September 5, I89o. 2. Guy Marlin Neigh, born
April 25, 1892, of further mention. 3. Alda M. Neigh,
born October 25, I894. 4. Fred D. Neigh, born May
2I, I896. 5. Beulah J. Neigh, born October 27, I899.
6. Sarah L. Neigh, born January I8, I907.
Guy Marlin Neigh, the second-named of these children, completed his early education, then attended
Dayton Normal Institute. Teaching in the public
schools, he later enlisted in Company K, I6th Pennsylvania Infantry, for World War service, his enlistment
being dated June I, I9I7. He served with the American Expeditionary Forces overseas as a sergeant in
Company K, II2th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division.
His advancement to the sergeant's rank took place on
June 28, I9I8, and on July I4 and continuing through
July 27 he took part in the 5th German offensive
maneuvers, also being present at the advance of Ourcq
and Vesle from July 28 to September I7 and at the
Meuse-Argonne offensive from September 26. He
was wounded by a machine gun on October 4, I9I8,
and was admitted to the S. O. S. Hospital at Beaune,
France. On April 2, I919, he was appointed first
sergeant of the I3oth Guard Company, with which
he served until mustered out of the army on August I3,
I919. Mr. Neigh was awarded the medal of the Order
of the Purple Heart for military service merit.
Returning to civil life, Mr. Neigh became a mill
worker with the American Sheet and Tinplate Company, at Vandergrift. Later he took up farm insurance,
the work in which he has been so eminently successful
down to the time of writing. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in Vandergrift, where he has served as Sunday school superintendent, trustee and teacher since
I9I8.
Guy Marlin Neigh married, December 24, I9I9, Vera
Eleanor Patton. They became the parents of the following children: I. Charles Edgar Neigh, born March
29, I92I. 2. Jean Elizabeth, born June Io, I922. 3.
Ruth Eileen, born December I4, I926.
AUDLEY  O. HINDMAN, M. D.-For more
than thirty-nine years Audley O. Hindman, M. D., has
been engaged in the general practice of medicine in
Washington County, and is regarded as one of the
leading members of his profession in Washington
County.
Dr. Hindman was born in Cross Creek, Washington
County on November 9, I875; the son of Thomas A.
and Hannah Olevia Stevenson Hindman, both deceased. Thomas A. Hindman, a native of Colliers,
Brooke County, West Virginia, was engaged as a
blacksmith for many years, living a retired life for
more than twenty years previous to his death at
eighty-six years. He was one of the outstanding men
of his generation, having been noted for his craftsmanship, alacrity, and fidelity, as well as his unusual consideration for his fellowman. His wife was born near
Cross Creek, and was a descendant of one of the older
families in this section.
Dr. Hindman received his early education in the
township schools, later attending Hickory Academy
and Ohio Northern University at Ada, Ohio. He
taught school for one year. Following this he matriculated at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was
graduated in I899 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He spent his interneship at the Western Pennsylvania Dispensary and Reineman Maternity Hospital in Pittsburgh. On the completion of his course
he established his office at the place of his birth, Cross
Creek, Pennsylvania, and remained there for fifteen
572ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
573
years when he moved to Burgettstown, and has been
busily engaged here to the present time.
He is a member of the staff of Washington Hospital
at Washington, Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with the
County, State and American Medical associations. He
served as president of the Washington County Medical Society in I935. He is a member of the Cross
Creek Presbyterian Church, and is active in civic
affairs and affairs of the Democratic party. He served
as a member of the Board of Education for many
years when at Cross Creek, and twelve years at Burgettstown.
He has been a representative of the First District of
Washington County in the State Legislature since
I935.
He is well known in Masonic Circles, being affiliated
with Richard Vaux Lodge, No. 454, Free and Accepted
Masons at Burgettstown, the Chapter, Royal Arch
Masons at McDonald, Pennsylvania, Chartiers Commandery, Knights Templar, at Carnegie, and Syria
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine, at Pittsburgh. He also holds membership in
the Phi Beta Pi Fraternity.
On November 28, I9o6, Audley O. Hindman, M. D.,
married Ada Myrtle Newcomer, of Washington,
daughter of Thomas S. and Hettie (Richey) Newcomer. Dr. and Mrs. Hindman are the parents of four
children: I. Mrs. Helen (Hindman) Clark, wife of Dr.
R. S. Clark, of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, a graduate
of Southern College, Petersburg, Virginia, and University of Pittsburgh, with the degree of Bachelor of
Science; the mother of three children: i. Betty Clark.
ii. Richards Clark, Jr. iii. Thomas Hindman Clark. 2.
Dr. Thomas Audley N. Hindman, a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College with the degree of Bachelor of Science and University of Pittsburgh, with the
degree of Doctor of Medicine, now  an interne at
Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. Rev.
Lloyd Stevenson Hindman, a graduate of Washington
and Jefferson with the degree of Bachelor of Science,
and Princeton Theological Seminary with the degree
of Bachelor of Divinity, and is now pastor of Manokin
Presbyterian Church, Princess Anne, Maryland. 4.
Hettie Ruth Hindman, attended Southern College
one year and at present a student of Pennsylvania
State College.
GEORGE COVERT DENNEY-Widely known
throughout most of Pennsylvania and a large part of
both West Virginia and Maryland, George Covert
Denney has been a salesman for the Garlock Packing
Company, of Pittsburgh, for more than twenty-five
years. Mr. Denney is equally popular in his home
city of Greensburg, where he takes an active part in
the civic and fraternal life of his county of Westmoreland.
George Covert Denney was born in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, on March 28, I88I, a son of Ross
and Elizabeth Frances (Covert) Denney. Mr. Denney
has one brother, Richard Oliver Denney, living near
Wooster, Ohio, and two sisters: Caroline (Mrs. W.
R. Tissue) and Mary (Mrs. J. W. Farquhar) both
of California, Pennsylvania. Ross Denney, Mr. Denney's father, was born in Fayette County on August
8. 1843, the son of George and Margaret (Lawrence)
Denney, of Luzerne Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a Republican, and spent his life as a
farmer until he retired, when he moved to California,
Pennsylvania. He died there on August 8, I926.
George Denney, Mr. Denney's grandfather, born February 20, I80I, died February I, I878, was a son of
John Denney, who came from England and settled in
Greene County. Margaret (Lawrence) Denney, born
January 27, I775, died July 25, I845, was the daughter
of John and Elizabeth Lawrence; who located land in
Luzerne Township in I792.
George and Margaret (Lawrence) Denney were married on January 8, I828. Their children were: Louisa,
born on December 26, I828, died September 2, I882;
married George Frost; John, born December 2I,
1829, and died April 4, I900; Charles, born February
15, I83I, and died January 5, I908; Elizabeth (Crawford), born July 3, I833, and died March I4, I898;
Hannah, born September II, I834, died November I5,
I834; George Denney, born September 22, 1835, and
died January I3, I917; Margaret Ann (Piersol), born
November 2, I836; Clark Denney, born January I9,
I838, and died March 27, I92I, married Isabelle Fulton
on March 4, I866, Isabelle is 98 and lives in Rices
Landing, Pennsylvania; Jesse Denney, born July I5,
I839, and died February 20, I844; Mary Lawrence
(Ritchey), born April 12, 1841, and died March I5,
I9I8; and Ross Denney, Mr. Denney's father.
John Denney, Mr. Denney's great-grandfather, and
his wife, Hannah, were the parents of the following
children: Thomas, James, Joseph, Robert, William,
George, Hannah (Ross), another daughter married a
Woodruff. John Denney lived on a farm near Jefferson, Greene County, Pennsylvania, and acquired vast
land holdings in Greene and Fayette counties. He
owned enough land to give to each child a farm. One
of the early deeds in the Greene County records shows
that in September, I797, John Denney bought Io033
acres for the "consideration" of $5.
Elizabeth Frances (Covert) Denney, mother ofANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
George Covert Denney, was born in Fayette County on
her father's homestead, July I4, 1850, and died in
California, Pennsylvania, January 2o, I9O9.  She
was a daughter of Richard Randolph Covert, born May
27, 1821, died June IO, I889, and his wife, Caroline
Matilda (Abrams) Covert, born November 7, I828,
died June 4, I924. Her last birthday was spent in
the home of the subject of this sketch, where she enjoyed her birthday cake, which was surrounded by
ninety-five candles. Of the nine children born to Mr.
Denney's grandparents, but one, Robert Abrams Covert, remains. He lives on the Covert homestead.
Richard Randolph Covert was the son of Benjamin
Covert, born July Io, I799, died March 20, I862, and
Abigail (Randolph) Covert, born May 8, I798, died
February 28, I866. The children of Benjamin and
Abigail (Randolph) Covert were: Richard Randolph;
Mary, who married David Hough Wakefield; and
Elizabeth, who married Joshua Strickler. Benjamin
Covert was the son of Morris and Mary (Mann) Covert. Morris Covert moved to Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in I780.  Morris Covert was the son of
Abraham  Covert, who raised four sons: Abraham,
Isaac, John, and Morris, and four daughters. Abraham Covert was a native of Holland, and came to the
Colonies in I707. It is believed he was the progenitor
of the Covert family in America.
Caroline Matilda (Abrams) Covert was born in
a house at the end of the iron bridge, at Brownsville,
Pennsylvania, which was the first iron bridge in
America. It was a brick house, with the basement
kitchen entirely below the street. The house was built
on a high stone wall next to Dunlap's Creek. There
was a small yard which contained a damson plum
tree. On muster days she climbed the tree to watch
the soldiers parade by. She was the daughter of Eli
Abrams, born February I6, I792, died May 26, I876,
and his wife, Eliza (Reiley) Abrams, born May 4,
I795, married January I, I824, and died May 2, I848.
Eli Abrams was the son of Gabriel Abrams, born
October II, I750, died October 7, I84I, and Rebecca
I-oveberry. They were the parents of nine children:
Amos, Rhoda, Sarah, David, Henry, Eli, David II,
John, and Gabriel. Gabriel Abrams was the son of
Henry Abrams, who was born in Wales in 1720. Henry
Abrams was a Welsh sailor. He came to America
settling first near Staunton, Virginia, in I750. He
moved to Turkey Foot, then in Bedford County, now
in Somerset County, Pennsylvania (now Confluence,
Pennsylvania), where he built in I765 the first log
cabin in this section. Henry Abrams died in I828,
aged one hundred and eight years. In I779 he was
a first lieutenant in the Ist Battalion of organized militia of Bedford County, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Denney is descended from two other Revolutionary War soldiers: Gabriel Abrams, and Martin
Reiley, father of Eliza (Reiley) Abrams, above mentioned.
George Covert Denney was educated in the public
schools of Luzerne Township, Pennsylvania, and prepared for a career as a teacher at the Southwestern
State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania. He
graduated from that institution in I9OI, taught school
for a year at West Bend, Pennsylvania, and then began
his long business life. In I903 he entered the employ
of the Baker and Jackman Real Estate and Insurance
Company, and later was employed by the Vesta Coal
Company of California, Pennsylvania, a subsidiary
of the Jones and Laughlin Steel Company. Mr. Denney held this position for five years, leaving it to become
a salesman for the Cooke-Wilson Electrical Supply
Company of Pittsburgh. After two years in this work
Mr. Denney became associated as a salesman with the
Garlock Packing Company of Pittsburgh, taking up his
duties on July I, I9I2, and discharging them successfully ever since. The company is a manufacturer of
mechanical rubber goods. Mr. Denney has, a sales territory of fifteen counties in Pennsylvania, eight in
West Virginia, and two in Maryland. Mr. Denney
became a resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, April
I, I9I5.
Mr. Denney is a member of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He
is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He belongs to
Monongahela Valley Lodge, No. 46I, of California,
Pennsylvania; Brownsville Chapter, No. I64, Royal
Arch Masons; the McKean Commandery, No. 80,
Knights Templar, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic
Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburgh. He
is a member of the Republican party and of the
Greensburg Country Club. His recreation is golf.
George Covert Denney on October I5, I907, married Ruth Lilley Crowthers, of Coal Center, a daughter of Joseph Benjamin and Emma Jane (Lilley)
Crowthers. Mrs. Denney is a graduate of California
State Teachers' College of California, Pennsylvania.
She belongs to the First Methodist Episcopal Church
of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a member of the
Phoebe Bayard Chapter, Daughters of American Revolution, also the Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine
of Jerusalem. Mr. and Mrs. Denney have a daughter,
Frances Jane, married Calvin E. Pollins; and three
sons: George C., Jr., John Lawrence and Thomas.
574ANNALS OF SOUTHWE
Jonas Crowthers, grandfather of Mrs. Denney, was
the first of his family to come to America. He was
born June 6, I826, the son of Benjamin and Ann
(Wright) Crowthers, of Bingley, Yorkshire, England. He was a coal merchant. He left his parents,
three brothers, and a sister in England.  After a
stormy voyage lasting six weeks and four days, he
came to the United States aboard the vessel "Saranac," in I850.
Jonas Crowthers came to the Monongahela Valley
and settled first near Monongahela, Pennsylvania, and
there married Ann Coatsworth, who was born October 30, 1832, at High Lingg Riggs, Durham, England, the daughter of Joseph Coatsworth and his wife,
Sarah (Allison) Coatsworth. Sarah (Allison) Coatsworth was the daughter of Thomas and Ann Allison.
Mr. Jonas Crowthers became one of the important
early coal operators of the Monongahela Valley, and in
partnership with John Musgrave, of Pittsburgh, and
others, was the owner and operator of mines at Catsburg, Dunlevy, Coal Center, Lucyville, Woods Run,
and near Fredericktown. To the marriage of Jonas
Crowthers and his wife, Ann, were born six sons
and one daughter, whose descendants are widely scattered throughout the United States. There are but
two children of Jonas and Ann (Coatsworth) Crowthers living in I938: Lee Musgrave Crowthers (married Mary Hill) of Fredericktown, Pennsylvania;
and Robert Coulter Crowthers of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mrs. Denney's father, Joseph Benjamin Crowthers,
the oldest son of Jonas and Ann (Coatsworth) Crowthers, was born at Monongahela January 5, I854, and
died May I2, I930, in New York City. He spent almost all his life in the Monongahela Valley. He graduated from the Iron City Business College of Pittsburgh. After working for his father for several
years he became a house builder and contractor, living in Coal Center, Pennsylvania. He married Emma
Jane Lilley, at Coal Center, Pennsylvania, on February 25, I879. Of this union but two children are
now living: Will Roy Crowthers of Butler, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. Denney.
Mrs. Denney's mother, Emma Jane (Lilley) Crowthers, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania,
February I7, I859, and died May 7, I9II. She was
the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Lilley, born February I4, I824, died March 23, I904, and his wife,
Amy Ann (Wells) Lilley, born August 5, I830, died
February 20, I895, married January 24, 1856. Thomas
Jefferson Lilley was the son of Robert Lilley, who died
in October, I826, and Orpha  (Buffington) Lilley,
born in I798, died April 6, 1854, in Guernsey County,
STERN PENNSYLVANIA                              575
Ohio. Robert Lilley was the oldest son of Thomas
and Ruth Lilley, who lived in East Pike Run Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and whose
children were: Robert; Hannah, who married John
Wood; Ruth, who married William Elwood; Phoebe,
who married Ellis Phillips; Thomas, who married
Susannah Ullery; Jane; and Ellis, who married Elizabeth Phillips. With the death of Robert, the father,
Thomas Jefferson Lilley and his five brothers and sisters were bound out to relatives by word of mouth; but
not on paper, which his mother refused to do. So
when an axe head flew off and split open his knee
cap, making him a cripple for life, young Thomas
Jefferson Lilley, (Mrs. Denney's grandfather) was
considered worthless on the farm. He could ride. He
became a drover, making only one trip on horseback
to the far West in Illinois, but making several trips
eastward to Philadelphia and Baltimore, traveling
most of the way over the National Road, which was
then at the height of its great usefulness. He became a
school teacher, later moving to Greenfield, now Coal
Center, Pennsylvania, and becoming a general merchant there, where he died. Although incapacitated
for service he became a draft officer during the Civil
War. Robert and Orpha (Buffington) Lilley's children were: John, who married Eleanor Craig; Sarah;
Ruth, who married William Moore; Mary, who married Greene; Thomas Jefferson, of previous mention;
Minerva, who married John Hormell.
Thomas Jefferson Lilley's mother, Orpha (Buffington) Lilley, was the daughter of Sethecia ("Seth")
Buffington, born I777, Pike Run Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and died in i85I, in Lee
County, Iowa. He served as justice of the peace for
many years in Pike Run Township, Washington
County, until the revision of the Constitution of the
United States in I846.
William Buffington was born in I637, his son,
Joseph, in I672. They came to Pennsylvania with the
Penns in I682. They were both born on the estate
of Great Marlowe near London. William returned to
England in 1692 and died there in I727. Joseph's son,
John, was born in I707; his son, Joseph, was born in
1742; his son, Sethecia, Mrs. Denney's great-greatgrandfather, was born in 1777 in Pike Run Township, Washington County. John Buffington, born in
I707, served as postmaster of Philadelphia until the
Revolutionary War when, with his son, Joseph, and
Joseph's wife, Sarah Young, of Chester County, he
came to Pike Run Township where they patented
land. John Buffington died in I804. Both John and
his son, Joseph, were soldiers in the RevolutionaryANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
War, as listed on the rolls of the Chester County
Militia.
"Seth" Buffington married Sarah Millison, in I797,
a daughter of James and Abigail (Hays) Millison,
also Quakers, who came to Pike Run Township,
Washington County, from Chester County. The following are the children of "Seth" and Sarah (Millison) Buffington: I. Orpha (Buffington) Lilley, of
previous mention.  2. John Buffington, boirn I8oo,
married Pauline Reynolds. 3. Polly (Buffington) Ashmead, born in I802. 4. James Buffington, born in I8o4,
married Rachel Jones. 5. Joseph Buffington, born in
I8o6; married Mary Thompson. 6. Seth Buffington,
Jr., born in I8o8. 7. Jesse Buffington, born in I8II;
married (first) an Evans and (second) a Jones. 8.
William Bartley Buffington, born in I813; married
Elizabeth Goodrich. 9. Robert Buffington, born in
I815. io. Sarah (Buffington) Wright, born in I8I8.
ii. Abbie (Buffington) Deems, born in I82I.
Mrs. Denney's grandmother, (Thomas Jefferson
Lilley's wife), Amy Ann (Wells) Lilley, was a descendant of John Allen, who came to this country in
I714, and located near New Garden, Chester County,
Pennsylvania, where he built and operated one of
the first mills. John Allen was born August 3, I694,
died September I6, I77I. He married in I7I9, Amy
Cox and resided in London Grove, Chester County,
Pennsylvania, where he was one of the forty-two
taxables in I725. He brought a certificate from the
Friends Church in Ireland to Newark Monthly Meeting February 3, I7I4. His wife died September I3,
I778. Their son, Joseph Allen, born May I2, I733,
married Deborah Hill November I3, I755. A Bible
box or dressing box, with initials "D. H." and date
inlaid, is still in the family. The children of Joseph
and Deborah (Hill) Allen were: John, Eli, Joshua,
Samuel, William, Deborah, Nancy and Amy.
Joseph Allen and his wife, Deborah, came to Washington County in about 1772, and took out a vast tract
of land under Virginia Certificate. They also received
a patent from Thomas and John Penn, dated December 2, I774, for a tract of land lying along the Monongahela River. This tract was named Allentown, later
becoming Allen Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Joseph Allen donated the land for a Quaker
burying ground. Mt. Tabor Church is built on this
cemetery ground. His wife, Deborah (Hill) Allen,
was the first occupant of a grave in that cemetery.
Joseph Allen died in July, I8i6.
Eli Allen, the second son of Joseph and Deborah
(Hill) Allen, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania; came to Fayette County on horseback, settled
on his father's tract of land there, and married Sarah
Griffith. They were the grandparents of Amy Ann
Wells, Mrs. Denney's grandmother. Their children
were: Joseph Allen married Ann Thompson; Milton
Allen; Samuel Allen; Deborah Allen, married John
Wells; Hannah Allen married John Moss; Sarah Allen married Joseph Wells; Martha Allen, married William Cook; Amy Allen, married John Fenton. Deborah Allen Wells who died January II, 1872, in her
eightieth year and her husband, John Wells, who died
October 9, I853, in his seventy-fourth year are buried
in Little Redstone Cemetery, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in vicinity where their daughter, Amy Ann
was born.
CHARLES JOHN HEMMINGER, M. D.For many years engaged in the practice of medicine,
Dr. Charles John Hemminger has come to be widely
known in Somerset County, where all his work has
been centered. Since I924 he has carried on his practice in Somerset.
The first available historic mention of the Hemminger name in Pennsylvania is that of John (I),
who left Germany in the middle of the eighteenth
century and located in Lancaster County when a
young man. He married Barbara Rhem in Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania. They had three sons: John,
Jacob, and Samuel. We are concerned with John
(2), whose sons were: John (3), Andrew, Henry,
George, and Joseph. Our line of descent is through
John  (3), who married  Po.lly Schneider, granddaughter of Jacob Schneider, one of the founders of
Somerset. Their son, Jonas (4), was born in I8i6 in
Somerset County where his grandfather, John (I),
had come shortly after the Revolution.  John (I)
served in the IIth Pennsylvania Regiment under
Colonel Hubby, in Captain Kane's Company during
the Revolutionary War. He was a member of the
first jury in Somerset County. Jonas (4), who was
a farmer and died December 8, I9o00, was the father
of Cyrus (5) who was the father of Charles J. Hemminger, M. D., of the sixth generation and the subject
of this review.
Dr. Hemminger was born February I2, I873, in
Somerset Township, Pennsylvania, son of Cyrus and
Missouri (Barron) Hemminger, of this county. The
Barron family is an old and honorable one, dating
back to Revolutionary times, according to family
records.
Schools in Somerset Township, Somerset County,
provided Charles John Hemminger's early education,
and he also attended Normal School and Mount Pleasant Institute. He taught in the public schools for
five years and later was a student at the Eclectic
576ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Medical College, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where in 1897 he  word Enghen, which was originally a narrow strip of
took the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Coming at  land in Flanders.  The inhabitants were known as
once to Rockwood, in Somerset County, he engaged in  sword-bearers to the reigning Duke.  The earliest
a general practice of medicine, continuing his labors  record in this country is that of Dewalt Ankeney, who
there until I924. He was a member of the Rockwood   was born in Wfirttemberg, Germany, in I728. His
School Board and Town Council, I903-07, and I908-I2.  father's name was Christian and his mother was a
Since he came to Somerset in I924, Dr. Hemminger  Dewalt. The name Ankeney was first spelt in America
has carried forward his professional work, earning the   "Ancony," and in France "Angheny." Dewalt Ankeney
satisfaction and admiration of his colleagues and all  came to America with his uncle Casper Dewalt. His.who know him.                                       six brothers were compelled to enter the army, and to
In I924 he added to his previous training by taking   prevent this his mother sent him to America with her
a special postgraduate course at Cook County Hos-  brother. They came in the ship "Neptune."  Captain
pital, Chicago, Illinois, and in 1936 and 1937 he took   Wilkinson was master of the vessel. They landed in
further advanced studies at the Massachusetts Eye,  Philadelphia in I746. From there they went to Clear
Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. He has kept in con-  Spring, Washington County, Maryland, eight miles
stant touch with other members of his profession  from Hagerstown. Dewalt Ankeney lived through the
through memberships in the Somerset Medical So-  severe contests of the French and Indian wars. He
ciety, of which he was president in I917; the Pennsyl-  married Mary Domer, of Clear Spring, Maryland,
vania State Medical Society; and the American Medi-  daughter of Christian Domer, a farmer. They had
cal Association. For four years, between 193I and  two sons: I. Christian. 2. Peter, born near HagersI935, he was a member of the Pennsylvania State  town, Maryland, in I75I; married Rosina Bonnett in
Board of Medical Education and Licensure; president  I773.
of the National Eclectic Medical Society in I936. He   1 The Bonnett family belonged to the Nobility of Lorhas also performed a valuable service as deputy cor-  raine and was of high standing during the Reformation
oner of Somerset County.                             period. The first ancestor of the American line was
A Republican in his political views, he has con-  Louis Bonnett, born in I630 and lived in the village of
sistently supported the views and policies represented   Thrunjan, France, Province of Porten, now Ienx Leon.
by his party. He was a member of the Pennsylvania   His son, Daniel, born in I655, married, in France,
State Legislature in 1912 and I9I3. IHe belongs to the   Jeanne Coliver from the Province of Charentes Intere,
Lions' Club and the Independent Order of Odd Fel-  France. Upon the revocation of the "Edict of Nantes"
lows. Among his other activities, he has served as a   they fled to the coast, then to Holland and later to
member of the Somerset Borough School Board.       Switzerland and their son, Jean Jacques Bonnett, and
Dr. Charles John Hemminger married, on December  wife, Marie, came from Switzerland to Pennsylvania in
29, 1898, Annie Catharine Berkey, daughter of Levi  I733. They settled at Paoli, Pennsylvania, Chester
and Mary Ann (Rhodes) Berkey, of Lincoln Town-  County, near the Center line. One of their children
ship, and a descendant from several distinguished fami-  was Rosina Bonnett, who married, in 1773, Captain
lies.                             -                  Peter Ankeney, who has left an honorable record for
Levi Berkey was a descendant of the Berkey line that  virtue and intelligent kindness. Another of the large
settled near Somerset. He was a great-grandson of  family of Jean Jacques and Marie Bonnett was their
Jacob Zimmerman, a Revolutionary War soldier.  son, Jean (John) Bonnett, born in 1728, who kept an
Mary Ann (Rhodes) Berkey was a granddaughter of  inn at the old Forbes Road, which was made, in I758,
Captain Jonathan Rhodes of the War of 18I2. Captain  the "military road."  The first wagon crossing the
Rhodes organized a company of volunteers from   mountain to Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh) went by this road.
Somerset and Jenner townships.  Captain Rhodes'  Jean Jacques Bonnett was Squire at Paoli, and its first
father was John Rhodes, a Revolutionary War soldier  schoolhouse was called "Bonnett."
and a large landholder in Stonycreek Township during   Mrs. Annie Catharine (Berkey) Hemminger taught
the Revolutionary War period.                        in public schools of Somerset County and State of
Mrs. Annie Catharine (Berkey) Hemminger, on the  Illinois. She is a member of the Huguenot Society of
maternal side, is a direct descendant of Peter Ankeney,  Pennsylvania and of the Daughters of the American
one of the proprietors of the town of Somerset. Peter's  Revolution; served two years as treasurer, two years
father was Dewalt Ankeney.  The Ankeneys were  as regent and is now registrar of Forbes Road ChapHuguenots. They were adherents of Prince Conde and  ter; member of the Rebecca Lodge and Royal NeighAdmiral Coliegny, whose Ankeney territory was part  bors of America and of the Women's Christian Temof Ancient Flanders-the name was derived from the  perance Union; was county treasurer of the latter
577ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
59
Physicians and chief of the obstetrical staff of Connellsville State Hospital, he is one of the best known
physicians in this section and has to his credit a long
record of public service, culminating when he was
twice elected to the State Senate. For more than a
quarter of a century he has also been a conspicuous
figure in Pennsylvania Masonry.
Dr. Bell was born on March II, I868, at Arendtsville, Adams County, Pennsylvania, son of William
and Mary (Lower) Bell and member of an old and
honorable family. He represents the eighth generation in direct descent from Matthew Bell, who was
born at Kirk, Scotland, one of the seven places so
named in that country. Before the siege of Londonderry in I69o he emigrated to Ireland and was one of
the defenders of the city during that famous period. He
had two sons, Matthew and John, both founders of
American families. John settled in New Hampshire
in I719 and died in Londonderry, New Hampshire, on
July 8, I743. He married, in Ireland, Elizabeth Todd,
of Scotland, and was the ancestor of three governors
of New Hampshire, three United States senators, one
representative to Congress and two judges of the New
Hampshire Supreme Court.
Dr. Bell's line of descent is traced, however, through
Matthew Bell, son of the first Matthew Bell. He was
born near Colerain, Londonderry County, Ireland,
about I677, emigrated to New York about I7IO, and
soon afterward settled in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His son, John Bell, born in Chester County
about 1712, left several sons. One of these, Robert
Bell, born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, about
I738, served the cause of the Colonies in the WVar of
the American Revolution and afterward settled in
Fayette County, where he was appointed lieutenant in
the Pennsylvania State troops for the protection of the
frontier. His son, James Bell, born in I759, was six
years of age when brought by his parents to Chester
County. He grew to manhood there and subsequently
was a resident for fifty-five years of Adams County,
where he died at the age of ninety-three years. He
married, on November 4, I785, Rebecca Horner. One
of their children was William Bell, grandfather of Dr.
Bell, and he was born in Cumberland (now Adams)
County, in I799, and died there in I84I. He was a
miller by trade and a devout Presbyterian. His wife
was Nancy Sandow, who died in Adams County.
Their son, also named William Bell, was born in
Adams County on January 9, 1842, and died on May
3, I876. After completing a public school education
he worked with his father in the gristmill until November 5, I86I, when he enlisted in Company K, Iorst
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Serving
at first as a private, he was promoted to corporal,
sergeant and sergeant major and eventually received a
commission as first lieutenant for "gallant and meritorious conduct." When his term of enlistment expired in I864 he reenlisted for three years or for the
duration of the war, and in April, I864, he was captured at Plymouth, North Carolina. For ten months
he was confined to the prison pen at Andersonville and
being then exchanged, he was honorably discharged at
Newbern, North Carolina, on January 25, I865, and
returned home broken in health. He never recovered
from the rigors of prison life, but, although a partial
invalid, worked at his trade as a miller for the rest of
his life. He was a Republican and a Lutheran. He
married Mary Lower, born March I3, I849, in Adams
County, daughter of Jacob F. Lower, a native of the
same county who died at McKnightstown, Pennsylvania, and Eliza (Thomas) Lower, also of Adams
County. William and Mary (Lower) Bell became the
parents of three children: I. Harry Jacob. of this record. 2. Emma Grace, who married Harry King of
Adams County (deceased in I9oI) and now resides
in Pittsburgh, where she has been a kindergarten
teacher for the past twenty years. 3. George W., who
met an accidental death in I918.
Harry Jacob Bell attended the public schools of
McKnightstown, his Adams County birthplace, and
afterward was a student in Muhlenberg College, at
Allentown, Pennsylvania. He prepared for his professional career at the Medico-Chirurgical College in
Philadelphia and was graduated from this institution
in I892, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Sub-.
sequently he began the practice of medicine at Juniataville, Fayette County, where he remained for two
years. In I894 he came to Dawson where his activities have since centered. Dr. Bell quickly established
his professional qualifications and with passing years
the demands on his services grew steadily, extending
to a large part of Fayette County. His reputation as
one of the leading physicians of this section is soundly
based on his professional attainments. In addition to
his private practice, Dr. Bell serves as surgeon to the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, the Pittsburgh and I,ake
Erie Railroad, the West Penn Railways and the Western Maryland Railroad. He has been active in the
Connellsville State Hospital, where he now serves as
chief of the obstetrical staff, and has contributed substantially to the development of the institution and the
elevation of its standards. He is a member and past
president of the Fayette County Medical Society, a
member of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society, a
Fellow of the American Medical Association and a
member of the Youghiogheny Medico-Social Club of
Connellsville.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
organization for ten years. She is a member of the
Evangelical and Reformed Church, as are the other
members of her family.
Dr. and Mrs. Hemminger became the parents of
two children: I. Oscar Homer Hemminger, who died
at the age of thirteen years. 2. Charles Edward Hemminger, graduated from Mercersburg Academy and
took his degree of Bachelor of Science at Princeton
University and that of Master of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and now an industrial research engineer of the Standard Oil Company
of New Jersey, and lives in Westfield, New Jersey; he
married Mary Florence Hay, of Milford Township,
Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and they became the
parents of two children: i. Charles Hay Hemminger.
ii. Julia Ann Hemminger. Irene Berkey Hemminger,
niece of Dr. and Mrs. Charles J. Hemminger, became
one of the family at the age of three years. She is a
graduate of Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, and
is now head of the Home Economics Department of
the Somerset High School.
HUGH  O'DONNELL-Hugh O'Donnell has
been engaged in the hardware and implement business
in Rea, Pennsylvania, for the past twenty-eight years,
and since I914 he has operated his own establishment,
dealing in all varieties of hardware and farm implements. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia,
April I, I88o, the son of David and Annie (O'Connell) O'Donnell, both natives of Ireland. David
O'Donnell was long engaged in the farming industry,
and operated an eighty-four-acre tract in Cross Creek
Township, known as the Tom Lawton Farm. Mr. and
Mrs. David O'Donnell became the oarents of four
children: I. Hugh, of whom further. 2. James, born
in Wheeling, West Virginia, July I2, I883. 3. William, born in Wheeling, West Virginia, February I8,
I886. 4. David L., born at Taylorstown Station,
Pennsylvania, April Io, I889.
Hugh O'Donnell received his early education in the
local public schools, first attending Science Hall, near
Claysville, Pennsylvania. He also studied at Highland School and the White School in Buffalo Township, and the Willow Valley School in Cross Creek
Township. After leaving school, he became associated
with his father in farm work, and continued until
I9OI, when he secured employment with the Pittsburgh
Railways Company. He remained here until I9o6,
when he became an insurance solicitor for the Imperial
Assurance Company, and he continued in this field
until he became associated with the Reed and Smiley
Company in the hardware business in I9IO. Two years
later he purchased the interests of Mr. Reed, and the
firm continued under the name of Vogel and O'Donnell. In I914 Mr. Vogel disposed of his interests, and
since that time Mr. O'Donnell has been the sole owner
of this business.
Mr. O'Donnell professes the Roman Catholic faith,
and in political faith is a supporter of the Democratic
party. He has served as township committeeman of
Cross Creek Township for twenty years, is also a
member of the Democratic County Executive Committee of Washington County, and since 1932 he has
held the office of justice of the peace. He is also
affiliated with Lodge No. 846, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
Mr. O'Donnell is unmarried.
LEWIS CLARK WALKINSHAW-The author
of "Annals of Southwestern Pennsylvania" was born
at Saltsburg, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, within
a mile of the site of Blacklegs Indian Town, on August 24, I874. After the first three years spent there
he was brought to Greensburg by his parents, Hugh
Wilson and Charlotte Ann (Ralston) Walkinshaw.
The father had been educated at Elders Ridge Academy, a famed institution in its day located five miles
north of Saltsburg, delivering the Greek oration at
graduation, and after a legal course in the office of
Hon. Silas M. Clark, later a Justice of the Supreme
Court of Pennsylvania, was first admitted to the
Indiana County bar in 1873, and then in Jefferson,
Armstrong and Westmoreland counties composing the
circuit of that day.
Mr. Walkinshaw was graduated from the Greensburg High School in the class of I891, and from
Bucknell University in the class of I896, with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. He immediately took the
preliminary law examinations, and in the succeeding
years passed the annual examinations and was admitted to practice in the courts of Westmoreland
County on November 3, I9oo. His admission to the
Federal and State courts followed in due course, and
in these he was in active practice through the years of
his life. During the time of his law studies he was also
principal of the East Greensburg Borough schools
before they became a part of the city system, and
taught Latin and Mathematics in the high schools of
Jeannette and Irwin, of which he was principal, respectively.
As an advocate for individual clients and municipal
and religious corporations Mr. Walkinshaw enjoyed a
great measure of success in both jury and appellate
practice. By pursuing a course of six studies in history, which won him the degree of Master of Arts at
Bucknell, he devoted considerable spare time to history,
and particularly to the Colonial and Revolutionary
lore with which Pennsylvania is so rich. His careful
578ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
579
examination of many title records aided much in this
searching historical work, and contributed to its accuracy. He delivered chief addresses at the dedication
of the markers at the sites of Fort Carnahan, Fort
Ligonier and Fort Walthour, and of the ancient town
of Beula. Many addresses were also been given on
historical subjects before Rotary, Kiwanis, Exchange,
Lions and Women's clubs, and the chapters of the
Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons
of the American Revolution. He spoke also, in conjunction with Judge Charles D. Copeland, at the one
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the burning of
Hannastown on July I3, I932, before a great concourse
of people. For many years past he was repeatedly
elected historian of the Pennsylvania Society, Sons of
the American Revolution, and enjoyed with others the
walking of the Braddock and Forbes roads, and the
Catawba and other Indian trails in this historic area.
In his religious life Mr. Walkinshaw served loyally
for more than forty years as clerk of the First Baptist
Church of Greensburg; was superintendent of its Bible
school and teacher of the Baptist Brotherhood Class;
officer and trustee of the Pennsylvania Baptist Convention, of the Baptist Orphanage and Home Society
at Castle Shannon, and of Camp Corbley, a Baptist
summer school near Mahaffey on the upper Susquehanna. In former years he was president of the Baptist Young People's Union of Pennsylvania, and of the
Bible School Convention of the Pittsburgh Baptist
Association. He was also a member of the Masonic
Fraternity.
Mr. Walkinshaw traced his ancestry from Scotch,
Irish, German and English stock, much of it having
contributed to American Independence. In the archives
of the American Revolution appear the names of
Andrew Ralston, Lewis Waltemyer, David Waltemyer, and John Shotwell, from whom he is descended.
The United States census of I790 does not contain the
name of Walkinshaw in any of the States, so that this
family had no part in the Revolution. Captain J.
Crawford Walkinshaw was in command of a company
of the King's regulars of the 78th Regiment at Boston
in 1757, but he returned to Scotland before the conflict started. Mrs. Walkinshaw has brought to her
children and grandchildren the ancestral lines of these
Revolutionary soldiers:'Marvin Garvin. Emanuel
Ebbs, Can)tain John Brice, Phillip Heck, of Fort Walthour; Richard Wallace, and Adam Slack, of whom
more later.
(The Walkinshaw Line).
Clotworthy Walkinshaw is a common ancestor of
the Walkinshaws in Scotland, and the two names are
a combination of two families. Sir John Clotworthy
was an emissary from the North of Ireland to interview Charles II, with reference to land troubles, and
Sir Hugh Clotworthy was prominent in the early settlements in Antrim, after the movement into Ireland.
The name Clotworthy means, "worthy of the clod, or
soil," and Hanna's "Scotch Irish," Vol. II, page 407,
gives the' derivation of Walkinshaw thus: "The Scotch
name Shaw is a small wood, called in English a copse.
That of Walkinshaw, derived from the lands of
Walkinshaw, in Renfrewshire, has for arms, argent,
upon a mount a grove of fir trees, proper; crest, a dove
with an olive branch in its beak." Hanna also lists
the Walkinshaws as one of the thirty-nine lowland
clans, along with the Ralstons.
Clotworthy Walkinshaw's son, John (2), was the
emigrant from Scotland to Ireland, who had a son,
John (3), remaining in Ireland. Hugh Walkinshaw
(4), son of John (3), was born in Ireland in 1772,
and came to ILancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he
married Eleanor McGowan, a widow, nee Glenn, in
I797. Their children were: I. John, a school teacher
in the octagon school house in Adamsburg, I823-35. 2.
Mary, married a Krebs, of Means, Ohio. 3. David, of
Allegheny County. 4. Hugh, of Allegheny County.
5. Eleanor, married a Pontsler, of Means, Ohio. 6.
Joseph, of further mention. Hugh Walkinshaw died
in I837, and his wife, Eleanor, in I843, aged 73 years.
Joseph Walkinshaw was born in Bedford County,
Pennsylvania, September 6, I803; married Margaret
Burns Daugherty in I830, and died at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, where he had located in I83I. He was the
town's leading shoemaker until his death, serving also
as a justice of the peace for two terms. In politics he
was an ardent Democrat, and in religious convictions,
a United Presbyterian. The children of this marriage
were: I. John, died in infancy. 2. Rev. James Daugherty Walkinshaw, Presbyterian minister. 3. Ellen M.,
married R. J. Portser. 4. Nancy J., married S. J.
Taylor. 5. Mary B., married O. P. Carson. 6. Margaret S., single, principal of the Apollo schools. 7.
Martha WV., married Israel S. Portser.  8. Hugh
Wilson, of further mention.
Hugh Wilson Walkinshaw was born near Saltsburg
july 27, I850, and died at Greensburg June I9, I920,
in active practice of the law since I873. He married
Charlotte Ann Ralston, at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, on November 4, 1873. The children of this marriage were:
T. Lewis Clark, the author of these annals; born
August 24, I874. 2. David Robinson, born January 14,
I88o. 3. Myrtle Hargrave, born July 23, I885, now
Mrs. Frank E. Shupe, of Saltsburg, Pennsylvania.
(The Ralston-Waltemyer Line).
Andrew Ralston, Revolutionary soldier, was born in
Scotlan1, February 25, I753, and died at Bloomfield,
Ohio, September I I, 1827. His parents and all theANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
members of his family, except his brother, Joseph,
were murdered by the Indians near Ralston's Fort,
Northampton County. Joseph Ralston settled in King's
Creek Valley, Virginia, whence all of his descendants
emanate. Andrew enlisted in Captain Casper Weitzekl's Company, Colonel Samuel Miles' Pennsylvania
Rifle Regiment, at Sunbury, on April 13, 1776, and
was honorably discharged from the Revolutionary
Army on November 3, 1783. He was taken prisoner
at the battle of Long Island and wounded in the scalp
at the battle of Brandywine. He spent the winter of
1777-78 at Valley Forge, and was advanced to a sergeant after Monmouth. Returning from the war to
York County, Pennsylvania, he married Sophia Waltemyer, December 19, 1785, and after the birth of their
nine children, moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, for
his permanent residence on a farm. Sophia (Waltemyer) Ralston was born April 23, 1766, the daughter
of David (born I730, died I790) and Eve Waltemyer
(born 1730, died 1825).  Her grandfather, Lewis
Waltemyer, was born in Germany in I700, emigrated
to America in 1752, and died in York, Pennsylvania,
January io, 1783. The father and grandfather both
served in the York County Associators and Militia
during the Revolution. Sophia Waltemyer died December 23, I828.
Andrew Ralston II was the sixth child of Andrew
and Sophia (Waltemyer) Ralston, and was born February 7, 1797; died February i8, 1873. He married
Fanny Hesser, daughter of Peter Hesser; she was
born I8oo, married March 26, 1819, and died in September, 1867. Their fourth child was Lewis Waltemyer Ralston, born September 12, 1825, died December
IO, 1912, married, December 30, I847, Nancy Sears,
who was born June 12, 1826, and died March I9, I886.
The second child of this marriage was Charlotte Ann
Ralston, mother of the author.
(The Winthrop-Shotwell Line).
Mr. Walkinshaw also treced his lineage to Adam
Winthrop, of Lavenham, Suffolk County, England,
with descent through the following persons: Adam
Winthrop II, I498-1562; Adam Winthrop III, I5481623; Anne Winthrop Fones, 1585-1618, wife of
Thomas Fones; Elizabeth Fones Feake, I609-I--,
wife of Robert Feake, who came over with the Winthrop Fleet of 1630; Hannah Feake Bowne, I637-77,
wife of John Bowne; Mary Bowne Thorne, I660-I727,
wife of Joseph Thorne; Mary Thorne Shotwell, I6861768, wife of John Shotwell III, I686-I782, of Shotwell's Landing, New Jersey; John Shotwell III, I7121779, Revolutionary soldier; Hugh Shotwell, I764I854; Charlotte Shotwell, 1790-I827, married Ephraim
Sears; Nancy Sears, I826-86, married Lewis Waltemyer Ralston, noted above. The Shotwells were
Quakers at Plainfield, New Jersey.
(The Daugherty Line).
Hugh Daugherty was born in Ireland in I77o, and
his wife, Mary Blaney, in I775. They were married in Ireland in I792, and came to America in
I793. Hugh Daugherty died in Cincinnati, Ohio,
March 8, 1846, and is buried in a Catholic cemetery
there, while his wife died at Saltsburg, Pennsylvania,
on November 29, 1852, and is buried in Edgewood
Cemetery. Hugh Daugherty worked away from home
much, and his wife belonged to the Associate Reformed Church, which accounts for their variant
burials. The family early came to Mt. Pleasant Township, near Weavers Old Stand, in I8Io, where some of
the children were born, and later, in 183I, located at
Saltsburg. At this place their son, James Robinson
Daugherty, was burgess in 1845, 1848 and i86I, and
was. elected sheriff of Indiana County in I863, and for
a second term from 1872 to I875. The daughter, Margaret (Burns) Daugherty, married Joseph Walkinshaw, as previously noted.
Lewis Clark Walkinshaw, of this record, married
May 20, 1909, Bess Jean Garvin, who was born in
Corsica, Pennsylvania, February ii, I88o, the daughter of George Samuel and Alvaretta Gertrude Garvin;
granddaughter of Joseph Marvin and Elizabeth (Kennedy) Garvin; great-granddaughter of Samuel and
Sallie (Heck) Garvin; and great-great-granddaughter
of Marvin Garvin, a Revolutionary soldier from Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County. They had
the following children and grandchildren: I. Rachel,
born October 19, 191I, now married to Carl G. Archibald, East Orange, New Jersey, they having one son,
Robert Cowan Archibald, born July I3, 1937. 2.
Andrew Ralston, born April 16, 1914, married Huldah
Ruth Duncan, and having one daughter, Linda L,ee,
born September 2, I937. 3. Paul Reiner, born November 2I, 1917. 4. Ruth, born May 15, I920, now a
student in Derry Township High School. The family
resides at Millwood Lodge in Derry Township.
Mr. Walkinshaw's sudden death occurred April 7,
I939, and the handling of proof on the present work
was among the final completed tasks of his life.
58oX3 IG NKIINDEX
Acheson, Arabella T., 407
David, 399
Marcus W., Hon., 399
Mary, 399
Sophie D., 400
William, 408
Acklin, Charles, I07
Mary, I07
Stephen P., I07
Adair, Frank, I69
Janet, I69
Lizzie, I69
Adams, Alice M., I77
Charles F., I77
Cora L., I76
Edna, 468
Frank D., 90
Grace, go90
Jacob B., Jr., I76
Jacob B., 3d, I77
Jesse H., I76
Martha J., I77
Minnie G., 9o
Adamson, Charles, 415
Eva K., 415
Grace, 415
Hiram R., 415
James S., 415
Reed P., 415
Aiken, Helena A., 286
Ake, Almont, I36
Eliza, I36
Elizabeth R., I36
Everett C., I36
Jacob G., I36
James D., I36
James H., I36
Molly, I36
Philander, I36
Sarah F., I36
Wilfred H., I36
Akens, Altha, I63
Charles H., I63
Eva, I63
Hamilton J., I63
Hannah, I63
Nettie R., I63
Alcorn, Mary, 343
Allan, Alexander M., Dr., 520
Christine M., 520
Isabelle, 520
Jeanne M., 520
Mary, 520
Thomas, Rev., 520
William A., 520
Allen, Adda, 172
Arthur H., I23
Cecilia, 172
Frank, 301
Helen, 301
Katherine H., 123
Margaret, I9o
Mazie, 301
Mary, I90
Milton, 172
Robert G., Hon., I23
Sally, I23
William, I90
Allison, Blanche, 226
Clara, 226
Ephraim, 226
Allport, Edith, 357
Hobarit, Dr., 357
James H., 357
Allridge, Enoch, 225
Jeane, 225
Minnie, 225
Altfather, Anna C., 555
Betty L., 555
Clarence W., Jr., 555
Clarence W., Sr., 554
Daniel N., 554
Dorothy A., 555
Elmer C., 555
Evelyn M., 555
Helen J., 555
Helen M., 555
John C., 555
Lewis C., 555
Lewis F., 555
Mary, 554
Mary E., 555
Robert M., 555
Walter R., 555
Altman, Emma, 280
N. F., 280
Nita, 280
Anderson, Dwight M., Jr., 63
Dwight M., Sr., 62
Frank, 63
Grace, 63
Hannah, 362
Harry (E. H.), 263
James N., 362
John S., Dr., 263
Malinda, 263
Mary L., 62
Patricia J., 487
Sarah J., 3I9, 362
Stephen B., 63
William H., 62
Andrews, Ina M., 569
Irma, I7
J. Ellis, 245
Jane, I57
Jane W., I57
John K., Rev., I57
Minnie B., 245
Romaine, 245
Arble, Anna, 428
Ellsworth F., Dr., 428
Fred, 428
Robert, 428
Rose M., 428
Archer, Charles, 294
Gertrude, 294
Vesta, 294
Armstrong, Adam, I94
Eleanor L., 567
Elizabeth H., o08
Elizabeth V., 567
Hazel E., o08
Helen I., I95
Isabella, I94
Jean B., 195
John A., I94
John B., 567
John M., 566
John T., I08
Martha J., 567
Mary A., Io8
Mary K., I95
Matthew B., Io8
Matthew L., Io8
Minnie M., 567
Samuel S., 567
Sarah L., I95
Arnett, Emma, 50
James M., 50
Jean B., 5I
Rene, 5I
Robert J., Jr., 5I
Robert J., Sr., 50
Artman, Daniel K., I7
Eli, I34
Grace, 17
Minnie, I7
Sara E., I34
Sarah J., I34
Ashton, Amos T., Rev. Dr., I6i
Amelia H., I6I
Mortimer S., Rev., I6I
Aubrey, Katharine, I73
Martha, I73
Robert L., 173
Thomas R., I73
Austin, Anne, II
Clark R., 36I
Elizabeth, 11
Eugene H., 36I
Ida, IO
Mary L., 360
Mildred, I  ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Robert E., IO
William H., IO
Backman, Esther, 486
Helen, 486
Herbert, 486
John H., 486
Peter L., Dr., 486
Baer, Catherine, 568
Daniel, 568
Eliza, 568
Elizabeth, 568
Ella, 568
Elmer S., 568
Grace A., 568
Ida, 5'8
Isaiah, 567
Levi, 568
Ludwig, 568
Martha, 568
Rosa, 568
Sadie, 568
Sally, 568
William, 568
William G., 568
Bailey, Barbara, 62
Dora B., 517
Henrietta, 62
John, 62
Mary, 517
Thomas W., 517
Baily, Dora, I04
Edna, IO4
J. Ewing, I04
Bair, Abbie S., 39
Charles L., 23I
Donald S., 229
Edward H., 229, 374, 375
Esther, 229, 374
Esther S., 375
Hannah E., 469
Homer F., Jr., 469
Homer F., Sr., 468
Isaac, 39
Joseph H., 469
Joseph L., 229
Kenneth H., Jr., 375
Kenneth H., Sr., 374
Margaretta, 229
Nell, 23I
Paul S., 229
Rose E., 469
Susan, 39
Victor W., Dr., 23I
Willetta, 375
Baird, Alice D., 256
Elizabeth D., 256
John, 256
Baker, Clara A., 488
Baldwin, Ada, 545
Anna E., 345
Cora, 545
Ed D., 544
George A., Jr., 345
George A., Sr., 344
Jane E., 344
Joseph, 544
Kathryn, 545
Lucinda, 544
Merle, 545
Myrtle, 545
Paul H., 345
Richard S., 345
Robert B., 344
Roy, 545
Ruth, 545
Vera, 545
Bandish, Helen, I87
John, I87.Mary, I87
Bane, Catharine R., 8
Clinton E., Dr., 245
Clinton E., Jr., 246
David E., 6
David M., 8
Eustace H., 8
James C., Jr., Io8
Jatnes C., Sr., I07
Lawrence L., I07
Mahlon, 245
Mary, 246
Mary E., 6
Mary H., Io8
Morgan A., 6
Nannie, 245
Nellie R., 8
Olive, I07
Ruth N., 8
Sarah E., 8
Barbary, Bertha, II9
Mary E.,  I9
Barber, Florence, 477
R. M., 477
Vera M., 477
William S., 477
Barbor, Ezekiel A., 223
Irene, 223
Selina, 223
Thomas S., 223
Barchus, Barbara, 514
Daniel, 514
Daniel Q., 515
Dorothy, 515
Eleanor, 515
John L., 5I4
John McC., 515
Mary E., 515
Barclay, Hettie, 438, 439
John, Jr., 438
John, Sr., 438
John, III, 439
Joseph K., 438
Josephine, 439
Rebecca, 437, 438, 439
Rebecca C., 439
Thomas, 437
Thomas J., 437, 439
Barefoot, Alton, 489
Anna M., 488
B. Blaine, 488
Charles F., 489
Edwin, 488
Lizzie, 488
Lucy, 489
Samuel, 488
Barkman, Charlotte, 47I
Henry, 471
John Y., 47I
Lucile, 472
Maggie, 472
Nettie M., 472'Shelton H., 472
Barner, Armin K., 432
Augusta, 432
Carl, 432
Emily, 476
Francis, 476
Lenora, 476
Luther VV., 432
Mary, 432
Richmond B., 476
Robert F., Rev., 432
Robert P., 432
Barnes, Agnes, 40
Anna, 329
Cora A., 518
Demass E. M. A., 535
Edith, 329
Gwendolyn, 385
Helen E., 535
James, 329
James P., 385
Jean E., 40
John S., 40
Lavinia, 518
Lydia B., 535
Martha, 385
Oscar R., 518
Thomas E., 535
Thomas G., 535
Barnesboro "Star," The, 328
Barnett, Craig, 249
Dorothy, I87
Evelyn, 249
James E., Col., 527
John M., Rev., 527
Luke, I87
Margaret, I87, 249
Barnhart, Amanda, 380
Frank P., 380
Gertrude D., 380
Gertrude H., 380
Henry, 380
Barnum, Elizabeth A., 36I
Grace M., 362
Hilda G., 362
Jesse D., 36I
Paul T., 362
Ruth C., 362
Samuel A., 36I
Sarah J., 362
Barr, Ada M., 83
Amanda E., 530
Eunice, 530
Iris A., 530
586ANNALS
John A., 530
John C., Dr., 83
John G., 530
John W., Dr., 83
Mary E., 83
Barron, Annie M., 460
Catharine, 460
George E., 40
John C., 460
John S., 40
Mary, 40
Mary L., 40
Mattie J., 40
Bartholomew, A. H., 39
Ellen, 39
Rachael, 39
Bass, Ernest, 323
Ernest F., 322
Fred E., 322
Fred J., 323
Lena, 323
Louise, 323
Phyllis, 322
Bauer, Alice W., I69
Barbara E., I69
Edward, I69
Edward G., Jr., I69
Edward G., Sr., I69
Virginia W., I69
Bauermaster, Claude R., Jr., 547
Claude R., Sr., 547
Edward, 547
Emma E., 547
Fern J., 547
Genevieve J., 547
Missouri, 547
Orpha G., 547
Robert M., 547
Baumgardner, Amanda, 278
E. W., 278
Lillian, 278
Mahlon J., Jr., 278
Mahlon, J. Sr., 278
Robert E., 278
Baun, Alta E., 442
David, 442
J. Murray, 442
Mary E., 442
Beachly, Alder, 552
Beachy, Elizabeth, 562
Eva J., 46I
Wilbert E., 46I
Wilbert H., Jr., 462
Wilbert H., Sr., 461
Beal, Andrew 0., 55I
Barbara, 55I
Beatrice, 396
Estella, 55I
James H., Jr., 396
James H., Sr., 395
Mary, 395
William, 395
Beall, Agnes, 382
Beatrice A., 383
Elsie L., 383
OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Florence M., 383
John M., 382
S. Lloyd, 382
Bearer, Della, 369
Beaufort, Augusta, 340
Beaumont, Clyde, 436
Jacob, 436
Bee, Charles H., Dr., 353
Clare, 354
Daniel H., 354
Daniel H., Dr., 354
Elizabeth, 354
Mary T., 354
Beerits, Belinda, 464
Florence, 463
Henry C., I, 463
Henry C., II, 463
Henry C., III, 463
Ida, 465
John H., 462
Mary, 463, 464
Moran, 444
Robert E., 464
Beery, J. D., 247
J. Karl, Dr., 247
Lenore, 248
Mary L., 248
Zulemma, 247
Beggs, Charles D., 482
Dora L., 482
Earle R., 481
Elise, 482
Elliott L., 482
John K., 482
Mary E., 48I
T. G., Jr., 482
T. G., Sr., 48I
Bell, Angelina, 563
Edna M., 58
Gilmore F., 57
Harry J., Dr., 58
Helen E., 58
Helen M., 60
Hugh M., 57
Jane C., 225
John G., 225
Mary, 59
Mary J., 57
Mary K., 58
Virginia L., 225
Bence, Carl P., 322
Carl R., 322
Dorothy C., 317
Dorothy V., 317
Edward J., 322
Elizabeth, 322
Eugene S., 317
Gerald C., 317
Harry H. E., 322
Harry J., 322
James, 3I7
Logan C., Jr., 317
Logan C., Sr., 317
Margaret C., 322
Rosina, 317
William C., 322
Benson, Doris R., 483
Emma M., 483
Hall M., 483
J. E., 483
Virginia, 483
Benner, Charlotte, 388
Mary, 388
Thomas M., 388
Thomas McC., 388
Bennett, Charlotte, 414
Daniel M., 215
Earl R., 217
Elizabeth E., 216
John W., 217
Laura E., 415
Lloyd W., 217
Maggie, 217
Margaret, 217
Mark J., 216
Michael B., 414
Rebecca, 217
Tillie B., 217
W. C., 414
William F., 217
Bergman, Anna C., 453
C. B., 313
Carl, 313
E. H., 313
E. H.  Sons, 313
Gertrude, 313
Helen, 313
Henry, 313
Margaret, 313
Margaret J., 313
M. D., 313
Mary, 313
Mary A., 313
Mary B., 313
Ora, 313
Roger B., 313
Susan, 313
Berkeley, Anna, 542
Lewis, 54I, 542
Lucille, 542
Sarah, 54I
Sherman B., 541
Van, 542
Wilma, 542
Berkey, Ada E., 47I
Annie C., 577
Annie M., 460
Chauncey H., 460
Donald, 471
Earl, 47I
Edna, 47I
Elizabeth, 460
John A., Hon., 460
L. C., 471
Levi, 471, 577
Mabel, 460
Mary, 460
Mary A., 47I, 577
Sue E., 460
587ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
ANDREW W. MELLON-Distinguished alike
in the financial world and in the field of statesmanship
and major public service, Andrew W. Mellon, who
died August 26, 1937, exercised an important influence
in American life for many years. He was born on
March 24, I855, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a son of
Judge Thomas and Sarah Jane (Negley) Mellon. He
received his preliminary education under the instruction of his father, later attending the public schools
and the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the
University of Pittsburgh), where he was a member of
the class of 1873.
Mr. Mellon's father was a pioneer Pittsburgh banker
and industrial leader. He was the founder of the
family fortune, but to his sons he passed on his own
sound judgment and remarkable executive talents, enabling them to administer wisely the several enterprises
with which the family name has long been connected
when control of these projects passed into their hands.
Mr. Mellon soon demonstrated his own inherent business capacity. After leaving college, he entered the
real estate and lumber business at Mansfield, now
Carnegie, Pennsylvania, in association with his
younger brother, Richard Beatty Mellon. These interests he continued for a number of years, but finally
relinquished them to join his father in the conduct of
the private banking firm of T. Mellon and Sons, at
Pittsburgh. With the retirement of Judge Mellon in
i886, Andrew W. Mellon and Richard Beatty Mfellon
became the heads of the institution. In October, 1889,
they organized the Union Trust Company of Pittsburgh as an affiliate of their banking firm. The latter
subsequently became the Mellon National Bank and
about the same time they also organized the Union
Savings Bank.  These three institutions, all under
Mellon control, became one of the largest and most
influential financial combinations in the United States.
In addition, Mr. Mellon played a leading part in the
development of many other corporations, both industrial and financial, including: The Workingmen's Savings and Trust Company; the Bessemer Trust Company, of Braddock, Pennsylvania; the Duquesne Trust
Company, the Braddock National Bank, both of Duquesne, Pennsylvania; the Monongahela Trust Company of Homestead, Pennsylvania; the Wilkinsburg
Bank; the East Pittsburgh Savings and Trust Company; the Pennsylvania Railroad; the Ligonier Valley
Railroad; the Union Fidelity Title Insurance Company
and several other large insurance companies; the Pittsburgh Coal Company, largest of its kind in the world;
the Aluminum Company of America, which dominates
the world aluminum industry; the Gulf Refining Company; the Gulf Oil Company and its numerous subsidiaries; and many others in varied fields. He was
the founder of the town of Dolnora, where important
steel mills were established.
Mr. Mellon continued to bear the major burdens in
connection with the direction of the Mellon interests
until his acceptance of the portfolio of the Treasury
in the Cabinet of President Harding. At that time he
had been regarded over a long period as one of the
leading financiers of the Nation and his innumerable
business interests were located in practically every section in the United States and in every country of the
world. When President Harding was elected to the
Presidency he immediately sought to induce Mr. Mellon to become Secretary of the Treasury of the
United States. Mr. Mellon at length agreed and, resigning his myriad directorships, devoted himself thereafter to the business of the Nation. The choice of
President Harding was also that of President Coolidge
and of President Hoover, under both of whom Mr.
Mellon served as Secretary of the Treasury until February 5, 1932, when he was confirmed as Ambassador
to the Court of St. James's by the United States
Senate. He filled this highest diplomatic post of his
country with distinction until his resignation in March,
1933, following the change of administration at Washington. During his long tenure of office as Secretary
of the Treasury, Mr. Mellon also served, in addition
to his regular duties, as chairman ex o ficio of the
Federal Reserve Board, the Farm Loan Board and
the United States section of the Inter-American High
Commission, as director general of the United States
Railroad Administration and as a member of the board
of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.
Mr. Mellon had many other claims upon the gratitude of the Nation. With his brother, Richard Beatty
Mellon, he established the Mellon Institute of Industrial Research, a non-profitmaking organization devoted to research and investigation in physical science
and technology as an aid to industry. The Mellon Institute, now operated in connection with the University
of Pittsburgh, has played a part of great importanceANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
These connections reflect Dr. Bell's professional
standing, but constitute only one phase of his career
which is also distinguished by wide public service. In
I9o7 he was elected and on January I, I9o8, took office
as coroner of Fayette County, in which position he was
the first to serve an eight-year elective period. He
has been secretary of the D;awson Board of Health
for the past twenty-five years and a director of the
Dawson School Board for thirty years, during the
past twenty of which he has been its secretary. He
has exercised an important influence in the general
civil life of Dawson and in the World War period was
prominent in all war work, notably as chairman of
Selective Draft Board No. 5 and as one of the "Fourminute Speakers" in Fayette County. Dr. Bell has
been a consistent Republican in politics and on several
occasions has been honored by his party. His nomination and election to the State Senate from the Thirtysecond Senatorial District (Fayette County) in I926
broadened the scope of his public service to include the
State at large. Dr. Bell was successfully reelected in
I930, continuing in the Senate until I934. In the session of I931-33 he was chairman of the Committee on
Mines and Mining. In the extra session of I933 he
was chairman of the important Appropriations Committee and was also a member of the Finance Committee and the committees on Banks and Banking,
Education, and Public Health and Sanitation. His
labors in the Senate enhanced his reputation and won
him the complete respect of his associates.
Dr. Bell's Masonic record dates back many years
and his services to the order have brought him its
highest distinctions. He is a member of James Cochran Lodge, No. 6I4, Free and Accepted Masons, of
which he was the first Worshipful Master and which
he has served since 1913 as secretary. He is Past
High Priest of Union Chapter, No. I65, Royal Arch
Masons, at Uniontown, and a member of the Committee of Correspondence of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania. He is a member of Olivet Council, No. I3,
Royal and Select Masters, at Greensburg. He is Past
Commander of Uniontown Commandery, No. 49,
Knights Templar, at Uniontown, and has held various
offices in the Grand Commandery of the Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, serving in I938 as Grand Senior
Warden. He is also a member of the Committee of
the Educational Foundation Fund of the Knights
Templar of Pennsylvania. From 1920 to 193I he was
Division Commander, Division No. Io, of the Grand
Commandery Knights Templar, of Pennsylvania, and
Grand Warden of the Grand Commandery, Knights
Templar of Pennsylvania, 193I-32. Dr. Bell has also
been active in the Scottish Rite bodies and is Past
Thrice Potent Master of Uniontown Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of
Uniontown; and a member of Pennsylvania Consistory, Valley of Pittsburgh.  He is a member of the
Red Cross of Constantine Assembly at Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, and a life member of Syria Temple:
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at
Pittsburgh. On September 17, I907, at Boston, Massachusetts, the honorary thirty-third degree of the Scottish Rite, an often sought but rarely accorded distinction, was conferred upon him. This is Masonry's
highest honor and is granted only in recognition of outstanding  character, complete devotion  to  Masonic
ideals and notable service to Masonry.
Dr. Bell is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Dawson and has been a leader of the church,
serving for some years past as chairman of the board
of trustees. He has also been teacher of the Men's
Bible Class in the Sunday school for thirty years and
is now superintendent of the Sunday school.
He married, on October 28, I896, Helen M. Reed, of
Laurel Hill, Favette County, Pennsylvania, daughter
of the Rev. J. B. and Isabell (Shields) Reed, of
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
WILLIAM JOSIAH CROW-As mayor of
Uniontown, and a practicing attorney since 1926, William Josiah Crow is prominent in the legal and political life of this section. He was born in Uniontown.
January 22, I902, the son of William Evans Crow who
long distinguished himself in Pennsylvania politics.
William  Evans Crow  served as State Senator for
many terms, resigning in 1921 to accept appointment
by Governor William  C. Sproul to a United States
Senatorship.  He served in this capacity until his
death, August 2, 1922.
William Josiah Crow attended the local public
schools and Pennsylvania Military College at Chester,
Pennsylvania, graduating from the latter institution in
1922. He then enrolled in Dickinson Law School at
Carlisle, and received his degree of Bachelor of LIaws
in 1925. He was admitted to the bar the following
February and has been engaged in the general practice
of law in Uniontown ever since. He served as assistant district attorney of Fayette County from 1928 to
I932, and on November 2, 1937, he was elected mayor
of the town, and was sworn into office January I, I938.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been
always identified with the Republican party. Ile has
established himself as an aggressive leader and has
won for himself the support of a large following. He
is a member of the County and State Bar associations,
and is affiliated with Uniontown Aerie Fraternal Order
of Eagles, No. 528; and the Uniontown Lodge Loyal
Order of Moose; Lodge No. 370, Benevolent and Pro6oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Bernard, Dorothy, 326
Helen G., 326
Jean M., 326
Joseph F., 326
Kathryn, 326
M. Joan, 326
Pauline, 326
Walter, 326
Berner, Beatrice, I97
John C., I97
Bert, Adam, I5I
Catherine, I5I
Catherine E., 152
Clara L., 152
Laura W., I52
Walter G., I5I
Best, Genevieve, 230
James D., 229
John K., 230
Robert E., Jr., 230
Robert E., Sr., 229
Tina M., 229
Bickel, Harvey S., Rev., 496
Biggert, Ann C., 268
James C., 268
Matilda, 268
Bigler, Anna, 416
George, 416
Mary, 416
Binns, Lovell J., 327
Binnis, Elizabeth, 88
Elma, 88
James G., 88
Bird, Anna W., 564
Charles E., 563
Cyrus M., 563
Hulda, 564
Laura, 564
Miriam M., 564
Orville R., 564
Birk, Anna, 91
Bernard, 9I
Edward J., 91
Philip J., 91
Biter, Frances M., 457
Joseph J., 457
Mary C., 457
Mercedes, 457
Philip, 457
Rudolph H., 457
Thekla, 457
Bittner, Andrew E., 487
Edith, 487
Gloria A., 487
Nora, 487
Patricia J., 487
Robert B., 487
Robert U., 487
Black, Alice, 292
Blanche, 291
Harry, 416
John R., 292
John W., 29I
Margaret J., 29I
Mary, 416
Mary C., 29I
Mary E., 480
Mary M., 291
Mary V., 480
Maude, I47
Robert E., 479
Robert H., Jr., 29I
Robert H., Sr., 29I
Sue W., 480
Virgil M., 480
Virginia, 292
Blackburn, A. S., 4I
Elizabeth, 4I
Marilla, 4I
Bladen, Enna M., 477
Thomas, 477
Blair, Adley, II5
Caroline R., 42I
David H., 422
Elizabeth, 420, 422
Hazel, I 5
Hilda, I I5
Ida M., II5
James S., 420
John P., 420
Joseph, I 115, 567
Lena C., 422
Margaret, 1I5, 567
Minnie M., 567
Rita, I I 5
Thomas, I 5
Blakslee, Irene C., 68
Blansett, David F., 342
Mable E., 342
Rebecca, 342
Blazic, Frank, I82
John, Rev., I82
Mary, 182
Bliss, Elizabeth, 93
Howard, 93
Howard C., Dr., 93
Bloom, Charles, 272
George I., 273
Israel C., 272
Tillie, 272
Blume, Dorothea H., 274
Juliet, 274
Paul, 274
Boale, James D., 73
John A., Dr., 73
Sarah, 73
Board, Charles B., I20
Charles L., I20
Lucy B., II9
Luther I., I9
Mae M., I20
Margaret E., I20
Marguerite I., I20
Rosa L., I20
William H., Jr., I20
William H., Sr., II9
Boarts, Amanda E.,  I6
Frederick, II6
Harry P., II6
Joseph E., 243
Mina L., 243
Sarah, 243
Sarah J., II6
Bofbek, Mary R., 486
Bodes, Alice, 556
Anna, 556
Carl, 556
Earl, 556
Edna, 556
George, 556
Grace, 556
Harry, 556
Henry, 556
Mahala, 556
Mary, 556
Milton, 556
Ray, 556
Ruth, 556
Bollinger, Edith, 43I
John J., 43I
Mary, 43I
Bomberger, Amos H., 37
Christian H., 37
Christian M., 36
Edith M., 37
Elizabeth, 37
Jacob G., 37
Bonner, Marguerite M., 509
Booher, Albert M., 204
Cecil R., 204
Charlotte, 204
David, 204
Estelle, 204
Herbert M., 204
Boose, Anna M., 46I, 466, 474
Bertha, 46I
Budd B., 46I
Ellis C., 474
Emma, 475
Jane E., 467
John R., 46I, 466, 474
Mary E., 467
Norman T., Judge, 466
Vida, 475
Vida M., 474
Booth, Elizabeth P., 399
George, 399
Boothman, Agnes, 329
Bortz, Adam F., 227, 228
Donald W., 229
Dorothy, I89
Eleanor, I90
Emma, I89
George H., Jr., I9O
George H., Sr., I89
Helen F., 229
Henry G., I89
Jennie K., 228
Margaret, 227
Oliver, 236
Pamilla R., I89
Rowena, 236
Tillie, 236
Walter M., Dr., 227
588ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Bosworth, Alice L., 336
C. C., 337
Boucher, Agnes, 314
Boughner, Alice, I98
James R. G., I98
Otho M., I98
Bouhour, Adolphine, 279
Luceinne, 279
Bowden, Lucy, 489
Bowen, Mary, 457
Bower, Adam, 85
Benjamin, 276
Elizabeth, 85, 276
John, 276
Margaret, 276
Mary, 85
Walter S., Jr., 276
Walter S., Sr., 276
Bowers, Asia L., 209
David M., 208
Edwin S., 209
Etta, 208
Frank L., Jr., 209
Frank L., Sr., 208
Theodore M., 209
Bowersox, Henry A., II3
Rhoda V., I3
Sally, II3
Bowman, Ada G., 479
Jacob T., Dr., 479
Sarah J., 479
William, 479
Bowser, A. B., Rev. Dr., I35
Elizabeth A., II5
Ella, 135
Eva, 114
Evan L., I5
Isabelle, I35
Janet V., II5
Lewis, II4
Louise, 11 4
Nellie, 114
Richard S., II5
Rosanna M., II5
Roy P., I 14
Thomas E., II5
Boyd, Carrie E., 304
Clara E., IOI
Elizabeth M., IoI
William, IOI
Boyer, Catherine, 435
Della M., 566
Emery H., 435
Fannie J., 436
John, 435
Maude S., 29
Mildred R., 436
Brackemeyer, Clara, 356
Bracken, Louisa, I84
Maria C., I85
Michael, I84
Michael J., I84
Paul J., I85
Braden, Laura W., I52
Brady, Catherine, 352
Hannah, 412
Hugh, 412
James, 4I2
James, Rev., 352
Jane, 412
Patrick, 352
Rachel, 412
Braham, Isabel W., 3
James W., 3
J. Walter, Judge, 2
Olive, 2
Robert R., 2
Selina F., 2
William W., Jr., 3
William W., Judge, 2
Brandon, F. Boyd, I50
Frank B., I50
Margaret B., I50
M. Boyd, I50
Milton F., I49
Nancy J., 149
Thomas C., I50
Thomas J., I49
Braude, Abner, 370
Bennett A., Dr., 370
Bennett A., 2d, 370
Reba, 370
Rita S., 370
Susan P., 370
Brauff, Dorothy A., 307
Herbert D., 306
Laura, 307
Mary F., 307
Minnie, 306
William S., 306
Braun, Armella, 416
Elizabeth, 416
Elsie M., 416
George, 416
Gustave, 416
Karoline, 416
Louis E., 416
Louis H., 416
Matilda, 416
W. E., 416
Bricker, Sadie S., 557
Bridges, Flora, 102
James, 102
Mary, oa2
Brintzenhoff, Allen M., I46
Ethel M., I46
Ethel May, I46
H. J., I45
J. K., 145
Mary, 145
Mary J., I46
Britt, Cora, I62
Doris, I62
Joseph, I62
Broad, Dorothy, 295
Eve, 295
Frances, 295
Fred D., 294
Frederick J., 294
Harry B., 295
Michael, 295
Brooke, Eleanor B., 480
Frank L., 480
Mary E., 48o
Mary M., 480
Milton M., Dr., 480
Milton M., Jr.,'480
Brooks, Henry, Rev. Dr., 448
Rose A., 448
Terrissa C., 448
Brothers, Bernice, I58
Edith, 158
Elzie W., I58
Brougher, Millie, 478
Brown, Albert C., I5
Alice V., 418
Alpheus C., 240
Anna C., 353
Annie, 5I
Arthur A., Jr., I6
Arthur A., Sr., I5
Barbara, 240
Benjamin, 5I
Bernice, I58
Bruce B., I58
Clara, 418
Columbus, 253
Evan I., Dr., 418
Evelyn, I58
George C., 33I
Herbert V., 33I
James H., I58
James O., I58
Jane, 230
Katherine J., 502
Louisa, 519
Mabel S., 240
Margaret, 125, 230
Margaret E., I5, I6
Mary J., 33I
Maude A., 33I
Maude C., 5I
May, I25
Olive, 253
Oliver, 519
Orville, I58
Samuel P., I25, 230
Sara D., 519
Thomas C., 353
Tom H., Jr., 230
Tom H., Sr., 230
Virginia, I6
William P., 418
Will S., 230
Brownfield, Gazell M., I98
John H., I97
John F., I97
Malissa A., I97
Mary E., I98
Ruth A., I98
Brownson, Eleanor McC., I37
James I., Hon., 136
James I., Rev., I37
Brumbaugh, Ada, 350
589ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Bryant, Matilda, 293
Victor S., 293
Bryson, Elizabeth, 293
John, 293
Mabel, 293
Buchanan, Douglas, 375
Douglas G., Jr., 376
Douglas G., Sr., 375
Lewis M., 376
Sarah, 375
Sarah A., 376
Buelman, Adam H., 465
Bessie, 465
Bunting, Annetta, 57I
Burchfield, Albert P., 12
Sarah J., I2
William H., 12
Burford, Irene, 205
Burg, Anchel O., 298
Bessie, 298
Dorothy, 298
Dorothy B., 298
Nathan H., 298
Samuel, 298
Burns, Edith M., 152
Burriss, Carrie, 53
Grace, 53
James C., 53
Marguerite, 53
Milton A., 53
Ross S., 53
Virginia, 53
Bushyager, Howard O., 2I3
Mary E., 213
Ronald R., Dr., 213
Wilma M., 213
Buterbaugh, Anna C., 353
Elias L., 353
Howard B., Dr., 353
Sarah, 353
Buxton, Eva, 286
George, 286
Helen, 286
Byers, Henry W., I57
Jennie M., I57
Katharyn, 157
Cain, Ellen, 333
Calarie, John, 548
Peter, 548
Teresa, 548
Calder, Elizabeth H., 247
George, Dr., 247
Mary, 247
Calderwood, Alta E., 442
Caldwell, Rebecca, 217
Calhoun, Elizabeth, 238
Mary, 238
Oscar J., 238
Campbell, Amos, -4o9f
Charles W., 2fi1
David B., 2I
David.S., 20
Eva, 2I
F. Boyd, I50
Freida A.,4,W
George W., 5A
Grace,,5
Helen, ~2-4
Ida,,5
Joseph N. C., 246
Lawrence W,, 4og9
Linda A., 204l
Mary A., 246
Mary E., PgINancy A.,  9
Nancy R.,,'I
Naomi, I36
Carey, Charlotte, 53I
Ella M., 53I
George D. K., 53I
Carney, Annie, 458
Carns, Lillian, 482
Carpenter, Eda W., I5I
Joshua F., I50
Katherine, I50
Peter L., I50
Carr, Amanda, 4, I88
Edna, I88
John D., 4, 5,.- 88
Julia M., 5
Wooda N., Hon., 4
"Carrolltown News," newspaper,
274
Carson, A. Grace, 268
Alexander S., 268
Annette, 268
Elizabeth, 170, 268
Harry, 170
John A., 268
Kerfoot W., 269
Mildred, T70
Nora W., 268
Pearl A., 269
Robert M., Jr., I70
Robert M., Sr., 170
Thomas E., I70
Tillie B., 217
Walter, 268
William L., I70
Carter, Caroline, 416
John B., 416
John B., Jr., 416
Lois, 4I6
Mary, 79, 416
Zephaniah, 79
Carthew, Mary G., I4I
Case, George, 83
Gertrude, 83
Loretta M., 83
Casey, Anna G., 367
Cavalcante, Anthony, Hon., 490
Anthony, Jr., 491
Antonnetta, 490
E. Salome, 49I
Michael, 490
William M., 49I1
Cervino, Anthony L., Dr., 307
Dorothy, 308
Irene, 308
Rena Z., 308
Vincent, 308
Chaffey, Charlotte C., 423
John G., 423
Mary, 423
Chalfant, Edith, 398
Evaline, 397, 398
Henry R., 397
Sidney A., Dr., 397
Chaney, George W., 201I
Sarah A., 20I
Chattaway, Edith H., 92
Hazel A., 92
Mary, 92
Thomas H., 92
William, 92
Chichester, Frederick W., 233
Laura, 233
Mary E., 233
Chick, George L., 320
Laura, 320
Leslie A., 320
Margaret E., 320
Margaret J., 320
Stephen H., 320
Childs, Cecil, 536
George, 536
Mable A., 536
Chirico, Anna, 205
Anna M., 205
Frank, 205
Lena D., 205
Virgil, 205
Christman, Abe, 204
Christina, 204
Estelle, 204
Christoff, Bertha E., 364
Christopher, Caroline, 566
Daisy, 97
Dorothy, 97
Franz O., Rev., 96
Helen, 97
Paul F., 97
William H., 97
Church, Blanche, 245
Cephas G., 245
Charles, 244
Charlotte, 245
Grace, 245
Hattie, 244
Ivey M., 245
Lou, 245
Nellie F., 244
Rinehart B., 245
Sarah, 245
Churchill, Elizabeth, I36
Philander, I36
Sarah F., 136
Clark, Adah, 339
Adah S., 75
Albert, 337
Catherine, 75
Edgar C., 98
Elizabeth, 98
Harry E., 339
John W., 75, 339
Joseph O., 75, 76
Laura M., 127
59oANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Martha B., 339
Mary, 339
Oliver P., 127
Ruth, 339
Ruth L., I27
Verna, 339
Violet C., 337
Virtue, 75
Winifred J., 76
Woodward D., 339
Clarke, Cora, 212
Clarkson, Matilda, 399
Claster, Bessie, 520, 52I
Isaac, 520, 521
Jeannette, 52I
Joel A., 521
Louis, 521
Maurice H., 520
Sally A., 52I
Clawson, Edna, I33
Fred H., I33
Robert S., I33
Rosalie J., 133
Sanford M., I33
Clements, Susanna, 260
Clever, Elizabeth, 309
Robert 0., 308
Stella M., 308
Cluck, Gertrude, 489
Cober, Aaron J., I55
Alvaro B., I55
Lucinda, I55
Nellie, 156
Rebecca, 508
Coburn, Emma, 6I
Mary L., 6I
Millard, 6I
Cochran, Frank K., I69
James B., I69
Janet, I69
Sarah L., I69
Sarah M., I69
Coder, Frank R., Jr., 468
Frank R., Sr., 468
Joseph R., 468
Mary, 468
Mary R., 468
Rebekah, 468
Valeria P., 468
Coe, Barbara H., 224
Benjamin F., Dr., 224
Caleb E., 224
Elizabeth, 224
Ethelinda M., 224
Nancy M., 224
Coldren, Anna, II
Jesse, I I
John, I I
Sudie, 12
Cole, A. J., 431
Angela, I92
Ellen, IIO
Grace, 43I
Issac, I I
John, I92
Louie E., I 10
Margaret, 192
Collins, Dennis, 177
Elinore, 92
Mary, I77
Patrick K., Very Rev., I77
Commel, Helen M., 146
Condelli, Luigina, 510
N., 5IO
Rose, 5Io
Conger, Emma G., 430
Joanne, 430
John, 430
Conn, Anna, 370
Barbara E., 37I
Benjamin, 370
Elizabeth, 271
Frances S., 271
John I., 271
Marj.orie S., 37I
Pearle, 370
William V., Dr., 370
Connell, Arline, 299
Daniel, 299
James H., Jr.,. I42
James H., Sr., I42
John F., 299
Joseph, 299
M. Don, 299
Marie T., 299
Martha, 142
Matilda, 299
Richard, 299
William H., 299
Connelly, Elizabeth, 497
Elizabeth L., 498
Eugene L., 497
Minnie A., 498
Virginia, 498
William C., 497
Conner, Cyrus L., I82
Elmira, 182
May, 182
Connor, Collotte S., 35
Cornelia, 324
Jane, 35
Marion G., 36
Thomas, 35
Thomas S., Jr., 36
Thomas S., Sr., 35
Conrad, Amanda, I85
Anna, 302
Eliza, 302
Maria C., I85
W. Henry, 302
William, I85
Consalus, Charlotte, 388
John, 388
Julia M., 388
Considine, James, 279
Tames W., 362
John W., 362
Leo L., 278
Luceinne, 279
Margaret, 362
Mary, 278
Mary D., 363
Mary E., 362
Romaine, 279
Steven, 278
Conway, Anthony, I48
Elizabeth, I48, I49
Elizabeth M., I49
Eulalia M., I49
Stephen J., Jr., I49
Stephen J., Sr., I48
William M., Dr., 149
Conwell, Ruth, 232
William, 232
Cook, F. P., 207
Lucille, 207
Mary A. V., 207
Cooke, Arabella, I05
Arthur I., I05
Elizabeth, 55
Elizabeth B., 55
Sally A., I05
William H., 55
Cooper, Ann, I62
Clarence C., I62
Edith, I62
Frederick F., I99
Ida L., I9
Jeane, I62
John, I9
John H., I99
John W., I99
Lulu, I99
Marjorie, I99
Minnie, I62
Ralph A., I62
Sarah, I9
Will, Mrs., I21
Corbett, Elizabeth N., 435
Hunter, Rev., 435
Lizzie, 435
Core, Lorena G., 398
Cornwell, Elizabeth, 224
Corrado, Albert, 563
Angelina, 563
Cataldo, 562
Gloria, 563
Guy, 562
Josephine, 563
Marie J., 562
Corraini, Antonio, 32I
Irene, 321
Rinaldo E., 32I
Coshey, Carrie E., 34I
Elizabeth, 342
Harry D., 341
Henry S., 34I
Mable E., 342
Costlow, Augusta, 340
Charles D., Jr., 340
Charles D., Sr., 340
Clare, 340
Grace, 340
Louise, 340
Matilda, 340
Mildred, 340
Peter, 340
59IANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Rose, 340
Ruth, 340
Cottom, Alva W., 329
Anna M., 327
Anna S., 326
H. Vance, 329
Harry A., Hon., 326
Irving H., 326
Isabella B., 329
Mary A., 327
Nancy 0., 329
Robert I., 327
Ruth, 329
Thomas A., 329
Coughenour, Cyrus, I53
Pearl, 153
Sophia, 153
Countryman, Belinda, 472
E. Geneva, 554
Ella, 545, 553
George J., 472
Harry A., 472
Harvey L., 545, 553
Jacob H., 553
Kathryn, 545
Nellie, 472
Nellie C., 554
Paul, 545
R. Elwood, 545
Ruth, 554
Telford H., 472
Thelma, 472
Verna, 545
Covert, Anna E., 443
Jacob, 443
Mary, 443
Thomas F., 443
Cowan, Asa, 401
Elizabeth, 401
Elizabeth A., 401
Grace, 401
James A., 401
James A., Dr., 401
Nancy, 401
Crago, Blanche, 432
Gwendolyn, 432
John, 432
Craighead, Elizabeth N., 435
James R. E., Rev. D. D., 434
Samuel J., 434
Sarah, 434
Cramer, Amanda, 8I
Clara K., 220
Florence M., 82
Frank W., 82
George W., 220
Glen D., 221
Harold R., 221
John W., 8I
Lida, 220
Milton J., 82
Roy W., 220
Walter H., 82
Wilson, Rev., 8i
Crane, Ellen C.. 387
Esther M., 387
Joseph A., 387
Craven, Lelia L., 402
Crawford, Betty, 234
Carl, 107
Catherine, 44
Erie, 44
Fan E., 234
Fannie, I07
Mary, 107
Robert, 44, 234
Robert F., 234
Ruth, 234
William B., Dr., 234
Creps, Anna M., 308
Elbie G., 452
Francelia H., 452
Howard D., 45I
Jacob A., 45I
James J., 452
John H., 452
Minnie A., 451
Criss, Anna, 413
Catherine J., 413
Eliza J., 412
Nicholas R., Jr., 413
Nicholas R., Sr., 412
Rittenhouse, 412
Criste, Frances M. 457
Critchfield, Ada R., 330
Croner, Earle, 548
Ellen, 548
Harold, 548
Irma M., 548
John, 548
Joseph W., 548
Richard, 548
Crotty, Nellie, 522
Samuel O., Squire, 522
Virginia, 522
Crouse, Charles C., Dr., 4I
Dorothy M., 41
Elizabeth, 4I
Jerome M., 4I
Mary, 554
Nellie, 554
Sarah, 4I
William, 554
Crow, Charlotte, 6I
Richard S., 6I
Robert H., 6I
William E., 60o
William J., 60
Crowley, Joseph P., 43I
Marie C., 431
Sarah, 43I
Crowthers, Ann, 275
Emma J., 554
George H., 276
Jonas, 275
Toseph B., 554
Lee M., 275
Mary, 276
Ruth L., 554
Sophia, 276
Crumrine, Alonzo B., 25
Clarence A., Dr., 23
Clyde W., Dr., 23
Eleanor, 25
Eleanor A., 24
Grace, 24
J. Boyd, Hon., 25
John B., Jr., 26
Luceola, 23
Nell, 26
Cunningham, Caroline, 436
Clyde, 436
Eliza, 436
Eliza I., 437
Jesse E. B., 436
John, 436, 437
John B., 436
Mary, 436
Rachel, 437
William, 436
Cupp, Martha, 474
Dagg, Leroy, 287
Louise, 287
Marguerite, 287
Dalby, Clara, 297
Daley, Beatrice C., I5
John, I 5
Martha, 15
Danielson, Charles, 225
Christina E., 225
Josephine, 225
Danko, Mary, 57
Michael, 57
Susan, 57
Darr, Absalom WV., 339
Jane E., 339
John W., I 4
Mary J., I14
Verna, 339
Zura, II4
Daugherty, Annetta, 57I
Annie, 455
Augustine, 455
Charles B., Dr., 57I
Harry E., 571
Hart B., 317
James R., 570
James R., III, 57I
John M., 571
Marian H., 57I
Martha, 317
Mary A., 570
Mary M., 455
Nettie L., 571
S. Blanche, 318
Silas C., 570
Silas C., II, 57I
W. S., 317
Davidson, Amanda, 449
Anna F., 450
Eben D., 449
Edna M., 287
James M., 287
June A., 287
592ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
593
Lillie M., 287
Marion E., 450
Mildred I., 450
Robert L., 287
Robert W., 287
William H., 449
Davis, Alfred M., 283
Anna B., 283
Anna R., I I4
Anna S., 424
Antoinette, I6
Carl M., 55I
Carroll P., 398
Christine, I6
Claire C., 283
Dinah, 550
Don, 284
Fannie J., 436
George C., 398
Gertrude, I6, 284
John, I6, 284
John N., 550
Lillie M., 287
Martha,  I4
Mary, 287, 551
Matilda, 399
Maureen V., 55I
Peter S., 550
Robert, 284
Ruth, 17
Sarah, I6
Susan S., 399
Thomas, 287
Vera, 55I
W. Estanna, 398
William, I6
William B., 114
Davison, Allen S., 403
Clara E., 403
Edward, 402
George S., 402
Isabella, 402
Dean, Elizabeth, I87
Henry, I87
Margaret, 187
De Angelis, Angela, 253
Muzio C., Dr., 253
Richard, 253
Decker, Harry R., Dr., 404
Joseph, 404
Mary A., 404
Deeds, Dolra E., 25I
Ella M., 88
George S., 25I
George W., 87, 251
John M., 87, 88
Pora E., 87
Roseann, 88
De Forest, Benjamin, I89
Jane, I89
Pamilla R., I89
De Long, Addie, I62
Catherine L., I63
Dores, I62
George W., I62
Merrill B., I63
Vaughn R., I62
Del Vitto, Alexander, 205
Lena, 205
Mary, 205
Denney, Elizabeth S., 573
Frances J., 267, 574
George C., 267
George C., Jr., 574
George C., Sr., 573
John L., 574
Ross, 573
Ruth L., 267, 574
Thomas, 574
Dennison, Edwin H., 448
Katharine, 449
Matilda L., 449
Selena, 448
William R., Jr., 449
William R., Sr., 448
Dent, Agnes, 5II
Aland C., Dr., 5II
Evelyn, 5I I
Thomas P., 5II
De Priest, Charles, 94
Charles L., Dr., 94
Elizabeth C., 94
Mary S., 94
De Roy, Emanuel I., I43
Israel, 143
Katherine, I43
Shari, I44
Dick, Mary J., I38
Dickey, Charles E., LL. D., 565
David, 157
Della M., 566
Emily L., I57
Ephraim F., 565
Harriet K., 566
Henry E., 524
Josephine, 565
Josephine S., 566
Katharyn, 157
Lloyd E., 566
Lucetta, 523
Lucetta E., 524
Mabel A., 524
Mary, 157, 524
Mary H., 524
Paul H., 566
Samuel A., 523
Samuel E., 523
Thomas W., Jr., I57
Thomas W., Sr., I57
Verna, 545
Dickson, Burd B., 386
C. Garey, Jr., 285
C. Garey, Sr., 285
Charles E., 385
Elisabeth R., 569
Eliza T., 386
Elizabeth, 285
Elizabeth R., 569
George E., 386
Ina M., 569
John G., 362
Loretta M., 285
Mary, 385
Mary B., 386
Mary E., 362
R. Garey, 285
Robert McB., Jr., 569
Robert McB., Sr., 569
Sarah M., 285
Thomas B., 385, 386
William A., 569
Diehl, Bernice, 49I
E. Salome, 49I
William J., 49I
Dill, A. B., Dr., 327
Anne, 328
Emma J., 327
William F., 327
Dillon, Carl E., 92
Caroline, 466
Elinore, 92
Elizabeth, 526
Frances M., 466
Frank, 92
Irene, 93
Mary, 526
Nicholas, 526
Patrick, 466
Philip, 92
Philip J., 93
Phyllis, 93
Sarah, 92
William, 93
Dively, Ada, 545
Florence, 548
George S., 548
Kathryn, 548
Phyllis, 548
Susan, 545
Thomas P., 548
W. C., 548
William A., 548
William H., 545
Dodd, Daniel F., 429
Emma G., 430
John L., 430
Ruth, 429
Ruth E., 430
William L., Dr., 429
Dodds, Agnes J., 535
Joseph S., 534
Robert J., 534
Sarah J., 534
Dom, Anna, 4II
Catherine, 4I  
Eliza J., 4I2
Isabelle, 4I I
Lela, 411
Lela M., 4I I
Margaret, 4IO
Mary J., 4II
Philip, 4I0
Rachel, 4I I
William T., III, 4IIANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
William T., Jr., Hon., 4I0
William T., Sr., 4IO
Donaldson, Agnes, 430
Arthur Van E., Dr., 292
Dorothy B., 293
Fred, 430
John McB., 430
John W., 292
Mabel, 293
Margaret, 293, 313
Martha, 430
Martha A., 430
Mary B., 292
Mary M., 430
Minnie, 430
Nellie, 430
Richard, 430
Richard M., 430
William B., 293
Donnan, Alvan, 26
Lucy, 26
Margaretta M., 26
Doran, Abigail, 256
Edward B., 256
Edward P., 256
Elizabeth, 256
Elizabeth' D., 256
Mary, 256
Mary W., 256
Patrick, 256
D ouds, Gertrude, 342
John, 342
John A., 343
Mary, 343
William W., 342
Douglas, J. A., Dr., 208
Mary, 208
Rachel C., 208
Dowds, Anna, 513
B. S., 513
Winifred B., 513
Driehorst, Betty L., 269
Charles F., 269
Elizabeth, 269
Mary E., 269
Mary G., 269
William T., 269
Drummond, Jean, 21
Duerr, Anna M., 220
Clara K., 220
William C., 220
Duff, Alexander M., Dr., I88
Alexander M., Jr., Dr., I88
Charlotte, 414
Donald T., I89
Edna, I88
Elizabeth, I88
James A., 414
John, I88
Letitia, 414
May, 414
Thomas L., I88
William McG., 414
Dull, Edwin E., 475
Florence E., 475
Dumbauld, Edward, 2II
Elizabeth, 2Io
George A., 2Io
Horatio S., Hon., 210
Lissa G., 2II
Dunbar, Carrie V., I07
Donald C., I07.
Emma Jean, I07
Frank B., Io7
Frank G., I07
Helen, I07
Herbert L., I07
Verne, I07
Duncan, Anna, 237
Edna M., 237
James E., Jr., Io09
James E., 3d, Io9
Mary, Io9
Robert P., 237
Dunford, Abigail, 32
John, 32
Walter L., Dr., 32
Dunkle, Henry C., 7I
John M., Dr., 7I
John M., Jr., 72
Lena M., 72
Mary L., 7I
Robert L., 72
Sarah L., 72
Dunmire, Calvin E., 243
Eleanor J., 243
Ida M., II5
Isaac, II5
Mina L., 243
Paul L., 243
Thelma N., 243
Dunn, Anna, 434
Harold W., 434
James H., 433
James L., 434
Jane A., 433
T. Scott, 433
Dupree, Harriett C., 52
Durst, Esther K., 314
Ealy, Anna M., 214
Charles H., 214
Edna, 2I5
Edna M., 215
Elizabeth, 214
John, Dr., 214
John C., Dr., 214
Mary E., 2I4, 215
Ruth R., 215
Taylor F., Dr., 214
Early, Mary, 55I
Eaton, Emma J., 249
James, I89
Joseph, 249
Mary E., 249
Nettie, 419
Sadie, I89
Sadie A., I89
"Ebensburg Mountaineer-Herald,"
newspaper, I39
Eccles, Elizabeth T., I33
Jane, 133
Johnson, 133
Eddy, Alexander L., Dr., I99
Alexander S., 200
Arthur R., 200
Bertha E., 200
Elihu, I99
Emma, I99
Emma H., 277
Johanna A., 200
Juretta, I99
Mary J., 200
Pauline 0., 277
Samuel H., 277
William H., 200
Edwards, Burd B., 386
Dora B., 517
Dorothy L., 517
Edward, 517
Edward T., Jr., 517
Edward T., Sr., 516
Eleanor C., 517
Eleanor J., 517
George B., 386
Kathryn A., 517
Marion E., 517
Sarah, 517
Ehalt, Gertrude, I2I
Jacob, I2I
Lydia, I2I
Ehrler, Albert C., 236
Anna, 236
Edna M., 237
Florence A., 237
Hazel E., 237
Herman, 236
Eicher, Belle, 88
C. Ward, 439
John F., 88
Josephine, 439
Sarah, 439
Verna E., 88
Eisaman, Ethel B., 341
Eisler, Albert F., 504
Emma, 504
John M., 504
Mabel E., 504
Ekas, Eva M., 357
Elderkin, Mable C., 335
Mary, 335
Walker W., 335
Ellenberger, Mabel, I67
Malinda, I67
William J., I67
Ellermeyer, Charles B., 487
Charles W., 487
Edward A., 487
Gerald T., 487
James W. P., Jr., 487
James W. P., Sr., 487
Julia, 487
Mildred A., 487
Mildred M., 487
Rose M., 487
594ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
595
Elliott, Gladys, 342
Jennie M., 342
John A., 342
Kathleen, 342
Margaret, 159
Margaret P., 342
William, 342
Ellis, Laura, 307
Elwood, David F., 280
George, 280
Nita, 280
Rose, 280
Ely, Catherine, 230
Genevieve, 230
John F., 230
Emigh, Floretta P., 485
Engle, Althea, 530
Entwisle, Anne, 392
Edward B., 392
Elizabeth F., 392
Erickson, Martha E., 297
Euwer, Alice, 91, 169
Paul, Jr., 92
Paul, Sr., 9I
Hetty B., 92
Virginia W., 169
William F., 91, 169
Evans, Alice, I83
Charles E., I88
Chester L., I87
D. E., 479
Emma M., i88
Ethel, 473
Ilga, 479
Isaac A., I83
Julia S., 479
Laura, 473
Lester A., I83
Lewis E., I88
Lewis S., I88
Margaret A., i88
Nellie, I88
Violet, 184
William, 473
Ewing, Anna S., 424
Caroline I., 424
Eleanor C., 424
Eleanor J., 424
James H., 424
Jennie H., 320
Liberty McC., 424
Robert M., Major, 423
Robert M., Jr., 424
William F., 424
Fairing, Catherine, 343
Henry, 343
John W., Dr., 343
Lora, 344
Robert L., 344
Falding, Doris, 3
Frederick J., 3
Virginia, 3
Farley, Ellen, 300
James, 300
Katherine A., 300
Faust, Anna, 453                     Catherine, I9I
Bert, 453                          Daniel, 191
Goethe, 453                        Ella F., 171
Favo, Marie, 549                     Ethel, 473
Nicholas, 549                      Ethel J., 473
Rachel, 549                        Francis E., 473
Fee, Cora, I36                        Francis S., 472
David H., 41                       Frank, 175
Ellen, I35                         Gladys, 316
Eunice E., 136                     Hapsie, 316, 409
Eva L., 43                         Jane, 570
Hanna, 41                          John H., 472
Harry W., I35                      John S., Hon., 316, 409
John, 4I                           John S., 2d, 316
John J., I35                        Mariah, 409
Feit, Edith, 313                     Mary, 171, I75, 409
George J., 313                      Mary W., 316
John, 313                          Matilda, 416
Mary J., 313                        Matilda L., 473
Ferguson, A. D., I98                 Mildred, 570
Helen M., I39                      Myra V., I75
Joanne, 199                         Nancy E., 472
Lillian, I99                       Robert M., 316, 409
May, 199                           Samuel R., 409
Samuel E., 199                     Thomas, 570
Sara L., I99                       William, 171
Virginia D., 199                  Fitzsimmons, Catherine, 420
Ferrell, George W., 105              Hugh F., 420
Lizzie, I05                         Hugh P., 420
Nancy, I05                       Flannigan, Irma L., 481
Fetcho, Carol L., 489              Flick, Anna G., 367
Gertrude, 489                      Barbara A., 367
Mary, 489                          Elliott C., Dr., 367
Michael, 489                       Elliott C., Jr., 367
William V., Dr., 489               Irene, 367
Fetterman, Amsbry H., 454            Joseph E., 367
Charlotte H., 454                  Marilyn, 367
Gideon E., 454                   Floing, Caroline, 436
John, 315                         Flowers, George W., 511
Leslie T., 454                   Flummer, Ada G., 479
Mary A., 3I5                     Flynn, Anna M., 327
Pearl M., 454                      Anthony, 56
Samuel G., 454                     Geula, 56
Sarah D., 454                      Mary, 56
Zoe R., 315                       Forbes, Anna M. McM., 520
Field, Elizabeth F., 179             John E., 520
Enos W., 179                        Sarah M., 520
Evan D., I79                      Ford, Harry C., 486
May, I79                           John, 486
Priscilla H., 179                  Mary, 486
Fife, Alice R., 292                Forgie, Anne, 488
John, 292                           Clara A., 488
Mary, 292                          James, 488
Fink, Louise, 323                    James A., Rev., 488
Finkelhor, Anna, 129                 Raymond A., Jr., 488
Celia, 129                         Raymond A., Sr., 487
Max, 129                         Foringer, Alta, 433
Fish, Cassie, 247                  Fornwalt, Aaron, 253
David L., 247                       Catherine E., 253
Elizabeth N., 247                   Mary, 253
Frank, Rev. Dr., 246              Forsyth, Margaret, 143
George C., 247                   Fosselman, Charlotte, 252
Margaret, 246.                     Don C., Dr., 252
William, Capt., 246                Don C., Jr., 252.
William F., 247                    Florence, 252
Fisher, Arabella, I91                John, 252ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Foster, G. Wayne, 2Io
George W., 2IO
Gerald W., 2Io
Minerva P., 210
Myrtle G., 2IO
Sarah A., 2IO
Foulke, Charles, Rev., 495
Ella, 495
Frances, 495
Fowles, Winifred, 373
Fox, Alice L., 336, 337
Alice M., 335
B. Blaine, Jr., 337
B. Blaine, Sr., 336
French, 335
Isaac M., 335
John F., 336
Josephine, 336
Marion B., 27
Ruth B., 337
Frace, J. M., Dr., I79
Mary J., I79
May, I79
Francis, Amedee H., I8o
Anna, I8o
Charles S., I8o
Elizabeth, I8o
Elizabeth A., I8o
Paul S., I8o
Sarah R., I8o
Zadock S., I8o
Zed, Jr., I8o
Frankenburger, Ann, I45
George C., I44
Hildred H., I45
M. Jeanne, 145
Martha A., 144
Robert S., 145
W. Sturgis, Dr., I44
Frantz, Carl W., Dr., 355
Clara, 356
Hiram, 355
Howard W., 356
Louise, 356
Martha, 355
Frazer, Caleb T., 396
John G., 397
Loretta, 397
Robert E., 397
Robert S., Hon., 396
Sarah, 397
Sarah J., 396
Frazier, Alma M., 299
Howard, 299
Freeland, Benjamin N., 237
John F., 237
Lora M., 237
Freeman, Anna L., i68
John, i68
Rebecca, I68
Frick, Betty J., 209
Chambers, 209
Elta, 214
Erma, 209
Nancy, 209
Rufus S., 209
Rufus T., 209
Frisbee, Emma, 97
F. M., 97
Helen, 97
Fulton, James, 6
Martha, 6
Rose M., 6
Fyock, Mary, 367
Galbreath, Dale, 496
Eva, 496
Flora, 496
Henry A., 496
John H., 496
Mary L., 496
Robert F., D. D., LL. D., 495
Robert F., Jr., 496
Ruth E., 496
Galiardi, John, 46I
Loretta, 46I
Madeline, 46I
Philip, 46I
Raymond P., 46I
Rimonti, 46I
Rose, 46I
Rose M., 46I
Teresa, 46I
Gallagher, Andrew, 134
Isabella, I34
James S., I34
Kenneth E., I34
Martha C., I34
Samuel E., I34
Sara E., 134
Verna I., 134
Gallatin, Mina, 5Io
Sarah, 5IO
Walter, 5Io
Galliker, Elizabeth, 223
Louis, Jr., 224
Louis, Sr., 223
Melchior, 223
Pauline, 224
William M., 224
Ganley, Mary R., 332
Garard, Annie, 24
Grace, 24
Jesse L., 24
Garden, Alfred W. S., Rev., 535
Helen E., 535
Maude E., 535
Garson, Francelia H., 452
Garvin, Alvaretta G., 580
Bess J., 580
George S., 580
Gault, Amna B., 54
Ellen, 54
James A., 54
Jesse, 54
Nellie G., 54
William F., 54
Gayman, Amanda.E., 530
Isaac, 530
Mary E., 530
Gaynor, Nellie, 472
Gearhart, Alice, 4
Jesse, 4
Lavina, 4
Geibel, Barbara, 196
Caroline, 74
Charles, I96
Coletta M., 75
Edward M., 74
Eleanor C., 75
Gerald J., 75
Henry, Rev., I96
Jacob, 74
Marilyn E., 75
Marvin P., 75
Phyllis D., 75
Walter E., 75
Wilmer J., 75
Gensbigler, Joseph, I67
Mabel, I67
Matilda, I67
Ruth E., I67
Walter A., I67
George, Annie, 293
John, 29I
Julia B., 293
Mary C., 291
Matilda, 293
Matilda D., 293
Robert B., 293
William S., 293
Gernagy, Lucille, 542
Gibson, Betty, 510
Elizabeth, 398, 510
Jean, 5I0
John L., 510
Lorena G., 398
Martha J., 510
Mina, 510
Robert M., Hon., 398
Samuel, 5I0
William J., 398
Gilbert, C. A., Prof., 393
Earl B., Dr., 88
Earl B., Jr., 88
Levi T., Dr., 88
Louise, 355
Mary L., 393
Rebecca, 88
Sarah F., 393
Verna E., 88
Giles, Anna P., I54
David J., I54
Dorothy E., I55
Elizabeth A., 154
Joseph J., 154
Gilfillan, Loretta, 397
Gilhousen, James S., 367
John, 367
Marguerite, 367
Martha, 367
Mary, 367
Gilmore, Geneva C., 498
John, 498
Katherine, 498
rn6.J.Y,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Glass, Creed C., Dr., 492
Creed C., Jr., 492
Emily J., 492
Hazel M., 492
Jennie, 492
John H., 492
Shirley A., 492
Glenn, Elizabeth, 445
Elizabeth A., 446
Genevieve, 446
John W., 446
Laura B., 446
Michael, 445
Michael J., 445
Glessner, Anna P., 507
Edward D., 507
Emily, 507
Emma, 507
Harry H., 507
Nellie, 508
Ray A., 507
Glock, Carl E., 389
Charles R., 388
Christian, 389
Earl F., 389
Elmaretta F., 389
Fredericka, 389
Katharine F., 389
Robert J., 389
Glotfelty, Agnes, 559
John, 559
Mary A., 559
Gnagey, Jonas, 557
Lizzie, 557
Mary A., 558
Maud, 558
Norman H., 558
Raymond E., 558
William E., Jr., 558
William E., Sr., 557
Gocher, Elizabeth A., 79
Frank W., 79
George, 79
Mabel, 79
Mary, 79
Goerman, Charles W., 428
Henry S., 428
H. Lee, 427
John L., 428
Leah, 427
Leonard, 427
Sarah A., 428
Sarah H., 428
Vera A., 428
Gold, Colleen, I2
Grace, 112
James, 112
Joan, 112
Norma, II2
Sheila, 112
Thelma, II2
Goldberg, Charles, 370
Edna, 200
Harry, 200
Pearle, 370
Rose, 370
Goldenson, Ethel, 227
Morris, 227
Silver, 227
Gonder, Carlos G., 83
Lucy, 84
Marrea E., 84
William F., 84
Goodrich, Bertha C., 322
Goodstein, David, Io
Esther, Io
Rebecca, Io
Gordon, Ankrom  I. A., 289
Daisy, 289
Joan, 289
Kenneth H., 289
Mary, 289
Goucher, Bertha, 504
Henderson H., 504
Mabel E., 504
Gracey, Alexander W., 269
Mary E., 269
Mary L., 269
Graff, Edith M., 37
Emma, 37
Jacob, 37
Willma F., 312
Gray, Della, 570
Ella, 570
Florence, II 5
George B., 570
Harvey, 115
Helen A., 570
Jane, 570
Maggie, II5
Mary F., 570
Matthew H., 570
Thomas W., 570
Green, Clyde C., I6o
Dorothy L., I6I
Edith, i6i
Francis A. W., 77
Helen, 78
James R., I6o, I6I
Lois E., I6I
Mary, 77
Sara J., I6o
W. H., 77
William T., 78
Greenway, Alice, 292
Richard, 292
Greggs, Curtis H., 255
Della, 256
Elizabeth H., 256
Frances, 255
James, Jr., 256
James, Sr., 255
John M., 256
Mary, 256
Greiner, Anna, 315
George W., Jr., 315
George W., Sr., 315
Pearl, 315
William, 315
Griffin, Emma C., I26
Frances, I63
Marion, I63
Matthew S., I26
Perry W., I63
Sarah M., 127
Willard A., Jr., 127
Willard A., Sr., 126
Griffith, Frank, I86
Lena M., I86
May, I86
Grimm, Eugenie M., 309
John A., 309
Margaret E., 309
Myrtle E., 309
Nancy F., 309
Nancy M., 309
Robert F., 309
Simon H., 309
Groff, Edna, 478
Eleanor, 542
Ena G., 542
Elizabeth J., 542
Fred, 542
John A., 542
Margaret, 542
Marion, 542
Guagey, John D., 564
Sue E., 564
Gwynn, Lizzie, 302
Gwynne, Carrie, 536
John R., 536
Laura, 536
Haberlen, Anna, 94
August F., 94
John C., 94
Lee W., 94
Leona C., 94
Hackenberg, Amanda, 380
Beulah, 38I
Charles R., 38I
J. L., 380
Nona E., 38I1
Shirley M., 381
Waldo, 380
Hackwelder, Susan R., 13
Hagan, Arabella, I9I
Elizabeth, 8
Flora, I9I
Harry, 8
Isaac N., I9I
Robert C., 8
Ruby, 9
Hagerty, Edgar D., 430
Ella J., 430
Harry, 430
Nellie, 430
Hahn, Dorothy, 326
Halberg, Elmer J., 32
Hilda, 32
John F., 32
Myrl C., 32
Hale, Curtis P., 336
Josephine, 336
Margaret, 336
Hall, Caroline R., 421
597ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
tective Order of Elks, and the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.
He was married, October 5, I923, to Charlotte
Sheafer, of Carlisle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John
F. Sheafer, and they are the parents of two children:
I. Robert H., born March Io, I927. 2. Richard S.
Crow, born November 12, I929.
LLOYD HARRISON HUMBERT-For the
past eight years, Lloyd Harrison Humbert, prominent
banker and business man of Uniontown, has been
identified with the State Banking Department in the
liquidation of closed banks throughout Southwestern
Pennsylvania.  He was born October 15, I884, at
Woodbridgetown, Fayette County, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Maria (Darby) Humbert. Benjamin Franklin Humbert, born in Springhill Township, February 2, I857, was engaged in the contracting
business in Uniontown for many years before his retirement, about I928. He passed away on July 2, 1934.
He was the son of Daniel Humbert, also a native of
Fayette County. Maria (Darby) Humbert, a descendant of an old Fayette County family, was born in
Springhill Township, September I6, 1859, and is still
living in this locality.
Lloyd Harrison Humbert was educated in the public
schools of Uniontown and Springhill Township, and
attended the California State Normal School at California, Pennsylvania in I9OI and I902. He was engaged in the teaching profession for four years, with
assignments at Gates School in German Township, the
Bunker Hill School and Springhill Furnace School in
Springhill Township, and then was appointed inspector for the United States Post Office Department at
the Austin, Texas, Division. After four years he returned to Uniontown, and entered the offices of the
Uniontown Provision Company as assistant manager
and accountant, and member of the firm, terminating
his employment in 1917 to become associated with the
Citizens Title and Trust Company and later became
treasurer. After twelve years at this institution he
received his present assignment, and his business and
banking experience has aided him materially in carrying out the complex duties involved in this work. He
is still active in the business world, being president of
Mitchell-Long, Inc., dealers in wholesale and retail
automotive supplies, and he is owner of the Motor
Sales and Service Company of Uniontown, agents for
Chrysler and Plymouth automobiles, and White and
Indiana trucks.
He is a member of the Third Presbyterian Church,
and is a Republican in his political belief. He was
married June I I, I9o8, to Mary Louise Coburn, of
Uniontown, daughter of Millard and Emma (Downard) Coburn, and they are the parents of one daughter, Mary Jane, born January 28, 1927, and at present
a student in the Uniontown public schools.
DR. JOSEPH HARRY WATSON-Since I916,
Dr. Joseph Harry Watson has been engaged in the
general practice of medicine in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and he enjoys a high reputation throughout the
community. He was born at Holbrook, Greene County,
November 28, i888, the son of Robert and Catherine
(Anderson) Watson. The elder Mr. Watson, born in
Washington County in 1847 was a dealer in stock in
Greene County. He saw service in the Civil War, and
is still living, having already passed his ninety-first
birthday. His wife, born in Washington County in
I848, died January I2, I933.
Dr. Watson received his early education in the Holbrook schools, and later attended summer sessions at
Waynesburg College. He furthered his education at
the California State Normal School, and then enrolled
at Bethany College, at Bethany, West Virginia. After
two years at this institution, he entered Jefferson Medical College, where he was awarded his degree of
Doctor of Medicine in 19I5. After an interneship of
one year spent at the City Hospital in Youngstown,
Ohio, he came to Jeannette, Pennsylvania, and has
continued here successfully to the present day. During the World War, he served with the 53d Pioneer
Infantry, Medical Department, as a first lieutenant,
and was later advanced to a captaincy. He was overseas for ten months and saw service at St..Mihiel and
in the Meuse Argonne sector. He received his honorable discharge July 25, I9I9.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is
well known in civic and fraternal life. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the American
Legion, and is affiliated with Lodge No. 486, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Jeannette, the
Free and Accepted Masons at Greensburg, and the
Newcastle Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite.
He also holds membership in the County, State and
American Medical associations.
He was married, August IO, I913, to Esther Mae
McClintock, of Philadelphia, daughter of John and
Mary Stuart (Mackenzie) McClintock, both deceased.
Dr. and Mrs. Watson are the parents of a daughter,
Mary Kathryn, born May 29, I926, now a student at
the Clay Avenue School.
DR. DANIEL JOSEPH O'CONNELL-Dr.
Daniel Joseph O'Connell was born at Masontown,
January 27, 1903, the son of Thomas Francis and
Margaret L. (Martin) O'Connell, both deceased.
Thomas Francis O'Connell was born near Frostburg,ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
David, Rev. Dr., 42I
Elijah, 569
Elijah E., 569
Elizabeth, 421
Gladys P., 570
Sarah A., 569
Haller, Gertrude H., 380
Hamill, Agnes, 249
Evelyn, 249
Hugh C., 249
Jack H., Dr., 249
Hamilton, Margaret E., 320
Hammer, Jennie, 492
Hammond, Edward E., 312
James W., 312
Olive L., 3 I I
Hampson, Arabelle, I05
Audra, I05
James, IO5
Hancock, Hallie, 99
Jesse, 99
Margaret, 99
Hankins, James H., 58
John F., 58
John L., 58
Margaret, 58
Mary E., 58
Maybelle, 58
Nancy L., 58
Hanna, Alex, 3II
Barbara, 3II
Bernard F., 503
Catherine, 284, 503
George J., 284
Gertrude, 284
Ida, 284
James, 284
John, 284
Lida M., 3II
Mary B., 504
Mary E., 284
Paul J., 284
William, 503
Hannigan, Alice, 332
Bernetta, 332
Charles, 33I
Charles J., Jr., 332
Charles J., Sr., 33I
Cornelius, 332
Mary, 33I, 332
Paul, 332
Robert, 332
Harley, David J., 309
Margaret E., 309
Martha E., 309
Harman, Hervey E., 34
J. Paul, Rev., 34
John P., 35
Cora M., 34
Mary E., 35
Harper, Cyrus, 444
Edwin F. G., 444
Edwin R., 444
Eleanor B., 444
Elizabeth, 444
Margaret C., 444
Margaret M., 444
Harris, Alvin E., 225
Earl F., Dr., 225
Elizabeth, 305
Geneva W., 305
Katherine, 225
Marguerite, 226
Rebekah, 468
Thomas T., 305
Harrison, Gazell M., I98
Hart, Bertha M., 124
Katherine L., 123
Lloyd O., 123
Martha J., 124
William C., I23, 124
Hartman, Anna C., 372
Bridget, I43
Edna, 372
Guy H., 37I
John H., 37I, 372
Mary, 37I
Mary E., 143
Philip, 143
Hartsock, Helen, 325
Hatfield, Alice, 244
Carolyn, 271
Edwin S., 244
Eleanor S., 244
Eli H., 244
Elizabeth, 271
George W., Dr., 271
Jacob, Dr., 271
James, 244
James H., 244
Laura, 244
Madalon F., 271
Martha A., 244
Haudenshield, Ella M., 423
John D., 423
John E., 423
John R., 423
Mary H., 423
Mary J., 423
Hauger, Arlo, 508
Carson, 508
Charles R., 475
Henry H., 475
Irma M., 548
James, 476
Jay, 476
Jay M., 508
Luella, 508
Mary S., 476
Ray, 476
Rebecca, 508
Richard, 476
Sarah, 475
Silas M., 508
Wesley, 548
Hauk, Philomena, 330
Hay, Abraham, 529
Ada, 529, 562
Agnes, 558, 559
Albert, 530
Alice, 546
Althea, 530
Anna, 5o6, 542, 547
Anna M., 359, 470
Anna R., 47I
Blanche, 559
Clara, 562
David, 558
Dorothy, 506
Ed. L., 506
Edison M., 545
Edward R., 528
Eleanor 530
Elizabeth, 558, 562
Etta B., 47I
Florence, 559
George, 470
George A., 36I
George, Dr., 359
George W., 47I
Hiram P., 505
Ida, 505
James O., 47I
Jean, 530
Jennings B., 471
John, 562
John B., 359
Joseph O., 471
Josephine, 547
Lillian I., 529
Lloyd A., 528
Lydia, 529
Lydia G., 529
Mable, 5o06
Mariana P., I6I
Marie, 530
Mary, 506, 559
Mary A., 547, 558, 559
Mary L., 360
Maud, 558, 559
Miriam, 5o6
Molinda, 506
Nellie, 47I
Nellie L., 47I
Norman D., 558
Norman S., 562
Paul, 506
Pearl, 559
Peter S., 558
Polly, 559
Rufus, 506
Ruth, 530
Sarah, 562
Simon, 470, 558
Simon F., 562
Susan E., 47I
Susanna, 470
Sylvester, 546
W. J. R., 542
Walter E., 505
Warren K., 47I
William, 470
William J. R., 470
Wilson S., 562
Hayes, Olive R., 25I
598ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sarah, 251
William S., 25I
HIaynes, Ann M., 82
Caroline, 387
Florence M., 82
Napoleon, 82
Hays, Abia M., 221
Annie E., 82
Charles E., Dr., 82
Dorothy, 500
Esler W., 500
Harry M., 221
Jean, 500
Mary M., 82
Nannie W., 221
Robert M., Dr., 82
Thomas B., 500
Hazlett, Allie M., 283
Ann H. A., 262
Annetta M., 283
Blanche, 262
Charles E., 283
Frank D., Dr., 262
Helen L., 283
James N., 283
Jesse H., Dr., 261
Joshua D., Dr., 261
Kenneth J., 283
Lewis, 283
Mary E., 26I
Ralph L., 283
Sarah E., 283
Virginia E., 283
Head, Collotte S., 35
Gertrude, 35
Raymond C., 35
Heffley, Louise, 494
Lucy, 286
Peter, 286
Hegan, Charles, I I4
Charles B., 114
Claire, I 4
Harriett, I I4
Harry E., I4
John I., I4
John L., I4
Mary 0., II4
Nellie, I 14
Richard, II4
William, I I4
Zura, 114
Heilman, Bess, II6
Betty, 339
Betty A., 339
Christena, 528
Cyrus M., 338
Emma, II6
Emma L., 115
Harry A., Jr., II6
Harry A., Sr., II5
Herbert G., 521
John F., 528
Mary A., II6
Rebecca M., 338
Shirley K., 339
Wade E., 338
William  M., II5, I I6
Willis H., I I6
Heiner, Arabelle T., 407
Daniel B., Jr., 405
Daniel B., Sr., 405
George M., 408
Jean, 408
Mary, 405
William G., Jr., 408
William G., Sr., 408
Helling, Anna, 419
Charles A., 419
Helen M., 420
Henry E., Dr., 4I9
Henry E., Jr., 420
Jean, 420
Helman, Elmer E., 5II
Elmer G., 512
Eva M., 512
Evaline P., 512
Frank W., 5II, 512
Hannah, 5I I
Mervyn P., 512
Peter, 5I I
S. Grant, 5II
Thomas L., 512
William A., 511, 512
Hemminger, Annie C., 577
Charles E., 578
Charles J., Dr., 576
Cyrus, 218, 576
Earle, 218
John H. R., Dr., 218
Missouri, 218, 576
Oscar H., 578
Ralph, 2Ig
Victoria, 218
Violet, 219
Henderson, Anne, 503
Augusta, 379
Barbara, 503
Carolyn, 31
Clelia W., 30
Davis K., 30
Davis W., Hon., 29
Harriet, 29
Helen M., 380
John, 502
John F., Jr., 503
John F., Sr., 502
Mary, 502
Mary C., 31
Mary W., 380
Samuel G., 380
Samuel G., Dr., 379
Samuel J., 379
Steward, 29
Henkel, Barbara, 54
Carrie B., 54
Henry, 54
Henry, Alice, 132
Fred W., 231
Harley E., Dr., 231
Leland T., Dr., 131
Leland T., Jr., 132
Margaret J., 13I
Myrtle I., 367
Ruth, 232
Sophia, 231
Thomas J., Dr., 131
William H., 23I
Henshaw, Della, 256
Elizabeth, 256
Samuel W., 256
Herbert, E. Angeline, I67
Mlargaret, x66
Robert B., I66
Robert W., I66
Sarah L., I95
Hern, Virginia, 483
Herrmann, Emma, 250
John, 250
Marie, 250
Herron, Cora A., 518
Donald P., 518
Elsie, 518
Mary J., 518
Samuel D., 518
Thomas P., 5I8
Virginia C., 5i8
Hershberger, Daniel D., 56i
Fannie, 561
Katie, 56I
Hess, Clarence E., 430
Daniel E., 431
Edith, 431
George H., 430
George H., Dr., 445
George T., 445
Harriet A., 445
John F., 445
Marguerite, 445
Marguerite T., 445
Martha, 430
Robert H., 445
Hetter, Ida, I94
Ruth, I94
W. S., I94
Hetzel, C. Roy, 193
Frederick A., I94
Jean B., I94
John S., I94
Louis, 194
Margaret, I94
Martha E., 194
Ruth, 194
Wilhelm, I94
Hewlings, Mary E., 225
Samuel W., 225
S. Wesley, 225
Virginia L., 225
Higbee, Barbara M., 8i
Benjamin, 79
Donald M., 8I
Edward C., 79
Edward C., 2d, 8I
Edward S., 80
Eliza J., 79
Elizabeth, 79
Elizabeth R., 8I
Emily J., 80
Emma, 80
599ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Israel, 79
Martha E., 8I
Martha J., 8I
Ruth, 80
W. Brown, 8I
Highberger, Elsetta, 251
Harry L., Dr., 25I
Mabel M., 25I
William H., 25I
Higinbotham, Arthur, I76
Betty J., I76
Della J., 176
Elizabeth, 69
Elizabeth A., 176
Nora, 69
Robert W., I76
Uriah, 69, I76
Uriah F., I76
Wilbur W., I76
Hill, Charles E., 232
Elsie, 232
Emma W., 443
George L., 276
Kathleen, 232
Mary, 276
Mary E., 443
Sophia E., 276'
Thomas B., Dr., 443
Hipp, Carl G., Jr., 300
Carl G., Sr., 300
Joane, 300
John, 300
Joseph S., 300
Loretta C., 300
Margaret, 300
Hipps, Frank J., 275
George E., 274
George R., 275
Harry J., 275
John A., 275
Joseph, 274
Mary, 274, 275
Rose, 275
Hindman, Ada M., 573
Audley O., Dr., 572
Hannah 0., 572
Helen, 573
Hettie R., 573
Lloyd S., Rev., 573
Thomas A., 572
Thomas A. N., Dr., 573
Hirning, Catherine, 294
Hirst, Emily, 289
Mary, 289
Thomas, 289
Hoban, Catherine, 569
Ellen, 569
Mary E. ("Nellie"), 569
Michael J., Jr., 569
Michael J., Sr., 569
Patrick, 569
Hobba, Elizabeth, 489
Hockensmith, Caroline, 334
Cornelia J., 335
Franklin C., 334, 335
Mable C., 335
Mary L., 335
Stanton E., 335
Wilbur D., Jr., 335
Wilbur D., Sr., 334
Hoffman, Barbara, 224
Carl H., 366
Clara L., 217
Dorsey R., 505
Elizabeth L., Io9
Frank, 367
George P., 217
Gottlieb, 224
Henry, 505
Henry W., I09
J. N., 366
Jane V., 366
Lee F., 367
Mary, 109, 366
Mary T., I09
Mildred, 368
Minerva, 505
Minnie, Io9
Minnie M., 218
Nettie 0., 505
Pauline, 224
Peggy, 368
Rudolph, Io09
Rudolph K., I09
Ruth A., 366
Sadie, 505
Sallie A., 366
Sally, 368
Sarah, 367
Walter S., 217
Holderbaum, Anna A., 544
Cora M., 544
Ethel M., 544
Harriet R., 544
James B. ("Buck"), 542
James B., 544
John I., 544
John M., 543
Julia C., 543, 544
Robert P., 544
Holderman, Mary E., 35
Holiday, Albert L., 69
Alzina M., 69
Charlotte P., 69
Harry, Jr., 69
Harry, Sr., 69
Helen R., 69
Matthew R., 69
William G., 69
Holland, Caroline T., 356
Moorhead B., 356
William J., Dr., 356
Holliday, David A., 423
Ella M., 423
Jennie, 423
Hollingsworth, Anna L., I68
Charles B., I68
Seymour C., I68
Susan, I68
Holsopple, Civilla, 489
Elizabeth, 489
George L., 489
Phyllis J., 489
Ray, Jr., 489
Ray, Sr., 489
Russell, 489
Holt, Abigail, I6I
Emily, 289
Matthew B., 288
Robert E., 289
Sophia, 288
William J., 288, 289
Holter, Magdalena, 490
Hommer, Charlotte, 302
Edith, 302
Eliza, 302
J. H., 302
John C., 302
Marguerite, 303
Nina, 302
Sarah, 302
Sylvester, 303
William, 302
Hood, A. E., 314
Agnes, 314
Anne, 3I4
Annie M., 274
Bertha, I02
Dorothea H., 274
Frank, 314
George, 314
George A., I02
George W., 314
Henry G., 274
Henry H., 273
James, I03
John I., 102, 103
Miriam, 314
Nancy L., 274
Paul B., 274
Robert A., I03
Sarah G., I03
Hooper, Mary E., 429
Samuel P., 429
Stella S., 429
Hoover, Elizabeth C., 94
Sophia M., 298
Horan, Nora, 369
Horewitz, Emanuel, 125
Helene, I25
Isadore L., I25
Horn, Andrew, 450
Andrew G., 451
Catherine, 451
Christina, 450
Christine, 45I
Fraser M., 45I
John F., 450
John M., 451
Horne, Cornelia, 324
Ellen, 323
Michael, 323
Michael F., 323
Horner, Laura M., 560
Horten, Loretta C., 300
Hosick, George C., 206
M. Adele, 206
Marian, 206
An^ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Hostetler, Betty J., 565
Caroline M., 565
E. B., 565
Florence, 565
Helen L., 565
Laura, 564
Lester C., Jr., 565
Lester C., Sr., 565
Richard A., 565
Shirley A., 565
Houze, Armand L., Jr., II9
Armand L., Sr., II8
Bernice E., 119
Eva J., II9
Flora, I I9
Florine M., I17
Irma, 117
Katherine M., II9
LaVerne E., 118
Leon J., Jr., II17
Leon J., Sr., II6
Mae M., I7
Marguerite I., II7
Mary E., II9
Mary L., I I8
Rene F., 119
Roberta I., II9
Roger J., I 7
Roger J., 2d, 119
Vital, 119
Howard, Andrew, 455
Emma, 250
George W., 250
Lucy, 250
Margaret, 455
Thomas H., 455
Howell, Alfred, I8
Ellen, I8
Hower, Jacob, I65
Nelle E., I65
Sarah J., I65
Hoy, John W., Jr., IIo
John W., Sr., I Io
Louie E., I I
Minerva, IIO
Thomas, I Io
Hubbard, Charles A., I98
Charles C., Dr., I98
Elizabeth, I98
Mary H., I98
Hubert, Irene, Ioo
Mary, Ioo
Nicholas, Ioo
Huck, Erma L., 429
Henry W., 429
Katherine, 429
Hudson, Ann, 233
David P., 232
Edythe I., 2Io
Eva, 232
Fred W., 232
Henry A., Jr., 210
Henry A., Sr., 209
Jack McC., 210
James McC., 209
Lela M., 411I
Mary E., 233, 4I I
Nancy K., 209
William, 411 I
Huff, E. Angeline, I67
W. A., I67
Hughes, George W., 248
Hannah B., 23
Howard W., Judge, 23
Katherine, 23
Lenore, 248
Mary, 248
Mary V., 23
Workman, 23
Hughey, Blanchard L., 207
Charles M., Dr., 207
Julia E., 207
Rachel C., 208
Hugus, Elda C., 364
Eleanor E., 364
George B., 364
Hulings, Bess, I I6
Emma, II6
Willis J., Gen., II6
Hull, Abigail, 89
Jane R., 89
Leslie T., 454
Thomas N., 89
Humbert, Adam R., 48I
Benjamin F., 6I
Betty E., 48I
Charles B., 48I
Irma L., 48I
Lloyd H., 6i
Maria, 6I
Maria J., 48I1
Marjorie, 481
Mary J., 6I
Mary L., 6I
Norton, 481
Patricia, 481
Humphrey, Arthur L., 403
Dorothy H., 364
Elda C., 364
Eleanor H., 364
Frederick D., Jr., 403
Frederick D., Sr., 403
Gladys P., 364
James, 364
Jane F., 403
Jennie, 403
John J., 403
Joseph W., 364
Joseph W. H., 364
Josephine W., 364
Raymond W., 364
Rose, 403
Ruth, 364
Hunger, Caroline, 566
Donald, 566
George A., 566
Jack, 566
Jean, 566
John W., 566
Kathryn, 566
Marjorie, 566
Stella, 566
William, 566
Hunt, Albert L., 219
Esther, 219
Guy A., Dr., 65
John T., 219
Lewis W., 65
Mary A., 219
Maude E., 65
Sarah E., 65
Hunter, George, Dr., 294
Lavina, 294
Mary E., 294
Thomas, 294
Huselton, Edgar C., 78
Helen, 78
Lydia, 78
Hutchinson, Harmer D., I45
Hildred H., I45
Jennie, 145
Mary L., 417
Hyatt, Floyd F., 197
Jean, 197
Louise, I97
Hyndman, Alvira, 263
Grace E., 263
John, 263
Iams, Betty P., 263
Catherine L., 263
George D., 263
Grace E., 263
John T., 103
Kate, 103
Ned H., 263
Ruth E., 263
Sarah G., 103
Sue K., 263
William 0., 263
Ickes, Catherine, 414
Chauncey, 414
Chauncey S., 413
Comfrey S., Jr., 414
Comfrey S., Sr., 413
Lenora, 414
Rosanna, 413
Rose, 414
Wayne, 414
Irwin, Emily T., 509
"Indiana Gazette," newspaper, 135
Indiana Printing and Publishing
Co., I35
"Irwin Chronicle," newspaper, 511
"Irwin Republican," newspaper,
5II
"Irwin Spray," newspaper, 5I I
"Irwin Standard," newspaper, 511
"Irwin Times," newspaper, 5II
Ives, Anna, 142
Edith M., I42
Jeanette, 521
6oiANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Maurice J., 521
Robert, I42
Sarah, 52I
Jack, Alexander, I45
Elizabeth W., I45
James, I45
Jane, I45
Jessie R., I45
Mary M., I45
Jackson, Caroline, 533
Carrie, 47
Frank W., 47, 533
Frank VV., 2d, 534
Malcolm MacC., 534
Martha, 534
Mary, 47
Samuel McC., 2d, 533
Samuel McC., 3d, 534
Jacobs, Charles C., 244
Donald R., Dr., 244
Donald W., 244
Flora, 244
Marjorie A., 244
Nellie F., 244
Shari, I44
William R., 244
James, Nannie, 300
Jamison, Anna A., 12I
Caroline, 124, I33, 333, 439
Carolyn, 439
David S., I25
Elizabeth, 333
Elizabeth T., I33
Hettie, 439
Hetty, 92
Hetty B., 92, 439
Isabel B., 439
Jay C., Jr., 125
Jay C., Sr., 124
John M., 92
John M., Jr., 439
John M., Sr., 439
Josephine, 403
Margaret B., I25
Margaret P., 333
May, 125
Priscilla, 333
Richard H., 403
Robert E., I33
Robert P., 133
Robert S., I24, 133, 333, 439
Rose, 403
Thomas P., 134
Thomas S., Jr., 333
Thomas S., Sr., 333
Will B., I25
William W., I33
Januszewski, Anna, 99
Cecilia M., Ioo
Claire A., Ioo
Edward F., 99
Francis, 99
Irene, Ioo
Irene H., Ioo00
Jeffery, Bella R., 238
Elizabeth, 238
Richard C., 238
Richard S., 238
Wallace W., 238
Jeffrey, Edna B., 48
Lillian, 48
William, 48
Jeffries, Clara, I26
John C., I26
Jenkins, David, 261
Margaret E., 261
Mary, 202
Mary J., 26I
Natalie L., 202
William L., 202
Jones, Alfred E., Jr., 9
Alfred E., Sr., 9
Anna A., 544
Cyrus W., 395
David F., 64
David G., 335
Edwin, I6
Eleanor, 395
Frieda B., 65
Gerald, 335
Gertrude, I6
Hattie, 395
Isaac C., 544
Iva G., 96
J. Fred, 5 I I
James B., Jr., 335
James B., Sr., 335
Jennie, 9
John P., 64
Julia, 335
Leah, 64
Louise, 96
Mary A., 335
Sarah, I6
William B., 96
Johnson, Alma, 354
Dorothy G., 550
Elizabeth M., 550
Eugene C., 550
Geraldine, 550
John N., 549, 550
John T. T., 550
Rebecca, 549, 550
W. H., 511
Walter A., 549
Johnston, Alberta, I87
Alexander, I86
Ann M., 536
Anna M., 346
Arabella, 191
Armstrong, 525
Bessie T., I86
Caroline, 525, 537
Charles H., I9I
Daniel G., I9I
Dorothy A., I9I
E. S., Rev., 536
Elinor J., I9I
Elizabeth, 537
Estella J., 525
Eva J., II9
Flora, 191
Glenn W., I64
Herbert A., I86
Ida M., I54
J. Harry, I90
J. Harry, 2d, 191
John, I9o
Joseph, I54
Kathryn, I86
Leona, I9I
Lizzie, I54
Louisa, I9o
Louise, 537
Margaret, 132, I86
Marian L., I9I
Mary E., I I9
Nettie R., I64
Noah M., II9
Robert, 346, 537
Robert H., 536
Sarah, 346
Sarah J., 132
Thomas, 132
Thomas A., I87
William E., I64
William H., I90o
Johnstone, Emily B., 227
Judson, Bessie M., 271
J. Carter,, 270
John C., 270
Margaretta W., 270
Mary E., 271
Judkins, Anna, Io6
John W., Io6
Margaret C., Io6
Kahanowitz, Lanora F., 227
Libbie, 227
Louis M., 227
Marilee L., 227
Silver, 227
William M., 227
Kaltenhouser, Alice E., 280
Alice I., 280
Conrad, 280
Kalman, Albert J., 57
John, 57
Joseph A., 57
Katherine, 57
Mary C., 57
Susan, 57
Thomas J., 57
Karolcik, Anna, 175
Irene A., 175
Mary, 175
Michael, 175
Thomas M., I75
Kaste, Anna M., 308
Ernest H., 308
Fredericka, 308
Harold R., 308
Herman, 308
Howard E., 308
Viola M., 308
602ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Kaufman, Elizabeth, 560
K., 560
Rebecca, 560
Keck, Jacob, 78
Louisa, 78
Theodore C. H., 78
Keenan, Anna, 297
Edward W., 297
J. Hilary, Judge, 297
Keffer, Charlotte H., I79
Elizabeth, I79
George W., 179
Keim, V. Beulah, 38I
Keiper, Adam, 78
Amanda, 78
Bess I., 79
Jacob D., Dr., 78
Katherine I., 79
Kellam, Albert E., 35I
Clara 0., 35I
Dorothy, 351
Frederic J., Dr., 35I
Frederic J., Jr., 35I
Margarete, 35I
Keller, Carrie V., Io7
Gazella, 208
Morris, 208
Rose, 208
Samuel, I07
Sarah, I07
Kelley, Agnes, 5II
Alice, 5II
Logan M., 5II
Louise, 260
Mary, 260
Morris, 260
Kelly, A. H., 251
Ardafay, 25I
Harriett, 251
Henrietta, 62
Leslie J., 62
Oscar S., Dr., 62
Sarah A., 62
Kelso, Dorothy E., 304
Harry W., 304
Mabelle, 304
Kennedy, Abigail, I6I
Bertha, I6I
Charles C., I6I
David, 26
Irene J., 427
Nannie P., 26
Nell, 26
Weber V., I6I
Wilda G., I6I
William V., I6I
Kennerdell, Ida K., 306
Kerfoot, Frances, 200
Jefferson D., 200
Jennie, 200
John D., 200
Pearl M., 200
Kerr, Ann C., 268
Benjamin W., 267
Blanche, 432
Esther N., 501
Franklin D., Dr., 501
Grace, 43I
Harold B., D. D. S., 43I
J. French, Dr., I37
James B., 268
John A., 432
John H., Rev., 267
Margaretta, 267
Mary J., I38
Nancy J., I37
Presley M., I37
Susan, 501
Kessler, Elizabeth, 459
John, 459
Naomi, 459
Kettering, Casper, 280
Hannah, 280
Winifred, 280
Kikta, Dolores H., I87
Eleanor J., I87
Helen, I87
John F., I87
Martin J., I87
Mary, I87
Robert M., I87
Ruth A., I87
Kiley, Anna, I49
Kimberland, Eleanor, 262
Maude, 263
Samuel, 262
Samuel V., 262
Kimmel, Grace C., 475
King, Arthur H., 96
Arthur H., Dr., 96
Barbara L., 279
Charlotte, 279
Eleanor, 235
Etta M., 279
Fenimore C., I9
George, I8
Ida L., I9
Iva, 234
Iva G., 96
James P., I9
James W., Hon., I8
Janet, 279
Lloyd B., 234
Lloyd C., 235
Marjorie P., 235
Mary A., I8, 234
Mary F., 235
Mathias P., 234
Nevin L. R., 279
Norma, 235
Priscilla L., 96
Rachel P., 96
Rene, 279
Roberta A., 279
Ruth L., 279
William F., 96
William G., Jr., 279
William G., Sr., 279
William R., 279
Kinkead, Alexander L., 254
Catharine, 254
Deborah, I4I
George A., I4I
Mary G., I41
Mary R., 254
S. Stewart, I41
Kirby, Bridget, 368
Claude, 42
Claude W., Dr., 368
Dorothy, 427
Ellen, 427
Joseph, 427
Lenora, 368
Leona R., 427
Mary, 427
Patrick, 427
Raymond, 427
Thomas, 427
W. R., 427
William, 427
William R., 368
Kirkland, Mildred, 449
Kirkpatrick, Peggie, 33
Kirkwood, Harry, 208
Margaret, 208
Turney L., Dr., 208
Kison, Harvey A., 72
Lena M., 72
Sarah, 72
Kissinger, John W., 5
Julia M., 5
Margaret, 5
Kline, Elizabeth, I92
Esther E., I93
Isabelle S., I93
Jennie A., I93
Katharine, I93
Silas A., I92
Wade T., I92
Knepper, Alvin R., 556
Charles, 550
Elizabeth M., 550
Elnora, 550
Emanuel L., 552
Emerson, 566
Emma S., 553
Florence, 463
Gladys, 556
Jacob M., 556
Leora, 556
Lewis J., 552
Lewis S., 553
Magdalena, 552
Meyers E., 556
Susan, 556
Susan M., 556
Thelma A., 556
Knoch, Amelia, 356
Eva M., 357
Harold, 357
Hattie, 357
Herman, 356
William H., 356
Knox, Carrie, 30
f6o3ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Charlotte, 201
Clelia W., 30
Elizabeth, 201
James R. I., 201
John, 201
John J., 30
Martha J., 201
Mollie, 85
Robert W., 200
Ruth, 20I
Sara R., 20I
Sarah, 201
Sarah A., 20I
Wilhelmina, 200
William, 2oo0
William C., 85
William C., II, 85
Koch, Hannah E., 524
Henry, 524
Mary, 524
Koett, Elsie M., 416
Koontz, Nellie, I56
Kooser, Curtis, 49
Eleanor P., 50
Emeline, 49
Ernest 0., 50
Francis J., Judge, 49
Mary F., 50
Maud, 50
Kostyzak, Dorothy, 308
Walter, 308
Zenovia, 308
Krebs, Edyth, 501
George J., 500
Harriett, 440
Harriet, 500
Leah K., 440
Simon, 440, 500
Kredel, Mary, 352
Nina, 35I
Thomas W., Dr., 351
William H., 35I
Kreger, Abbie 565
Alice, 565
Bertha, 565
Carrie, 565
Elsie, 565
George, 565
Gladys, 565
Ida, 565
Mary, 565
Peter A., 564
Sarah, 565
Sarah C., 565
Kribbs, Marie, 519
Kron, Carrie, 207
George P., 207,Mary, 207
Kuhns, Alberta L., 3IO
Emma, 3I0
Harriet, 309
Harriet J., 3IO
Henry J., 309
John P., 310
Mary E., 3IO
Simon, 309
Kunkle, Alice G., 36
Carlyn, 29
Charles W., Jr., 29
Charles W., Sr., 28
Craig B., 29
Ellen, 28
J. Stewart, Rev. Dr., 355
John E., Jr., 36
John E., Sr., 36
Julia, 355
Maude S., 29
Michael, 355
Sarah, 355
Sylvester V., 28
Kyle, Grace, 374
Sarah, 374
William, 374
Laird, Clara, 297
Ellen M., 296
Emily D., 297
Francis, Rev., 295
Francis Van B., 295
Hetty, 295
John, 295
John K., 297
John M., 295
Martha E., 297
Mary, 295
Rachel D., 297
Rebecca, 296
Richard D., Jr., 297
Richard D., Judge, 295
William, 295
Lakin, Elizabeth A., 401
Sarah A., 401
Wesley, 401
Lambert, Elizabeth, 465
Ida, 465
Ivan, 465
Joseph A., 465
Josephine J., 466
Marjorie, 466
Lammy, Eva, I96
Sadie, I96
Lamoree, George W., 159
John G., I59
Margaret, 159
Minnie, 159
Landis, A. F., 5II
Carolyn L., 467
Edna, 468
Elizabeth L., 468
James B., 467
Robert E., 468
Rufus C., 467
Lane, Edith, 243
W. F., "Frank," 243
Lang, Anne M., I46
Barbara, 146
George M., Jr., I46
George M., Sr., 146
H. Commel, 146
Helen M., I46
Martha, I46
Thomas J., I46
Lange, Agnes, I83
Frances, I82
George, Jr., I83
George, Sr., I82
Henry, I82
Henry J., I83
Lape, Clara E., 403
Laponsky, Alfred B., lo
Bessie, Io
Louis, Io
Max J., IO
Rebecca, Io0
Laughner, Abbie S., 39
Elias, 38
Helen, 38
Margaret P., 39
William J., 38
Lauer, Agnes, 475
Carl, 475
Grace C., 475
Jacob, 432
James E., 475
James R., 475
Mary, 432
Norma, 475
Ruth, 475
Leamer, James A., 147
John G., I46
Levi G., I46
Martha, I46
Maude, I47
Leech, Alvan V., I70
Mildred, I70
Rachael, 170
Leintner, Mary E., 294
Leonard, Anthony, I43
Bart C., I43
Catherine, 143
Joseph C., 143
Mary E., I43
Minnie A., 498
Lepley, Ada, 529
Adam, 529
Nancy, 529
Le Roy, Joseph, 248
Sidone, 248
Zoe E., 248
Levis, Catherine E., 444
Levy, Edna, 200
Julius, 200
Martin, 200
Nellie, 200
William, 200
Lewis, Charles B., Rev., 344
Elizabeth, 285
Eunice K., 344
Lora, 344
Loretta, 285
Mary, 146
Pearl, 315
R. S., I46
604ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Thomas H., 285
William S., 146
Leydig, Grace, 382
J. V., 382
Lulu L., 382
Lichliter, Christopher S., 493
Effie L., 494
Emily J., 493
George R., 493
Jacob, 492
Jemima, 492
Johann C., 492
John, 493
John C., 493
John J., 492
Levi, 493
Levi G., 493
Louise, 494
Martha, 493
Mary J., 493
Minnie, 493
Sandra L., 494
Sarah, 493
Susan, 493
Winifred J., 493
Lieb, Adam J., 369
Alfred, 369
Arthur, 369
Augustine A., 369
Blanche, 369
Clare, 369
David, 369
Edgar, 369
Gertrude, 369
Leo, 369
Mary, 369
Paul, 369
Pauline, 369
Robert, 369
Lindsay, Bessie M., I30
Elizabeth B., I30
Frank P., 129
Jesse A., I29
Nannie B., I29
Linn, Elizabeth, 460
Frank, 460
Jay G., Dr., 401
Jay G., Jr., 402
Jeanne C., 402
Lelia L., 402
Martha B., 401
Martha L., 402
Sarah, 460
William J., 401
List, Eleanor, 398
Edith, 398
William H., 398
Litman, Bessie, I76
Charles S., I76
Pauline, I76
Littell, Beatrice, 396
Little, Bertha M., 408
Clare, 408
Frances, 408
Genevieve, 408
Joseph, 408
Margaret, 408
Margery, 408
Mary, 408
Peter J., 408
Livengood, Albert E., 538
Florence S., 538
Jacob D., 538
Jane E., 538
Lizzie, 538
Martha, 474
Mary, 474
Minnie, 473
Peter L., 473
William S., III, 474
William S., Jr., 473
Livingston, Edith R., I47
Eliza, I47
Josiah H., I47
Leroy G., I47
W. H., Dr., 147
W. W., Dr., I47
Wilma, I47
Lloyd, Deborah, I85
Ebenezer, I85
Mary A., I85
Litton, Hazel E., o08
Rebecca, Io8
William C., I08
Lobingier, J. Smith, 5
Martha F., 6
Mary J., 5
Rose M., 6
Walter S., 5
Lockhart, Clyde W., I62
Edith, I62
Elizabeth, I62
Logue, Grace A., 492
Katherine I., 492
Kathryn, 492
Patrick, 492
Patrick A., 492
William J., Dr., 492
William J., Jr., 492
Lohr, Albert C., 286
Amaniah J., 286
Anna I., 286
Anna R., 114
Bertha M., 560
Edith 0., 560
Elizabeth, 286, 56o
Elizabeth J., 286
Ellen, 559
Florence M., 56o
Harold E., 560
Harry S., I3
Helene A., 286
Hiram J., 559
James W., 559
John M., 286
John W., 559
Jonathan, 286
Laura M., 560
Lester J., 560
Louise, I3
Lucy, 286
Margaret A., 286
Michael J., 113
Myrtle H., 286
Nancy L., I 14
Noah, 560
Ralph B., 560
Robert W., Jr., 56I
Robert W., Sr., 560
Ruth, 560
Walter E., 560
William A., 286
William D., I I4
Long, Daniel W., 564
Elizabeth, 564
Emma, 270
George B., 270
John D., 564
La Verne, 270
Levi, 564
Mary E., 564
Paul L., 564
Ruth V., 564
Sue E., 564
William J., 564
Longaker, Rachel, 368
Longanecker, Carrie, 536
Don C., 535
Don C., Jr., 536
Ida, 535
Jean G., 536
Rachel, 368
Sylvester, 535
Longley, Katherine, 249
Longridge, Audrey A., 290
George L., 289
James S., 290
Mary, 289
Mary E., 290
Neva E., 290
Robert, 289
Loomis, A. C., 234
Emma, 234
Iva, 234
Louder, Dorothy, I43
E. W., I43
Loughead, J. C., 5II
J. W., 5II
John C., 5II
Loughran, Bertha, 232
Charles H., 232
George J., 232
Joseph M., 232
Kathleen, 232
Patricia L., 232
Louthan, Elizabeth A., I54
Ethel J., I54
Ida M., I54
James, 153
James S., Dr., I53
Nancy, 153
Lovette, Anna M., 327
Bernard, 327
Daniel R., Jr., 327
Daniel R., Sr., 327
Doris, 327
6o5ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Joan, 327
John, 327
Mary A., 327
Mary E., 327
Ralph, 327
Lowe, Ethel, 46
Lester L., 46
Lowrey, Josiah, 433
Minnie, 433
Lowry, Edward, 88
Ella M., 88
Gertrude, 88
Lucas, Alice A., 47
Genevieve, 47
Genevieve I., 47
George W., 47
Robert S., Dr., 47
William B., 47
Luckey, Joseph M., 252
Kenneth E., 253
Olive, 253
Paul D., Dr., 252
Paul D., Jr., 253
Robert A., 253
Sadie, 252
Luman, Aaron, I02
Catherine, I02
Clark McE., Dr., I02
Maybelle, 102
Luther, Rose M., 428
Luxenberg, Louis, 328
Lynch, Catharine, 255
Charles McK., Jr., 254
Charles McK., Sr., 254
Marjorie, 255
Mary R., 254, 255
Sallie McK., 255
Sarah, 254
Thomas, 254
Thomas, III, 255
Lyon, Edyth, 50I
Frank C., 284
Frank F., 501
Mary, 501
Mary E., 284
Nancy, 284
Lyons, Jennie, 263
Maude, 263
Samuel, 263
McAdoo, Archibald B., 202
Elmer E., Dr., 202
Sarah A., 202
Virginia D. D., 203
Zulah F. S., 203
McAnulty, Blair, 328
McBride, Hannah, 33
James, 33
McBryar, Lucille, 132
Margaret, 132
Sarah J., 132
William, Dr., 132
William L., Dr., 132
McBurney, Caroline, 285
Harold H., Dr., 285
Helen, 286
James P., 285
McCaffrey, Pauline, 56
McCall, Grace A., 492
Iva L., 502
McCarty, Anna, 415, 416
John, 416
Mary K., 416
Vernon J., 415
Winnett, 415
McCauley, Cassie, 247
Christina E., 225
Clarence R., 225
Jeanne E., 225
John W., 224
J. Will, 225
Nancy J., 225
Norma J., 225
Verlinda, 224
William, 224
McClain, Catherine R., 236
Elizabeth G., 235
Grace E., 236
James A., 236
Mary J., 236
Nathaniel J., 235
Nellie D., 236
Oliver L., 236
Rowena, 236
Russell F., 235
Russell N., 236
McClaran, Anna A., I2I
Anna L., 121
Catherine, 120
J. Fred, I2I
James, 120
Joseph A., I20
Kenneth R., 12I
Mary B., I21
McCleary, Nellie, 377
McClintock, Esther M., 6I
John, 6i
Mary S., 6i
McClure, Mary E., 515
Quincy A., Capt., 515
McCombie, Mary, 332
McConnell, Alexander, 33
Alexander D., Judge, 34
Alexander N., 501
Daniel, 33
Daniel H., 501
David, 33
David K., 33
Elizabeth, 33
Ella J., 34
Esther N., 501
Hannah, 33
Harriet, 34
John, 33
John A., 501
Joseph, I74
Julia A., 501
Julia R., 501
Martha, 33
Mary, 174
Mary M., I74
Richard K., 32
Peggie, 33
McCormick, Laura M., I27
Nannie, 127
William, -127
McCoy, Dora, 63
Frank D., 63
Grace, 63
McCracken, Henrietta, 242
Maude L., 242
Maxine P., 242
Silas C., Dr., 242
Virginia A., 242
William E., 242
McCrea, Donald W., 223
Eleanor C., 424
Elizabeth M., 223
Gilbert T., 222
Harry C., 222
Harry T., 223
Jean, 223
Mabel, 223
Martha J., 222
McCreary, Anna K., 332
Charles C., 333
Ellen, 333
Eugene C., 332
John C., 332
Kathryn, 332
Leo F., 332
Marcella V., 332
Mary A., 332
Mary R., 332
Robert, 332
Robert E., Jr., 333
Robert E., Sr., 332
Thomas W., Jr., 332
Thomas W., Sr., 332
William T., 332
McCullogh, Eliza C., 412
Eliza J., 412
John, 4I2
Sarah, 412
William, 412
McCullough, Reuben A., 338
Sue, 338
Ward, 338
McDaniel, Beatrice C., I5
Beatrice J., 15
Emmitt J., I5
Henry C., I5
John H., 15
Lawrence D., I5
Robert E., I5
Sara M., 15
McDermott, Ellen, 325
John, 325
Mary, 325
McDonald, Elizabeth, 425
McDowell, Eleanor, 521
John R., 521
Patricia K., 522
Virginia, 522
McElhoes, Irad, 377
6o6PENNSYLVANIA        607
Martha, 377
Mary E., 377
McFeaters, D. M. S., 301
Douglas W., 302
Edith, 302
Isabelle, 301
John C., 301
Marion I., 302
Max 0., 302
McFeely, Fred B., 480
Nancy, 48I
McGahan, Margaret E., 28
Rebecca J., 28
Thomas B., 28
McGarry, Catherine, 569
Daniel J., 569
Ellen, 569
McGaughey, Charlotte, 279
McGilbery, Hazel M., 492
McGillick, Alice L., 313
Helen V., 313
Leila, Mrs., 312
Paul W., 313
Thomas J., 312
McGinnis, Ellen, 204
Mary, 486
Maude, 204
Willis, 204
McGrath, Katherine, 487
Mildred M., 487
Thomas F., 487
McGraw, Wilma M., 213
McGregor, Agnes A., 319
James C., 318
Olie E., 318
McGrody, Mildred, 7I
Ulysses G., 7I
Wardie, 7I
McGuire, Anna E., 443
Hugh, 443
McHugh, Barbara A., 385
Gwendolyn, 385
Margaret, 385
Maria J., 385
Martha B., 385
William A., Jr., Dr., 384
William A., Sr., 384
McIllhattan, Anna, 48
Edwin S., 48, 49
Katherine, 49
Patricia, 49
William H., 48
McIlvaine, Alexander, 2d, 20
Annie G., 20
Elizabeth, 20
John W., 20
Sarah E., 20
William A. H., 20
William R., 20
McIntyre, Agnes, 458
Ann, I6o
Emma, 159
Emma M., 372
Florence, I6o
Fred M., I59
Fred- P., I6o
Henry S., I59, 372
Margaret J., 313
Miriam K., 372
Nancy M., I6o
William T., I6o
McKee, Amanda, 73
Anna, I22'Claude W., Dr., I22
Cleopatra V., 73
Dorothy G., 122
J. W., Hon., Dr., 73
McKenna, Anna, 383
Jean, 384
Marguerite B., 462
Mary, 384
Roy C., 383
Thomas, 383
McKennan, Adeline D., I9
Benjamin R., I9
William B., I9
McKnight, Charles, 200
Frances, 200
Pearl M., 200
Thomas J., Mrs., I2I
AMcLaughlin, Agnes, 210
Edythe I., 210
James, 2IO
McLuckie, Anna, 506
Emily, 507
Emma, 507
Emma A., 506
Robert, 506, 507
McLean, Andrew A., I58
Donald D., I59
Keith E., I59
Kenneth G., I59
Marguerite E., I59
Sarah M., I58
Suella E., 159
William V., Rev., I58
McMahon, Agnes, 183
Alexander, I83
Ella, I83
McMarlin, Emmaline, 77
Harold L., 77
James A., 77
John G., 77
Maude, 77
McMaster, John, I9I
Leona, I9I
Nellie, I9I
McMonigal, David J., 339
Joseph, 339
Mary, 339
Richard C., 339
Susana, 339
Wesley, 340
McNeely, Annie, 285
Ernest, Rev., 285
Ethel, 285
Frank, 285
Harmon, 284
Lindsey S., Dr., 284
Rachael, 284
McNeil, Anne M., 320
Charles C., 320
Jennie E., 363
Jennie H., 320
Mary E., 319
Myrtle, 320
Myrtle M., 363
R. B., 363
Robert, 319
Robert B., 319
McNulty, Beatrice, 368
Helen, 486
Mary, 275
McNutt, Alice R., 292
George D., 292
John W., 292
Mary A., 292
Nancy, 292
Nancy 0., 292
William A., 292
McPeake, Henrietta, 298
James 0., 298
Walter M., 298
McWhinney, Mathew, 13
Sarah J., 12
McWilliams, B. M., 5II
MacBurney, Anna, 434
George, 434
John, 2I I
Lissa G., 2II
Nancy, 434
Susan, 211
MacCallum, Malcolm, 534
Martha, 534
MacDonald, John, 173
Martha, I73
MacGregor, Eleanor, 87'Mildred, 87
Thomas G., Jr., Dr., 87
Thomas G., Sr., 87
MacLeod, Maybelle, I02
William, I02
Macpherson, Catherine, 451
Madigan, Albert, I49
Ann, I49
Anna, I49
Annie, I49
Ellen, I49
Hannah, I49
John, I49
Joseph, I49
Leona, 149
Margaret, I49
Martin J., 149
Martin J., Jr., I49
Regis, 149
Thomas, I49
Mahan, Anna, 380
Charles S., Dr., 246
Edgar W., Dr., 380
John, 380
John C., 380
John S., 246
Margaret, 380
ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERNANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Maryland, and was engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, at the
time of his death, February 22, I928. His wife, also a
native of Maryland, died March 15, I93I.
Dr. O'Connell attended the local schools and graduated from Jeannette High School in 1921. He then
enrolled at Duquesne University, and on receiving his
degree of Bachelor of Science, entered Georgetown
University Medical School, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1927.
After a period of one year interneship at St. Francis
Hospital in Pittsburgh, he came to Jeannette to establish his general practice, and is held in high esteem by
all with whom he has been associated, both professionally and socially. He is a member of the staff of
the Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg.
He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church
and a member of the Democratic party, and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Phi Chi
Fraternity. He is also a member of the County and
State Medical societies, and American Medical Association. When the pressure of business permits, Dr.
O'Connell enjoys indulging in his favorite recreational
divertisements, hunting and fishing.
He was married, October 15, I930, to Elizabeth F.
Walsh, of Pittsburgh, daughter of Patrick J. and
Agnes (Coffee) Walsh. Dr. and Mrs. O'Connell are
the parents of a son, Daniel WV., born September I5,
I93I.
DR. OSCAR S. KELLY-Since establishing his
offices in Donora, Pennsylvania, in I904 for the general practice of dentistry, Dr. Oscar S. Kelly has been
steadily engaged in his profession in this locality, and
in his many years of service to the people of this
town, he has built up an extensive clientele. He was
born at Ruffsdale, Pennsylvania, July 17, I879, the
son of Leslie J. and Sarah Ann (Morton) Kelly, both
deceased. During his lifetime, Leslie J. Kelly was a
traveling salesman, and later a farmer in Rostraver
Township, Westmoreland County.  He died January
20, I926. His wife, born near HIunkers Station, July
12, I845, died May 8, 1892.
Dr. Kelly received his early education in the public
schools of Ruffsdale and Rostraver Township, and
later attended West Newton Academy at West Newton, Pennsylvania, graduating in I898. He next enrolled at the Pittsburgh Dental School, a branch of
the University of Western Pennsylvania, and received
the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in I904. In
August of the same year he began his practice in
Donora, and he has practiced here ever since. In 192o
Dr. Kelly purchased the land on the corner of Sixth
and McKean avenues, where the Irondale Hotel is
now located.
He is a member of the Baptist Church, an active
Republican, and a well-known figure in civic and fraternal life. He is president of the Donora Rotary
Club, a member of the Odontological Society of Pittsburgh, the Eleventh District Dental Society, and the
State and National Dental societies. He is widely
known in Masonic circles, being affiliated with Donora
Lodge, No. 626, Free and Accepted Masons, Pittsburgh Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite,
and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine at Pittsburgh. He is also a member of Lodge No. I265, Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, and the Psi Omega Fraternity. He is
also greatly interested in golf and hunting, and is a
member of the Monongahela Country Club.
He was married July 12, I9I0, to Henrietta Bailey,
of Charleroi, daughter of John and Barbara (Heilman)
Bailey.
DWIGHT MALCOLM  ANDERSON-For
more than twenty years, Dwight Malcolm Anderson
has been engaged in the general practice of law -at
Donora, Pennsylvania, where he has gained a notable
reputation for the honest and capable manner in which
he has upheld the rights of the large number of clients
who have entrusted to him the solution of their legal
problems.
He was born at Aberdeen, Ohio, August 9, i886, the
son of William H. and Mary Louise (Malcolm)
Anderson. William H. Anderson, born in Ohio, Aulgust 27, 1857, was for many years engaged in the hardware business in Washington, Pennsylvania, and California, Pennsylvania, but is now retired. His wife is
a native of New Athens, Ohio, born May I9, i862.
Dwight Malcolm  Anderson attended the public
schools of Uniontown and Washington, and graduated
from Washington High School in I905. He next entered Washington and Jefferson College, where he
received the degree of Bachelor of Science in I909,
and the degree of Master of Science the following year.
He later matriculated at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and was graduated with the degree
of Bachelor of Laws in I9I4. After practicing law
for one year at Washington, Pennsylvania, he came to
Donora, where he still is actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He was admitted to practice
before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in October,
I9I9, the Federal Court of Pittsburgh in 1920, and the
Pennsylvania Superior Court in I1925. Mr. Anderson
also serves as a director and solicitor of the Union
National Bank of Donora.
62ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mary, 246, 380
Mary A., 246
Maier, Ida, 376
Lewis, 376
Sarah A., 376
Makinson, Emma, 199
Mary, I99
William, I99
Malone, Paul O., 5I
Richard H., 52
Sylvia A., 52
Sylvia M., 52
Manges, Edna, 47I
Mary S., 476
Maneval, Anne C., 485
Elizabeth A., 485
Floretta A., 485
Floretta P., 485
Martha K., 485
Peter M., 485
Ralph v\T., Jr., 485
Ralph W., Sr., 485
Manon, Joseph W., Dr., 255
Mansfield, Catherine, 531
Charlotte S., 53I
Clark, 53I
Ella M., 53I
John C., 53I
John C., Capt., 530
Katherine H., 531
Marker, Anna K., 39'Charles F., 39
Ellen, 39
Henry E., Jr., 39
Henry E., Sr., 39
Rachael, 39
Markle, Anna B., 225
Cyrus P., 225
Jeane, 225
William M., 225
Marquardt, Albertina, 505
Emma, 505
Herman, 505
Marriner, Anna R., 2I
Jean, 21
Martha, 2I
Rebecca, 2I
Rufus S., 21
Sherman, 2I
Stephen, 2I
Marsh, Catherine, 44
Charles E., 44
Henrietta, 44
Henrietta E., 44
Marie, 44
Marjorie, I99
Ruby, I99
Simon P., 44
W. H., Rev., I99
Marshall, Elizabeth, 149
George T., 408
Jean, 408
Mary, 408
Martin, Arthur L., I8I
Blanche E., I8I
Charles E., 416
Charles P., 172
Clark W., 172
Cora, I30
Edward, General, 389
Edward H., 417
Edward S., 39I
Euvira, 55I
Frank E., I8I
Frederick A., 130
Glenn, I30
Glenn G., Jr., I30
Grace M., I3I
Hannah M., 389
James, I57
James N., I57
Jane W., I57
John, I8I
Joseph T., 389
Lucetta P., 416
Lydia C., I8I
Margaret, I30
Mary, 384
Mary C., 39I
Mary L., 417
Maureen M., I30
Morgan, 25
Nancy, 25
Norman A., I57
Rosana, i8I
Ruth E., i8i
Sara E., 17I
Sarah, 157
Thomas W., I30
William H., I8I
Wilmer H., 416, 417
Winfield M., I8I
Martz, Levi, 506'Molinda, 506
Maust, Aaron C., 562
Abraham A., 537
Annie, 56I
Bayard S., 538
Clarence A., 56I
Florence S., 538
Harriet E., 562
Harvey H., 537, 538
Jennie, 538
Mary, 537
Mary R., 562
Morris S., 56I
Phyllis, 562
Roberta, 562
Mason, Nellie, 47I
Massingham, Agnes, 339
Betty, 339
Sherman, 339
Matthews, Archibald M., 467
Eleanor, 467
Elizabeth B., 467
Gladys P., 570
Helen, I90
J. M., 467
John, I90
Josephine, I90
Margaret, I90o
Ross S., I90
Thomas, 570
Maurer, Adam J., 425
Baltas, 425
Christian, 425
Christoph, 425
Edward B., 425
Elizabeth, 425
Jacob, 425
Jacob E., Rev., 425
Jeremiah, 425
John, 426
Lizzie, 426
Philip, 425
Susan, 425
May, Dora, I68
Eli, I68
Lillie, I68
Mayer, Albert D., Jr., 54
Albert D., Sr., 53
Barbara J., 54
Carrie B., 54
Joseph G., 53
Mary J., 53
Mechling, Arthur S., 213
Claire E. A., 204
Elta, 214
Genevieve P., 204
George, 533
J. Randall, 204
James H., 204
Jennie M., 533
John A., 204
Josephine M., 214
Lillian V., 204
Martha, 533
Mary, 213
Mary A., 204
Maude, 204
William, 213
Meighen, Bernard P., I03
Charles M., I03
Hubert V., I03
James A., I03
Margaret M., I03
Mary K., I03
Nancy, 103
Noretta N., 103
Patrick H., Jr., 103
Patrick H., Sr., 103
William H., I03
William M., I03
Melenyzer, Charles L., I83
Stephanie, I83
Mellon, Ailsa, 2
Andrew W., I
Paul, 2
Sarah J., I
Thomas, Judge, I
Menges, Ella C., 554
John W., 554
Nellie C., 554
Merrill, Alice, 538
Charles A., Jr., 539
Charles A., Sr., 538
Elizabeth, 539
6oSANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
W. A., 538
William A., 2d, 539
Merwin, Maria L., 56
Mary F., 57
Walter L., 56
William W., Jr., 57
William W., Sr., 56
Metzler, Maggie, 472
Margaret C., Io6
Martha J., I07
Mary, Io6
Noah, Io6
Sankey W., o06
William J., I07
Meyers, Caroline, 565
Catherine, 565
John, 565
Mickey, Alta M., 478
Daniel, 478
Leo D., 478
Minnie B., 478
Roy D., 478
Vivian E., 478
Mier, Clementine, 248
Harry J., Jr., 248
Harry J., Sr., 248
Joseph 248
Zoe E., 248
Miller, Abraham, 433
Ada R., 330
Alexander W., 378
Allen, 374
Allen C., 540, 54I
Amanda, 378
Anna, 469
Annie, 484
Arthur A., 330
Barbara, 541
Bessie, 485
Catherine, 294
Clarence C., 56I
Daniel S., 373
Dorothy, 492
E. A., 555
Edna, 5Io
Edward E., 330
Eleanor B., 541
Elizabeth, 56I, 568
Elizabeth L., 485
Emma, 475
Ethel, 54I
Evelyn L., 492
Fannie, 56I
Fridolin, 469
George, 5II
George I., 54I
Gladys V., 331
Hannah, 347
Hapsie, 409
Helen, 58
Helen M., 555
Ida, 5Io
Ida B., 523
Ira A., 433
Iren, 128
Irving C., Dr., 337
Irving C., Jr., 337
Isabel (Elizabeth B.), 347
J. R., 294, 479
Jacob, 56I
James F., 346
James M., 49I
Jane B., 378
Jennie, 492
John H., 337
John S., 54I
John V., Dr., 485
Joseph, 56I
Joseph H., 492
Joseph M., 484
Lydia, 330
Madie, 433
Maggie, 433
Margaret, 58, 346
Maria L., 346
Marie, 479
Marling C., 58
Martin L., Dr., 347
Mary, I28, 330, 373, 491
Mary A., 337
Mary C., 555
Mary E., 467
Mary L., 337
Minnie, 294
Nellie, 54I
Noble G., Rev. Dr., 345
Norman, 294
Olin J., 492
Paul J., 330
Peter, 568
Rachel A., 54I
Richard H., 49I
Richard M., 492
Robert, 492
Robert E., 469
Robert J., 346
Robert L., 54I
Salina L., 312
Samantha, 540
Samuel, 346
Samuel G., 312
Samuel W., 312
Samuel W., Rev,, 312
Sarah J., 346
Thomas B., I28
Tobias, 330
Violet C., 337
Virginia L., 294, 374
Wallace, 373
Willma F., 312
William H., 484, 485
William J., 540, 54I
Wilson A., 510
Mills, Alta M., 478
Ellen, 477
Jacob, 478
James A., 477
Millie, 478
Rita S., 370
Willis L., 477
Minerd, Charlotte H., I79
David E., Rev., I78
Harold D. (D. D. S.), I78
John B., I79
Richard D., I79
Sarah C., I78, I79
Minor, Alice M., I77
Owen W., I77
Rachel F., I77
Minteer, Eva E., 220
Joseph, 220
Sarah, 220
Minter, Dorothy, 35I
Mitchell, Charles, I2
Charles C., I7
Chauncey B., I7
Claude, I 12
Dorothy L., I 13
Edith, I7
Frank H., 201
Grace, I7
Harriett, I7
Helen A., I7
Jennie M., 342
Julia, 355
Marion L., 113
Mary A., 112
Mary V., I I3
Maude, 77
Rhoda V., I3
Ruth, 201
Ruth M., I7
Sue, 77
William, 77
Mock, Amos I., Jr., 462
Amos I., Sr., 462
Charles H., 462
Marguerite B., 462
Mary E., 462
Mary M., 462
Shirley A., 462
Thomas O., 462
Montgomery, Albert, 3
Alice, 4
Catherine, 3
Charlotte L., 206
Clara M., 205
Edna, 234
Ethel, 206
George W., Jr., 206
George W., Sr., 206
Gilmore, 3
Grace F., 231
H. Bruce, 4
Harry A., 205
Harry E., 205
Horace, 4
Hugh, 231
Katherine, 234
Laura E., 206
Lavinia, 4
M. Adel, 206
Mark R., 4
Samuel, 234
Sara, 4
6ogANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Thomas F., 231
Thomas H., 230
Virginia G., 231
Walter C., Capt., 230
Walter C., Jr., 231
Moore, Daniel, 368
Edna K., I3I
Franklin H., I3I
Harry F., I3I
Harry W., 368
Iola, 368
Letitia M., I3I
Mary, 44I
Norma, 441
Rachel, 368
Ralph, 368
Ralph H., 368
William, 441
Moredock, Albert E., 253
Austin L., 253
Daniel, 253
Dora E., 253
Elizabeth, 253
Morgan, Beatrice M., 499
Elizabeth J., 499
John C., 499
Mary, 93
Thomas E., Dr., 93
William, 93
Winifred, 93
Morris, Blanche, 245
Clarice, 288
Freda, 288
Jane, 245
Jasper C., 245
Lizzie, 488
Manfred, 288
Ruth B., 324
Morrison, Bertha J., 253
Elizabeth R., 8I
Flora, 8I
Harry C., 8I
Mary, 253
Robert R., Dr., 253
Thomas T., 253
Morrow, Alice WV., 202
Cyrus, 202
Daniel C., 153
David C., 202
Elizabeth, 202
Elizabeth A., 202
Elmer, IIo
Katherine, 153
Maude, IIO
Pearl, 153
Ruth, IIo
W. H., 5II
Moser, Ethel M., I46
Mosteller, A. F., 547
Emma, 547
Orpha G., 547
Moyer, Elizabeth, 53
Harvey, 53
Ruth, 53
Munk, Frederick, I28
Iren, 128
Mary, I28
Milton V., Jr., 128
Milton V., Sr., I28
Meyers, Elizabeth, 556
Joseph, 556
Susan M., 556
Murdoch, Alexander, 269
Edgar B., 269
Helen M., 269
John H., 269
Martie, 269
Murphy, Blanche, 207
Cora, 24
Esther, 207
John A., 455
Joseph F., 454, 455
Joseph L., 25
Margaret M., 454.
Marjorie M., 25
Mary M., 82, 455
Patrick J., 455
Rose M., 455
Samuel L., 24
Stuart E., 24
Thomas F., 455
Thomas J., 454
William J., 207
Murray, Adam, 502
Adam R., 502
Elizabeth, 502
Hattie T., 250
Iva L., 502
James, 249
Margaret A., 249
W. W., 249
William, 502
Musser, Alfred J., 313
Ann, 475
Doris, 475
Edna, 478
Eleanor, 478
Elizabeth, 542
Elizabeth J., 542
Elizabeth L., 314
Ella, 478
Ella J., 475
Esther K., 314
Florence E., 475
Fred A., 314
George W., 314
Harold E., Dr., 478
Harold E., Jr., 479
Harold W., 478
Helen E., 314
Henry E., 475
James, 475
Jane, 475
John, 314
John D., 314
Julius S., 479
Kate M., 314
Katherine, 314
Samuel, 542
U. S., Dr., 478
Uriah S., Dr., 475
William, 475
Muse, Charlotte, I57
Clara F., I58
George, I58
George W., I57
Martha, I58
Nicholas, I57
Robert F., I58
Myers, A. F., 325
Charles, 325
Cora, I36
Ellen, 325
F. Lee, 325
George L., 325
George M., 325
Helen, 325
James H., 325
John S., 325
Laura E., 415
Lawrence, 325
Lillian, 278
Martin, 325
Nora, 325
Paul, 325
Rachel, 325
Rita, 325
Verna, 325
William, 325
Napier, Naomi, 201
Ruth, 201
Samuel C., 201
Neal, Harry B., Dr., 350
Harry B., Jr., 351
Nancy A., 35I
Roxy L., 35I
Ruth L., 35I
Thomas S., 35I
Neff, Elizabeth P., 484
George, Dr., 96, 484
George W., Dr., 484
Hannah M., 484
Loretta, 484
Mary A., 96, 484
Robley, 484
Neider, Jacob D., I30
Margaret, 130
Mary, I30
Neigh, Amanda V., 572
Catherine, 75
Charles E., 572
Colletta M., 75
Edgar T., 572
Guy M., 57I
Jean E., 572
Joseph, 75
Ruth E., 572
Vera E., 572
Neil, Flora, I24
Gladys L., 124
W. C., 124
Nelson, A. A., Judge, 38I
Agnes J., 38I
Catherine, 38I
6TOANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
James A., 381
Jane A., 38I
John, 38I
Thomas W., 38I
Nesbit, Alice, 148
D. K., Rev., 148
Edith, i6I
Laura, I6I
Onida W., 148
William R., I6I
Newcomer, Ada M., 573
Anna, 52
Benton M., 53
Dorothy E., 53
Elizabeth J., 53
Hettie, 573
J. Carman, 52
James C., Jr., 53
James C., Sr., 52
James M., 52
Mary E., 53
Ruth, 53
Thomas S., 573
Newill, Amanda J., I I I
Domer S., Dr., I IO
Domer S., Jr., I2
George F.,  11  
Harold S., I2
James, I i
Malinda, 112
Mary, III
Robert, 11  
Stephen, IIo
Sue C., III
Susanna, I I
William, I I I
William K., I I2
Nichols, Albert M., I04
Emma F., I04
Erma A., 104
Josephus S., I04
Ruth E., I04
Nixon, Beatrice, I97
Cora, 212
Doris H., I97
Eileen B., 197
Harriet, I97
Harriett, I99
Holbert J., Dr., I97
Jennie, 212
Lillian, I99
Millys H., 197
Samuel J., 197, I99
Simeon, Jr., 212
Simeon, Sr., 2I2
Nord, Bernard, I63
Gerald E., I63
Gertie, I63
Marcia A., I63
Marion, I63
Roland E., I63
Norton, Fred L., 226
Fred L., Dr., 226
Irene, 226
Nunamaker. Winifred K., 2[
O'Connell, Daniel J., Dr., 6I
Daniel W., 62
Elizabeth F., 62
Margaret L., 6I
Thomas F., 6I
O'Connor, Bertha M., 408!James, 408
O'Donnell, Annie, 578
David, 578
Hugh, 578
O'Neil, Delia J., 24
John N., 24
Lillian, 24
O'Neill, Bernice, 322
Bertha C., 322
C. B., Dr., 32I
Clarence M., 322
Edward, 321
Ida M., 325
Nancy J., 32I
Odbert, Arthur K., Dr., 237
John A., 237
Louise, 237
Marylou H., 238
O'Donovan, Catherine, 43I
Eugene J., 431
James V., D. D. S., 43I
James V., Jr., 43I
Marie C., 43I
Mary E., 43I
Sarah J., 43I
William C., 431
Offutt, Juliet T., 456
Ogle, Andrew J., Hon., 50
Harriet, 50
Maud, 50
Oppenheim, Anna, 129
Celia, 129
Joseph, 129
Joseph H., 129
Maurice H., 129
Samuel D., 128
Opperman, Charles, 187
Dorothy, I87
Elizabeth, I87
Margaret E., I87
Ralph C., Dr., I87
Orms, Edith, 302
Orr, Belle, 281
Joseph D., Dr., 281
Pauline, 281
Osburn, Allen, 293
Barbara, 294
Emma, 293
Harold T., 293
Patricia, 294
Vesta, 294
O'Toole, Bridget, 368
Overberger, Beatrice, 368
Bertha E., 364
Charles E., D. D. S., 368
Charles E., Jr., 368
E. W., 363
Helena, 363, 368
80         James, 368
John B., 363, 368
John E., 364
William, 368
Overholt, Abraham C., 88
Elma, 88
Gertrude, 88
Gertrude E., 88
Henry V., 88
Overton, Harriet, 353
Owens, Alice, 132
Jennie, 132
Joseph, I32
Painter, Eva M., 512
Evaline, 512
Thomas W., 512
Palmer, B. Newton, I5I
Maria, I5I
Sara A., I51
Thomas R., I51
Pankey, Cora S., 404
John W., 404
William R., Rev., 404
Park, Howard, 223
Irene, 223
Parks, Annie S., 504
Enna M., 477
George, 504
Gladys D., 477
Harry B., 477
James B., 476, 477
John W., 476
Lucinda, 476
Marie B., 477
Mary B., 504
Melva C., 477
Pauline W., 477
Tai U., 477
Parshall, Elias, 484
Hannah M., 484
Loretta, 484
Passavant, Charles S., Jr., 282
Charles S., Sr., 28I
Charles S., 3d, 282
Emma V., 282
James L., 282
Jane, 281
Lillian E., 282
Philip L., 28I
Zelie, 28i
Patchin, Aaron W., 76
Elizabeth, 76
Winifred J., 76
Patterson, Alice, 92
Edith H., 92
Effie M., 83
Joseph A., 83
Loretta M., 83
Margaret C., 322
Margaretta, 327
Mary A., 327
Rex A., Dr., 83
Robert I., 327
Samuel A., 83
Scott, 92ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Pattison, Eva L., 43
Jane, 43
Thomas, 43
Patton, Vera E., 572
Peairs, Ardafay, 25I
Clyde F., Dr., 250
Elaine D., 25I
Janice J., 25I
Wanda F., 25I
William F., Dr., 250
Pearsall, Daniel, go
Matilda, go
Minna, go
Peeler, Ethel, 54I
J. W., 541
Pennington, Edward A., 306
Edward M., 306
Ernest B., 306
Ida K., 306
Margaret L., 306
Richard A., 306
Permar, Katharine, I93
Pershing, Avra N., Jr., I22
Avra N., Sr., 122
Daniel, Rev., 122
Dorothy G., 122
Frederick, I22
Isaac, 122
John F., I22
John J., Gen., 122
Joseph, 122
Justus H., Rev., 122
Mary, 122
Minnie, 122
Peterson, Maggie, 217
Pfeifer, Charles, I29
Myrtle, I29
Sarah J., 129
Pharaoh, Alma, 354
Anna, 354
Bertha, 354
Harry W., 354
Henry, 354
Ruth, 354
William T., 354
Phennicie, Barbara A., 82
L. A., 82
Maude, 82
Mollie, 82
Nancy J., 82
W. F., 82
Phillippi, Holmes J., 52
Ora, 52
Sylvia M., 52
Phillips, Adam J., 415
Charlotte C., 3
Della, 570
Doris, 3
Doris F., 3
Elizabeth, 415
Eva K., 415
J. A., Iog
Jennie, 570
John C., 570
Linn V., Jr., 3
Linn V., Sr., 3
Minnie, I09
Opal, 278
Samuel A., 3
Phillis, Jacob, 242
Maude L., 242
Philson, Florence, 548
W. F., 548
Pickard, Henrietta, 260
Piper, Benson, 143
Harold, I43
Joseph F., 363
Leslie, I43
M. K., 142
Margaret, I43
Maria J., 363
Martha, 363
Martin, I43
Mary McN., 363
Minerva, 142, I43
Myrtle, 363
Nelson, I43
Pearl, I43
Walter L., I42
Wilson McD., 363
Pisula, Harriett C., 52
James D., 52
John, 52
Joseph T., Jr., 52
Joseph T., Sr., 52
Josephine, 52
Mary L., 52
Plummer, Leona R., 427
Poe, Anna F., 450
Poffinberger, Emma, 3Io
John W., Rev., 3Io
Mary E., 3Io
Pohl, Birdie M., 7I
Frederick W., 7I
Mildred, 7I
Ralph J., 7I
Ruth M., 7I
William F., Dr., 7I
William F., Jr., 7I
Polkabla, Anna, 536
Jay N., 536
Joseph, 536
Mable A., 536
Nicholas, 536
Pollins, Agnes V., 258, 265
Calvin E., 265
David S., 257
Elizabeth, 257
Elizabeth J., 259
Frances J., 267
Hannah, 2;7
Jane D., 267
John W., 256
John W., Sr., 258, 265
Lydia J., 259
Martha, 258
Mary L., 259
Sarah, 258
William, 256
Pollock, Edna, I04
Ewing B., I04
Florinda, I04
Florinda B., I04
Gazella, 208
Harry, 208
Harvey C., I04
Lloyd E., I04
Louis, 208
Minnie, 208
Richard L., I04
Poorbaugh, Anna M., 515
Arthur, 516
Edna L., 516
Harvey McC., 515
Karl, 516
Marlene, 516
Ralph A., 515
Thelma, 516
Poorman, Clare, 354
Leila, 312
Martha, 312
Robert F., 312
Popover, Bessie, 298
Esther H., 298
Joseph J., 298
Port, Frank B., 8I
Grace, 8I
Martha E., 8I
Porter, Carrie, I29
Dorothy, 129
Elizabeth, 54
J. D., 54
J. Donald, Jr., I29
J. Donald, Sr., I29
John R., 129
Levi, I04
Myrtle, 129
Nellie G., 54
Sarah J., I29
Viola, I04
Potts, Ann, I6o
Margaret, I6o
William M., I6o
Powell, Edward,  I4
La Verne, 270
Marie, 269
Mary, II4
Michael J., 269
Nadeen A., 270
Nellie, 114
Violet, 435
Wesley, 269
Powers, Arline, 299
Prenter, May, 414
Price, Ann M., 384
Caroline E., 384
Helen, 384
Helen E., 384
John M., 384
Mazie W., 384
Obed K., 384
Willson, 384
Priestnall, Mary A., 219
Prigg, Ethel E., 21
Fannie, 21
Joseph M., 2I
6iq-iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA6
Pritchard, Edward D., 26I
Edward J., 261
Joan F., 26i
Margaret E., 26I
William H., 26I
William T., 26I
Pritts, Edna, 215
Elizabeth, 462
Ellen, 215
Elmer E., 462
M. J., 215
Profili, Augustine, 285
Elda, 285
Martha, 285
Peter, 285
Rita, 285
Prosser, Anne, 328
Provins, Clement G., I86
Cora J., I86
Elizabeth A., I86
Francis A., I86
H. Gilmore, I85
Hollis D., I86
Lena M., I86
Philip E., I86
Silas W., I86
Purdue, Bessie, 38
Katherine, 38
William, 38
Pusch, George, 58
Matilda, 58
Maybelle, 58
Pyle, Jennie M., 533
Mary, 533
Mary C., 532
Thomas H., 532
William T., Dr., 532
Quigley, Eva, I63
Ralston, Alice V., 418
Charlotte C., 423
Clarence E., 422
Edith, 549
Elizabeth J., 549
Eugene S., 549
Hugh E., Dr., I97
Jane, 549
Jean, I97'
Jennie, 422
John, 549
Martha, 418
Mary E., 197
Patrick H., I97
R. G., Dr., 418
Stewart C., 423
Stewart H., 422
Thomas N., 549
Ramage, Daniel A., 8
Nellie R., 8
Sarah, 8
Ramsey, Anna, 259
James H., 259
Lemuel, 215
Lydia J., 259
Manasses, 215
Margaret, 215
Mary E., 215
Nancy, 215
Ranck, C. H., 328
J. Harold, 328
Miles E., 328
Randolph, Adam, 83
Catherine, 28I
Edward V., 28I
Jane, 28I
Sadie G., 537
Rankin, Alexander, 418
Alma M., 299
Charles A., I74
Hugh, 418
Ida, 465
James K., 299
John W., Jr., I75
John W., Sr., I74
Marie R., 418
Marjorie V., I75
Mary E., 299
Myra V., 175
Nettie, 419
Robert B., I75
Victoria E., 174
William L., 299
Ratts, Edith R., I47
Fannie, 147
R. K., Dr., 147
Raw, Agnes J., 535
Ray, Arthur M., 32
D. Dwight, I35
Hattie, 357
Myrl C., 32
Myrtle, 32
Nelson D., I35
R. Hastie, I35
R. N., 35
Read, Clara F., I58
Elizabeth M., I58
William, I58
Reagle, John C., I59
Sarah, I59
Suella E., I59
Ream, Andrew, I95
Ellsworth, I95
Eva, I96
Frank C., 540
Harold D., I96
Henry A., I96
John, 540
John 0., 540
Joseph M., 540
Mable D., I96
Mary, 540
Mary A., 540
Michael, 540
Norman B., 540
Rebecca, I95
Zella, 540
Reamer, Daniel, 248
Katherine, 249
Marion, 249
Mary, 248
Ronald, 249
Rearic, Cassie, 420
Helen M., 420
William, 420
Rebolt, Betty, II5
Florence, I5
Frank M., I5
Jack, II5
James, I 15
John N., II5
Lulu, II5
Reed, Augustus J., 549
Campbell, 288
Clara B., 303
Edgar P., 303
Elizabeth J., 549
Ellen D., 303
George W., I8I
Harriet, I8I
Helen M., 60
Howard R., 56I
Ida, 56I
Isabell, 60
J. B., Rev., 60
Jonah, 303
Joseph, 288
Joseph A., 56I
Levi C., 303
Louise, 303
Lydia C., I8.I
Margaret, 56I
Martha, 288
Mary, 549
Robert P: 303
Reese, Elizabeth A., 79
Reeser, Dennis,: og9
Dennis I., 509
Dick M., 509
Emily T., 509
Leone S., 509
Reeves, James A. W., 21
Mary N., 22
Patrick J., 22
Reiber, Aaron E., Judge, 69
Florence, 70
Marten A., 70
Martin, 70
Mary, 70
Mary E., 70
Reif, Elizabeth, 416
Reiley, Fannie, 458
Henry B., 458
Henry B., Rev., 459
John E., 459
Margaret L., 459
Naomi, 459
Naomi E., 459
Ruth F., 459
William McK., 458
Reising, Albert, 501
Joseph A., 502
Katherine J., 502
Mary A., 501
Mary B., 502
613iANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Olivia A., 502
Paul A., 502
Peter P., 501
Reiter, Eliza, 400
Sophie D., 400
William C, 400
Reitz, Benita M., 27
Betty J., 27
Dorothy L., 27
George F., 27
Hulda, 27
Marion B., 27
Warren G., 26
Renn, Amanda, IO
Chester, Io
Margaret J., Io
Renner, Emma, 277
Geneva C., 498
J. Kirk, 498
John A., 498
Robert T., 498
Sophia, 498
William C., 498
Renzulli, Giovanna, 317
Repine, Carrie B., 318
Harry M., 318
James K., 318
Martha G., 319
Olie E., 318
Reppert, Benjamin F., 17
Edmund H., Hon., 17
Ellen, I8
Elizabeth, I8
Rhoda, 17
"Republican Standard," newspaper,
5II
Rezzolla, Alexander, 316
Armida, 317
Evelyn, 317, 452
Giovanna, 317
John, 452
John, Jr., 3I7
John, Sr., 316
Richard J., 317
Vanessa, 317
Wilhelmina, 317
Rhoads, Alexander, 489
Jeanette, 489
Kathryn, 489
Luella M., 489
Mary, 489
Royal C., Jr., 489
Royal C., Sr., 489
Rhodes, Adeline, 369
Eugene, 369
Frank, 369
John F., 369
Maude, 369
May, 369
Rial, Ada, 94
James, 94
Leona C., 94
Rice, Elizabeth, 226
Marguerite, 226
William, 226
Richards, Susana, 339                Jennie K., 228
Richardson, Matilda, 9               John C., 69
Ruby, 9                            Jlo,hn Q., Jr., Dr., IOO
Stephen A., 9                      John Q., Sr., Dr., IOO
Ridinger, John A., 218               John Q., 3d, IOI
Minnie M., 218                     Josephine, 228
Riddell, Archibald, 236               Kathryn, 69
Nellie D., 236                     Lucius W., Jr., 352
Ridgway, Frances, I8o                Lucius W., Sr., 352
Ridinger, Catherine M., 518           Mary E., IOI
John L., 518                        Nora, 69
Paul B., 519                        Paul M., Jr., 46
Sara D., 519                        Paul M., Sr., 46
Stephen R., Jr., 518               Richard R., 46
Rifgon, Julia, 335                   Royce, 49
Onufer, 335                        Ruth, 352
Tillie, 335                         Samuel H., IOI
Riggle, Gertrude, 246                 Sarah L., 46
Mary, 246                          Virginia, 353
William, 246                        William B., IOI
Riggs, Cordelia C. B., 422           Zona R., 69
Katherine, 422                    Rodd, F. W., I08
Robert L., 422                      Mary H., io8
Walter L., 422                   Rogers, Charles, I63
Rinesmith, Edith M., 152             Fred McF., 48I
J. E., I52                         James H., 480
J. L., 152                         James N., 480
Mary E., 152                       Margaret, I63
Patricia J., I52                   Maude J., 480
Ritts, Elias, 67, 68                 Nancy, 48I
Elizabeth, 67                       Nettie R., I63
Irene C., 68                     Ronan, Joseph A., Dr., 508
John V., 67                        Joseph A., Jr., 509
Leonard C., 68                     Marguerite M., 509
Maud, 68                           Mary A., 508
Roberts, Carrie, 84, Io04            William F., 508
E. G., 242                         William J., 509
Eleanor J., 444                  Rose, Anna, 417
Erma A., I04                       Cyrus L., 417
Frank G., Io04                     Floyd, 417
George A., 85                      Gertrude, 418
George B., Dr., 84                 Robert S., 418
Jacob E., 84                     Rosenbloom, Charles H., Dr., 415
James E., Rev., 444                Louis, 415
Joseph B., 85                       Marie, 415
Margaret M., 444                 Ross, Fan E., 234
Margaret S., 242                   Jesse T., 234
Mary, 85                           Martha, 234
Robertson, Cora, 32                Rowland, Agnes, 338
H. F., 32                          Agnes J., 338
Mary E., 32                        Anna, I80
Robinson, Amanda E., II6             Edward, I8o
Catharine, Ioo                     Ewart G., 337
Clara E., IOI                       Kate, 337
Elizabeth, 69                       Nancy L., 338
Ethel, 46                          Sarah, I8o
Frank, 69                          Walter, 337
Frank L., 46                       Walter B., 338
Harriet, 353                     Rudolph, Jay G., I, I53
Helen L., IOI                      Jay G., II, I53
Jacob, 228                         Jay G., III, I53
James F., IOI                       Jay G., IV, I53
James G., 69                        Katherine, I53
Janes N., 69                        Zella, I53
Jane, 46                          Rugh, Frank A., Jr., IO9
6I4ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Frank A., Sr., o08
Hazel G., Io9
Helen L., o09
Jacob W., o08
James W., I09
Jennie E., Io8
Lillie J., Io9
Patricia A., I09
Robert J., Io09
Runzo, Giacomo, 326
Joseph G., 326
Mary, 326
Mary G., 326
Rose, 326
S. T., 325
Samuel, 326
Vera, 326
Runzo  Co., S. T., 325
Rush, Anna, I2
Charles W., I2
William H., I2
Russell, Beecher F., 495
Elmer B., M. A., Ph. D., 494
Frances, 495
Katherine, 494
Katherine F., 495
Margaret, 293
William J., 494
Rutherford, Anna, II3
Charlotte P., 69
John, II13
Sarah A., 113
Ryan, Charles C., Dr., I93
Elizabeth, I93
Marie, 193
William M., Rev., I93
Ryland, Eleanor, 482
Harry H., 483
Mary, 483
Olive E., 483'Paul R., 483
Sylvester H., 482
W. Harry, D. D. S., 482
Sadler, Asia L., 209
Garret, 209
Rebecca A., 209
St. Clair, Barbara H., 250
Emma, 250
John P., 250
S. Blanche, 318
Thomas, Dr., 250
Sanders, Adam L., 20
Caroline, 2I
Frank L., 20
Nora, 20
Sangston, Bertha, 334
Betty, 334
David H., Dr., 333
Elizabeth, 334
James P., Dr., 334
Jefferson, 334
Martha, 13
Robert B., 334
Russell E., Dr., 334
William J., I3
Sass, Augustus, 352
Clara A., 352
Donald K., 352
Franklin E., Dr., 352
Robert E., 352
Savilla, 352
Saul, Helen M., 235
Myrtle, 235
W. G., 235
Sayers, Albert A., I02
Albert H., I02
Annie, I02
Benjamin F., I05
Catherine, I02
Charles C., I05
Flora, I02
Grace F., 23I
James, I02
James E., I02
Jane, 231
Lewis W., Jr., I05
Lewis W., Sr., I05
Margaret, I05
Margaret B., I05
Sally A., I05
Sara F., I05
Thomas W., 231
Saylor, Anna, 482
Anna C., 482
Charles C., 482
Charles F., 482
H. P., 482
James B., 290
Lillian, 482
Malinda, I I2
Neva E., 290
Sadie, I I2
William, 112
Scaccia, Mary G., 326
Scales, A. C., 124
Clemer, I24
Gladys L., I24
John N., 124
Martha, I24
Robert E., 124
Schaefer, Anna, 230
Harry S., 230
Jane, 230
Scheibler, Florence, I6o
W. F., I6o
Schmucker, Edith, 487
Schnabel, Anna C*, 453
Daniel R., Jr., 453
Daniel R., Sr., 452
Helen M., 453
Henry, 452
Mildred L., 453
Sarah, 452
Schnebly, Andrew W., 58
Mary, 58
Mary K., 58
Schotte, Carrie, 207
Gustavus A., 206
Karl B., Jr., 207
Karl B., Sr., 206
Lucille, 207
Margaret, 206, 207
Schrock, Edith, 540
Elizabeth, 479, 539
Emma S., 553
Jacob B., 539
John M., 539
L. J., 479
Lavina, 507
Lawrence C., Dr., 479
Lon, 479
Marguerite, 508
Marie, 479
Merle R., 507
Nellie, 508
William, 507
William G., Rev., 553
Schroyer, Bessie T., I86
Thomas N., I86
Tobitha, I86
Schuck, Aaron B., 98
Carey L., 98
Hallie, 99
Malinda, 98
Margaret C., 99
Schuyler, James, 483
Mary, 483
Schwalm, John, Sr., 428
Sarah A., 428
Sciotto, Anna M., 452
Bruce A., Jr., 452
Bruce A., Sr., 452
Charles T., 452
Ella L., 452
Evelyn, 452
Rosario, 452
Scott, Anna, 413
Anna M., I03
Edna, 234
Elaine, 245
Flora, 245
Hattie, 287
James A., 39I
James M., 233
Jesse R., 233
John, Dr., 413
John W., 103
Katherine, 234
Kenneth W., I03
Lloyd F., 287
Margaret, I28
Margaret A., 233
Marguerite, 287
Martha L., 245
Mary C., 39I
Maud E., I28
Melissa, 39I
Noah, 128
Norman J., 245
Ralph, 245
Robert, 287
Robert J., 287
Romaine, 245
615ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Ruth E., 234
Samuel M., 234
Viola, I04
William L., 245
Sculco, Alexander, 5I0
L. Alexander, 510
Lois J., 510
Maria, 5Io
Rose, 510
Scull, Elizabeth, 304
George R., 304
Isabel W., 304
Seibert, Carl M., 544
Cora M., 544
Daniel W., Jr., 544
Daniel W., Sr., 544
James H., 544
John E., 544
Mary, 544
Robert E., 544
Solomon, 544
Wayne, 544
Seif, Charles L., 499
Charles L., Jr., 500
Dorothy E., 499
John C., Dr., 499
Martha I., 499
Seight, Catherine, 28
Gertrude, 28
John W., 28
Sellens, Charles, 295
Dorothy, 295
Fanny, 295
Sembower, Elizabeth, I75
Helen, 176
James W., Jr., 176
James W., Sr., I75
Janet E., I76
Jasper T., I75
Joan L., I76
Pauline, 176
Sensenich, Boyd S., 304
Carrie E., 304
Chester D., 303
Chester G., 304
Earl W., 304
Gray F., 304
Ila M., 304
Isabel S., 304
Isabel W., 304
Jacob, 303
Lois V., 304
Louis E., 304
Mary, 303
Zelma B., 304
Sewall, Dorothy H., 364
Shaffer, Aaron E., 525
Adam B., 227
Alice, I44
Charles I., Dr., 227
Christian, 144
Daniel L., 301
Dillinger H., Jr., 301
Dillinger H., Sr., 300
Dorothy, 301
Elizabeth, 301
Elizabeth J., 227
Emily B., 227
Frances, 301
Helen, 301
Henry C., 300
Mary A., 525
Mary E., 470, 524
Sarah, 29, 300
Susan, I44
Shannon, Albert, 526
Anna L., 527
Edwin L., 527
Sally, 526
Thomas H., 526
Wilmot P., 527
Sharbaugh, Alma, 330
Bertha, 330
Charles A., Jr., 330
Charles A., Sr., 329
Charles R., 330
Helen, 330
Jacob, 329
Mary, 275, 329, 330
Paul J., 330
Philomena, 330
R. H., 330
W. Earl, 330
Sharpless, Anna P., I54
Rebecca, I54
William J., I54
Shaulis, Amos, 489
Jeanette, 489
Shaver, Charles I., 460
Chester L., 460
Clarence L., 460
Elizabeth, 460
Emma L., 460
Shaw, George S., 250
Hattie T., 250
Sheafer, Charlotte, 6I
John F., 6I
Sheetz, Eugene, 121
Gertrude, I21
Jacob, 121
John A., Jr., 12I
John A., Sr., I2I
John C., I2I
Joseph, 121
Malinda, I2I
Paul E., I21
Pierre F., 12I
Shepard, Anna, 172
Charles R., 172
Francis G., 434
Margaret, 434
Robert G., 434
Sarah, 172
Violet, 434
Shepler, Cynthia J., 98
David R., Dr., 98
Elizabeth, 98
Isaac, 97
John B., 97
Joseph, Capt., 97
Joseph R., 98
Joseph R., Dr., 97
Margaret, 97
Mary, 97,
Matthias, 97
Ocie A., 98
Sherbine, Alice, I44
Elizabeth, I44
Lura E., I44
Philip, I44
Wallace, I44
Sheridan, Anna, 446
Catherine, 260
Daniel F., 26I
Hugh D., 446
Joseph P., Jr., 26I
Joseph P., Sr., 260
Laura B., 446
Louise, 260
Philip J., 260
William, 26I
Shelby, Abigail, I79
Frances, I8o
Lilia K., I8o
S. Ray, I79
Sidney, I79
Sheriff, Gertrude, 313
Sherrard, Alexander C., 63, 174
Alexander C., 2d, I74
Elizabeth C., 63, I74
J. Espey, Jr., 64
J. Espey, Sr., 63
Jacob H., Jr., 174
Jacob H., Sr., 174
Jane E., 64
Mary M., 174
Mildred L., 64
Pauline L., 64
Watson A., 64
Sherrick, Annabel, 142
Burton T., I4I
Clara B., 14I
Dorothy M., 142'
Earl C., Dr., I41
Earl C., Jr., I42
Edith M., I42
Edith R., 142
Iola G., 142
Sherwood, Maude A., 33I
Shidler, Anna V., 25
Dorothy, 25
Jacob W., 25
Joseph W., 25
Lenore, 25
Leroy B., 25
Marjorie M., 25
Nancy, 25
Sarah, 25
Sarah K., 25
Shockey, Anna A., 55I
Christian H., 55I
Clara A., 352
Estella, 55I
Herman, 352, 551
Howard L., 55I
James B., 55I
Susan, 352, 551
Shoemaker, Alvin, 44I
6I6ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Dorothy, 44I
Mary S., 440
Maurice G., 440
Norma, 44I
Solomon, 440
Shoff, Dorothy C., 317
Shoop, John H., 308
Martha, 308
Robert W., 309
Stella M., 308
William J., 309
William W., 308
Showalter, Curtis, 374
Gladys V., 374
Grace, 374
Mary A., 374
Mervin C., 374
Robert K., 374
Short, Cora J., i86
Mary, I86
Nelson, I86
Showater, Mrs. Charles, 12I
Shrontz, Clark A., 274
Cornelia A., 274
Elsie M., 392
Frank T., 392
Frank W., 392
J. F., 274
Mary V., 392
Nancy E., 274
Sara L., 392
Shuck, Mildred, 368
Sidell, Rhea M., 553
Sidwell, Alice, i88
Henry, I88
Nellie, I88
Singer, Bess I., 79
Sipe, Alice K., 474
Alletta P., 340
C. H., 340
Chester H., 72
Cleopatra V., 73
D. T., 340
Ethel B., 341
Hiram H., 72
Lilly, 474
Mary, 72
Nancy A., 34I
Peter, 474
William P., 474
William W., 474
Sipple, Alice, 556
Richard, 556
Sites, Annie E., 249
Emma J., 249
Harry M., 249
William A., Rev., 249
Skagerberg, Annie E., 324
Charles A., 324
Ida M., 325
James M., 325
J. W., 324
Mollie M., 325
Nancy J., 325
Skene, Anna, 229
Edward P., 229
Margaretta, 229
Skilling, Alta, 433
David E., 433
Mary, 433
Robert J., 433
Thomas E., Jr., 433
Thomas E., Sr., 433
Slattery, Mary, 352
Sliker, John C., I55
Margaret S. (R. N.), I55
Mary, I55
Myrtle B., I55
Robert C., I55
William, I55
Sloan, Ada, 127
Harriet, 34
Sarah M., 127
William P., 127
Slonaker, Charles T., 213
Cora I., 213
Elizabeth, 213
John, 213
Margaret E., 213
Mary S., 213
Newton H., 213
Paul N., 213
Walter D., 213
Sly, Amelia, 29I
Blanche, 29I.
Charles W., 291
Smail, Ada W., 321
Smiley, Eva, 496
John, 496
Mary, 496
Smith, Alice, 477
Alice C., I48
Andrew G., 513
Anna, 514
Anna E., 366
Caroline, 537
Caroline F., I47
Clara, I56
Clarence F., 54
Clark M., Dr., 366
Daniel W., I47
David N., I48
Dorothea, 514
Edith, 313
Edna K., I3I
Edward J., Rev., 13I
Elizabeth, 70, 253
Elizabeth B., I55
Emerson S., 514
Enoch O., Rev., 70
Ernest, 367
Florence, 70, 514
Frances, I31
George H., 239
Helen A., 316
H. K., 315
Ida, 54
Jesse R., I56
John S., 313
Lewis A., 477
Louisa, 253
Mabel S., 240
Marguerite, I55
Mary, I56
Martin, I55
Mattie J., 40
Maxine, 156
Molly, I36
Myrtle B., I55
Myrtle I.,.367
Nina G., 240
Onida W., 148
Richard A., 514
Richard N., I48
Robert W., Jr., 148
Robert W., Sr., 147
Russell K., 239
Sarah, 40, 315, 5I3
Susan, 239
Sylvanus, Dr., 253
Vera M., 477
Vincent R., Jr., I56
Vincent R., Sr., I56
William, 40
William H., 367
William J., 366
William S., 55
William W., 54
Zoe R., 315
Snedden, Dorothy B., 239
Elizabeth, 239
Helen M., 239
Lillian, 238
Pearl E., 239
Thomas F., 238
William, 238
Snodgrass, Adeline, 449
Matilda L., 449
Robert G., 449
Snook, Lee M., 243
Nancy, 243
Wilson H., Judge, 243
Snyder, Anna, 513
Anna M., 512
Catherine, 425
Daniel, 373
Daniel J., Hon., 373
Daniel J., Jr., 373
David L., 373
Edward, 425
Eleanor G., 373
Elizabeth, 373, 425
Ella, 557
Emmaline S., 557
Hannah, 424
Jacob F., Rev., 512
Jacob M., Dr., 512
John E., 424
Joseph D., 556
Mary A., 373
Mathias, 373
Richard, 425
Robert, 425
Roseanne, 556
Sadie S., 557
617ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Simon C., 424
Winifred, 373
Zachariah, 556
Sober, Anna, 500
C. M., 500
Dorothy, 500
Soisson, Frances P., 56
Geula, 56
Louisa, 55
Mary L., 56
Pauline, 56
Peter, 55
William H., Jr., 56
William H., Sr., 55
William H., 3d, 56
Soles, Dorothy J., 448
Emma L., 447
John J., 448
Terrissa C., 448
Thomas F., 447
Wesley C., 447
Sontum, Anna, 300
Anne, 300
Gwendolyn C., 300
Hugo, 300
Walter C., 300
Sourwine, Ellen, 3II
John D., 3II
Olive L., 311
Sparks, Elizabeth, 14
Henry C., 375
Howard L., I4
Isaac I., 14
Mary J., I4
Nell V., 14
Willetta, 375
Spaugy, Iva M., 490
Specht, Alice K., 474
Arlene, 522
Don, 522
Frances, 522
Frank, 522
Harvey J., 522
Ida B., 523
Jennie, 522
Josiah, 522
Josephine, 522
Lloyd A., 523
Ruth, 522
Speicher, Ada, 350
Anna, 330
Audrey, 33I
Dorothy, 350
Douglas S., 331
Ephraim, 330
Frances, 350
George F., Dr., 330
George F., Jr., 331
Gladys V., 331
Harry B., 350
Jane, 350
Peter, 350
Wilma E., 350
Spence, Elizabeth A., 78
Esther A., 78
George D., 78
George M., 78
Isabel E., 78
James, 78
Spencer, Benjamin L., 553
Emma, 553
Jacqueline, 553
James, De V., Dr., 553
Janet, 553
Jean, 553
Judith, 553
Milton, 328
Rhea M., 553
Speyer, Anna E., 345
Sphar, Elizabeth A., I89
Hannah, I89
Helen, I89
Henry C., I89
Robert, I89
Robert A., Dr., I89
Sadie A., I89
William, I89
Spicer, Annie, 285
Emeline, 285
John, 285
Spillane, Anna, 380
Margaret, 380
Patrick J., 380
Spragg, Anna L., 527
J. I., 527
Sarah L., 527
Sproull, Esther J., 207
James A., 207
Johnston C., 207
Nancy J., 207
Stader, Edward V., 526
Elizabeth, 526
Estella J., 525
Francis J., 525
John F., 525
John W., 525
John, 3d, 526
Matilda, 525
Nancy E., 526
Stafford, Alice, I92
Dewitt, I92
Margaret, I92
Stahl, Belinda, 464
J. G., 472
Jennie, 522
Nettie M., 472
Stahlman, Calla L., 376
Catherine, 376
Frederick C., Dr., 241
H. Russel, Jr., 242
H. Russell, Sr., 241
Joseph C., Dr., 376
Margaret S., 242
Mary E., 377
Mary M., 241
Merna, 377
Nellie, 377
Solomon, 376
Stait, Mary, 93
William, 93
Winifred, 93
Stanton, Eli, 538
Jennie, 538
Stather, Charlotte, 276
George, 276
Margaret, 276
Statler, Emanuel, 537
Herbert H., 537
Marie R., 537
Nellie M., 537
Sadie G., 537
Susan, 537
Wanda A., 537
Stauffer, Ruth, Mrs., 80
Stedman, Gertrude, 418
Steel, Edith, 243
Steiner, Addison F., 235
Helen M., 235
Marie E., 235
Steele, Alice, 244
Columbus, 277
Cora, II8
Eleanor, 87
Elsie J., 277
Emma, 277
George T., I I 8
John, 278
Mary L.,  I8
Olive, 244
Opal, 278
Pansy, 278
Rex, 277
Robert, 278
S. Clark, Dr., 277
Samuel, 244
Stella, 87, 566
Sterling, Bruce F., I8I
Catherine, 517
Christian C., I8I
Eleanor C., 517
James M., 517
May, I82
May S., I82
Randolph F., I82
Rebecca, I8I
Robert B., I82
Stern; Jennie, 355
Joseph H., 355
Louise, 355
Morris, 354
Stevens, Charles H., 278
Clara, 483
Edward L., 483
Elizabeth N., 484
Elizabeth P., 484
Emma, 278
George N., 484
Harold B., 483, 484
Howard O., 278
Ida A., 484
Mary J., 278
Polly S., 484
Stevenson, Anna M., McM., 52o
Dorothy E., 304
6i8ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
George W., 520
James W., 519
Lena E., 304
Malcolm S., Dr., 304
Nancy J., 519
W. Roy, 304
William W., 519
Stevons, Ella J., 241
Stewart, Alice I., 280
John B., Dr., 447
John L., 26
John W., 446
Katherine, 449
Lizzie, 446
Lucy D., 26
M. Wilson, 446
Margaret A., 280
Margaretta M., 26
Mary J., 26
Robert C., Dr., 279
Scott M., 447
Stella, 279
TW. W., 49
William G., Rev., 26
William S., Dr., 279
Stiefel, Albert C., 457
Henry, 456
Josephine B., 457
Juliet T., 456
Mary, 456
Mary E., 457
Ralph C., Jr., 455
Ralph C., Sr., 456
Regula, 456
Stineman, Albert M., 143
Bessie M., I3I
Dorothy, 143
Dorothy E., I31
Eleanor, I30
Frank H., 300
Jacob C., 130, 299
James C., 300
Katherine, 143
Katherine A., 300
Mary, 299
Nannie, 300
Oliver M., 130
Paul O., I3I
R. Meade, 143
Washington I., 299
Stitt, Anna E., 3Io
Arthur P., 311
Helen I., 205
Herbert L., 311
Hugh I., Dr., 205
Hugh P., 205
Irene, 205
John F., 3Io
Levi G., 3Io0
Lida M., 311II
Marlin F., 205
Mary, 205
Nellie I. P., 3II
Ruth E., 205
Veryl V., 311
Storer, Keziah, 519
Marie, 519
Mary K., 519
Thomas, 519
William C., 519
Stout, Gwendolyn C., 300
Stover, Agnes, 338
Alice, 338
Isiah, 338
Straub, Adeline M., 465
Bessie, 465
Charles G., 465
Gilbert, Rev., I63
Maria, 465
Peter P., I64
Sabina, I64
Theodore, D. D. S., 465
Strickler, Abigail, 89
Albert W., Dr., 89
Emily, 476
James P., Dr., 88
Mary E., 89
Strittmatter, Amanda J., 298
Anna M., 297
Casimer, 298
Denis A., 298
Denis, Rev., 298
Frederick, Rev., 298
Germain M., 298
Mary C., 298
Otto T., 298
Paul A., 297
Pauline S., 298
Peter, 297
Sophia M., 298
Strosnider, Charles T., 442
Eleanor M., 443
Elizabeth M., 442
Mary E., 443
Richard B., 443
Robert H., 443
Simon K., 442
Struss, Anna, 514
Richard, 514
Stuff, Anna, 547
John, 547
Stull, Arthur M., Jr., 324
Arthur M., Sr., 324
B. F., 324
Benjamin F., 27
Harold W., 28
Howard F., 28
Howard W., 27
Mabel M., 25I
Mary J., 27, 324
Mary M., 28
Rebecca J., 28
Ruth B., 324
Sarah F., 28
William M., 324
Sturgis, Bessie M., 271
Dean D., 90
Florence, 20
Franklin A., 90
Grace, go
James, go
Jane, 20
Jennie, 27I
John, 20, 27I
Maud, go
Sullivan, A. Grafton, 449
Agnes, 449
D. B., 449
Margaret A., 449
Mildred, 449
Patricia J., 449
Supler, Bessie M., I30
Elizabeth, 130
James H., I30
Suppes, Conrad, 65
Frieda, 65
Frieda B., 65
Swank, Albert F., I38
Albert M., 340
Annie E., I38
C. Ferguson, 139
Catherine, I38, 389
Charles M., 340
Charles McC., 138
Charlotte, 340
Elmaretta F., 389
Helen F., 340
Helen M., I39
Hiram, 138
Ida M., 139
Jacob, 138, 389
James W., 139
Lenore, I139
Malinda E., 138
Mary B., 139
Mary C., 139
Milton R., 139
Ralph L., 139
Sweeney, Kathryn, 326
Mollie, 82
Sweeny, E. Arthur, I65
Edward B., I65
Jennie A., 193
Rebecca E., I65
Suder, Edward, 513
Emma, 513
Sadie, 513
Sutton, Amy A., 65
Bernice, 67
Charles T., 289
Ella, 289
Guy W., Jr., 67
Guy W., Sr., 65
Lewis F., 65
Margaret M., 67
Mary, 289
Pearl E., 67
Suzanne K., 67
Szewczyk, Charles, 485
Charles W., Jr., 486
Charles W., Sr., 485
Frances C., 485
Mary L., 486
Mary R., 486ANNALS OF SOUTHWAESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Tanner, George W., Jr., 359           John A., 39I
George W., Sr., 359                 Mary A., 287
Mamie, 359                          Maxine, I56
Tansey, Mary K., 103                  Olive D., 329
Michael, I03                        Ruth, 329
Nora, I03                           Sarah M., 391
Taylor, Agnes, 445                    Thomas H., 329
Alan, I7I                           Walter R., Jr., 141
Bertha, 334                         William H., 287
Caroline V., I7I                    William W., 287
Ella F., I7I                        W. R. I39
Howard F., I7I                    Throckmorton, Albert B., I04
John M., 445                        Audra, I05
Marguerite, 445                     Elmira, I04
Oliver M., 171                      Frank, 104
Samuel E., I70                      Margaret H., I05
Tebay, Anna, 282                    Tilton, Elvin J., 9
James H., 282                       Grant, Io
Lillian E., 282                     Jane R. J., IO
Templeton, Helen M., 269              Margaret J., Io
Joseph, 269                         Theresa, I0
Tennent, Erma, 209                  Timosko, Anna, I75
John, 209                           John, I75
Lydia, 209                          Susie, I75
Thalmann, Albert, II9               Tinstman, Anna, II3
Katherine M., II9                   Helen, I3
Marie, II9                          Jacob O., II13
Thomas, Agnes M., 260                 James E., 113
Albert E., 28                       Sarah A., 113
Alexander P., 260                 Titlow, Anna, 203
Alfred, 65                          George F., 203
Catherine J., 28                    Orville, 203
Cornelia A., 260                  Todd, Helen, 176
Dorothy, 28                         Jannie, 176
Dorothy G., 550                     Mary E., 481
Evan J., 28
Evan J., 28                         Springer, 176
Frederick W., 260
Todt, Elizabeth, 539
George N, 260                     Toner, Betty A., 226
Grace, 550                          Blanche, 226
Hans B., 260                        Harold R., 226
Henrietta, 260                      James J., 226
Henrietta M., 260                   Katie E., 226
Jerome E., 260                    Treager, Anne L., 48
Joseph, 259'Bess J., 48
Joseph H., 260                      Edna B., 48
Joseph 0., 28                       George M., 48
~~Kenneth, 28  ~Margaret E., 48
Marienneth, 260                     William L., Jr., 48
Mary, 65                            William L., Sr., 47
Mary A., 259, 260                 Trenkle, Esther A., 78
Matilda, 260                      Tripey, Ida, 565
Maude E., 65                      Trostle, John W., 414
Ruth S., 28                         Lenora, 414
Susanna, 260                      Trout, Cora I., 213
Theodore, 550                     Truscott, Annie E., 426
William, 259                        Arthur, 426
Thompson, Anna, 499                   Barbara A., 427
Anne E., 392                        David W., Dr., 426
Benjamin H., Hon., 39I              Irene J., 427
C. A., 5II                          Patricia J., 427
David J., 141                     Truxall, David, I2
Dorothy E., 499                     Mary, I2
Elizabeth F., 392                   Sudie, I2
Freda, 288                        Tulley, Lorena, I6
Frederic, 499                       Michael, I6
James F., I4I                       Virginia, I6
Turner, David H., 395
Lulu, 395
Velma, 395
Turney, Adam J., 34
Ella J., 34
Emma, 34
Uhl, Ann A., 440
Ann C., 440
Charles, 440
Charles F., 439
Henrietta K., 440
Leah K., 440
Simon K., 440
Ullom, Anna, 262
Blanche, 262
Jesse, 428
Jesse F., 428
John T., 262
Mary L., 429
Phoebe, 428
Rita A., 429
Stella S., 429
Umbel, Buena, 252
Charlott, 252
Grant, 252
Uncapher, Andrew G., Jr., 47
Andrew G., Sr., 46
Carolyn J., 47
Margaret, 46
Mary, 47
Milton E., 46
Uplhouse, Albert M., Dr., 489
Dorothy M., 490
Hiram W., 489
Iva M., 490
Martha, 489
Vance, James B., 5I
James R., 5I
Mary, 5I
Maude C., 51
Omer S., 5I
Pearl, 5I
Sarah A., 5I
Vandale, Emma, 278
Malena, 278
Peter, 278
VanGilder, Angela, I92
Belle, I9I
James E., Dr., I9I
James E., Jr., 192
John F., 192
Joseph H., I9I
Margaret, I92
Vansickel, Cora, 14
Ellsworth, I4
Nell V., 14
Van Wagner, Ethelynn, 442
Flora, 442
Lewis, Dr., 442
Varner, Alice, 458
Annie C., 458
Bertha, 458
Forrest M., 365
Henry, 365, 458
Miles A., 365
620ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Rosamond, 365
Ruth A., 365
Samuel S., 458
Sarah R., 365
Susanna, 458
Susannah, 365
Veil, Bessie, 485
Verner, Clifton A., 23
Katherine, 23
Margaret, 23
Veschi'o B., 24
Ralph, 24
Teressa, 24
Vincent, H., 486
Mary, 486
Robert C., Jr., 487
Robert C., Sr., 486
Wayne S., 487
Vinton, Anne, 503
Vitto, Lena D., 205
Vizza, Donald R., 549
Joseph, 549
Josephine, 549
Rachel, 549
Vincent, 549
Vincent J., 549
Von Senden, Arthur, 399
Elizabeth J., 399
Elizabeth P., 399
Karl S., Jr., 399
Karl S., Sr., 399
Martha B., 399
Martin, 399
Sarah D., 399
Sarah S. S., 399
Waggoner, Elizabeth, II
Ella, 89
Le Roy C., Dr., 89
Levi C., 89
Mildred, I I
Minna, 90
Thomas A., II
Wagner, Charles, 84
Christian L., 442
Elizabeth, 55I
Elma E., 55I
Ethelynn, 442
Elvira, 55I
Fannie, 84
I. Hess, Rev., Dr., 44I
James S., 551
John B., 55I
Katherine, 442
Marrea E., 84
Robert H., 55I
S. A., 55I
W. Wadsworth, 442
Waldron, Eliza M., 343
Reuben 0., 343
W. S., 343
Walker, Ada, 562
Agnes C., 504
Alder, 552
Ann, 319
Annie, 218
Bernice M., 513
Charles E., 31, 474
Clara, 513, 562
Cora, 544
Earl G., 552
Edna, 372, 5Io
Edward N., 513
Edward W., 513
Emma, 505
Ernest F., 3I
Ernest R., 32
Evelyn, 470
Frank, 509
Frank M., 510
Freeman, 505
Genevieve, 47
Giles, 47
Gladys, 552
Glenn S., 513
Helen E., 505
Hiram W., 509
James, 67
James E., 504
Janet I., 5I0
Jared, 504
Joan, 474
John, 319
Leland W., 474
Levy, 469
Lois C., 505
Margaret H., 47
Margaret M., 67
Mary, 469
Mary A., 67
Mary E., 32, 470
Mary J., 5I0
Minerva, 505
Minnie, 3I, 509
Minnie W., 474
Missouri, 554
Nettie 0., 505
Norman, 552
Patricia, 474
R. A., 3I9
Ruth E., 5Io
Sarah J., 319
Silas A., 218
Victoria, 218
Vida M., 474
W. H.,.544
Wilson E., 513, 562
Wilson K., 469
Aralkinslaw, Andrew R., 580
Bess J., 580
Charlotte A., 578, 580
C}otworthy, 579
Eleanor, 579
Hugh, 579
Hugh W., 578, 579
John, 579
Joseph, 579
I,ewis C., 578
Margaret B., 579
Paul R., 580
Rachel, 580
Ruth, 580
Wallace, Amanda, 45
Charles A., I58
Florence E., 3I
James M., 45
Katharine, 45
Sadie L., I58
W. Charles, Dr., I58
Walsh, Agnes, 62
Elizabeth F., 62
Patrick J., 62
Walter, Flora, I33
Robert, I33
Rosalie J., i33
Warne, Boyd E., 304
Elizabeth, 305
Elizabeth H., 306
Geneva W., 305, 306
Hiram, 305
Warner, Allie M., 283
James A., 283
Serepta B., 283
Washabaugh, A. Grace, 268
Franklin, 268
Sarah, 268
Washburn, Bertha, 316
E. E., 316
Gladys, 316
Watkins, Elizabeth, 422
Joel B., 422
Lena C., 422
Watson, Catherine, 6I
Esther M., 6I
Jane, 5I
John D., 5I
Joseph H., Dr., 6I
Margaret, 64
Mary K., 6I
Pauline L., 64
Ralph, 64
Rene, 5I
Robert, 6I
Watt, Carolyn, 373
Charles E., 373
Cornelius G., 372
Daniel H., 373
Elizabeth A., 373
Emma K., 373
James H., 372
John C., 373
Katherine, 372
Mary V., 373
Miriam K., 372
Miriam McI., 373
Weamer, Ada W., 321
Andrew, 320
Anna G., 321
Harry C., 321
Harry L., 320
Rebecca, 320
Weaver, Casper, 44
John W., 193
Marie, 44, 193
May, I93
Webreck, Annie, 38I
Fannon, 38I
James R., 382
Lulu L., 382
Richard M., 382
Robert D., 38I
621ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
William F., 382
Webster, Delia J., 24
Fannie, 24
J. C., 24
Weddell, Arthur W., 448
James A., 448
James C., 448
Jane, 448
Sara E., 448
Trovillo J., 448
Wegley, Minerva P., 2IO
Weiner, Bertha, 46I
Weiskotten, Eda W., I5I
Weiss, David H., Ioo
Elias, Ioo
Yetty, I00
Weller, John, 525
John C., 525
Welsh, Edward H., 377
Helen M., 379
Jane B., 378
Kathryn, 377
Meredith J., 379
William, 377
Welty, Catherine, 412
Christina, 412
Eliza C., 412
Henry, 412
Jacob, 412
James, 333
Jane, 412
John J., 412
Margaret P., 333
Werner, Kathryn, 332
Wertz, Anderson, 409
Ellen, 409
Freida A., 409
Wesner, Annie E., 241
Ella J., 241
Georgiana, 241
Josephine, 241
Louis A., Dr., 241
Michael A., Dr., 241
"Westmoreland Journal," newspaper, 5II
"Westmoreland Standard," newspaper, 5II
Westover, Aaron, 328
Agnes, 329
David A., Jr., 329
David A., Sr., 328
Edith, 329
Elizabeth, 328
J. Harrison, 327
John, 327
Lovell J., 327
Martena, 327
Wetzel, Mary, 330
Weyand, Maude, 369
Wheeler, Guy E., 567
Lucinda, 567
Lulu, 567
Marcelene, 567
Samuel S., 567
Whetmeiler, Zella, 540
White, Ada, 567
Agnes C., 40
Emma J., 40
Franklin, 95
George, 567
Harriet, 39, 95
Harry, 39
Harry B., 40
James, 39
Jean E., 40
John C., 448
Julia M., 40
Lula, 567
Mary, I98
Mary A., 96
Mary H., 96, I98
Rosa, 448
Sara E., 448
Willard O., 94, I98
Whitehill, Buell B., 242
Lee M., 243
Mary A., 242
Stewart H., 242
Whiteley, Emily J., Mrs., 80
Joe, 8o
Whitehouse, Alfred, 2I
Caroline, 2I
Louise, 2I
Whiteside, Martha, 33
Whitla, Isabel, 3
James P., 2
Selina F., 2
Whitman, Cecilia, 172
Donald, I72
Floyd, I72
Helen, 172
Hiram, 172
Leona, 172
Vincent, 172
Walt, I72
Whitten, Alexander, 37
Bessie, 38
Charles E., Hon., 37
Elizabeth, 37
Elizabeth Fales, Mrs., 38
Katherine Mellor, Mrs., 38
Mary, 156
Whyte, Lou, 245
Widdisson, Roxy L., 35I
Wildeman, Betty, 369
Della, 369
Elizabeth, 369
George, 369
George F., 368
Imogene, 369
James, 369
John, 369
Nora, 369
Quintin, 369
Rita, 369
Wilkins, Elizabeth, 302
Garfield, 302
Hiram, 302
Lizzie, 302
William H., 302
Wilkinson, Agnes J., 38I
Annie J., 38I
0. E., 38I
Willett, Sarah, 245
Willey, Thelma, II2
Williams, Anna B., 383
Beatrice A., 383
Bessie M., I3I
Clare, 369
Clarence E., 490
David, 45
Ellen, 45
Emilie E., I65
Emily B., I64
Henry C., 490
Jacob L., Rev., I64
James E., 131
John E., 383
Katharine, 45
Katherine, 422
Magdalena, 490
Mary, 490
Mary J., I3I
Nelle E., I65
Robert C., 490
Roger H., Rev., Dr., I64
Roger N., I65
Sarah H., I65
Sue W., 480
Susan S., 399
Vincent E., Jr., 46
Vincent E., Sr., 44
Virginia, 490
Williamson, Ella, 123
Frederick L., I23
Katherine H., 123
Wills, Elias, I38
Malinda E., I38
Wilson, Andrew H., 444
Annie G., 20
Catherine E., 444
Elizabeth, 20
Elsie M., 392
Florence E., 3I
H. Lee, 3I
Herman H., 3I
Jane G., 444
Jessie R., 145
John, 20
John H., Judge, 444
John L., 445
John T., 392
Kate L., 31
Lucy, 392
Nancy L., 3I
Richard L., 3I
Robert S., 445
Wallace L., 3I
Winegardner, Sara A., I5I
Winters, Ellis C., Dr., 134
Elmer, I34
Emma, 134
Evelyn J., 135
Isabelle, I35
James E., I35
Robert A., I35
Wirsing, Charlotte, 152
Herbert, 152
Herbert C., I53
James J. J., Capt., 152
622ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Mary J., I53
Pearl, 153
Wise, Anna, 239
Cornelia A., 274
Elizabeth, 239
Emil, 239
Witt, Alice, 516
Edna L., 516
George W., 516
Hazel G., I09
James C., Io9
Lillie, Io09
Wolfe, Anna, I84
Emory L., I84
Violet, I84
Wolff, Flora B., 498
Martha J., 499
Raymond A., Dr., 498
Raymond A., Jr., 499
Samuel H., 498
Womer, Agnes, 458
Frank W., Jr., 458
Frank W., Sr., 457
Janet, 458
Kate, 458
0. S., 458
Wood, Agnes, 277
Dorothy L., 277
Eleanor V., 277
Emma A., 277, 429
Erma L., 429
Ezra, 277
Gail, 277
Harold B., Dr., 429
Joshua, 429
Louise, 277
Maynard, 277
Pauline O., 277
Rlobert G., 277
Woodard, Alice W., 202
Andrew, 202
Jessie, 202
Woodburn, Catharine, 466
Charles S., Jr., 466
Charles S., Sr., 466
Frances, 466
Frances M., 466
Jack, 466
Joanne, 466
Stephen W., 466
Woods, Caroline, 387
Charles A., 387
Edward A., 387
Elizabeth, 386
Ellen C., 387
George, LL. D., 386
Joseph, 386
Lawrence C., 387
Woodward, Alma, I76
Caleb, 203
Charles W., IIO
David H., IIo
David H., Jr., IIO
Davis D., 203
Della J., 176
E. F., I76
Eliza, 203
Etta, II0
Guy, Jr., 204
Guy, Sr., 203
Orville, 203
Robert C., 204
Ruth, II0
Samuel L., IIO
Woy, Charles W., 29
Harry, 29
Jennie, 29
John, 29
Sarah, 29
Wray, Hiram H., 28I
Joseph H., 28I
Pauline, 281
Stanley M, 28I
Wright, Annie, I85
Blanche, Io6
Benjamin, I85
Deborah, I85
Edwin E., 25I
Florence O., 251
George E., I67
Glen W., 25I
Hannah, I68
Hannah M., 25I
Hester A., I05
Jennie, 365
John C., o06
John McG., I05
Lillie, I68
Lizzie, I05
Lloyd A., I85
Mabel, 223
Marianna, I85
Olive R., 251
Paul E., o06
Perry E., I05
Richard K., I85
Rosamond, 365
Samuel, 365
Samuel S., Dr., 25I
Sarah H., 251
Stanley F., o06
Thomas H., I85
William, I68, 25I
Wyant, Adam, 392
Corbin WV., 393
Eleanor, 395
James M., 395
John B. F., Dr., 392
John W., 395
Margaret C., 393
Mary L., 393
Sarah A., 393
Sophia, 392
Sophia I., 393
Velma, 395
Yetter, Isaac, 70
Mary, 70
Yeutsey, Anne, 57
Mary F., 57
Samuel K., 57
Yoder, Albert S., 499
Beatrice M., 499
Cora P., 499
Robert M., 499
William H., 499
Yost, Margaret J., 56I
Young, Helen F., 340
Isabelle, 520
Maude, 520
Rene, 279
Todd M., 279
William, 520
Younkin, Anna, I26
Anna M., I27
Clara, I26
Frederick E., 127
Frederick F., 127
Frederick G., 127
Grace, 126
Ira D., 126
Jacob, 127
Johann H., 127
Lucinda, I26
Maud E., I28
Michael, 127
William D., I26
Younkins, Daniel, 219
Dellma E., 220
Eva E., 220
Florence E., 220
James K., 220
Mabel V., 220
Sarah, 2I9
Sarah J., 220
Victor D., 220
William, 219, 220
Zedaker, Anna, 172
Cassius L., I7I
Gladys, 172
Hazel, 172
Lee, 172
Levi, I7I
Louise, I7I
William L., 172
Zediker, Belle H., I24
Bertha M., 124
George G., I24
Zellefrow, Ethel, 206
Zeman, Adolph L., 202
David, 202
Ida, 202
Mary I., 202
Natalie L., 202
Robert L., 202
Sarah H., 202
Zimmerman, Bertha, 2I
Ethel E., 2I
G. Leslie, 21
J. Wesley, 2I
Leslie E., 2I
Zinanni, Frank. 285
Rita, 285
Zinn, Charles, 67
Elizabeth, 67
Pearl E., 67
Zoner, Elizabeth B., 467
Zorn, Edith, 540
Jacob J., 540, 541
Jemima, 540, 541
Nellie, 54I
623ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an
active Republican, having served as solicitor of the
Borough of Donora for the past nineteen years. He
is affiliated with Castner Lodge, No. 626, Free and
Accepted Masons, the Coudersport Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at
Pittsburgh. He is also a director of the Monongahela Country Club, and holds membership in the Phi
Gamma Delta and Phi Delta Phi fraternities.
He was married, August 5, I915, to Grace McCoy,
of Sistersville, West Virginia, daughter of Frank D.
and Dora (Talbot) McCoy. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson
are the parents of three children: I. Dwight Malcolm,
Jr., born June I3, I916, now a student at the University of Pittsburgh Law School. 2. Frank, born July
24, 1918, now a junior at Penn State College. 3.
Stephen Barry, born August I5, I923.
J. ESPEY   SHERRARD-Widely  known  in
professional circles in Uniontown, J. Espey Sherrard
has performed a particularly valuable work as a practitioner of law. His participation in the affairs of
his community has been a significant one, rich in its
value to hisfellow-citizens and a source of deep satisfaction to all with whom he has been associated.
Mr. Sherrard was born February 2I, I887, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, son of Alexander Conn and
Elizabeth Cooper (Pollock) Sherrard and a descendant in the sixth generation from William Sherrard and
his wife, Margaret (Johnson) Sherrard. The Sherrards (sometimes the name is spelled Sherred and
Shearer) were of Huguenot ancestry, members of the
family having originally set out from France to escape
religious persecution and having fled to Scotland, settling in the Lowlands. Later they took up their home
in County Derry, Ireland, near the village of Newton
Limavady, where William Sherrard was born in 1720.
John Sherrard, eldest son of William and Margaret
(Johnson) Sherrard, was born in 1750 in County
Derry, Ireland, and died April 22, I809; he came to
America in the ship "Wolf" in 1772, spending his first
winter in Philadelphia and later settling in Fayette
County, near Laurel Hill, still later living in Ohio;
he married, May 5, I784, Mary Cathcart, who died
October 27, 1833; she was born September 28, I75I,
near Enniskellen, County Fermanagh, Ireland. Thomas
Guthridge Sherrard, their son, born March i8, I793, in
Fayette County, near Mason's Furnace, died in Sandusky County, Ohio, where his body was found in theSandusky River on March 23, 1824, less than a year
after he had moved to that section; he married, September 20, I820, his second cousin, Rebecca Conn,
daughter of Alexander and Mary (Gamble) Conn.
His posthumous son by this marriage, Thomas Guthridge Sherrard, was born October I7, 1824, in Dunbar
Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and died
March 22, I874; he lived in Fayette County, whither
his mother returned from Ohio, and was for some time
assistant to his stepfather, Samuel Junk, whom she
married about ten years later, so continuing until he
attained his majority; he was then a farm hand with
his uncle, David A. C. Sherrard, and after his marriage
he became a prominent farmer on his own account; he
was a Democrat and a Presbyterian; he married,
March 9, I850, Mary Ann Henderson, born March 8,
I830, in Dunbar Township, Fayette County, died December 23, I9I0, daughter of Stuart and Anna (Hunt)
Henderson.
Their son, Alexander Conn Sherrard, father of J.
Espey Sherrard, was born December 28, I852, in Dunbar Township, in a log cabin later the site of Juniata
mine shaft. He attended the Sandy Hollow school, in
his native township, and for two years after his father's
death he cultivated the home farm, later adding to the
property by purchase. He was a prominent Democrat
and a leading business man, as well as the owner of
valuable coal lands in Greene and Washington counties. He was a director of the Washington Coal and
Coke Company, the Washington Run Railroad Company, the First National Bank of Dawson, the Union
National Bank of West Side (Connellsville), the
Cochran Coal Company  (Morgantown, WI,est Virginia), and the Little Kanawha Coal Company of
West Virginia (of which he was also president). He
is now living in well-earned retirement at his home,
No. i I Fayette Street, Uniontown, where two of his
daughters, Elizabeth and Eleanor, make their home
also. He married, August 26, I875, Elizabeth Cooper
Pollock, born February I5, 1853, died January 26, I90o6,
daughter of the- Rev. David H. and Elizabeth (McMullan) Pollock. Her father was a United Presbyterian Church pastor at Laurel Hill. The children of
Alexander Conn and Elizabeth Cooper (Pollock)
Sherrard were: I. Margaret Jane, born January 28,
I877, graduated in June, I899, from Washington Seminary; married Austin A. Frazee, of Mt. Lebanon,
Pennsylvania. 2. Thomas Guthrie, born May 23, I879,
died March IO, I882. 3. David Pollock, born December 23, I88o, died April 22, i88i. 4. Mary Ann, born
January 27, 1882, graduated from Washington Female
Seminary, June, 1903; married Rev. A. H. Gettman, of
Dormont, Pennsylvania, where she passed away in
April, I93I. 5. John Core, a bookkeeper in the First
National Bank of Dawson, born April 24, I883; married Helen Quay, lives in Connellsville. 6. William
Johnson, born January io, i885, graduated from Carnegie Technical Institute in June, I912; married Jessie
63ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Lambie, and now resides at Huntington, Pennsylvania.
7. James Espey, of further mention. 8. Jacob Henderson, born July 2I, I889, graduated from Washington
and Jefferson College in June, I9I2; married Mary
McConnell, and resides at Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
9. Elizabeth Pollock, born April 8, I89I, attended
Washington Female Seminary. Io. Nancy Eleanor,
born April 6, I895, a student formerly at Washington
Female Seminary.
Of these children, James Espey Sherrard received
his early education in a public school in Dunbar Township and was a hand on his father's farm in vacation
seasons. He also attended the graded school at Vanderbilt, Pennsylvania, and in I906 was graduated from
Dunbar Township High School. For a year he attended Washington and Jefferson Academy, then
studied for four years at Washington and Jefferson
College, where he was graduated in I9II with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. Reading law in the offices
of Reppert, Sturgis and Morrow, in Uniontown, he
was admitted to the bar of this Commonwealth and
opened law offices in the Blackstone Building, Uniontown. He was admitted to county, State and Federal
courts, and before long had a large and growing practice. He is a member of the Fayette County Bar
Association, which he has served as treasurer for the
past twenty years; belongs to the Pennsylvania State
Bar Association; and is one of the leading members
of his profession in this district of Pennsylvania. He
is a member of the Uniontown Country Club, and the
Uniontown Motor Club.
In addition to his other activities, Mr. Sherrard is a
former director of the Union National Bank, of Connellsville. He is a director, secretary-treasurer of the
Cochran Coal and Coke Company. He is a staunch
Democrat in his political views, and his wife and he
attend the First Presbyterian Church at Uniontown.
Fraternally he is connected with the Free and Accepted Masons, being affiliated with Uniontown Lodge
and other bodies, including Syria Temple (Pittsburgh)
of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is, at time of this writing, one of the vicepresidents and a member of the board of management
of Fort Necessity Chapter, Sons of the American
Revolution, which he served as president for three
years. He was president at the time of the purchase
and dedication of the site of Fort Necessity.
J. Espey Sherrard married, on June 2I, 19II, Pauline
Le Vaughn Watson, daughter of Ralph and Margaret
Jane (Stevens) Watson. Her parents lived in Washington, Pennsylvania. Her father was superintendent
of an oil company. He was born in I868 at Olean,
New York, and his wife was born about a year later.
Mrs. Sherrard, who was one of three children, the
other two being Mildred Stevens and Dorothy Deane
Watson, was born October I, I89I, at Washington,
Pennsylvania. J. Espey and Pauline Le Vaughn
(Watson) Sherrard became the parents of four children: I. Jane Elizabeth, born June I8, 1912. 2. Mildred Lois, born December II, 1917. 3. Watson Alexander, born October 23, 1920. 4. James Espey, Jr.,
born August 8, I923.
JOHN   PRICE  JONES-Among  the  native
Pennsylvanians who have attained distinction and
prominence in the literary and business world is John
Price Jones, publicist, author and founder and president of The John Price Jones Corporation of New
York City, as well as officer in a number of other
large organizations.
Mr. Jones was born in Latrobe, Westmoreland
County, August I2, I877, the son of David F. and
Leah (Price) Jones, both deceased, the former in
I898, and the latter in November, I9o00. His father,
who was a native of Wales, was a coal miner and began his career in this work as a mere lad of eight
years. Later he came to this country where he continued his mining work, and during the Civil War enlisted in the Union Army, September I, I86I, at Weilersville, Ohio, in Company C, I9th Regiment, Ohio
Infantry, becoming an orderly to General U. S. Grant.
Mr. Jones received the early part of his general
education in the schools of his native community and
later completed this part of his studies at the PhillipsExeter Academy in New Hampshire, from which he
was graduated in I898. He then matriculated at Harvard University and completed a regular four-year
course in three years, receiving a degree of Bachelor
of Arts with the class of I902. From the time he left
Latrobe until he was graduated from the aforementioned university, Mr. Jones worked during his spare
time to defray expenses. In view of this circumstance
the high scholastic record he established is the more
remarkable.
Finishing his training he returned to Pennsylvania
and became private secretary for the Hon. Samuel L.
Powers, United States Congressman, whom he was to
be associated with from I9OI to I903. The latter year
he began a career in newspaper work, becoming a
reporter for the "Washington Post." During the same
period he came to New York City and became a member of the editorial staff of the "New York Globe."
Two years later he joined the "New York Press," and
in I912 went over to the "New York Sun," where he
continued until 1917. He retired from active journalism at that time to take a position with the H. K.
McCann Company, advertising specialists, and was
also appointed assistant director of publicity for the
64ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Liberty Loan Committee of this city, continuing in this
capacity until I9I9, when he became general manager
of the Harvard Endowment Fund campaign. His continued success and increasing prominence as one of the
leading publicists in this metropolis, enabled him to
organize the John Price Jones Corporation, which he
has headed as president since. He is also president of
Jones and Brakeley, Incorporated; the Commercial
News Corporation; Direct Mail, Incorporated; the
Campaign Underwriting Corporation, and is president
and treasurer of the Inter-River Press. Incorporated.
In conjunction with his business Mr. Jones has also
gained wide recognition as an author. Among some of
the books he has written are the following: "America
Entangled"  (1917);  "German  Secret Service  in
America, I914-I7," with Paul M. Hollister; "How
To Conduct Campaigns for College Endowments"
(I920); "Methods and Costs for Raising Funds for
Colleges and Universities" (1923); "National Survey
of Fund Raising" (1926); "Fundamental Factors in
Fund Raising" (1930); "Public Relations-Public
Policy and Commercial Publicity" (I933); and the
"Technique to Win in Fund Raising" (I934). He has
also contributed to numerous magazines and newspapers.
Throughout his career he has been active in many
of the leading social and business organizations of his
surroundings, including The Hangar, the Down Town
Association, the Harvard Club, the Press Club, the
Newspaper Club, the Broad Street Club, the Wall
Street Club, and the Union League Club, all of New
York City.
On December 5, I9o5, at Johnstown, Pennsylvania,
Mr. Jones married Frieda B. Suppes, daughter of Conrad and Frieda Suppes, of this city.
GUY ANDERSON HUNT, M. D.-With established reputation as an expert in his field, Dr. Guy
Anderson Hunt of Butler, Pennsylvania, has done
great work specializing in the care and treatment of
those afflicted with various diseases of the eye.
Dr. Hunt was born in Lawrence County, Missouri,
November I4, I89I, the son of Lewis Woodson and
Sarah Elizabeth (Anderson) Hunt, the latter a native
of Greene County, Missouri, now living in Cascade
County, near Great Falls, Montana. Lewis Woodson
Hunt was a native of Lawrence County, Missouri,
engaged in general farming, and died in 193I at the
age of seventy-eight years.
Dr. Hunt is a graduate of the Great Falls, Montana,
High School, and the University of Chicago, where he
received the degree of Bachelor of Science in I919. He
then entered Rush Medical College, being graduated
in 1923 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He
served his interneship at the Alameda County Hospital
in Oakland, California, and then established his general
practice in California, where he remained until 1929.
During the last three years of his stay on the West
Coast, he was medical director of Yosemite National
Park Hospital. Coming East he attended the Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine, until I932, and
he has practiced ophthalmology in Butler ever since.
He received a degree of Master of Science from the
University of Pennsylvania in I934, and was certified
by the American Board of Ophthalmology, the same
year.
He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church,
politically, a Republican, and is affiliated with many
professional and fraternal organizations.  He holds
membership in the Butler County Medical Society, the
Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pittsburgh
Ophthalmology Society, also a fellowship in the American Medical Association and the American Academy
of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. He is a member of Cascade Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted
Masons, of Great Falls, Montana, the Santa Rosa
Consistory of Santa Rosa, California, and the Syria
Temple Shrine of Pittsburgh, and is enrolled in the
Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. On September 22,
I918, he married Maude Edith Thomas at Chicago,
Illinois. She is the daughter of Alfred and Mary
(Clark) Thomas, the former a native of Butler
County, Pennsylvania; both now deceased. For years
Alfred Thomas was engaged in the pottery business
in Western Pennsylvania. Dr. and Mrs. Hunt maintain their home residence at No. 404 West Pearl
Street, Butler, Pennsylvania.
GUY WALTER SUTTON-A native Pennsylvanian and long a resident and leading industrialist of
Butler and of Butler County, Guy Walter Sutton has
performed a work of great value in the oil industry
and more recently, in a number of related lines.
Mr. Sutton was born February I9, I88I, in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, son of Lewis Fletcher
and Amy Agatha (Byers) Sutton. His father, who
was born April I, I855, has likewise made a notable
contribution to the oil business. As a boy he dipped
oil, and gradually he acquainted himself with all aspects of the trade, continuing his work along those
lines until, in later years he retired from that activity
and took up farming. His father, the grandfather of
Guy Walter Sutton, was Solomon Sutton. Guy Walter Sutton's mother, Mrs. Amy Agatha (Byers) Sutton, was born in Chicora, which was then known as
Barnhart Mills. She and her husband celebrated their
sixtieth wedding anniversary on Labor Day, I937.ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Guy Walter Sutton attended the public schools of
Butler, where his family took up their residence while
he was still very young. Later he was a student at
Chicora High School and West Sunbury Academy.
Prior to I909 he was a pumper on oil leases, and it
was quite natural that he should gradually advance in
the industry in which his father was so active and he
himself so interested. By 1908 he clearly saw the possibilities for development in the vicinity of Chicora,
where he had attended high school, and particularly
did he realize the potentialities of the motor car industry, which even then was growing.  Entering the
wholesale gas and oil business in a very small way, he
used a one-horse wagon outfit for collection of the
drip gasoline that was gathered from the several oil
wells of the district, filtering and storing it in the
winter months on the lease on which he was working
and then marketing it by horse-power to Butler users
in the summer nionths. The price paid by Mr. Sutton
for gasoline at that time was from 75 cents to $I per
barrel, including a 50-gallon wood barrel. The present price of the barrel alone is about $5. In I9Io steel
drums came into use, and he purchased a sufficient
supply of these to meet the needs of his growing business. From that time onward steel drums were used
always to collect and market gasoline by horse-power.
In 1916 he bought a truck for making deliveries. In
1918 he built a small bulk plant back of the McIntire
Motor Company property in Monroe Street, Butler,
and a year later he purchased the first motor tank
truck, an addition that gave him a great deal of satisfaction and at the same time strengthened the position
of his firm.
Continued growth marked the history of his business
thereafter. In 1920 a tank car was purchased, and all
gasoline was shipped by rail from the Sutton lease to
the Butler bulk plant. With him, it was twelve years
from wood barrel to tank car delivery. In 1922 a new
branch bulk plant was opened in New Castle, and in
1923 Mr. Sutton and Mr. Van Voorhis formed a partnership to operate the Sutton Gasoline Company, so
entering the marketing business in Beaver County,
wi]th a bulk plant at Monaca, Pennsylvania. It was in
the spring of 1924 that the growth of Mr. Sutton's
Lawrence County business made necessary some new
arrangements for handling of the Butler organization,
and at that time Mr. Sutton formed another partnership, this time with W. H. Walker, of Butler, who
became a partner and manager. In 1926 he built four
of the finest one-stop service stations in Lawrence
County at New Castle, and thenceforth the business
grew by leaps and bounds and, at the same time, in a
most sound and satisfying way. At the end of 1928
Mr. Van Voorhis left the partnership in Beaver
County, and Mr. Walker, with D. P. Burtner, formerly
manager of the Oil Well Supply Company, of Butler,
took over his interest, Mr. Burtner becoming manager of the district.
From the outset until the fall of 1926 all the gasoline and motor oils had been sold under the Sutton
brand; but in the fall of that year, realizing the trend
of all car manufacture toward the building of highcompression motors and the resultant need for an
"anti-knock" gasoline, and also becoming aware of the
necessity of connecting with a source large enough to
take care of ever-increasing sales, the partners entered
into a contract with the Tide Water Oil Company.
The particular brand was chosen because of the firm's
affiliation with the Tide Water Associated Oil Company of California, California crude oil being considered one of the best of its kind available in which to
refine "anti-knock" gasoline. This connection assured
an ample supply of one of the best "anti-knock" gasolines on the market, and after 1926 Mr. Sutton's group
of business men became the sole distributors of Tydol
gasoline and Veedol motor oils in Butler and Beaver
counties.
In 1929 the Sutton Gasoline Company had grown to
be one of the largest independent distributors in the
district, total gasoline sales exceeding 6,ooo,ooo gallons
and motor oil sales mounting above IOO,OOO gallons.
On August I of that year the Lawrence County interest, which had developed to be the largest unit in that
county, was sold to the Tide Water Oil Company. The
Sutton group retained the Butler and Beaver County
bulk plants and service stations. On January I, 1930,
the company was incorporated under a Pennsylvania
charter, the stock being held by the three partners and
the employees. Officers are: G. VW. Sutton, president
and treasurer; W. H. Walker, vice-president and assistant treasurer, as well as manager of the Butler
district; and D. P. Burtner, secretary and manager of
the Beaver district.  In 1930 the company built a
modern bulk and retail station on Kittanning Street,
Butler, a plant consisting of gasoline and kerosene
storage tanks, motor oil tanks, warehouse, garage and
office facilities. At the same time a new one-stop
service station was finished in Rochester, Pennsylvania.
In 1931 the Sutton Gasoline Company opened a new
type of station named the Bantam, or Neighborhood,
station, completely equipped to give accurate service.
Later in the same year they erected two brick stations,
one at West Jefferson Street and the other in East
Jefferson Street. The company continues its independent policy, being wholly owned by the men mentioned
above and not being otherwise affiliated. Mr. Sutton
attributes its success to the fact that it has handled
66ANNALS OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
quality products and has maintained a workable relationship with its employees.
In addition to his work in oil and gasoline, Mr. Sutton has now added a tire and retreading business, in
which he has been engaged since I93I, and a radio
and refrigerator line, which he has handled since I936.
His interests are many and varied. He belongs to the
United Commercial Travelers' Association and the
Butler Rotary Club, is a Republican in his political
beliefs, and is a Methodist. In the Free and Accepted
Masons, he belongs to Chicora Lodge, No. 540, Butler
Commandery of Knights Templar, New Castle Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and
Syria Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of
the Mystic Shrine.
Guy Walter Sutton has been twice married.  He
married (first) Margaret M. Walker, who died in
1924, daughter of James and Mary Adeline (Crawford) Walker; and (second) Pearl E. Zinn, daughter
of Charles and Elizabeth Zinn. The children of the
first marriage were: I. Bernice, now  Mrs. L. M.
Christie, of New Castle, Pennsylvania; they have a
son, Guy McLane Christie, born in 1923. 2. Guy
Walter, Jr., who' became a student at the University
of Pittsburgh. By the second marriage there was one
daughter, Suzanne K. Sutton, born in 1927.
JOHN V. RITTS-No worth while history of
Southwestern Pennsylvania could be written without
the inclusion of the biography of John V. Ritts, veteran
banker and pioneer oil operator, civic leader and philanthropist. Nearly fifty years ago he founded the
Butler County National Bank, serving as its president
over a long period, and he was outstanding as an organizer of banking institutions in many parts of the
United States. He was one of the pioneers in the
American oil industry, an intimate friend of John D.
Rockefeller, the associate of such prominent figures in
the Standard Oil Company as Dan O'Day, Joseph
Seep and others, and in later years, of important men
in many countries of the world. Industries, commercial enterprises, of Butler and other communities,
profited by his activities. His philanthropies included
many fields of education, social betterment and individuals.
John V. Ritts was born October 7, 1852, at St.
Petersburg, Clarion County, Pennsylvania, son of
Elias and Elizabeth (Vensel) Ritts. Elias Ritts, born
in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1822. died in 1906.
Primarily a farmer, he subsequently commanded a
dominant position in the lumbering and oil industries
of Western Pennsylvania. He went to Clarion County
as a boy, where he was a builder of boats for freighting iron and eventually became a large factor in that
business, transporting most of the metal for many of
the furnaces situated between Pittsburgh and Clarion.
It was during the early days of the discovery of oil
near the mouth of the Clarion River that he became
an oil operator and producer, he having acquired considerable oil-bearing property in that district.  He
purchased, in I88o, a one-third interest in the "Blake"
lumber lands, and was also a large owner of timber
lands in Richland, Beaver Township, and other sections of Clarion County. Banking and farming were
also among his interests.
The education of John V. Ritts was begun in the
public schools and was continued in collegiate institutes
at Rimersburg, Callensburg and Einlenton, and in the
Iron City College at Pittsburgh, where he acquired a
thorough business training and was a member of its
faculty for two years. He then accepted a position as
bookkeeper for the St. Petersburg Savings Bank in
1872, and, in the following year, was promoted to
cashier. During the immediate succeeding period he
was personally active in founding various other banks
in neighboring localities. His ability as bank organizer was destined to be exercised, eventually, in many
sections of the United States, but the Butler County'National Bank, which he founded in I890, was ever
after his main financial interest. He served as its vicepresident from the time of its inception until I916, and
as president to I935, when he became chairman of its
board of directors, being succeeded in the presidency
by his son, Elias Ritts, who continues to occupy that
office to date (1938). Among the numerous other;banks which John V. Ritts assisted in organizing were
the Seaboard National Bank, New York City; Dallas
National Bank, Dallas, Texas; Meridian National
Bank, Meridian, Mississippi; Ohio National Bank,
Lima, Ohio; also several prominent institutions in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St. Louis, Missouri, and in
the State of Kansas.
Interested financially in the oil and gas industries
almost from their earliest beginnings, he originally
operated as an "independent" in this State and in
Ohio, West Virginia and Oklahoma. He later participated in the management of the Oklahoma Natural
Gas Company, and the Devonian Oil Company, and
was an organizer of the Hecla Oil Company, Caney
River Oil and Gas Company, and the Kay County Gas
Company.
For many years, John V. Ritts occupied the office
of treasurer of the Pittsburgh and Western Railroad
Company, and simultaneously, was a long-time factor
in the lumber industry, as had been his father before
him. One of the organizers of the Butler Passenger
Street Railway Company, he also, through his vast
banking interests, and because of his desire to further
67