WILLIAM ROSEBURG, ofPittsburg, who has been connected with the bank of
Pittsburg for
nearly half a century, has been a resident of this city since his birth, which
occurred June 15, 1824, at the foot of Wood Street. His maternal grandfather
located here in 1791, and his paternal grandfather two years later. The latter,
John Roseburg, a native of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States in early
manhood, settled at first in New York, where he was engaged as a contractor for
several years, and where he married. In 1793 he came to this city, bringing a
large family, and here rounded out a long life, having been more than fourscore
years of age at his death. Samuel Roseburg, the father of William, who was born
in York City, Pa., learned the carpenter's trade from his
father. After settling in Pittsburg, he prosperously followed the
business of contractor and builder until his demise, March 15, 1855. He also
served the city as Postmaster for four years, and was the Recorder of Allegheny
County during two sessions. Both he and his wife were members of Dr. Bruce's
church on Seventh Avenue, of which his father
was the first Ruling Elder. After coming to this city, he married Miss Isabella
B. Miller, who was born in Pittsburg. She was a daughter of Alexander
Miller, who came from Scotland, his native land, in 1791,
and at once located in this place. The site of Pittsburg was almost in its primitive condition
of wilderness; and he was obliged to carry a gun to protect himself from the
Indians, who were numerous and unfriendly. Mr. Miller was a mechanic and
manufacturer, and until his death, at the age of seventy-five years, one of the
most influential residents of the district. Samuel Roseburg and his wife had
seven children, of whom there are now living: William, the subject of this
biography; Annie R., the widow of the late John B. Herron; Agnes G., the wife of
George A. Kelley; Emma B., who lives in Lawrence, Kan.; and Jennie, the wife of
Alexander R. Banks, of Topeka, Kan. William Roseburg received his early
education under private instructors in one of the select schools of the city.
Afterward for some years he attended the Western University of Pennsylvania, and
in September, 1842, was graduated from Jefferson College, Pennsylvania. During the succeeding five and a
half years he worked in his father's office at the court-house. In 1848 he
accepted the position of corresponding clerk in the bank of Pittsburg. In this capacity he showed such
efficiency and zeal that he was soon made exchange clerk. In March, 1866, he was
promoted to the post of cashier, which he has since held, performing his
responsible duties with fidelity and ability, and to the satisfaction of all
concerned. Mr. Roseburg is a stockholder in several leading railway companies of
the country, and was at one time president of the Etna & Sharpsburg Railway
Company. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and has been closely identified
with that party since its formation.
In 1856,
December 31, Mr. Roseburg was married to Miss Margaret J. Watson, daughter of
Robert and Margaret Watson, of Allegheny. He has four children living, namely:
Samuel L., a dealer in glass, doing business in Pittsburg; William Roseburg, Jr., who is engaged in
business in New York; Margaret, who is the wife
of D, B. McClelland, of New York; and Robert,
who is in South Carolina. Mrs. Roseburg died in Allegheny, at the family
residence on Allegheny
Avenue, November 10, 1886. She was a member of the
Episcopal church, of which Mr. Roseburg is also a
communicant.