Beaver County Genealogy Trails William H. FOX
Biographies
WILLIAM H. FOX, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is the leading blacksmith of Beaver Falls, and he is recognized as having no superior in Beaver county, Pa., in the line of shoeing horses. He owns a large, brick shop and gives employment to several skilful hands who are constantly kept busy in order to meet the demands of his large patronage; he is also a prominent and industrious citizen, commanding the respect and good-will of a host of acquaintances. He was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1862, and his parents are David and Rachael (Van Horn) Fox.
His grandfather, Peter Fox, was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he followed his trade as a millwright during his active life. His wife was Miss Saddler by whom he reared five sons and three daughters: Joseph; Michael; John; Peter; David; Mrs. Morrison ; Mrs. Kennedy; and Mrs. Ryhel.
David Fox was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1818, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which occupation he successfully followed throughout his active career. He was joined in marriage with Miss Rachael Van Horn, who was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1825, and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: William H., the subject of this narrative; Abram V.; Rebecca J. (McCurdy) ; Mary M. (Dick) ; Katie (Golden) ; Emma (Williams), and Agnes (Cameron).
William H. Fox received a common school education, in Venango county, Pa., and at the age of sixteen years, he began life on his own account. Leaving his father's farm, he sought to learn the trade of a blacksmith; after mastering the trade, in 1884 he located in Beaver Falls, where he has since established the reputation of being the most expert and competent blacksmith in the county. His patronage increased to such a large extent that it was necessary for him not only to enlarge his shop but also to employ more hands to cope with the growing demands. Accordingly, he erected a fine two-story shop facing Third avenue on the corner of Eighth street, and he is now able to accommodate his patrons. Mr. Fox is well deserving of the success that has met his efforts; he is enterprising and progressive, and supports all measures that tend to promote the welfare of the community.
Mr. Fox was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Mary A. Hitchin, a native of England. Socially, he is a member of the Order of. Maccabees, Woodmen of the World, and Independent Order of Good Templars. In politics, he is a Republican, while in religious views he favors the Methodist church.
JAMES S. WILSON, who is a prominent and independent farmer of North Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pa., is a veteran of the Civil War and bears an excellent record for honorable and valiant service. He is a son of James and Barbara (Showalter) Wilson, and was born November 27, 1833.
James Wilson, the father of James S., was born on Hickory Creek in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His father died when he was young man and his mother was again married to a Mr. Ralston, and he soon after wentto Butler county, where he remained for some time. He moved to Beaver county at an early day, and worked as a farm hand until 1832, when he bought the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. It consisted of one hundred and seven acres of wooded land, and he worked early and late until he cleared all but twenty acres, upon which the timber still stands. He was one of the prosperous and substantial men of the township, and was everywhere held in the highest esteem. He died in 1891, aged eighty-six years. He married Barbara Showalter, and they became the parents of twelve children: Salina, the widow of H. M. Biddell, who lives in Beaver Falls; Nancy, who died at the age of thirty years; William F., who moved West; James S., the subject of this personal history; Joseph F., who lives in New Brighton; Harrison, who died at the age of nineteen years; Mary Jane, deceased ; Jefferson ; Aaron, a dry goods merchant and Baptist minister, who lives at Rochester; John, who died in the army during the Civil War; Thomas, who is engaged in the grocery business at Rochester, Beaver county; and one who died in infancy. In political belief, Mr. Wilson was a Republican. Religiously, he was a devout Christian and at-tended the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Wilson died in 1893.
James S. Wilson was born on the farm on which he now lives, and received a first-class scholastic training in the common schools and in North Sewickley Academy, and pursued a course in Duff's Business College at Pittsburg. He spent his time working on the farm until the Civil War was in progress, and then, in answer to the call for volunteers, he enlisted, August 23, 1861, in Company C, 63d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private. He saw much hard and continued fighting, but was ever willing and even eager to perform his full share of the work, and more. He is of a cool and even temperament, and in times of danger was undisturbed, and always to be seen in the very thickest of the fight. In 1863, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy. He took part in the following important engagements: The siege of Yorktown; Williamsburg; Fair Oaks; Seven Days Battle; second battle of Bull Run; and Chantilly. He then went home on recruiting service, remaining six months, and upon returning to the regiment, participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, following Lee to Manassas Gap, where an engagement took place. He fought in the battles of Mine Run, Kelly's Ford, and in the battle of the Wilderness, where, on May 5, he was severely wounded in the thigh and hip. He was compelled to go to the hospital for three months, and upon going home, used a pair of crutches for two years. He then resumed agricultural pursuits, his farm being under a high state of cultivation, and one of the best in that section. It is supplied with good substantial and convenient outbuildings, which are so essential to success in farming, and the house in which he resides is a large brick dwelling. He is a man of pleasing personality, a clever conversationalist, and has, a host of friends.
On July 24, 1866, Mr. Wilson was joined in wedlock with Miss Jemima A. McCreary, a daughter of William and Mary McCreary, of North Sewickley township, and six children were born to them: Mary E., the wife of E. U. McDaniel; Sarah Jane, the wife of Henry Bonzo; Cecelia N., who married Jefferson Kinney; and Anna, Aaron, and George, who live with the parents. Religiously, the family are Presbyterians.
HENRY M. CAMP is one of the most active and prominent business men in the borough of Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., where the Camp family has resided and contributed to its growth and prosperity since its early days. Our subject is interested in many of the local enterprises, and since 1887 he has acted in the capacity of superintendent of the Rochester Heat & Light Company. He was born in Rochester in 1850, and is a son of Michael Camp and grandson of Michael Camp, Sr.
Michael Camp was born in Hanover, Germany, and, with his brother John, came to the United States in 1832, first locating in Philadelphia, then in Butler county, and finally in Beaver county, where he spent his remaining days. They crossed over the mountains in a wagon, and at Rochester made a stop, and there John erected the old National Hotel on Water street; he later owned the one now adjoining, known as the Farmer's Hotel. Michael Camp was engaged in the making of shoes, the work being all by hand ; the leather was purchased from near-by
tanners and much of the work was let out to men who would complete it at their homes. His home and shop were located in Beaver, near where Mr. Frank Laird now resides. During his latter days he retired to Rochester, where he passed from this life, aged seventy-five years. His wife was Annie Barbara Schlesman, and they became the parents of the following children : Elizabeth, who died in Germany; Catherine, who married John Frick ; Michael; Mary, who was born while her parents were crossing the ocean, and who is the wife of John Miller; Christian and Martin, who are twins; Margaret, who was married to Benjamin Dawson ; Henry ; John ; and Barbara, who is the wife of james Robinson.
Michael Camp was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1827, and upon coming to this country, learned the trade of a brickmaker, but soon discontinued that occupation and accepted a position as clerk in the National Hotel. John Buehler was proprietor, and died the second day after taking possession of the hotel. Mr. Camp continued as clerk in the hotel, and later married Mrs. John Buchler, whose maiden name was Magdaline Weise. She died in 1877, aged sixty-four years, and had been married three times. Her first husband was Mr. Zerker, by whom she reared three children : Magdaline, Mary, and John. Her second husband was John Buchler, and four children were born to them: Frederick, William, Caroline and Emma. Her third union was with Michael Camp, and their only child was Henry M., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Camp formed a second union,with Mrs. Catherine (Mauser) Smith, widow of John Smith. Mr. Camp owned and conducted the Pavilion Hotel, now known as the St. James, from 1861 to 1886; in the latter year he sold out to C. H. Clarke, and moved on the farm formerly owned by William Johnson, which is located on the east side of Adams street. Mr. Camp still resides there, and is spending his latter days in comfort and happiness. He has always been a stanch Democrat, and has served in the council, as assessor and in many minor offices. Mr. Camp was one of the promoters, and is a large stockholder, of the Rochester Insurance Company; he is a stockholder in the Rochester Flint Vial & Bottle Works,-now known as the Point Bottle Works,-a stockholder in the Olive Stove Works, a member of the Rochester Heat & Light Company, a director in the Big Beaver Bridge Company, and a stockholder in the Keystone Tumbler Company. He built his present residence and has also erected many houses for tenement use.
The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Rochester until he attained the age of seventeen years, when he went to Pittsburg to learn the machinists' trade, and followed it for five years. Returning to Rochester, he went into the hotel business with his father, but upon the organization of the Rochester Heat & Light Company, he became superintendent and a stockholder. This company is composed of two hundred stockholders and has a capital stock of $18,000. The gas used is furnished from Beaver and Allegheny counties, and the company has not only been a success, but a means of great saving to the residents of Rochester. Our subject is a stockholder in the Rochester Insurance Company, the Flint Vial & Bottle Works, the Big Beaver Bridge Company, the People's Electric Railroad, and the High River Bridge Company. In 1883, he erected a handsome brick residence on the corner of Jefferson and Connecticut streets, and has resided there ever since.
Mr. Camp was joined in marriage with Miss Tillie E. Scheinder, a daughter of Louis E. Scheinder, of Rochester, and this happy union has been blessed by the birth of three children : Charles A.; Marl Etta, and Emma Maria, deceased. Our subject is a solid Democrat, and has served as a councilman. Religiously, he is a member of the Lutheran church; socially, he is a member and past master of the Masonic fraternity; and member and past regent of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Camp is a man of high business principles, is respected by all who know him, and is always active in advancing the prosperity of his adopted town and county.
JOHN BEUTER, a prosperous and successful pharmacist of Beaver Falls, Pa., whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, wants it distinctly understood that he is a Republican of the deepest dye, and always has affiliated with that party ever since he was old enough to vote. He has been one of its most active members in Beaver county, and was one of the three Republican delegates to the state convention, held in Harrisburg, in 1898, and the only one of the three from Beaver county, who supported William A. Stone for governor, and had the satisfaction of seeing his man not only nominated, but elected.
John Beuter was born January 29, 1860, and is a son of John and Pauline (Tyfel) Benter. His father was a native of Germany, and came to America with his parents when but twelve years of age. He located in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he followed the retail liquor business for a period of forty years. He laid down the burden of life, in 1894, and entered into rest.
John Beuter received his scholastic training in the public schools and afterward attended St. Vincent's College in Wheeling,-from which he graduated. After leaving college, young Beuter entered the employ of Logan List & Co., wholesale and retail druggists of Wheeling, and remained with that firm for a period of eight years. He then took a course in the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy in the autumns of 1879, 1880 and 1881. As these courses included only the fall months, he improved his unoccupied time by taking a special course in chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania.
After he became a full-fledged pharmacist, he took charge of the laboratory of the wholesale drug business of Bailey & Porter, of Zanesville, Ohio. Leaving Zanesville, he went to Pittsburg, where he entered the employ of George A. Kelley & Co., having complete charge of their second floor shipping department, where he remained for a short period. He then went to Beaver Falls, and was for some time a clerk for W. H. Hamilton. On seeing an opportunity to better his condition, he went to Pittsburg and took charge of the Twenty-fourth street drug store of Emil G. Stookey,-the same business now being conducted by N. B. Stookey. Mr. Beuter remained there until 1894, and then went into the drug business for himself at 619 Seventh avenue, Beaver Falls, where he conducts a first-class drug store.
In connection with his regular line of drugs, he is the patentee and manufacturer of the celebrated medicine known as "No-Dys-Pep" compound, having a large sale throughout the country.
The subject of this biography won for his bride, Hattie W. Hays, daughter of Charles Hays, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Beuter has a kind and sweet disposition and is a great favorite in all classes of society. She is well and favorably known throughout Beaver county. Mr. Beuter is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Rochester, Pa. ; of Beaver Falls Lodge, No. 293, Knights of Pythias, and of Walnut Camp, No. 2, Woodmen of the World, of Beaver Falls.
John Beuter has worked hard and earnestly, and with a determination that is bound to be rewarded by success. He believes in doing thoroughly everything that is required of him; he keeps a fine line of pure drugs for his customers, and also makes a- specialty of filling prescriptions with promptness and care.
EDWARD KNOX HUM. The Beaver National Bank, of Beaver, Pa., was fortunate in having as an originator and promoter the gentleman whose name heads these lines, who now serves efficiently as vice-president of that institution. He is a man of thorough business ability and a sturdy supporter of all enterprises tending to improve the interests of the community,-his name being one familiar to the residents of Beaver county. He was born in Beaver, August 11, 1858, and is a son of James W. and Margaret (Briggs) Hum.
His great-grandfather, who established the Hum family in this country, was Jacob Hum, a native of Germany, who settled in Ohio and there followed the trade of a hatter. His business was first located at Columbiana, Columbiana county, Ohio, but he thereafter engaged in a similar line of business at Salem, Ohio. He married a lady of Scotch birth, who bore him the following children : David ; John ; Jacob; Adam; Margaret; and George. He died at the age of eighty-three years.
David Hum, the grandfather of Edward Knox Hum, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and early in life undertook the trade of a hatter, but, later, became a merchant of Lisbon, Ohio, where he died at the age of eighty years. He was four times married, and by his first wife, Mary Ann Hickox, who died at the age of thirty-six years, he had the following offspring: Angelina (Hatcher) ; James Winnard, who married Margaret Briggs; Richard Winchester, an early settler of Lowellville, Ohio; Columbus C., who lives near Toledo, Ohio; Martha (Throne), of East Palestine, Ohio; and Elizabeth, deceased. His second union, with Rebecca Thorn, was blessed by the birth of a son, John. His third wife's given name was Esther, and his fourth union was with Mary Silverthorn.
James W. Hum, a record of whose life appears elsewhere, and the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Deerfield township, Columbiana county, Ohio, February 16, 1827. He left home at the age of ten years to live with his uncle, John Hum, with whom he remained four years. He then began to shift for himself and received employment on a steamer on the Ohio River as a cabin boy, and later learned the trade of boat carpenter. He manifested considerable natural ability in this line, and, after leaving the river, manufactured an ingenious machine known as a fanning mill. Threshing was at this time all done by hand, and this machine was used to clean the grain. It met with marked success on the market and his business increased rapidly, resulting in the employment of a goodly number of men. He subsequently became interested in the lightning rod business, and in 1849 was one of the founders of the American Lightning Rod plant at Philadelphia. The western section of the country was assigned to him, and he established a large wholesale and retail store at No. 19 Market street, Pittsburg. In 1882, he was joined in the business by his son, E. K. Hum, and together they continued until the father retired from active business duties in 1892. He built the home residence, in which Mrs. Hum now lives, in 1868,and he was also possessed of considerable real estate in Bridgewater and Beaver at the time of his demise, March 17, 189j. James W. Hum's faithful companion in the pathways of life was Margaret Briggs, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Westcoat) Briggs. Henry Briggs was born in Dighton, Mass., and was a son of Matthew and Cecelia (Reed) Briggs, and grandson of Matthew Briggs, a blacksmith by trade, who came to this country from England. Matthew, Jr., was born in Dighton, Mass., and was also a blacksmith, following that occupation all of his active clays. By his first wife he had three children, as follows: Matthew, Elizabeth, and Deliverance. He formed a second union with Cecelia Reed and they had five children : Henry, Nancy, Mary, Joseph, and Cecelia. Henry Briggs, the father of Mrs. Hum, learned the trade of a blacksmith, and, in 1836, removed to South Beaver township, Beaver county, Pa., where he purchased a farm. In addition to general farming, he was engaged at his trade all of his active life, but spent his last days in retirement, dying at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hum, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. His wife survived him several years, and died at the remarkable age of eighty-nine years. She had made several trips to her native state, Massachusetts, and had returned from one of these trips but two months prior to her death. Their children were: Henry, who died young; Mary; Julia; William; Elizabeth ; Margaret ; and Spencer.
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hum were the parents of the following: Henry Thornton, now of Pike county, Ill., who first married Josephine Blake, by whom he has one child; Harry C., and secondly married Elizabeth Hughes, by whom he has one child, Carl D.; Edward Knox, the subject of this personal history; Mary Elizabeth, deceased, the wife of Frank Robinson, by whom she had one child, Lois ; James Weston, a farmer of Columbiana county, Ohio, who married Matilda Hineman, and had the following children,-Edward K., Guy H., Mary A., Martha T., James W., and Wayne A.; Fred Cook, deceased, who married Florence King, by whom he had a son, Forrest, deceased; Arthur Westcoat, an electrical engineer, of Bridgewater, who married Mary Doing, deceased; and Margaret Mott, the wife of Samuel P. Provost, a flour manufacturer and merchant, of Pittsburg. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic lodge at Beaver, being one of its charter members.
Edward K. Hum attended Beaver College, and while a young man became associated in business with his father, under the firm name of J. W. Hum & Son, wholesale and retail dealers in lightning rods and fixtures, at Pittsburg. Some twelve years later, after the death of his father, he formed a partnership with \W. M. Leatherman, the firm name being Hum & Leatherman, at No. 8 Market street, Pittsburg. The subject of this sketch was the leading spirit in the organization and building of the Beaver National Bank, of Beaver, Pennsylvania. It has a capital of $100,000, and its officers, who are among the most substantial and public-spirited citizens of Beaver county, are as follows: Jesse R. Leonard, president; Edward K. Hum, vice-president; Charles M. Hughes, cashier; and W. P. Judd, assistant cashier. The directors are : Jesse R. Leonard ; Edward K. Hum; U. S. Strouss, M. D.; Thomas F. Galey; Joseph H. Evans; Winfield S. Moore, and Agnew Hice.
The Beaver National Bank is one of the prettiest specimens of business architecture in Western Pennsylvania, being constructed of Cleveland sandstone and having large plate-glass windows. It is richly finished, furnished in elegant style, and its arrangement is most convenient for the transaction of business. The bank has shown its patrons the greatest courtesy, and by their enterprise its officials have made it one of the leading financial institutions in the county.
Mr. Hum, although his business was for many years located at Pittsburg, has always been a loyal citizen of Beaver, and when not attending to business affairs he is always to be found enjoying the companionship of his family at his elegant home. In 1885 he built a residence on Third street, in which he resided until 1896, when he disposed of it to James Galey and built his present dwelling, a fine brick structure supplied with all modern conveniences for the highest enjoyment of life. He also owns considerable real estate in Beaver. On September 26, 1882, Edward K. Hum was joined in the holy bonds of wedlock with Emma L. Young, a daughter of Jacob and Lucinda M. Young, of Columbiana county, Ohio, and they have two children, namely : James Winnard and Anna. Fra ternally, Mr. Hum is a member of St. James Lodge, F. & A. M., of Beaver; Eureka Chapter, R. A. M., of Rochester; Pittsburg Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templar, of Pitts-burg; and Syria Temple of the Mystic Shrine, Pittsburg. A man who has ever faithfully endeavored to be of benefit to his fellow-citizens of Beaver county, the subject of our sketch is held in the highest esteem, and numbers his friends by the score.
THOMAS M. FITZGERALD, a recent portrait of whom is shown on the opposite page, is descended from a line of ancestral gardeners, and is very fond of the culture of flowers, which he has made his like-work. He conducts one of the most beautiful gardens in Beaver county, situated in the borough of Beaver, and he has established a reputation as one of the best artists in his profession. He was born in Hulton township, Allegheny county, Pa., February 27, 1868, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Healey) Fitzgerald.
The father of Thomas M. was born in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland, and when a boy, learned the trade of a gardener and became an expert in the culture of flowers; for nine years he managed the grounds and hothouse of Lord Colliss, of Tarbert township, County Kerry; Ireland ; he then engaged with Dr. Barrington, of Glin, County Limerick, Ireland, for fifteen years. He subsequently went to Hamilton, Canada, where he spent twoyears, and, as he had many friends and acquaintances in Pittsburg, Pa., he located there in 1866, and worked for many prominent men of that city, who owned large and handsome properties ; he was employed by Mr. Murdick, Mrs. Deeny, and Mr. Charles McGee;. he now has charge of Mr. M. C. Miller's grounds at Turtle Creek. While working in the employ of Lord Colliss, he made the acquaintance of his present wife. Both being poor and not able to buy a home in their native country, Thomas decided to come to America in the effort to seek home and fortune; his plans being crowned with success, three years later he wrote for his intended wife, and, upon her arrival here, they were happily united in marriage. A few years later the health of Mr. Fitzgerald's mother began to fail, and he sent his wife and five children to his old home in Ireland, where they remained four years,-returning in much better health and spirits. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald are the parents of eight children : Joseph, deceased; John; Thomas M.; James; Annie; Mary; Edward, who served at Manila in Company B, loth Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf.; and William, deceased.
The subject of this memoir attended school, four years, at Tarbert, Ireland, and in this country, at New Castle, Pennsylvania. While a mere boy, he assisted his father in the cultivation of flowers and improved every opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge of the art ; in 1889, he came to Beaver to take charge of the beautiful grounds and hothouse of Hon. J. F. Draw, but a year later he leased the hothouse, and a. part of the grounds, of his employer, and now keeps one of the finest displays of flowers ever seen. The beds and plants are artistically arranged, and the choice, blooming flowers present an exquisite appearance ; he is prepared to furnish flowers, on short notice, for funerals, weddings, and other occasions, and he also ships largely to other points. Mr. Fitzgerald is well deserving, and worthy of his large patronage, and he has shown the people of the vicinity that they always have at their command the most select assortment of floral beauties. He is genial and accommodating to all, and his pleasant manners and honest business methods, have won for him the esteem and good will of all who know him. He has not only adopted Beaver as his place of business, but likewise as his home, and he owns two fine lots on Commerce street, upon which he erected a handsome residence in 1893. In July, 1899, he purchased the Campbell estate, consisting of six and one-half acres on Fifth street, on which he will erect a large range of greenhouses to better accommodate his growing business.
Mr. Fitzgerald wedded Nora, a daughter of Jeremiah Minihan, of County Cork, Ireland, and three children have resulted from their union: Mary Catherine, born July 16, 1896; John Leo, born February 23, 1898; and Joseph Thomas, the last two being twins. Religiously, our subject is a member of the Catholic church ; politically. he is independent in his views.
JOHN R. EAKIN, who owns a controlling interest in the Olive Stove Works, at Rochester, Pa., of which he is secretary and treasurer, is one of the most esteemed citizens of Beaver, Pa., and, although in the seventieth year of his age, he is today as active a man as can be found in Beaver county. He has seen Beaver grow from the little settlement called Beaver Town, to its present stage of development, as one of the finest and most prosperous boroughs in Western Pennsylania. John R. Eakin was born July 20, 1829, in Beaver, Pennsylvania. He is a son of James and Mary (Quaill) Eakin, and grandson of John Eakin, who was of Scotch-Irish descent.
James Eakin, father of John R., was born in County Derry, Ireland, within fourteen miles of Londonderry. He was reared under the old Presbyterian methods, and took a great dislike to the controlling element of Ireland. In 18o8, at the age of sixteen years, he packed his few belongings and started for "free America." Having a fine education for that day, and being active and energetic, he had no fear of meeting with failure in the new world, but looked eagerly forward to the time when he could make a home for himself, and rear a family in accordance with his own ideas. Upon his arrival in the United States, he drifted to Philadelphia, Pa., where he began working at the trade of a chandler, which consists of candle making. He remained at that place for about fourteen years, removing, in 1822, west to Pittsburg, and followed the same occupation with B. C. Sawyer, of that city.
Later, he began teaching school ; being a fine scholar and a splendid writer, he experienced no difficulty in obtaining a desirable situation. He went to Beaver, Pa., where he taught in the old academy which stood there many years ago. Mr. Eakin also opened a store on the same site where the Quay business block was later erected. Still later, he built a residence and store on the corner of Third street and College avenue. There his death occurred, in 1847, at the age of sixty-four years. In politics, he was a Whig, and served many years as justice of the peace, and as burgess of Beaver. He also owned a fine farm, which was subsequently the property of Mr. Hardy.
James Eakin was united in marriage with Mary Quaill. She was born in Washington county, Pa., in 1804, and passed away from her earthly home in 1892. Their union was prolific of the following children: Mary Jane; John R.; Eliza Ann; Sarah ; James Q.; Margaret; Victoria; Emma; and Matilda. Mary Jane is the wife of Daniel Risinger, a prominent blacksmith of Beaver. John R. is the subject of these lines. Eliza Ann is the widow of John D. Davidson; she resides in Middlesex, Pennsylvania. Sarah is the wife of Abraham Wolf, of Beaver. James Q. is deceased; he married Elizabeth Strock, who still survives him, and resides in Bridgewater. Margaret is the wife of J. M. Dunlap. Victoria is the wife of H. H. Newkirk, of Rochester, Pennsylvania. Emma, who is deceased, was the wife of Jacob M. Johnson. Matilda is the wife of J. B. Wilson, of Beaver.
John R. Eakin pursued a course of study at Beaver Academy, and, like his honored father, he adopted the profession of instructing youthful minds. But upon the death of his father, who left a widow with a family of small children, it devolved upon John, the eldest son, to assist his mother in rearing the smaller ones. He realized this to be his first duty, nor was that duty shirked; rather may it be said that it was performed in a faithful manner, quite worthy of emulation by those similarly situated. He accompanied his bereaved mother and the family to the farm which the father's thrift and prosperity had provided. This farm he conducted and managed to the best of his ability, and assisted his mother in every possible way to rear and educate the children. After eight years upon the farm, he felt free to seek other pursuits, and became a steamboat clerk on the Ohio River ; he followed river life for a period of twelve years, during all of which time he held the position of either clerk or captain. Desiring to settle down in order to be more with his family, he then accepted a place as clerk in the county commissioner's office, and also became deputy treasurer, serving two years. Later, he was interested in the manufacture of glass at Beaver Falls, for five years. In 1875, he was elected county treasurer of Beaver county, serving one term. Subsequently, in company with others, he purchased the Olive Stove Works in 1879. This plant was established in 1872, and was sold at sheriff's sale, in 1879. Mr. Eakin was at once appointed secretary, treasurer, and general
manager of the works, and under his careful, judicious management, the business took another turn, and has since been a very progressive and prosperous plant. The original works have been enlarged, in addition to which new buildings have been added; with increased facilities and capacities, the plant now turns out as fine a line of stoves and ranges as any plant of its size in America. It is located on Railroad street, and the controlling interest is now owned by Mr. Eakin. In addition to his business interests, Mr. Eakin also owns the premises on Third street, formerly belonging to his beloved father, and his present residence on College avenue, which is a beautiful, modern brick dwelling.
John R. Eakin was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony with Margaret Mitchell. This most happy union resulted in the birth of two daughters and one son, whose names are : Annie M., Emma E. and Joseph Mitchell. Annie M., the eldest daughter, is the wife of J. Rankin Martin, a leading attorney of Beaver Falls, whose sketch also appears in this volume. Emma E., the second daughter, is the widow of James J. Davidson, whose life history appears elsewhere in this volume of biographies. Joseph Mitchell, the third child, and only son, is in business with his father, being a partner and bookkeeper in the Olive Stove Works. He pursued a course of study in the Beaver high schools, and at Beaver Falls, and, when seventeen years of age, became interested in the plant to which his whole life has been devoted. He is fast assuming the heavier duties of the works. Hewedded Minnie White, and they have a son, whom they call John Mitchell. Joseph M. Eakin is a Knight Templar Mason, a Shriner, an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of Pythias.
Our subject and his family are of the Presbyterian faith. Mr. Eakin is a member of the borough council, and has always been a public-spirited man, having done much to further the progress of Beaver. He is spending the sunset of life, surrounded by loving friends and many comforts, and is reaping the just reward of earnest and well-directed efforts.
Joseph Mitchell, father-in-law of John R. Eakin, was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1822, at the age of thirty-four years. He located at New Brighton, Pa., and engaged in agricultural pursuits, removing in 1826 to Beaver, where he went into mercantile pursuits. He was very successful in this line, and purchased ground adjoining Beaver on the north and west, until he was the owner of much valuable acreage. He built a handsome brick residence at Vanport, now known as the Purdy farm. He continued to prosper until he had accumulated a nice property. He served as a justice of the peace and as a school director. He did business at the Pittsburg Bank, and at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, just as he was about to start to Pittsburg on business, he slipped and fell, breaking his leg, which caused his death shortly afterward, in 1876. He was joined in marriage with Anne McCreary, a daughter of James McCreary, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. She died in 1846 at the age of thirty-six years. Their
children were : Eliza, deceased; Sarah, wife of Jesse Cruthers, of Beaver county; Margaret, wife of the subject of this sketch; Esther, wife of H. M. Cunningham, of Ohio; Maria L., wife of the late T. B. Cunningham, of Ohio; James, who married Lucinda Greenlee, of Vanport, Beaver county; and Shannon R., who married Annie E. Stokes.
DR. JOHN D. COFFIN, deceased, was for many years a most distinguished physician of Beaver Valley. Having an established reputation before locating there in 1865, he soon acquired an extensive practice. His profound knowledge of therapeutics and his most thorough manner of diagnosing, first gained for him the confidence of the people in a professional way,
and as closer relationships sprang up he became the honored friend of his patients. In
the latter years of his life he lived in partial retirement in Beaver Falls, just retaining sufficient practice to employ his time. The Coffins are an old English family with genealogical records dating back to the twelfth century. The family is one of the most prominent in
New England, and includes many bankers and men of mark in all professions. At the
family reunion held at Nantucket in 1884, there were about eight hundred names registered as descendants of a common ancestry, who were then living. The first of the line in America was Tristam Coffin, who came from Devonshire, England, early in the seventeenth century and settled at Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. In the course of time one branch of the Coffin family went over to Newburyport, Mass., and settled there. It is from this latter branch that Dr. Coffin is descended. He was born in Newburyport, Mass., in 1809, and was a son of Nathan E. and Eunice (Emory) Coffin.
Nathan E. Coffin was a well-known ship builder of Newburyport, Mass., but about the year 1820, he relinquished that occupation and moved to New Lisbon, Ohio, where he became a contractor. Upon moving to Allegheny, subsequently, he retired to enjoy the benefits of his industrious past. His wife died there, of cholera, and he survived her some years, dying in 1854. Their children were: Charles, at one time a celebrated judge of the Cincinnati courts; Emory, deceased, who was a practitioner of medicine ; Gardiner, who became a wealthy manufacturer; Harrison, at one time president of the Des Moines Loan & Trust Company, who was succeeded by his son; Carey, a merchant; Emeline McMillan, whose husband is a printer of Pittsburg
Harriet (Nesbit) ; and John D., the gentleman whose name heads these lines.
John D. Coffin received his intellectual training in the common schools of Newburyport, Mass., and after his parents removed to New Lisbon, Ohio, he began the study of medicine under Dr. McCook. After thoroughly mastering the science, he began to practice at New Lisbon in 183o, remaining there for five years, and moving to Petersburg, Ohio, in 1835. After practicing there for a period of fifteen years' duration, he located in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he continued with much success until 1865. He then secured a good practice in Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., where he remained for ten years. Possessing some property at Homewood, he then betook himself there to follow his profession. These years of hard and continuous labor resulted in placing him in good financial circumstances, and in September, 1882, he decided to retire, as he was getting old, and moved to Beaver Falls. But inactivity was not suited to one of his energetic nature, and we soon find him again caring for a limited practice, a few old patients, just enough to keep him moderately busy. The Doctor was called to his final rest in August, 1893, aged eighty-four years.
Doctor Coffin was united in marriage, in 1851, with Margaret Harrah, who came of one of the pioneer families of Western Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of William and Eliza (Stewart) Harrah. Her grandfather was also William Harrah, who was born in Massachusetts, in 1767, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He later moved to Petersburg, Ohio, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and became one of the very early pioneers. He bought a farm of four hundred acres of wild land, on which, after making a clearing, he built a log house. He then built a fine frame house, in which he lived the remainder of his days. He was a devout Presbyterian and served as elder a great many years. He left the following children : William ; Hugh ; Samuel ; John ; Nancy (Nesbit) ; Margaret (Adams) ; and Mary (Watson). William Harrah, the father of Mrs. Coffin, was born in Massachusetts and removed to Petersburg, Ohio, with his parents, making the trip by wagon. They did their own cooking and lived in the wagon, and at the end of six weeks they arrived at the end of their journey. He received his educational training in the schools of Beaver county, and took up the occupation of a miller, building what was probably the first mill in the county, on Beaver Creek, near Enon Valley. He followed that until he reached his declining years, and then opened a small grocery store, from which he realized a sufficient amount to spend his last days in easy circumstances. He married Elizabeth Stewart in 1826, and they had seven children, namely: Harvey; Jane; Margaret; Mary (Magee); James Ritner of Beaver, Pa.; Stewart; and Laura (Fowler), of Vanport, Pennsylvania. Harvey died young. Jane (Saltsman) is deceased ; her husband was a very successful merchant of Saltsman Station, Jefferson county, Pa., and also a wealthy land owner. Stewart is a physician residing in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Margaret was born near Enon Valley, in Lawrence county, Pa., and was a pupil in the public schools. At the early age of 18 years,
she was married to Dr. Coffin, and they had the following children: Lizzie; Jennie E.; Ella (Strock), whose husband is a real estate and insurance agent ; Matilda ; Anna M. ; John W.; and Laura M.
Lizzie Coffin was born in 1853, in Peters burg, Pa., is a graduate of Beaver College and Edinboro State Normal School. Prior to her marriage she taught school in New Brighton and is now teaching in the public schools of Chicago. She married W. Fitch, who, after graduating from Oberlin College, was principal of a Chicago high school. He died in
Honduras while representing the Honduras Land & Fruit Company. They had one child, Alice.
Jennie E. (Sunderlin), whose husband read law and then took up teaching, lives at Tekamah, Nebraska, where Mr. Sunderlin is principal of the Tekamah public schools. He is a native of Michigan. She was graduated from the Edinboro State Normal School and taught at New Brighton for some years.
Matilda (Ford), who enjoys a national reputation as an educator and a lecturer on institute work, was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., in 1861, and attended Beaver College and the Edinboro State Normal School. She taught two years at New Brighton and one year in the Beaver Falls High School, after which she took a course of study in the Cook County Normal School under Col. F. W. Parker. She held a position as instructor in that institution for three years, when she accepted a similar position in Millersville (Pa.) State Normal School ; still later she was employed as principal of the Model School, for three years. Becoming interested in institute work, she lectured in every state in the Union, and established a high reputation throughout the country, which brought her many handsome offers at a high salary. Shebecame assistant principal of the public schools of Detroit, and continued thus for five years, having three hundred teachers under her direction. In 1897, she was united in marriage with Franklin Ford, a member of a well-known commercial agency firm in the city of New York. She was offered the position of assistant principal of the schools of that city at a salary of $4,000, but this she declined. She is a successful lecturer on geography and reading, and, with one exception, she has been offered the highest salary ever offered to a woman. She contemplates a public career and her future certainly has a brilliant outlook.
Anna M., who was educated in the Edinboro (Pa.) State Normal and the Cook County (Ill.) State Normal schools, is now attaining considerable success as a teacher in the public schools of Chicago.
John W. Coffin was born in Greensburg, Pa., and obtained his primary education in the schools of Beaver Falls and in the high school of that place. He then studied medicine at Cleveland, and was graduated from the Western Reserve University in 1839, receiving the degree of M. D. He built up an excellent practice in Beaver Falls, being located at No. 1402 Seventh avenue. He was appointed surgeon with the rank of lieutenant, in the National Guards, by Gov. Pattison, and, on May 1, 1898, he enlisted in the same grade in the loth Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., and accompanied the regiment to Manila, helping to establish its brilliant record, there made. Dr. Coffin is also interested in considerable realty. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Elks.
Laura M. Coffin, who was born in Rochester, Pa., October 23, 1870, attended the public schools of Beaver Falls, and graduated from the high school there. She took a course of study under Col. Parker in the Cook County (Ill.) State Normal School, after which she taught for one year in the Beaver Falls public schools. She is a young woman of many admirable traits of character, and her friends and acquaintances in the vicinity of Beaver Falls are numberless.
Dr. John D. Coffin, deceased, was an independent Democrat in politics, but respectfully declined all offices. Religiously, he was a conscientious member of the First Christian church. Socially, he was a prominent member of the Masonic order.
SAMUEL THOMAS, deceased, was for many years an extensive farmer and sheep-raiser of Beaver county, in which he lived all his life. A man of exceedingly strong character and excellent habits, he was greatly respected by all with whom he was acquainted, and his friends were without number. He was born in Chippewa township, Beaver county, March 6, 1818, and was a son of Elam and Barbara (Baker) Thomas.
Elam Thomas, the father of Samuel, was a native of Wales, and after coming to this country spent most of his life in Beaver county, in that section which is now Lawrencecounty. As a result of his union with Barbara Baker, eight children, all of whom are now deceased, were born, the youngest of them being our subject.
Samuel Thomas spent ten years of his early life with an uncle, during which time he acquired the money with which he bought a farm 0f one-hundred acres in Beaver county, the one on which Mrs. Thomas now lives. The farm was partially cleared and he leased it until after his marriage, when, on April 3, 1848, they moved upon it. He had taught school prior to his marriage, and continued so to do for two terms thereafter. They lived in a rude old log house until about twenty years ago, when he erected the one which now stands. In addition to the home farm, he owned a property of one hundred and twenty-three acres, which he cultivated, but since his death, it has been sold. He was a great sheep-raiser, having some 300 head of the finest in the county. Mr. Thomas was called to his final rest in 1883, and his widow has since very successfully managed the farm, which is worked by her brother, William T.
On December 7, 1847, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Eliza Jane Crans, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Thomas) Crans, and a granddaughter of John Crans, who was a native of New York State, but moved to Ohio in early life. Mrs. Thomas was born December 8, 1824, and was one of a family of ten children, eight of whom now live, as follows: Eliza Jane, the wife of Samuel Thomas ; Mary Ann ; John J. ; Ellen J.; Laura; William T.; Elizabeth; and James.
BEAVER COUNTY 325
Those deceased are David R. and Julius L., both of whom were taken ill and died while serving in the army during the Civil War. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Thomas, who has no children of her own, adopted Maggie E. Ruby, whose family lives in Franklin township. She is a woman of sympathetic and charitable disposition, and has many friends who love her for her excellent traits of character. She is a remarkably well preserved lady, for one of her years.
Mr. Thomas was what may be termed a home man, a good husband, and very fond of the society of his wife. He had excellent
habits, using neither tobacco nor intoxicating liquors. In politics, he supported the Republican party, but favored the cause of Prohibition. He was not an aspirant to office, yet served as supervisor. Religiously, he was a faithful member of the Baptist church, as is his widow, and for forty years was a deacon in the church.
/blockquote>
ALBERT M. JOLLY, whose portrait is presented on the preceding page, has for many years been recognized as one of Beaver county's most substantial and enterprising business men, and is an esteemed resident of Beaver Falls. He is connected with one of the largest contracting concerns
in Western Pennsylvania,-that of A. J. Jolly & Sons, his association with this prominent
firm dating back to 1877. He was born in December, 1855, at what is now known as
Monaca, Beaver county, and is a son of Andrew J. Jolly, and grandson of Kenzie Jolly.
Mr. Jolly traces his family line back to Colonel Henry Jolly, of Revolutionary War fame, who after that eventful struggle moved to Marietta, Ohio, where he became a promi nent citizen. He presided as judge over the first court ever held in that state. His wife was a Miss Gluiest, who was scalped and tomahawked by the Indians, and, though the wound never healed, she survived this barbarity for forty-three years, dying at an advanced age. Colonel and Mrs. Jolly were the parents of the following children : William, Kenzie, Albert, and Siddy, the wife of Vashel Dickerson.
Kenzie Jolly was born in Washington county, Ohio, in 1778, and there resided all his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Elizabeth Dickerson, a daughter of Thomas Dickerson; she was born in 1795 and died aged one hundred years and five months. She was the mother of the following children: Rachel, the wife of John Ankron, of New Orleans, La. ; Rebecca, wife of Abner Martin, of Washington county, Ohio; Henry, also of Washington county, Ohio; Dickerson and Andrew Jackson residing in Phillipsburg, Pa.; Alpheus B., a resident 0f Keokuk, Iowa; William M., who died in his infancy; Electa M., the wife of James Hutchinson, of Washington county, Ohio; and Owen F., a resident of Dayton, Kentucky.
Andrew Jackson Jolly, father of the subject hereof, was born in Washington county, Ohio, May 28, 1828, and continued to reside there until 1844, He accepted the opportunities afforded by the primitive schools for an education, and at the age of sixteen years, he came to Pittsburg; there he embarked as a boatman on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, beginning as a deck-hand and advancing through various grades until he became captain. This river life was continued until 1866, when he engaged in prospecting and drilling for oil in Beaver county, but soon resumed the life of a boatman, which business he followed until 1872. In that year he entered upon his present business of furnishing stone for building and street-paving. Like many other great enterprises the business of A. J. Jolly & Sons has developed from small beginnings, and is the outgrowth of hard labor, perseverance, and indomitable energy. It required a great amount of work to secure the cobble stone from the river banks, but the greatest task was to meet the opposition of the older firms in the same business; this was happily done, and the present firm now ranks among the foremost and most successful contractors of the state. Their first contract was with the Pittsburg & Lake Erie Railroad Company, for whom they still continue to furnish stone and to do masonry work ; they also supply other railroads with stone, and the stone for the court house and custom house at Pittsburg was supplied by them. They erected a bridge across the Ohio River at Point Pleasant, West Va., one and one-half miles long and 103 feet high; they erected the bridge at Parkersburg in the same state and furnished the stone for lock Number 4, on the Monongahela River, and for the bridge at Cold Centre, Pa., on the B. & O. R. R. Politically, Mr. Jolly is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. He was wedded September 26, 185o, to Miss Sarah Srodes, a daughter of John M. Srodes, of Beaver county, and they are the parents of the following children: William A., deceased; John K.; Albert M.; Marilla E., the wife of David Anderson; Eddie, deceased; and Frank L.
Albert M. Jolly acquired his primary education in the district schools of his native town and, in 1874, was graduated from Duff's Mercantile College of Pittsburg. Returning to Phillipsburg in 1877, he became interested in contracting, and was made secretary and treasurer of the firm of A. J. Jolly & Sons; at that time the business was chiefly confined to quarrying, but at the present day they do all kinds of contracting. The subject of this biography gives much attention to the details of the business, and is frequently to be found in the various localities where the work is progressing,-West Virginia having recently been his base of operations. Of the many important contracts completed by this firm were the Government lock on the Muskegon River, the construction of which occupied nearly one year; the large bridge that spans the river at Wheeling, West Va.; several bridges across the Beaver River; the firm built the railroad from Point Pleasant to Huntington, Pa., and also the Twelfth street inclined plane at Pittsburg, one of the first of its kind to carry street cars. They have accepted large contracts from the P. R. R., the B. & O. R. R., and the P. McK. & Y. R. R. The other members of
the firm are J. K. and F. L. Jolly. Aside from his interests with the above firm, our Mr. Jolly is interested in many other enterprises, among which are the Beaver Valley Street Railway Company, of which he was vice-president seven years and is now a stockholder and a director. He was, five years, manager of the Wheeling Street Railway Company; is president of the Sharon Street Railway Company; with other members of his family, he built the Bellaire, Bridgeport and Martin's Ferry Railroad, which was consolidated with the Wheeling lines in the fall of 1898; he is a director of the Ohio River Bridge Company, which owns the bridge which connects Rochester and Monaca, of which company his father is president; he is president of the People's Water Company, a corporation formed to supply the residents of Beaver Falls with pure water at a low rate, and to relieve them from the oppression of the old company (one of the greatest blessings the borough now enjoys) ; he is a director in the National Bank, a director in the Home Protective Bank & Loan Association, and a director of the Columbia Building & Loan Association. Mr. Jolly has built many dwellings in the village of Beaver Falls, including the handsome residence he has occupied for the past few years.
Mr. Jolly was united in marriage March 23, 1882, with Miss Jennie E. Small, a daughter of Elmira Small, and to this union two children have been born: Clarence D., a student in the Chester, Pa., Military Academy; and Leila V., a student in the district school.
Socially, Mr. Jolly is a member of the F. & A. M., Valley Echo Lodge, No. 622; Pittsburg Commandery, No. 1, of Pittsburg, Pa., -which is next to the largest Commandery in the United States; the I. O. 0. F., of Beaver Falls; Lone Rock Lodge, No. 222, K. of P.; Royal Arcanum; and the Beaver Falls Mechanics' Lodge, No. 28, A. O. U. W. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist denomination.
The father of Mr. Jolly's wife is one of the oldest residents of the county, the date of his birth occurring in March, 1822, and his birthplace being Bridgewater, Pennsylvania. He was a son of Boston Small, who was born in 1781. Boston was one of six brothers who came to Beaver county about the year 1800, at which time the place was a vast forest filled with roaming Indians and wild animals. Those of his family who accompanied Boston to this vicinity were Jacob, a gunsmith; Frederick, a blacksmith ; and John, Henry and Peter, farmers. They were the sons of Jacob, who was born in Germany, and who came to America many years prior to the War of Independence. Boston Small was educated in Pittsburg, Pa., and at an early age came down the Beaver valley to the sugar camps, and being favorably impressed with the appearance of the place, he decided to locate there; later he was followed by his five brothers. They bought large tracts of land, which was covered with great quantities of black, red and white oak, and hickory. Boston moved to Bridgewater in 1833, and there he spent his remaining days, being suddenly cut off by an attack of apoplexy, in 1858. He was married, in 1809, to Margaret Graham, who was born September 6, 1788, and was a daughter of Hughey Graham, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. Mrs. Small was born at Fairview, and received her mental training in the old log school in that district. Five children were born to them: Catherine (Calhoon), born in December, 1809; Jane (May), born in 1811 ; Maria (Swager), born in 1817; Martin, born in 1819; and Socrates J. Boston Small was a devout Christian, a member of the Presbyterian church, and assisted in the building of the churches at Bridgewater and Beaver. He never allowed a morning or evening to pass without having family prayers. He was a Whig, and served as supervisor and school director.
Socrates J. Small was mentally instructed in Brighton township, in the old log school house, and was obliged to walk three and one-half miles daily during the terms; when seventeen years of age, he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. He built the first hearse in the county ; at that time the coffins were made of cherry wood, and the undertakers were compelled to take the rough wood, cut it into necessary shapes and boil it in whisky in order to get the requisite color; then the coffin was covered with beeswax melted with a hot iron and polished with a cork. There was no rough box, no handles on the coffin, no ceremony, and it was difficult to secure anything but a wagon to convey the corpse to its final resting place. The coffins were sold for one dollar a foot. Mr. Small had many strangeorders to fill while in the undertaking business; one was to furnish a steel casket of polished metal, that weighed three hundred and fifty pounds. Mr. Small first engaged in the business in 1842, with his brother Martin, in the town of Bridgewater, but three years later he sold out and worked for Robert Gilmore and Milton Swager, with whom he had learned the trade. In 1846, he returned to the furniture and undertaking business,-buying out the stock of Mr. Johnson,-and successfully conducted the establishment throughout his active life,-retiring in 1887. A few years prior to 1875, he was in business at Beaver but in that year he moved to Beaver Falls. Mr. Small wedded Elmira Swager, a native of Mercer county, Pa., who came to Beaver county when she was but eight years of age. Eleven children were born to them: Ursula (Johnson), an artist now in the treasury department at Washington, D. C.; Hiram; Margaret (Coleman), of Rochester; George, a farmer; J. Emma (Jolly), wife of the subject hereof; Ann M. (Jolly); Maria (Allen) ; Kate (Sterling) ; Eliza (Owery) ; Frank; and Charles, who died in infancy.
DR. HENRY C. ISEMAN is a skilful physician residing in the town of Beaver Falls, Pa., and his exceedingly large practice and wide experience have placed him in the foremost ranks of the profession in Beaver county. The Doctor makes a specialty of hemorrhoids and has been called
to various cities to treat some of the most prominent men in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., August 16, 1839, and is a son of Christopher and Maggie (Sober) Iseman. His parents were both natives of Westmoreland county, Pa., and his father was a veterinary surgeon and resided in Burrell township.
The Doctor obtained a common school education in his native district, and having decided upon the medical profession, he entered the office of Dr. George Wallace of Westmoreland county, and subsequently completed the required study with Dr. Charles Jarvis. In 1869, he opened an office in Allegheny City, Pa., but after a year had elapsed he located in Beaver for six months; he then made Petersburg, Ohio. his headquarters, in the vicinity of which he successfully practiced his profession for a period of twelve years. At the expiration of that time, he returned to Beaver,-remaining there ten years. Since then he has been practicing in Beaver Falls and vicinity. Dr. Iseman realizing the great prevalence of hemorrhoids, early began to give special attention to the study and treatment of this disease; in addition to his own investigation along that line, he spent one year under the instruction and tutelage of that well-known specialist, Dr. Wendman. Certainly the Doctor has shown a wonderful skill in the treatment of hemorrhoids, and counts among the patients that he has successfully treated, many of the prominent business and professional men throughout this part of the state, and Eastern Ohio. Dr. Iseman is popular as a business man and citizen, and is held by his many acquaintances in profound respect and esteem. When the crisis of the Civil War was upon us, true to the patriotic instincts of his nature, Dr. Iseman volunteered his services in defense of the Union. In 1861, Dr. Iseman was joined in marriage to Annie E. Edger, daughter of "Squire" I. A. W. Edger, of Darlington, Beaver county, Pa., and unto them have been born four children, as follows: Maggie, who married J. C. Naugle, of Wampum, Pa.; William, who married and settled in Miduga,-the maiden name of his wife not being known; Alice E., unmarried; and Frank. In religious belief the family are Presbyterians. In political action, he casts his vote for the man best qualified, regardless of party or creed.
P.M. WALLOVER, an extensive oil producer and refiner of Smith's Ferry, Beaver county, Pa., whose portrait appears on the opposite page, was born near Philadelphia, Pa., in 1824. Several generations of the Wallover family were born in that vicinity. The birth of his father, William H., and of his grandfather, after whom he was named, also occurred in that part of the state. His grandfather, M. P. Wallover, was the son of a well-known sea captain. He was reared and educated in the city of Philadelphia, and at an early age became interested in the manufacture of paper. In those pioneer days all the work was done by hand, and to do an extensive business required considerable capital. He was successful in his operations and established two mills, one on Mill Creek, the other on Wissahickon Creek. He became very wealthy. At that early day, only wealthy people could afford to buy a piano, and he bought one of the finest instruments shipped to this country. The whole family became expert players on this instrument.
He reared a family of six children, namely: Peter; William H.; Harry, who went to Mexico, and there formed a partnership with a Mr. Bellfield (both of whom showed their patriotism by offering their place to the government for a garrison) ; Harriet, who became the wife of a Mr. Duckett, a wealthy paper manufacturer; Margaret (Shee) ; and Mary Ann.
William H. Wallover, father of the subject of this sketch, obtained his intellectual training in Philadelphia, and, although the ad-vantages were meagre, he received a fair education. His first business relations were those with his father, whom he assisted in the paper mills. He was interested in that business during all of his active career. He married Harriet Mervine, and they reared three children: P. M., the subject of this sketch; Anna, the wife of General Daniel Dare; and Henry, who died at the age of six years.
William H. Wallover died in 1829, and his widow married a Mr. Stott, a mechanic of no mean ability. He it was who put the machinery in the United States steamship Prince-ton. He was superintendent of the Phoenixville Iron Works for many years, and retained this position up to the time of his death, which occurred very suddenly.
P. M. Wallover received his education under private tutorship. He learned the trade of a machinist, but, although he never followed it, he has found his knowledge of mechanics very useful during his business life. His first work was in a paper mill of his uncle, near Philadelphia, where he labored for eight months; he was then given the management of the establishment. Afterwards he became interested in two mills, working them on shares,-and continued thus until 1854, when he came to Beaver county to manage a mill opened by a relative on Little Beaver Creek. This mill was operated for three years. Mr. Wallover purchased property near Smith's Ferry, and on February 9, 1860, he began to drill for oil. March 1, of that year, he struck a five-barrel well. This gave him encouragement, and he leased more property and struck a well which produced $60,000 worth of oil. He has drilled and operated twenty-eight wells, and all of them were good producers.
In 1863, he started an oil refinery,-it being the first one in this district. He at once began to experiment in the oils, and his efforts were crowned with success. He made the first signal oil used on the Ohio River; he also made the first brand of wool oil used in the woolen mills, and got several brands of fine machinery oil. In those days the war tax was twelve cents per gallon, and one dollar per barrel. The firm name of the refinery was the Wallover Oil Co., but there were three parties interested in it. Two of them were railroad men, and when the railroad was put through that section, the railroad partners had to withdraw from the Wallover Oil Co., as it was against the rules of the railroad company for any of its stockholders to hold outside interests. Consequently Mr. Wallover purchased their shares and continued the business alone.
Our subject was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Margaret Arthur. She was also born in Philadelphia. They have a family of eight children: Charles A., now engaged in paper manufacturing; William H., who is in the oil business, in Indiana; Robert A., who is with his father; Joseph D., a contractor for drilling oil wells; Bert S., deceased; Edwin S., a salesman and teacher of music; Katie, deceased; and Laura (Boyd). Mr. Wallover is a Republican, and has served in minor offices of his town. The family is in accord with the M. E. church, of which he is a liberal supporter.
JAMES W. HUM, deceased, an early resident of Beaver, Beaver county, Pa., was for many long years a very prominent business man of Western Pennsylvania, conducting a large wholesale and retail lightning-rod house at No. 19 Market street, Pittsburg, Pa. He was born in Deerfield township, Columbiana county, Ohio, February 16, 1827, and was a son of David and Mary Ann (Hickox) Hum, and grandson of Jacob Hum.
Jacob Hum, with a brother, early in life emigrated from their native country, Germany, and settled in Ohio, where he worked at his trade, that of a hatter. He established a business at Columbiana, Columbiana county, Ohio, but subsequently engaged in the same line of work at Salem, Ohio. He formed a matrimonial alliance with a lady of Scottish birth, and those of their children who grew to maturity were named as follows: David; John; Jacob; Adam; Margaret; and George. Mr. Hum lived to reach the advanced age of eighty-three years.
David Hum, the father of James W., was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and at Columbiana followed his father's business for some years. Later in life, however, he became a merchant of Lisbon, Ohio, where he died when eighty years old. His first wife's maiden name was Mary Ann Hickox, who died at thirty-six years of age, leaving the following offspring: Angelina (Hatcher); James Winnard, who married Margaret Briggs; Richard Winchester, an early settler of Lowellville, Ohio; Columbus C., who resides near Toledo, Ohio; Martha (Throne), of East Palestine, Ohio ; and Elizabeth, deceased. By his second wife, Rebecca Thorn, Mr. Hum had one son, John. His third wife's given name was Esther, and his fourth union was with Mary Silverthorn.
James W. Hum left home at the age of ten years to live with his uncle, John Hum. He remained with him until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he obtained employment on a steamboat on the Ohio River, as a cabin boy. Later he learned the trade of boat carpenter, a vocation for which he was naturally well qualified. Subsequently he established himself at Bridgewater, and displayed considerable genius by manufacturing fanning mills, by the means of which grain, then threshed by hand, could be cleaned. His business became very prosperous, and he employed a large number of hands, as his product was extensively used in Western Pennsylvania. The lightning rod business next claimed his attention, and he was one of the founders of the American Lightning Rod Company, of Philadelphia, in 1849. The western section of the United States was his exclusive territory, and he established a wholesale and retail store at No. 19 Market street, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Under successful management the business expanded, and, in 1882, he took his son, Edward Knox Hum, into partnership with him, and they continued together until 1892, when the subject of this sketch retired from active labors. It was in 1868 that he built the handsome residence in which his widow now lives, and he also owned considerable valuable realty in Bridgewater and Beaver at the time of his death, which occurred March 17, 1895. He was a man of high principles, a loving husband and a fond father, and his friends throughout the state were very numerous.
James W. Hum formed a marital union with Margaret Brigs, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Westcoat) Briggs. Henry Briggs was born in Dighton, Mass., and was a son of Matthew and Cecelia (Reed) Briggs, and a grandson of Matthew Briggs, a blacksmithby trade, who came to this country from England. Matthew, Jr., was born in Dighton, Mass., and was also a blacksmith, following that vocation all of his active days. By his first wife he had three children, as follows: Matthew; Elizabeth; and Deliverance. By a second marriage, with Cecelia Reed, he had five children, namely: Henry; Nancy; Mary; Joseph; and Cecelia. Henry Briggs, the father of our subject's wife, learned the trade of a blacksmith, and, in 1836, removed to Western Pennsylvania, locating in South Beaver township, Beaver county. He purchased a farm, and, in addition to general farming, was engaged at his trade all of his active life, but lived his last days in retirement, dying at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hum, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. His wife survived him several years, and died at the remarkable age of eighty-nine years. She had made several trips to her native state, Massachusetts, and had returned from one of these trips but two months before her death. Their children were : Henry, who died young ; Mary; Julia; William; Elizabeth; Margaret; and Spencer.
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hum were the parents of the following: Henry Thornton, now of Pike county, Ill., who first married Josephine Blake, by whom he had one child, Harry C., and second, married Elizabeth Hughes, by whom he had one child, Carl D.; Edward Knox, whose life is also recorded in this Book of Biographies; Mary Elizabeth, deceased, the wife of Frank Robinson, by whom she had one child, Lois; James Weston, a farmer of Columbiana county, Ohio, who married Matilda Hineman, and had the following children,-Edward K., Guy H., Mary A., Martha T., James W., and Wayne A.; Fred Cook, deceased, who married Florence King, by whom he had a son, Forrest, deceased; Arthur Westcoat, an electrical engineer, of Bridgewater, who married Mary Doing, deceased; and Margaret Mott, the wife of Samuel P. Provost, a flour manufacturer and merchant, of Pittsburg. Politically, our subject was a Democrat, and was a public-spirited man. He was also a Mason, and was a charter member of St. James Lodge, F. & A. M., at Beaver.
PETER J. HUTH, an enterprising and energetic business man of Rochester, Pa., whom we are pleased to represent with a portrait on the opposite page, is secretary and treasurer of the Point Bottle Works, Limited, one of the most flourishing establishments in Western Pennsylvania. He was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1859, and is a son of Charles and Veronica (Becker) Huth.
Charles Huth, the father of our subject, was born in Lomborn, near Hanan, Germany, and was a single man when he came to America, locating in the city of Baltimore. After his marriage he removed to Pittsburg, and later to Freedom, Beaver county, Pa., in 1864, and, being a cooper by trade, was employed in that line of work. Upon moving to Rochester, in 1865, he operated a cooper shop, and, in connection with this, he opened a store for raftsmen and boatmen, located on Water street. He also purchased what had formerly been a river warehouse, rebuilt it into a residence, and lived there the remainder of his days, dying at the age of fifty-eight years. His union with Veronica Becker resulted in the following issue : Adam, a grocer on Water street, in Rochester; Peter J., the subject of this biographical record; Lizzie, the wife of John Schies, of Anderson, Ind.; Josephine, the wife of Henry Heuring, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; Andrew, a printer, of Cleveland, Ohio; Kate, the wife of Michael Kinney, of Anderson, Ind.; John, a glass blower, of Rochester, Pa.; Caroline; George, a glass blower of Rochester; and Annie, a bookkeeper in the office of the Point Bottle Works. Veronica Becker, mother of Peter J., was born January 22, 1832. She is a daughter of Henry and Barbara Becker, natives of Bruckenau, Bayern, Germany. She came to this country in 1852, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. She married Charles Huth in 1853, she having previously met him in the Old Country. Since the death of her husband, she has resided on Water street, in a comfortable home, surrounded by many friends and acquaintances.
Peter J. Huth attended the public schools of Rochester until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he began work in the pressed glass department of the Rochester Tumbler Works, continuing there until he entered the cutting department of the Phoenix Glass Company, of Monaca. He served in that capacity for four years, and then in the main office, for a like period, as custodian, clerk, and paymaster. In 1887, the Point Bottle Works, Limited, was re-organized, and he became one of the stockholders, as well as secretary and treasurer, in which capacity he is still officiating. This plant was established in 1879, as the Rochester Flint Vial & Bottle Works, and was located at the present site on the lower end of Water street, by David McDonald, its president, and C. I. McDonald, vice-president and manager. The estate was subsequently sold at sheriff's sale, and was bought by the following business men: J. M. Buchanan, S. B. Wilson, J. C. Cunningham, J. C. Irwin, and P. McLaughlin, who served as president. In 1887, it was purchased and re-organized with the name of Point Bottle Works, Limited, and Henry Heuring was made president. The subject hereof was selected as secretary and treasurer, and per-formed his duties with such satisfaction that he was again chosen in 1897, when C. A. Dambacher was made president. The di-rectors are C. A. Dambacher, P. J. Huth, William O'Leary, R. Rodke, John Flint, J. R. Dougherty, and L. Hollander. The main building of the plant is 60x120 feet; on the lower floor are located the mold room, the mixing room, and the engine and boiler rooms. On the second floor are the packing and warehouse rooms. The second building is 64x64 feet, fitted with a twelve-pot furnace, eighteen ovens, and four glory holes. They give daily employment to 125 men, and manufacture all kinds of bottles, the yearly output amounting to $90,000.
Peter J. Huth was united in marriage with Grace O'Leary, a daughter of John and Annie (Ingles) O'Leary, and she died at about the age of thirty years. They had two children : Charles and Lawrence,-both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Huth formed a second marital union, with Mary Emery, a daughter of William F. and Mary A. (Conway) Emery, and they had three children: the first born being a son, v ho died in infancy; the next, Alexander, who died at the age of one year; and Peter Emery. Mr. Huth built a handsome home on Hull street, but resides, on Dees Lane. Religiously, the family are devout members of the Catholic church. Mr. Huth is a man of strong personality, and has gained many friends throughout this section of the state.
FRANK SMITH READER, journalist, New Brighton, Pa., was born in Coal Center, Washington county, Pa., November 17, 1842. His father, Francis Reader, was a native of Warwickshire, England,-his parents removing from there to Washington county, Pa., in 1802. His mother, Ellen Smith Reader, of the same county, was of Scotch-Irish descent. Her paternal grandfather, Rev. John Smith, was a prominent minister of his day, and her maternal grandfather, Lieut. William Wallace, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
The subject of this sketch worked at farming and carpentering, and acquired at the schools of his town, and at Mount Union College, Ohio, an academic education. He lived among the scenes of the Monongahela Valley, Pa., until 1861, when he enlisted as a soldier, on April 27, 1861, serving in Company I, 2nd Reg., Va. Inf., in the commands and departments of Generals Rosecrans, Reynolds and Milroy, until April, 1862, in Western Virginia; he took part in the campaign of Gen. John C. Fremont in the Shenandoah Valley, and in that of Gen. Pope in Eastern Virginia, in 1862. His regiment returned to Western Virginia in October, 1862. June 1, 1863, the regiment was changed to the Fifth West. Va. Cavalry. He was offered a promotion in his company but declined it, and was assigned to duty at Gen. W. W. Averill's headquarters, July 1, 1863, and afterwards to the headquarters of Gen. Franz Sigel and Gen. David Hunter in the Shenandoah Valley, taking part in their campaigns. After the victory under Gen. Hunter, at Piedmont, Va., June 5, 1864, he was one of the first Federal soldiers to enter Staunton, Va., and there had charge of paroling five hundred wounded Confederates. He was captured on this expedition, June 20, 1864, and after being thirty days a prisoner, made his escape from a train, with three comrades, twenty miles south of Bunkersville Junction, Va., while on the way to Andersonville prison. Having undergone eleven days and nights of great suffering, hardships and hunger, hiding in the woods by day and traveling by night, he reached Gen. Grant's head-quarters at Petersburg, Va., June 30, 1864, having passed through the right wing of Gen. Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army. His term of service having expired July 10, 1864, and being so broken in health that further duty was impossible, he was discharged in August of that year. He taught school the following winter, and in July, 1865, accepted a position in the U. S. Civil Service, in which he served at different periods for over ten years; he was chief deputy collector of internal revenue nearly eight years, and acting collector for some months.
On December 24, 1867, Mr. Reader was united in marriage with Miss Merran F. Darling, of New Brighton. Her father, Joseph Darling, was a native of Vermont, his paternal grandfather serving in the Revolutionary War, and her mother, Rebecca Cobb Darling, was a native of Chautauqua county, New York. Two sons were born to the couple, Frank Eugene Reader, attorney-at-law, and Willard Stanton Reader, journalist. Mr. Reader became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church December 15, 1865, and entered the North Missouri Conference of the church, in 1868, as preacher in charge of a circuit of nine appointments, but owing to the failure of his voice, he was compelled to retire after one year's service. He has held an official relation in the church ever since, and has been Sunday school superintendent for over twenty-two years. Mrs. Reader is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Reader is the author of a life of Moody and Sankey, the noted evangelists,-and also of the history of the Fifth West Va. Cavalry, besides historical sketches of the Harmony Society, Economy, Beaver county, Pa., of New Brighton, Pa., and the Beaver Valley, in which his paper is published. On May 22, 1874, he and Major David Critchlow established the "Beaver Valley News," at New Brighton ; on January 1, 1877, he bought the major's interest in the paper, and on February 4, 1883, he began the publication of the first daily paper in the county,-"The Daily News." He was secretary of the Republican county committee for several years; while in that office he prepared and presented in the state legislature the first law enacted in Pennsylvania for the government of primary elections; he was alternate to the Chicago convention which nominated James G. Blaine for president in 1884; he was suggested as a candidate for congress and for the state senate, but declined to be a candidate; he served in the council and school board of his borough, and held other positions of trust, but never solicited any public position.
Frank Eugene Reader, attorney-at-law, New Brighton, Pa., son of Frank S. and Merran D. Reader, was born at Greencastle, Mo., December 15, 1868. He attended school at New Brighton, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pa., and entered Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., in the fall of 1885, from which he was graduated in 1888, second in a large class, with the degree of B. A. He studied law with Brown & Lambie, a prominent law firm, of Pittsburg, Pa., and was admitted, on examination, to the bar of Allegheny county, Pa., in 1891, andlater was examined and admitted to the bar of Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He became a partner of the law firm of Moore Bros., Beaver, Pa., in 1892, the new firm being Moore, Moore & Reader. In April, 1892, he was elected solicitor of the Beaver County Building & Loan Association, New Brighton. In 1896, he retired from the law firm and opened an office of his own in New Brighton. He was elected secretary of the council of New Brighton in March, 1899. On June 3, 1896, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie B. Nesbit, a daughter of Rev. Samuel H. Nesbit, D. D., one of the most prominent, able and influential members of the Pittsburg Conference of the M. E. church; he was, for twelve years, editor of the Pittsburg "Christian Advocate"; presiding elder, and pastor of some of the best charges in the conference. A daughter,-Dorothy Nesbit,-was born to Mr. and Mrs. Reader, the date of her birth being May 8, 1897. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Willard Stanton Reader, journalist, was born at New Brighton, Pa., September 28, 1871; he attended the public schools of his native town, and was a pupil in Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He entered the office of the Beaver Valley News as an apprentice, and in 1889 was appointed the New Brighton reporter of the paper. September 28, 1892, on his twenty-first birthday, he was admitted to partnership in the, business, and has since held the position of city editor. In addition to the duties of this position, he has written for leading papers in Pittsburg and other cities; has served on the Republican county committee, and is now secretary of the board of health of his native town. He united with the Methodist church, in January, 1885.
Mr. Reader was united in marriage with Miss Lily Robinson, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Robinson, March 1, 1897. Mr. Robinson was a soldier in the Civil War, serving his country with fidelity and courage. Both Mr. and Mrs. Reader are members of the Methodist Protestant church. They have one child, a son, Willard Donald Reader, born December 20, 1897.
WILLIAM A. PARK is treasurer of the well known firm, the Park Fire Clay Company, and is a respected citizen of Rochester, Pa., where the main office of the company is located. He is a man of extraordinary business capacity, and energetic and honest in the methods which he
pursues. He is a native of New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pa., where he attended the public schools and assisted his father in the lumber business. He continued to do so until he entered the general merchandizing business with his brother, John H., at Park Quarries. He afterward became identified with the Park Fire Clay Company as treasurer, and has since served in that connection. The other officers are: J. I. Park, president; J. H. Park, superintendent. The capacity of the works is 250,000 bricks per day, and three hundred and fifty men are employed. They have filled paving contracts in Pennsylvania and adjoining states, and have an established reputation, shipping their product to all points in the United States and Canada. In 1884, he, with his brother, John H. Park, built a line connecting their establishment with the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Conway, but this they have since disposed of to the Ohio River Junction Railroad Company of which Mr. Park is treasurer. Mr. Park has been located in Rochester for many years, and has conscientiously endeavored to further the interests of the town. He is widely known throughout the district, and has many friends.
William A. Park is of Irish ancestry, being the great-grandson of William Park, who was born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, where he received an education. He was a man of good character and of high standing in that country, as is shown by papers which are now in the possession of the subject of this sketch. These papers are evidence of the fact that he became a member of Lodge No. 479, F. & A. M., at Tullaghoge, County Tyrone, Ireland, December 3, 1783. In 1791, on April 26, he was given a demit from that lodge, together with one from the Knights Templar, of which he was also a member,-accompanied by testimonials as to his character. He landed in Philadelphia, Pa., in May, 1791, where he remained for about four years, in the meantime learning the trade of stone mason, and then located in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pa., where he instituted what was, for many years, the only Masonic lodge in that section of the state. He followed his former vocation there and many houses now remain standing in that village as the result of his work. He lived to reach the advanced age of eighty-eight years, and was buried in the Beulah burial grounds. He married Mary McGahey, who died at the age of ninety-four years, and they had the following issue: John, who married Margaret Duff; David, whose wife was Ann Hamilton; Jane; William, who married Nancy Johnson; Robert, who married Elizabeth Loney; and Thomas from whom our subject's wife is descended.
David Park, the grandfather of William A. Park, was born at Wilkinsburg, Pa., and there learned the trade of wagon-maker and wheelwright, which he followed until he moved upon a farm, purchased by him in New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pa., in 1845. There, in addition to cultivating the soil, he plied his trade for many years, dying when eighty-six years old. The property is now owned by his son Theodore. The maiden name of David's wife was Ann Hamilton, and she was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 18o6, and died at the age of seventy-nine. Their children were: James F., the father of the gentleman first named above; William; George, who married Mary Beal; Elizabeth, the wife of Hiram Phillip; Mary, the wife of Rev. John Brown; and Theodore, who married Kate Campbell.
James I. Park was born at Wilkinsburg,Allegheny county, Pa., and adopted the trade of a carpenter, but early in life removed from his native place to Freedom, Beaver county, where he became a contractor and lumber dealer. He was very successful, and now owns a farm near Freedom, upon which he is living a retired life. He married Emiline McDonald, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Magee) McDonald, who was of Scotch ancestry, and she died leaving four children, as follows : William A.; John H., a record of whose life appears elsewhere herein; Annie V., the widow of Milton McCullough ; and George I., who is also identified with the Park Fire Clay Company. He formed a second union,- in this instance with Mary Dean, a daughter of Samuel Dean, and they have two children: Mabel D. and Nellie D.
William A. Park was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Mary J. Park, a daughter of Thomas and Helen (Duff) Park. Thomas Park, a son of William Park, the first of the family to locate in this country, was born in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pa., and settled in Penn township, where he became a farmer of considerable prominence. He died at the age of sixty-three years. His wife, Helen, who now resides with William A. Park, is a daughter of David Duff, and they had two children: James Graham, of Cripple Creek, Colo. ; and Mary J. Socially, the subject of this sketch is a member of the Masonic orders, F. & A. M., and R. A. M., of Rochester, Pa., and of the Commandery, of Pittsburg. He is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, of Pittsburg.
AVID PHILIPS ESTEP, deceased, a gentleman whose life was marked by years of activity in the industrial world, was a prominent dairyman in Chippewa township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. II e was a son of Ephraim and Susanna (Philips) Estep, and was born in Washington county, Pa., March 9, 1822.
His grandfather was Robert Estep, who u as born in Baltimore, Md., in 1750, and was of Welsh parentage,-his father having come from Wales to America, in 1720, and settled in Baltimore, Maryland. Robert Estep, after reaching maturity removed to Bedford county, Pa., making the trip on horseback,-and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He subsequently bought a farm in Washing-ton county, Pa., and lived there during the remainder of his life. He was a Democrat in politics, and served as a "squire" under the old laws, being appointed by the governor. He was also burgess of Lawrenceville, when that was a busy little town, entirely apart from Pittsburg. He was united in marriage with Dorcas Wells, and they became the parents of thirteen children, namely: Eliza; Nathan; Jemima (Dailey); Ruth (Potter), of Darlington, Pa.; John; James, a physician, and later, a minister of the Gospel; Ephraim, whose business was that of a merchant ; Mary (Gaston); Elizabeth (Holmes); Thomas; William, who died in infancy; Joseph; and William.
Ephraim Estep, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Washington county, Pa., and was mentally trained in the publicschools, after which he took up the occupation of a farmer, but subsequently learned the trade of a blacksmith,-buying a place which was furnished with water power. He then removed to Pittsburg and became a prominent manufacturer of shovels and axes,-buying the old plant of Orrin Waters. He supplied all the jobbers of Pittsburg, and employed about forty-five men. Some time later, he moved to New Brighton, Beaver county, Pa., and built a factory in which he manufactured all kinds of edge tools, employing seventy-five men, and in 1849, he retired, and turned the management over to two of his sons. He married Susanna Philips, a daughter of John Philips, who was a very successful merchant in Philadelphia. He was appointed an ensign in Washington's army during the Revolutionary War, and the commission is highly prized by the subject hereof, in whose possession it has remained. He was a man of extensive business interests, and besides conducting his store he was an extensive weaver; for many years he was a "squire" of his district. Religiously, he was a Baptist; politically he was a member of the Whig party. Susanna Philips was born and educated in Philadelphia, and as a result of her union with Ephraim Estep, she became the mother of nine children: Mary Hall, deceased; Joseph Philips, manufacturer of wagons ; William C.; David Philips, the subject of this sketch; Dorcas (Marquis); Elvira; Harriet; Ephraim; and Robert.
David Philips Estep was mentally trained and educated in Washington county, Pa., in the public schools, and in the schools of Pittsburg, and thereafter became prominently identified with his father's business interests. In 1849, he went to California, and became an active speculator,-being one of the first miners in that field. While in California he turned his attention to seine fishing in the Sacramento River and supplied the camps and towns with fish,-in this way doing a good business. In 1851, he returned to Pittsburg and was employed at the Lippencott axe factory, for a time, but subsequently became foreman for Hubbard & Bakewell. He served in that capacity for thirty-two years, and as a workman was unexcelled. He seemed to possess the happy faculty of procuring the best efforts from the men under his direction, and yet, by showing them kindness and consideration, he gained their esteem and affection. In fact, it was with great regret that they saw him take his departure from their midst in 1879, and he was presented with what is, probably, the handsomest set of engrossed resolutions ever drawn up in Pittsburg. It was an extraordinary exhibition of their regard for him, and was signed by a committee of seven, and by over two hundred of the employees. It is a gift of which any man would feel proud. He then removed to Beaver county, and purchased a tract of two hundred and seventy-one acres of land in Chippewa township, one-half of which was in a state of cultivation. The handsome brick house was then standing, and was known as the McKinley homestead, but was subsequently owned by William David son and then by Mr. Hamilton, from whom the subject of our sketch purchased it. He made many important improvements on the place,-clearing a considerable portion of it,-and engaged in dairying and farming. He possessed fifty head of cattle,-making a specialty of Jersey stock,-and retailed milk, keeping two wagons busy in selling directly to the consumer. Up to the time of his death, he was ably assisted in the management of the farm by his son Edgar, who attended to all of the active duties incident to so extensive a business. He also had eleven head of fine horses, one of them being twenty-six years old, and still a very good horse,-a fact which speaks well for the treatment and care it has received. Mr. Estep made a host of friends after locating in Beaver county, and was everywhere received as a man of worth to the community.
His wife was Hannah Squires, who was born in 1823, and received an excellent mental training in the schools of Pittsburg,-being an exceptionally bright woman. He was deprived of her companionship by death in 1892, when she was sixty-nine years old. They had the following children: Frances M., who died in infancy; Thomas S.; Albert D., who died in infancy; Susanna Catherine, who also died in infancy; Edgar S., who assisted his father; and Harry Clay, a prominent real estate dealer, of Pittsburg. Politically, the subject of this memoir was a Republican. In religious attachments he was a member of the Baptist church, of New Brighton. He was a member and past master of Pittsburg Lodge, F. & A. M.; past commander of Pittsburg Commandery, No. 1; past commander-in-chief of Pittsburg consistory; and a member of Arsenal Lodge, No. 48o, I. O. O. F., of which he was, for some time, deputy grand master of the Pittsburg district. His death occurred September 22, 1899, and he was buried with Masonic honors in Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
REV. JAMES L. DEENS, who for many years served in the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, became thoroughly identified with the interests of Beaver county, after his retirement from active ministerial service, when his preference of the freedom of country life asserted itself in the choice of a home here. Prior to a permanent residence on his farm, however, he had served as pastor of several local charges, and thus strengthened his interests in the Beaver Valley.
His thorough enjoyment of farm life, exempt from the strain of routine service, was marked by evidences of vitality and adapt-ability to surroundings seldom experienced by one of his years.
James L. Deens was born in County Armagh, Ireland, January 3, 1820, being the only child of James and Margaret (Graham) Deens. His father, of direct Scotch descent, died when a young man, and the widowed mother, during a period of general emigration from Ireland, brought her infant son t0 America,locating in Pittsburg, which became to them a permanent home around which their interests ever centered; for there Mrs. Deens subsequently married John Lompre, a French Canadian, whose paternal interest in the boy was marked by a voluntary embodiment of the step-father's name in the boy's full name of James Lompre Deens, and by a close companionship in business, interrupted only by the sudden death of the father just as James was entering manhood.
To the mother, thus left a second time with a family of which only Lydia Sergeant and Eliza Lompre Irwin attained maturity and established families of their own, the best tribute that can be paid is the acknowledgment of the respect accorded her for half a century by all who came under the influence of her unselfish spirit, which remained young and sympathetic until the close of a long life of loving interest in family and friends. In 1887, at the age of eighty-seven, she peacefully passed away.
James Lompre Deens during his early years was sent to both private and public schools, and when opportunity afforded, or necessity required, was reared by his father's side as a tobacconist, of which trade he became master. His general education was completed in the Western University of Pennsylvania, after which careful and thorough preparation for the ministry was made under the leading teachers of Methodism, to whose influence was largely due his connection with the Pittsburg Conference in 1846.
After traveling several circuits, he became pastor in charge of various stations in Ohio and Pennsylvania, serving as Presiding Elder of the Barnesville District, Ohio, during that period of unrest in our Nation's Historythe Civil War-in which he was commissioned Captain of the Barnesville Company, Monongahela Regiment of Unattached Departmental Troops Volunteers.
Subsequently, as pastor, he was stationed successively at Brownsville, Pa., New Brighton, Pa., Main street and Bingham street charges, Pittsburg, and at Mansfield Valley. His last appointments were all in Beaver county, at Georgetown, Homewood, Noblestown, and Shoustown; after which a supernumerary relation, later changed to superannuated, was taken.
Two years after his admission to the conference he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Samuel McKinley, who stood high in the Masonic fraternity, and was also a prominent Methodist.
The wife shared faithfully her husband's itinerant life, and still survives him in her home in Beaver, surrounded by her children,-Margaret A., who resides with her mother; James C., representing the pottery industry of East Liverpool; Anna M., engaged in scientific work in the Pittsburg High School.
The three other children have established their own homes in Beaver: Minnie G., whose union with James Dowdell, a paper manufacturer of Wellsburg, W. Va., resulted in the following issue,-Grace P., Marie E., James Deens, John Irwin, Anna M., and Olive S.;
Charles H. A. conducts his farm on the south side of Beaver county, but occupies a Beaver residence for the educational advantages offered there,-his marriage with Anna M. daughter of John Adams, the pioneer glass manufacturer of Pittsburg, has been blessed by the following children,-Harry Adams (recently deceased), Walter Lompre, Mary Natalie, John Adams, Charles Wilfred, Jean Annette, Alta Carol, and Helen Elizabeth; John U, a pharmacist, became united in marriage with Lydia Ferguson, to whom have been born two children, Louise and Lillian.
The paternal spirit showed itself strikingly in the watchful interest exercised by this father over children and grandchildren alike, and undoubtedly bore fruit in the community of family interests now centered in the Beaver Valley.
It would be a depreciating familiarity toward a man like James L. Deens to attempt to sum up in a few paragraphs his life of service, the responsibilities faithfully met, the hardships cheerfully undergone, or to describe his life as a husband, father, friend, and citizen. Brief mention, however, of a few striking traits may be permitted. He knew men as few are able to know them ; he believed his brethren, and with a loyal devotion he stood by his friends. As a preacher he knew what he wished to say and had unusual ability in making himself understood. Thoroughly fitted for his work, scriptural, evangelical, simple, fearless, though tender of heart, he taught his people righteousness. A despiser of shams, he could strip the borrowed garments from assumed humility or pretentious ignorance. Master alike of pathos and invective, able to see at a glance the strong and the weak points of an issue, capable of clear statement, his arguments had oftentimes a startling suddenness, always a clearness, and kindly wit, which made him in an age of great conference debaters easily the foremost; already some of his speeches belong to the traditions of the conference.
A lifelong student, when years of failing health came to him, he never lost interest in things which are and are to be. Questions of church polity, the civic discussions of the time, the welfare of the church and the work of his brethren were matters of living interest and constant conversation. Only the outward man grew old; mind and heart remained young. When retirement from active ministry became necessary, his nobleness of spirit was strikingly exhibited. Unwilling to be idle, fearful of an aimless existence, he located on his farm near Beaver, Beaver county, Pa. His children and their children always found this place of rest beautiful, as did also his old companions in the ministry, and other acquaintances who shared his hospitality. There he passed from this earth at Eastertide in 1892, and from the altar of home and church, he was borne to the Beaver Cemetery, and tenderly laid to rest in the beautiful Ohio Valley.
The publishers of this work take pleasure in announcing that a portrait of Rev. James L. Deens is presented in connection with the foregoing account of his life and deeds.
JOHN H. PARK, one of the reliable business men of Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., is superintendent of the Park Fire Clay Company, a prominent firm whose products are shipped to all parts of this country and Canada. He is a son of James I. and Emiline (McDonald) Park, and was born in New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pa., in 1856.
William Park, the great-grandfather of John H. was born in Cookstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, whence, after attending school, he moved to Philadelphia, Pa., where he learned the trade of a stone mason. Papers in their original state, now in the possession of W. A. Park, show that he was admitted as a member of lodge No. 479, F. & A. M., at Tullaghoge, County Tyrone, December 3, 1873. When he came to America, April 26, 1791, he was given a demit from that order, and also one by the Knights Templar, together with high recommendations as to his character. He landed in Philadelphia, in May, 1791, but located in Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pa., in 1796, where he instituted the first, and for many years the only, Masonic lodge in that region. He followed his trade the rest of his life, and there are many houses standing in that county today which are the result of his work. He died at the age of eighty-eight years and was laid to rest in the Beulah burying grounds. His wife was Mary McGahey, who died at the age of ninety-four years, and they had the following offspring : John, who married Margaret Duff; James, who married Betsey Duff ; David, whose wife was Ann Hamilton; Jane; William, who married Nancy Johnson; Robert, who married Elizabeth Loney; and Thomas, who married Helen Duff.
David Park, the grandfather of the gentleman whose name heads these lines, was born at Wilkinsburg, Pa., and early in life learned the trade of a wheelwright and wagon-maker. In 1845, he removed to Beaver county, purchasing a farm in New Sewickley township, where he followed his trade, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. This property is now owned by his son, Theodore. He died at the age of eighty-six years, and was buried in Oak Grove cemetery, near Freedom. His wife, Ann Hamilton, was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 18o6, and died at the age of seventy-nine. Their children were: James I., the father of the subject hereof; William; George, who married Mary Beal; Elizabeth, the wife of Hiram Phillip; Mary, the wife of Rev. John Brown; David; and Theodore, who married Kate Campbell.
James I. Park was born at Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, Pa., and learned the carpenter's trade, but early in life removed to Freedom, Beaver county, where he became a contractor and lumber dealer. He was very successful, and is now living in retirement near Freedom, where he owns a fine farm. He was first married to Emiline McDonald, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Magee) McDonald, who was of Scotch-ancestry, and she died leaving four children, as follows : William A., a record of whose life appears else-*here in this Book of Biographies; John H.,the subject proper of this sketch; Annie V., the widow of Milton McCullough ; and George I., who is also identified with the Park Fire Clay Company. Mr. Park formed a second union, in this instance with Mary Dean, a daughter of Samuel Dean, and they had two children: Mabel D. and Nellie D.
John H. Park was reared on the farm and studied in the public schools. He assisted his father in the lumber trade and later entered the field of business on his own account, opening a general store at Park Quarries, which he conducted under the firm name of J. H. Park & Co. He also opened a stone quarry there, and in 1882 established another at New Galilee, from which he furnished fine sand stone for building,-shipping it to Pittsburg and Philadelphia. In 1885, the Park Fire Clay Company was organized at Park Quarries, with J. I. Park, president; W. A. Park, treasurer, and John H. Park, superintendent. They have a capacity of 250,000 brick per day, and three hundred and fifty men are employed. The product is nearly all from Beaver county. The general office is at Rochester, Pennsylvania. They have filled large paving contracts in Pennsylvania and adjoining states, and ship brick to all parts of the United States and Canada. John H., and W. A. Park built a railroad three miles in length, connecting their establishment at Park Quarries with the main line of the Pennsylvania Company at Conway, in 1884, and this they later sold to the Ohio River Junction Railroad Company. Of this the subject of this sketch is now president.
He is a man of great energy, is sagacious and possessed of keen foresight. He has always exerted his greatest efforts in whatsoever he has undertaken, and the fruit of his work is evidenced by the prosperous condition of the plants under his supervision.
Mr. Park was joined in hymeneal bonds with Jennie M. Sproat, a daughter of James Sproat, of Economy township, Beaver county, and they are the parents of three children, namely: Emma, aged nineteen years; William, who is seventeen; and Lizzie, who died at an early age.
DR. JAMES SCROGGS, Jr., an eminent physician and surgeon of Beaver, Pa., a recent portrait of whom is shown on the opposite page, has seen twenty-four years of practice in Beaver alone, and
stands at the head of his profession in Western Pennsylvania. Especially is this assertion
true of his position in the field of surgery, to which he devotes especial attention, having
probably done more work in that line than any other physician in the county. Dr. Scroggs,
Jr., was born in Allegheny county, Pa., July 19, 1850, and is of Scotch ancestry. He obtained a good education in the Pittsburg schools, after which he began the study of medicine with his father, who was one of the ablest physicians of his day. The subject of this review then entered the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., and, after taking a course of lectures there, he graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in 1873. Engaging in the practice of his profession at Fairview, Pa., for two years, he met with a good degree of success. From Fairview, he went to Beaver, Pa., and became a partner with his father. In 1890, he took a trip to Europe, where, after visiting the place where his ancestors came from in Scotland, he attended the Charing Cross Medical College in London, taking a special course in surgery, and visiting the leading hospitals on the Continent. He served eleven years as surgeon of the Beaver County Infirmary, and contributed some valuable articles to the press. He was also one of the first promoters of the Beaver County Hospital at Rochester, Pa., and is one of its charter members.
The Doctor was united in marriage with Annie M. Aber, an accomplished daughter of John Aber, of Industry, Beaver county. This happy union resulted in the birth of four children, namely : A. Emily ; James Joseph, at present a student of Pennsylvania University; Hal E., at present a student at Geneva College; and Fred J. Dr. Scroggs, Jr., has ever taken a deep interest in the educational affairs of his home, having served on the board of education for a period of eleven years. He has always taken a great interest in the progress and development of Beaver, and is one of the directors of the Beaver National Bank.
Dr. Scroggs, Jr., is a son of Dr. James and Emily (Seaton) Scroggs, grandson of James and Elizabeth (Gilbraith) Scroggs, great-grandson of James Scroggs, and great-great-grandson of James Scroggs, of Scotland, who was found when a small child by the side of his dead parents, victims during the "Rebellion of the Covenanters." This child was named Scroggs, which in Scotch means bush. He was thereafter called James Scroggs, grew to manhood and became one of the representatives to the Lord Chief Justice of Scotland. According to history, James Scroggs, the great-grandfather of our subject, immigrated to America about 1760, from near Edinburgh, Scotland, locating near Cumberland, Cumberland county, Pa., where he settled in company with some Scotch Covenanters. He acquired a large tract of land in that vicinity later in life, and was either a minister of the Gospel, or a physician,-it is not definitely known which. He brought eight children with him to America, having two children born to him later in this country. His first wife, who was a Miss Jack before marriage, bore her husband the following children: James, Ebenezer, John, Ellen, Polly, Reynold, Rachel, and Joseph. His second matrimonial alliance was contracted with a Miss Cowden, but the names of their children have not been pre-served. The old homestead in Cumberland is still known as the Scroggs estate, although it is now owned by a Mr. Armstrong.
James Scroggs, grandfather of our subject, was born in the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania, and in early life moved to Washington county, Pa., where he came in possession of a large tract of land, near Midway, and, being an ardent lover of the beauties of nature, he devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He was married to Annie Paxton, who bore him two children : Margaret ; and James Paxton,commonly known as J. Paxton Scroggs, M. D. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Scroggs re-married, choosing for his second bride, Elizabeth Gilbraith. Being determined to have a son who should be called James, the favorite name in the family for many generations, he called the first son of his second marriage by that name alone. The following children were the result of the second union: James, George, Samuel, Elizabeth, Nancy, Joseph, Robert and Ann, and one more who died at birth. James Scroggs, our subject's grandfather, studied medicine but never practiced it.
James Scroggs, father of our subject, was born upon his father's farm in Washington county, Pa., studied medicine under his half-brother, J. Paxton Scroggs, M. D., and engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, at Allegheny City, and at Pittsburg, establishing at the latter place a large and successful practice. In 1875, he decided to locate in Beaver, one of the finest boroughs on the Ohio River. There he built a home in the midst of beautiful scenery, in the hope of enjoying a more quiet life. But his valuable services were soon sought there also, and were in demand among the leading families, who soon discovered his knowledge in medical matters to be far above that of the ordinary physician. Although it was his earnest desire to spend his closing years in retirement he never found time to do so. In his seventy-third year he was stricken with apoplexy, and when able to be consulted he was even then called upon for his valuable judgment. As a citizen he was highly esteemed and as a physician not excelled. He died in 1894, aged seventy-four years. He was joined in marriage with Emily Seaton, a daughter of Catherine Seaton, whose death occurred at Louisville, Ky., at the very advanced age of ninety-seven years. Mrs. Scroggs bore her husband five children, and lived to attain the age of sixty-two years. Her children were: James, subject of this sketch; Katie, wife of Clark Hunter, of Beaver county, Pa.; Joseph, a prominent physician of Lincoln, Neb.; Mary, wife of John Scott of Beaver; and Elizabeth, who also resides in Beaver.
Like his fore-fathers in this as well as in many other respects, our subject is a lover of nature, in all its beautiful and varied forms. Some years ago, he purchased the M. Graves farm, which is located on an elevation of splendid height, overlooking the beautiful Ohio Valley, with its picturesque villages and boroughs, with ten minutes drive of this farm. Upon this splendid and desirable location, Dr. Scroggs built a handsome brick cottage, tenement houses, barns, etc., and set out thousands of fruit trees of all kinds both small and large. The broad, spacious lawns, surrounding the cottage, contain many beautiful shade trees and fine ornamental shrubbery. Here the Doctor has one of the finest summer resorts in Beaver county, where he spends many happy hours and entertains his friends, although his profession does not allow him half the time he desires to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of such a home, where he hopes to spend his closing years in retirement.
JAMES A. IRONS, who for many years was a prominent contractor, stands foremost among the progressive citizens of Monaca, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He is a man of public spirit, and when he deems an improvement necessary for the future welfare of the borough, he puts forth a strenuous effort for its accomplishment. His aggressiveness in public affairs has been in evidence for years, and it may safely be said without fear of contradiction, that no one man has done as much for the community; for this he is held in the highest esteem.
Mr. Irons comes of Irish ancestry, and is descended from one of three brothers, Solomon, Samuel and George, who came to this country from County Derry, Ireland. They were sons of a very wealthy man who held ninety-nine year leases on considerable property. Solomon Irons, the grandfather of the subject hereof settled in Washington county, Pa., in 1771, and moved to Beaver county about the year 1800, taking up several hundred acres of wild land, which was almost virgin forest, and traversed by few roads. He made a clearing and built a log house and barn,-becoming a very successful farmer. Religiously, he was a member of the United Presbyterian church. He died at the age of seventy-six years. His marriage with Rachel Dickson, a lady of Scottish birth, was blessed with eleven children : James; George; John; William; Andrew; Samuel; Joseph; Rachel (Maloney) ; Mary (Douds) ; Rosanna (Nevin), and Elizabeth.
John Irons, the father of James A., was born in Hopewell township, Beaver county, in 1811, on the old homestead, and received his intellectual training in what schools the community afforded. He learned the trade of a tanner under Mr. Scott, one of the first "squires" appointed in the county, and subsequently went into the tanning business for himself. He was very successful, but preferred farming, and as a result, purchased two hundred acres of partially improved farm land in 1840. He moved upon the place in 1845, dealt considerably in horses, raised wheat, and carried on general farming,-being fairly successful. He was a shrewd business man. He was united in marriage with Ann Moore, a native of Pittsburg, Pa., and a daughter of Joseph Moore. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: Joseph, who is now a real estate agent, and justice of the peace, in Greenfield, O.; James A., the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Elizabeth A. (Laird) ; Rachel J. (Peoples) ; Rosanna (Minor) ; John D., a farmer in Pittsburg, Kas.; and Amanda (Wallace). Religiously, he was a member, and for many years an elder, of the United Presbyterian church. He was a Whig, in political affiliations. He died of typhoid fever at the age of forty-two years, and, eight days afterwards, his wife died of the same disease.
James A. Irons was born in Hopewell township, and attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age, when he became apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, tinder George Denny and Mr. Couch. He then followed the trade at intervals for aperiod of eight or ten years, and in 1856 he entered Beaver College, which he attended for two years. From 1857 to 1862, he worked on the river, and in the latter year, on the 28th of April, he enlisted as a blacksmith and assistant engineer in the navy, on the steam ram Lioness. He participated in the fight which resulted in the destruction of the rebel fleet at Vicksburg, and has the distinction of being the first Union man to set his foot in Memphis at the time of its capture. He has many interesting relics of the war,-one of them being an old boarding pike in excellent condition, which he intends presenting to the Carnegie museum. After his discharge, he took lip contracting, in 1867, and during the oil excitement, went to Oil City and engaged in that business. Subsequently he became interested in gas lands, and leased three hundred acres in Moon and Hopewell townships. Upon drilling for gas he made one of the two best strikes in the county, and its roaring could be heard seven miles away. The company disposed of this property to the Bridge-water Gas Company, of which he was secretary and treasurer, and it yielded him hand-some returns.
Mr. Irons, since his residence at Monaca, has ever exerted a wholesome influence in public affairs, and has fought with his utmost vigor for many public improvements. When a system of water works for the town was proposed, its supporters succumbed to determined opposition, one by one, until the subject hereof alone stood as its champion. Realizing the great benefit it would be to the citizens, he would not yield, but fought to the bitter end, and had the satisfaction of seeing it established. Although for a time he was harshly denounced by the opposition, he is now accorded the respect of his gratified fellow citizens. Similar were the conditions in his fight for grading and paving, and for the telephone line. He purchased the line, and having it in good condition, disposed of it to the telephone company. His energy in furthering these enterprises entitles him to recognition as one of the progressive men of Beaver county. He is a Republican and has served as burgess for three terms, and on last May received his fifth commission as justice of the peace. He is a member of the G. A. R.
James A. Irons was united in marriage with Margaret Quinn Srodes, a daughter of John M. Srodes, one of the early river pioneers, and for many years a pilot and captain on the Ohio River. They became the parents of four children, as follows : John E., deceased, who was a very successful business man; James C., a glass manufacturer; Anna, deceased ; and B. C., chief of police of Monaca.
HON. HENRY HICE, who enjoys a wide reputation as a member of the legal profession, has been engaged in practice for almost a half century, and for a period of eleven years was judge of the Thirty-sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. He was born in Independence township, Beaver county, Pa., January 24, 1834, and is a son of William and Hannah (Eachel)
Hice, and grandson of Henry and Catherine Hice. Mr. Hice was the second child born to his parents, and received his scholastic training in the public schools of his native county, taking a finishing course at Beaver Academy. Choosing as his life-work the profession of law, he became a law student under the preceptorship of Richard P. Roberts, of Beaver, Pa. Mr. Roberts was a man of prominence in that section, and during the Civil -War became colonel of the 140th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., meeting a brave but unfortunate death at the terrible battle of Gettysburg, where so many gallant defenders of the Union fell. Under his preceptorship, young Hice made rapid progress, and was admitted to the Beaver county bar in 1859. He was immediately taken in as a partner with Mr. Roberts, in the practice of his profession, and remained as such until the death of the latter. In 1867, Frank Wilson became associated with Mr. Hice, and continued to be his law partner until 1874, when the subject of this sketch was appointed judge of the Thirty-sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which office was filled by him in a most acceptable manner, until 1885. His opinions were delivered firmly and courageously, and with full intent to treat each case fairly and impartially. He was courteous alike to the youngest attorney and to the oldest member of the bar. At the expiration of his term, Judge Hice resumed his long neglected practice, and was joined, in 1894, by his son, Agnew Hice,-the firm name becoming Hice & Hice.
Judge Hice first married Ruth Ann Ralston, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ralston, of Hanover township, Beaver county, where Mr. Ralston was a prominent agriculturist. Their happy union resulted in the birth of two sons and two daughters, viz.: Mary, who is unmarried; Richard, who is superintendent of the Fallston Fire Clay Company, and who married May Kells; Agnew; and Laura. Agnew studied law with his father, with whom he is now associated as partner, having been admitted to the bar in 1894. He is fast assuming the heavier duties of the firm, thus enabling his father to enjoy more leisure and the rest so richly deserved. Judge Hice was deprived of his much beloved companion in 1872, when she was called to the life beyond, having attained the age of thirty-six years only. Judge Hice contracted a second matrimonial alliance,-in this instance with Mrs. Sarah H. Minis, a daughter of ex-Chief Justice Daniel Agnew.
Henry Hice, the grandfather of the subject hereof, is believed to have removed from New Jersey to Indiana county, Pa., whence after purchasing a tract of land in the forests of the Ligonier valley, he returned to New Jersey after his family, who accompanied him to his new home, where they lived the simple, unpretending lives of sturdy pioneers,-enduring with others the many hardships and privations incident to such a life. Mr. Hice engaged himself in felling the forest trees and improving the land as best he could with the few facilities of a newly settled country. Here on this farm Mr. Hice's grandparents spent their last years and reared their family, consisting of three sons and one daughter, whose names are as follows: John; George; Catherine; and William.
William Hice, father of the subject hereof, was born on the old homestead in Indiana county, Pa., in 1793. As he grew to manhood, he assisted his father in clearing the land, and in 1819 or 1820, he removed to the vicinity of Clinton, Allegheny county, Pa. After purchasing a farm but little improved, he extended the improvements by clearing more land, and building a set of buildings, which have since been replaced by new ones. The farm, then occupied by the elder Mr. Hice, is now owned by John Miller, and was sold by William Hice, in 1840. He then bought a better farm at Frankfort Springs, which became his permanent home during life. Upon this farm, known as the J. Stephenson farm, he built a very substantial dwelling, which is still standing; but the barn, then built, has long since been destroyed by fire. Starting out with nothing except a determined will power and a strong constitution, by persistent and untiring efforts, together with successful management, he amassed considerable property. Although he was a shrewd business man, he was kind of heart, and a liberal neighbor, never turning a deaf ear to an appeal for charity. Thus he endeared himself to many, and his loss was deeply mourned. His death occurred in 1868, at the age of seventy-three years. His life companion was Hannah Eachel, a daughter of Andrew Eachel, and she died when about fifty years old. Their children numbered seven, five daughters and two sons, as follows : Mary Ann, deceased; Catherine, also deceased; Eliza, still residing at Beaver, and unmarried; Sarah, wife of Joseph Brown, of Iowa; Hannah, of Beaver, also single; William,, a retired farmer residing in Kansas City, Mo.; and Henry, the subject of this brief sketch.
Judge Hice purchased for his home the R. P. Roberts homestead, on the corner of Market and North Park streets. Removing the old house, in 1876, he built upon the same attractive and well selected spot a handsome, modern brick house and office. Both are appropriately and handsomely furnished. He has taken an active part in the progress of his home borough and county. Aside from attending to his practice, he has been associated with manufacturing, banking, and other enterprises. Judge Hice worships with the Presbyterians, and liberally supports that denomination. His portrait is shown on preceding page.
DR. GEORGE A. CRISTLER, who through years of careful training in the intricacies o