Notes placed in brackets [ ... ] have been added by me.
The following was transcribed from
20th Century History Of New Castle and Lawrence County
Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens. PREFACE
(Pg 5)
The aim of the publishers of this volume and of the author of
the history has been to secure for the historical portion thereof
ill and accurate data respecting the history of the county
from the time of its early settlement, and to condense it into
a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences
have been included that were essential to this object. Although
the original purpose was to limit the narrative to the close, of the year 1907,
it has been found expedient to touch on many matters relating to the current
year, 1908.
It is impossible, to enumerate here all those to whom thanks are due for
assistance rendered and kindly interest taken in this work. "We would, however,
express our obligations to the local press for various courtesies extended,
and to Rev. Robert M. Russell, of Westminster College, to whom we are
indebted for the aiticle on that institution. In the preparation of the history
reference has been made to, and in some cases extracts taken from,
standard historical and other works on the different subjects treated of.
The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives which make up the biographical
part of this volume, and whose authorship is for the most part independent
of that of the history, are admirably calculated to foster local ties,
to inculcate patriotism, and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated
by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for
perpetuating personal annals, and will be of incalculable value to the descendants
of those commemorated. These sketches, replete with stirring
incidents and intense experiences, are flavored with a strong human interest
that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book its
most attractive feature. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated
will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Lawrence County, which
will fitly supplement the historical statement, for its development is identified
with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable.
The publishers have endeavored to pass over no feature of the work
slightingly, but to fittingly supplement the editor's labors by exercising care
over the minutest details of publication, and thus give to the volume the
(Pg 6)
three-fold value of a readable, narrative, a useful work of reference, and a
tasteful ornament to the library. We believe the result has justified the
care, thus exercised.
Special prominence has been given to the portraits of representative citizens
which appear throughout the volume, and we believe that they will prove
not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to
illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement
as conspicuously as possible. To all those who have kindly interested themselves
in the preparation of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed
most useful information, or rendered other assistance, we hereby tender our
grateful acknowledgments.
THE PUBLISHERS.
Chicago, October, 1908.
NOTE
(Pg 7)
All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted
to their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom
the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction
before going to press; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case
for the return of the typewritten copies. Alost of them were returned
to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after
being corrected or revised: and these may be regarded therefore as
reasonably accurate.
A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no
means of knowing whether the}- contain errors or not, we cannot
vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render
this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated
these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately
after the name of the subject. They will all be found on
the last pages of the book.
THE PUBLISHERS.