USA > Pennsylvania > Armstrong County > Armstrong County, Pennsylvania her people past and present, embracing a history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume II > Part 26
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Omaha, Nebr. In 1863, he was made a Herbert G. Gates was educated in the pub- Mason in Loyalhanna lodge, No. 275, F. & lic and high schools of Kittanning, the Kittan- A. M., of Latrobe, and now holds member- ning Academy, and the Eastman business col-
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
lege, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he was graduated in 1901. Immediately after- ward he entered the First National Bank of East Brady, Pa., as bookkeeper, but within three months was offered and accepted the po- sition of bookkeeper of the Armstrong Trust Company of Kittanning. Within eighteen months he was made secretary and treasurer, and still holds these offices. In addition to his connection with the Armstrong Trust Com- pany, Mr. Gates is administrator of the Wil- liam Gates estate, secretary and treasurer of the Fort Pitt Powder Company, and a di- rector of the Acme Natural Gas Company of Leechburg, Pa. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, while his religious connections are with the Presbyterian Church of Kittanning. Like his father he takes an active part in church affairs, now serving as secretary of the congregation and church trustee.
In 1902, Mr. Gates married Winifred Rohrer, daughter of Frederick Rohrer, a prominent newspaper man. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gates: til Jan. I, IgII, when he was appointed Georgia, Dorothy, Herbert G., Jr., Mary Virginia, Willis Patton and Frederick Rohrer.
FRED C. BEECHER, of Ford City, Arm- strong Co., Pa., examiner of statements of the State Insurance Department, was born Dec. 1, 1871, in Chautauqua county, N. Y., son of Ira T. and Amelia P. (Cook) Beecher. David Beecher, his grandfather, was a farmer, owning a farm at Lake George, N. Y. The family came originally from Con- necticut and is closely allied with that branch to which Henry Ward Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe belonged.
Ira T. Beecher is a man of vigorous per- sonality and became quite prominent in the various lines with which he was associated. For several years he carried on a hardware earned him the esteem of all concerned.
business at North East, Pa. He was also a successful oil operator, having engaged in the business when it was in its infancy and accumulated a modest fortune by his good judgment and excellent management. He served as burgess, councilman, school director and justice of the peace at North East. He is also a prominent Mason, being a member of North East Lodge and Mount Olivet Com- mandery, Knights Templar. He has now re- tired from active business pursuits, making his home at Erie, Pa. To him and his wife were born two children, Fred C. and Blanche, the latter the wife of Charles M. Hatch, of Erie, Pa., general manager of the North- western Pennsylvania Railway Company.
Fred C. Beecher received his preliminary education in the public schools at North East, Pa. At the age of fourteen he became mes- senger boy in a bank there, being thus em- ployed two years. He then entered the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, from which institution he was graduated in 1894, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Dur- ing his college course he was the college re- porter for the Philadelphia Ledger, then un- der the control of its noted founder, George W. Childs, and after leaving the university he became a member of the reportorial staff of the Ledger, with which he was connected un- til 1897. Returning to North East, Pa., he was engaged in the hardware business with his father for about one year, in 1898, be- coming teller in the National Bank of Mc- Keesport. He was there four years, until 1902, when he was elected cashier of the First National Bank of Ford City, Pa., of which place he has since been a resident. He maintained his connection with the bank un-
reading clerk to the House of Representatives at Harrisburg, for the term of 1911-13; and later to his present position by Insurance Commissioner Johnson.
Mr. Beecher is a prominent Mason in his section of Pennsylvania, belonging to Kittan- ning Lodge, No. 244, F. & A. M .; Orient Chapter, No. 247, Royal Arch Masons, of Kittanning, which he is now (1912) serving as high priest; Pittsburgh Commandery, No. I, K. T., and Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Mr. Beecher is a member of the Pres- byterian Church and has served on the board of trustees. He is a man whose worth has been recognized in every circle in which he has moved, and whose services in the various offices to which he has been chosen have
In 1897, Mr. Beecher was married to Sarah S. Collum, daughter of Maj. Richard Collum, who was a distinguished officer of the Union army during the Civil war. Four children have been born to this union: Fred- erick T., Richard S. C., Lee C. and David R.
ERWIN E. COCHRAN, ex-sheriff of Armstrong county, now a resident of Apollo, was born Sept. 19, 1861, in this county, son of John G. and Margaret (Hart) Cochran.
John G. Cochran was born in Armstrong county, of Scotch-Irish stock, and was a nephew of ex-Judge Cochran of Armstrong county, a prominent Democrat. Early in life he taught school, but after his marriage em-
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barked in a mercantile business at Spring- was also for ten years brigade inspector of church, this county, and conducted a general Armstrong county. In person he was six feet in height, broad shouldered, and robust. He married Nov. 6, 1840, Elizabeth McCand- less, of Butler county, Pa., and eight children were born to them: Luenda Ann, Alexander Nelson, Sarah C., Mary H., William Mitchell, Samuel, Elizabeth M. and Emma J., only three of whom are living, Luenda A .; Mrs. Sarah C. McCoy (living in Buffalo, N. Y.) ; and William M., of Kittanning.
store there for many years. Politically he was a Republican. During his useful life, which was terminated by death in 1880, in his fifty-first year, he was noted for his strict probity, and became well and favorably known in his community. Both he and his wife were Presbyterians. The latter was also born in Armstrong county, and her ancestors were of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Coch- ran were the parents of ten children, six of whom still survive. The mother survived until 1907.
Erwin E. Cochran attended school until his seventeenth year. Upon the death of his father he remained at home to look after his mother and her affairs. Meantime he taught school four terms, and then dispos- ing of the mercantile business owned by his father, moved the family to Apollo. There he engaged in the business of handling boots and shoes, which he continued to carry on for nine years, and subsequently he embarked in the real estate trade, building and selling town lots and other properties. In the fall of 1903, he was elected sheriff of Armstrong county, and served from 1904 to 1907. Mr. Cochran owned a fine farm in the county, but disposed of it recently, and in the spring of 191I bought the beautiful residence at Apollo which is now the family home. He is well known all over the county and a man of recognized merit, both as a conscientious and able official and public-spirited citizen. Politically he is a Republican, and he has always rendered his party efficient service.
In 1854, being in Iowa, the colonel raised at Davenport the first military company in the State, and in 1855, while on his way home, he organized - in Pittsburgh the first military company of colored men known to have been formed in the United States. They were called the Hannibal Guards.
On the breaking out of the Civil war Col- onel Sirwell and his company, the Brady Al- pines above mentioned, the first company in western Pennsylvania to offer their services to the United States government, were at once accepted, and served through the three months' campaign in the 9th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under General Patterson, in Virginia. Upon the expiration of their term of service and return home, Captain Sir- well at once proceeded to organize the 78th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was com- missioned colonel of the same, and with his brigade, under the command of Gen. James S. Negley, ordered to the army then stationed in Kentucky. In the affair of Lavergne, one of the actions for the defense of Nashville, the regiment particularly distinguished itself, and its commander was complimented by Gen- On Nov. 20, 1900, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage with Matilda C. Alcorn. Four eral Negley and by Andrew Johnson, then military governor of Tennessee. At Stone children have been born of this union, three River the regiment captured the White Horse of whom are now living: Margaret and John G., twins, born Sept. 22, 1902 ; and James F., born Feb. 27, 1905. Artillery, of New Orleans, consisting of four twelve-pounder brass Napoleon guns. the regimental colors of the 26th Confederate Tennessee, and the guidon of the 4th Florida. COL. WILLIAM SIRWELL was born at the Allegheny arsenal, in Pennsylvania, Aug. IO, 1820, his father, Richard Sirwell, a na- tive of England, being in the United States army. He had been principal musician, and at that time was armorer at the arsenal. He married Elizabeth Graham, also a native of England. As a reward of his service here, Colonel Sir- well was made provost marshal of Murfrees- boro, and was afterward placed in command of the 3d Brigade, 2d Division, of the 14th Corps, Department of the Cumberland. In the terrible conflicts of Chickamauga `and Missionary Ridge, and in the subsequent campaign of Atlanta, he rendered valuable services. At New Hope Church so marked was his gallantry that he was commended by General Thomas. When Atlanta finally was taken after a campaign of a hundred days in which the smoke of battle scarcely cleared
Of a military turn of mind, William Sir- well entered the militia service in 1839, and commanded in succession the City Blues, of Pittsburgh, and the Washington Blues, Brady Alpines and Kittanning Yaegers, of Kittan- ning, to which place he removed in 1846. He away, it became difficult to keep open the base
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
of supplies, stretching away to Chattanooga. Colonel Sirwell was assigned to this duty and preserved unbroken the line of transporta- tion, supplies being rapidly brought up. Af- ter his term of service expired, at the solici- tation of the commander of the department, Colonel Sirwell remained in the field, his regi- ment as mounted infantry being employed in attacking and pursuing Forrest's cavalry through middle and southern Tennessee. Having performed his duties faithfully to the government during the time of the war, Colonel Sirwell afterward resided in Kittan- ning, and held the offices of postmaster and justice of the peace. He spent much time in collecting curiosities and relics, especially those which pertain to Armstrong county, and had perhaps the most valuable private cabinet in western Pennsylvania. He had moved to Kittanning from Pittsburgh, when his eldest Colonel Sirwell was a gallant but prudent officer. He was much admired by his brother officers and the men of his command. He was made the recipient of two swords, both child was three years old, and maintained his residence there to the end of his days, dying Sept. 9, 1885. A watchmaker and jeweler by trade, he always kept a shop in the borough, handsome and valuable ones, but prized by but had another man in charge, his military
him more dearly for their associations than aught else.
At one time Colonel Sirwell saw fit to re- sign his command (which, however, he al- most immediately resumed), and the officers of the 78th Regiment at that time, Nov. 20, 1863, presented him the following resolutions :
Whereas, Col. William Sirwell has felt it his duty to resign his commission as colonel of this regiment, we the commissioned officers, do resolve, I. That we sustain Col. Sirwell in the cause that induced him to take this step which sunders the reciprocal ties which for over two years have held him and his military family together. Declining health induced by hard service in the field entitled "the old soldier" to an honorable retirement.
2. That the history of this regiment from its or- ganization to this time, its superior discipline, its undaunted courage on the field of battle, and its complete appointment in every department are the handiwork of Col. Sirwell, and stamp him as a military commander of the first order.
3. That the name and services of Col. Sirwell will ever be associated in our minds with recollec- tions of Lamb's Ferry, White Creek, Neely's Bend, Goodletsville, Lavergne, Brentwood and Stone River, Dug Gap, Chickamauga.
4. That the kindness of disposition and the frank- ness of Col. Sirwell have endeared him to both officers and men, and in parting with him they feel that they are losing a father who watched over them with fond care.
5. That we each and all resolve here tonight in taking the parting hand of Col. Sirwell that we will do our utmost to bring this regiment home to him with its colors flying and its bright escutcheon untarnished.
6. To William Sirwell, late colonel of this regi- ment, the strict disciplinarian, the accomplished soldier, the high-toned gentleman, the kind and genial companion-you have toiled with us, you have endured all the sufferings and enjoyed many of the glories of the soldier's life-to you we say farewell, and God bless you.
7. Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be and wife by selling their time, a common cus- forwarded to Col. Sirwell and to the papers in Kittanning (except the Mentor), Indiana, Clarion, Butler, Lawrence and Pittsburgh.
(Signed by the commissioned officers of the 78th Regiment.)
interests calling him away so frequently. He used to go to various places in this section to drill soldiers, being considered by many the best drillmaster in the State. Besides hold- ing offices in the borough he was well known as one of the first Odd Fellows in Kittan- ning, and also belonged to other societies, and he raised the first lodge of Red Men in the town. Though he did not leave a large estate, Colonel Sirwell handled considerable money in the course of his life, but he believed in enjoying his means and especially in aiding others, no one in want ever asking him for help in vain, and he was always foremost in giving help to the needy. His wife, who sur- vived until 1887, was like him, very kind and charitable, deeply religious, and beloved by all who knew her. The eldest of their chil- dren, Miss Luenda A. Sirwell, now over seventy years old, lives with her brother Wil- liam in Kittanning.
HARVEY. N. SNYDER, one of the leading attorneys of Kittanning, one whose connection with matters of jurisprudence in Armstrong county has been long and honor- able, was born Sept. 29, 1846, in Brady town- ship, Butler Co., Pa. He is a son of Zephaniah and Rachel (Kennedy) Snyder, grandson of Conrad Snyder, and great-grandson of Con- rad Snyder, Sr., the founder of this Sny- der family in Pennsylvania.
Conrad Snyder, Sr., was born in Switzer- land in 1735, and lived there until after his marriage. He fled with his wife to the Nether- lands to escape conscription for service in the French army. Deciding to come to America he bargained for transportation for himself tom in Colonial days, and it is believed served seven years in one of the eastern counties of Pennsylvania to pay for their passage here. Moving from Philadelphia to Bedford county,
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Pa., they came thence to Westmoreland county, Pa., and in 1800 accompanied their son Con- rad to Brady township, Butler Co., Pa., where Conrad Snyder, Sr., died March 10, 1827, aged ninety-two years. His wife, Nancy, died July 16, 1803, and both are buried in a grave- yard on the Snyder farm. They had three children: Catherine, who married Frederick Dubbs; Nancy, who married Daniel Carter, and Conrad.
Conrad Snyder, Jr., son of Conrad (Sr.) and Nancy Snyder, was born in Philadelphia county, Pa., in 1777, and came with his par- ents to Butler county, Pa., when twenty-three years of age. Purchasing four hundred acres now known as the Watson farm, he sold half of the tract subsequently and gave the bal- ance to his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Double. After residing there some years he purchased the two hundred acres in Brady township upon which his son Conrad afterward lived and died. He was the most extensive farmer and stock breeder in that section of the coun- try, a few years before his death owning three thousand acres of land in Brady, Franklin and Slippery Rock townships. He gave each of his children two hundred acres of land, and when he died the remainder was sold and divided among them. Mr. Snyder was a celebrated trapper, and during pioneer days made considerable money by that means, which he invested carefully in stock and lands. Though a self-educated man, he could read and write both English and German fluently. In politics he was first a Whig, afterward a Republican, and was interested in the suc- cess of his party, but would never accept a public office. He was one of the pioneer mem- bers of the Muddy Creek Presbyterian Church. Mr. Snyder married Ann M. Bryan, a daugh- ter of Seth Bryan, of Westmoreland county, Pa., and nine children were born to them: John married Elizabeth Ralston and lived and died in Brady township; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Zephaniah Double; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Thomas Strain; Nancy, deceased, was the wife of Isaac Double; Zephaniah is mentioned below ; Pru- dence, deceased, was the wife of John Webb; Effie J. is the widow of Hulmes Thompson ; Conrad, now deceased, was a resident of Brady township, Butler county; Catherine is the widow of John Croll. The father of this fam- ily died Feb. 27, 1866, the mother Jan. 2, 1869, in her eighty-eighth year.
Zephaniah Snyder, son of Conrad and Ann M. Snyder, was born on the old homestead in Brady township Jan. 17, 1813, and grew to
manhood amid scenes of pioneer days. He set- tled on two hundred acres of land in Brady township, and there continued to reside until his death, which occurred June 12, 1887. In 1834 he married Rachel Kennedy, daughter of John Kennedy, of Franklin township, Butler county, Pa. Mr. Snyder died in 1896, his widow surviving until 1905. Nine children were born to this union: Louisa, who died in 1892; Joseph C .; Mary E., wife of John Mc- Nees ; Eleanor J., wife of Nicholas Ifft ; Effie, wife of Robert Allen ; Harvey N., attorney, of Kittanning ; Rachel E., wife of W. B. Curry ; Seth, and Lorenzo B. Mr. Snyder was a Re- publican and took an active interest in political matters. He was a member of Muddy Creek Presbyterian Church.
Harvey N. Snyder attended public school in his native township, later going to the academy at Prospect, Butler county, Pa., and still later to Witherspoon Institute, at Butler. Following this he began the study of law under the direc- tion of Col. John M. Thompson, and was ad- mitted to the bar of Butler county in 1871, and to the bar of Armstrong county subse- quently, about 1873. Following his admission to the Butler county bar he was appointed deputy sheriff and served as such very accept- ably for three years. At the expiration of his term of office he began the practice of his pro- fession in Butler county, but moved to Kit- tanning in 1886, and since then has built up a large and lucrative practice, his services be- ing in demand in many important cases in all the courts. His ability has received recogni- tion at the hands of the people. He was elected-on the Republican ticket-to the office of district attorney in 1891, and reelected in 1904, serving two terms of three years each.
In 1873 Mr. Snyder married Frances E. Zeigler, of Mercer county, Pa., and they have six children: Jessie, who married George W. Daugherty ; Mary Frances and Margaret, both public school teachers, of Kittanning; Homer H., who is a construction engineer ; Philip. a graduate of the Kittanning Academy and of the law department of the University of Pitts- burgh, now in the office of his father, having been admitted to the Armstrong county bar in 1910 ; and Renard Z., a civil engineer.
ROBERT TODD, retired woolen manu- facturer, has been one of the prominent citi- zens of South Bethlehem, Armstrong county, for many years, and during his native busi- ness life operated the leading industry at that place. Mr. Todd is a native of Scot- land, born May 16, 1834, at Alva, son of
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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Robert and Helen (Carmichael) Todd. His done a very successful business, drawing his early life was spent in his native land, where trade from a wide territory in his section of he received the thorough training character- Armstrong county. istic of the time and place. He served his On Oct. 20, 1897, Mr. Todd was married to Carrie Elizabeth Shakely, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Shoup) Shakely, of Emlenton, Pa., and a descendant of one of the oldest families of western Pennsylvania. Mr. Todd is a Presbyterian in religious connection. In politics he supports the Republican party. apprenticeship as a carder and spinner in the mills of his native city, mastering every detail connected with the manufacture of woolens. He showed especial ability for the business, and worked himself up steadily until he se- cured the appointment of superintendent of one of the largest woolen mills at Alloa, Scot- land, filling that position for a number of WILLIAM PHILIP TODD, of South Bethlehem, Armstrong county, has been con- years. In 1867, he came to the United States, locating first at Duke Center, Mckean Co., nected with the Fairmount Coal Company, Pa., where he remained for a year, thence of New Bethlehem, since 1894, and at pres- moving to Greenville, Clarion Co., Pa. In ent holds the responsible position of head 1879, in company with his brother James bookkeeper. He was born April 8, 1877, Todd, he purchased the woolen mills at that in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, son of Robert and Helen Jack ( Philip) Todd, and has lived at South Bethlehem since he was two years old. place, removed the building and machinery to South Bethlehem, Armstrong county, and after installing new machinery commenced to operate the mills, in 1880. They did busi- Mr. Todd obtained his education in the public schools. He has resided at South Bethlehem practically all his life, and began to work for the Fairmount Coal Company in 1894, in the capacity of bookkeeper. In Feb- ruary, 1912, he was made head bookkeeper, and he has made an excellent record for thor- oughness and reliability in all he undertakes, being a typical representative of the honor- able family to which he belongs. ness under the name of Todd Brothers until the death of James Todd, when the firm be- came Robert Todd & Co., continuing as such until the mills were shut down, in 1893. They manufactured blankets, skirts, yarns, flannels, etc., making a specialty of the "Rose of Sharon" blankets, widely known for their extra quality. The entire output of the mills was purchased by the Joseph Horne Com- pany, of Pittsburgh. During their existence On April 20, 1910, Mr. Todd was married the mills were an important factor in the well- to Nettie Nevada Shakely, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Shoup) Shakely, of Emlenton, Pa., and a descendant of one of the oldest settlers of Butler county ; Mrs. Todd's father was a soldier in the Civil war.
being of the town, giving employment to a number of people and contributing consider- ably to its industrial prosperity. Mr. Todd's thorough familiarity with the business, and his executive qualities, made his establishment highly successful, and he won high standing in his political views is a Republican.
among the most substantial citizens of the county. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a Republican.
On Oct. 13, 1870, Mr. Todd married Helen Jack Philip, daughter of William and Helen (Jack) Philip, of Greenville, Pa., both of whom were natives of Scotland. They had three children : Robert James, Helen J. (deceased) and William P.
Mr. Todd is a Presbyterian in religion, and
DANIEL LEMMON NULTON, attorney at law, of Freeport, though not engaged in practice continuously since his admission to the bar, has been very successful in his pro- fession during the time he has devoted himself to its pursuit. He comes of a family promi- nently connected with legal procedure in Armstrong county, being the youngest son of the late Judge John Funk Nulton, for two terms associate judge, and who also served twice as county treasurer. His brother Bar- clay Nulton was a leading lawyer of Kittan- ning from the Civil war period until his death, in 1912.
ROBERT JAMES TODD, son of Robert and Helen Jack (Philip) Todd, was born Jan. 26, 1872, in Greenville, Clarion Co., Pa., and received his education at New Bethlehem. There he also learned the trade of tailor, and in 1894 embarked in business for himself as a merchant tailor in New Bethlehem, Pa .. John Funk Nulton was a prominent man in Pennsylvania for many years. He was a having the only exclusive merchant tailor- ing establishment there. He carries an ex- "War Democrat," and during the Civil war was tensive stock of up-to-date goods, and has interested in recruiting the 103d Pennsylvania
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