USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Biographical review : v. 24, containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburgh and the vicinity, Pennsylvania > Part 8
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HOMAS T. KIRK, M.D., a promi- nent physician and surgeon of Pitts- burg, was born November 1, 1860, in East Springfield, Ohio, son of James and Eleanor (Taylor) Kirk. Of Scotch descent, he traces his genealogy to his great-grand- father, Michael, who was born and bred in Scotland. Michael Kirk emigrated while still a young man to the north of Ireland, where his son John was born. Four years after this event he came with his family to America, and settled first in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Then, about the year 1810, he moved to Jefferson County, Ohio. John Kirk made his home in East Springfield about 1830. His son James, who was born about the year 1830, married Eleanor Taylor, daugh- ter of Thomas Taylor, one of the early pio- neers of Ohio, and became the father of eight children. James Kirk and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist church. They still live at East Springfield, and carry on the old farm where Thomas T. Kirk was born.
Thomas T. Kirk, named after his grand- father, Thomas Taylor, received his early ed- ucation in the common schools of his native town, and then entered Scio College a: Scio, Ohio. Having decided upon the medical pro- fession, he began to read medicine under the direction of Dr. J. C. M. Floyd, of Steuben- ville, Ohio, and subsequently attended the Long Island Hospital Medical College. At this college he took three years' full work, during which time he also had the advantage of much practical work at the hospital. He graduated in the class of 1886, and at once came to Pittsburg, where he soon established himself in a lucrative practice near his pres- ent residence. In 1888 Dr. Kirk bought a lot of land at 4908 Liberty Avenue, and built the house where he now lives. Also a business man, the Doctor has been largely in- terested in real estate. He is one of the organizers of the State Bank of Pittsburg, and is a member of its Board of Directors. The bank is to be located at the corner of Liberty Avenue and State Street, more than a mile distant from any other similar institution, and in a growing and thriving district. The building, one story high, is constructed of brick, with a handsome stone front. The capital stock is fifty thousand dollars.
Dr. Kirk is much sought after in Pitsburg society, and is a member of many lodges and associations. He belongs to the Medical So- ciety of Allegheny County. When youing in his practice he joined several beneficiary orders in the city, the most of which he has been obliged to give up through stress of business. In 1892 he was made a Mason at Dallas Lodge, No. 508, of Pittsburg. He is now a member of the Zerubbabel Chapter, No. 162; of the Ascalon Commandery, No. 159; of the Lodge of Perfection; ani of the Pennsylvania Consistory.
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Dr. Kirk was married June 1, 1886, to Miss Mary Florence Ingram, of Smithfield, Ohio, daughter of the Rev. M. J. Ingram of the East Ohio Conference. He has now one child, Donald Ingram Kirk. Mrs. Kirk died March 20, 1896. Dr. Kirk belongs to the Friendship Park Methodist Church, and is treasurer of the Board of Trustees. While the new church was being built, in 1895, he was one of the members of the Building Com- mittee.
ILLIAM ROSEBURG, of Pitts- burg, who has been connected with the bank of Pittsburg for nearly half a century, has been a resident of this city since his birth, which occurred June 15, 1824, at the foot of Wood Street. His ma- ternal grandfather located here in 1791, and his paternal grandfather two years later. The latter, John Roseburg, a native of Ire- land, who emigrated to the United States in early manhood, settled at first in New York, where he was engaged as a contractor for sev- eral years, and where he married. In 1793 he came to this city, bringing a large family, and here rounded out a long life, having been more than fourscore years of age at his death.
Samuel Roseburg, the father of William, who was born in York City, Pa., learned the carpenter's trade from his father. After set- tling in Pittsburg, he prosperously followed the business of contractor and builder until his demise, March 15, 1855. He also served the city as Postmaster for four years, and was the Recorder of Allegheny County during two sessions. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of Dr. Bruce's church on Seventh Avenue, of which his father was the first Rul- ing Elder. After coming to this city, he married Miss Isabella B. Miller, who was born in Pittsburg. She was a daughter of
Alexander Miller, who came from Scotland, his native land, in 1791, and at once located in this place. The site of Pittsburg was al- most in its primitive condition of wilderness ; and he was obliged to carry a gun to protect himself from the Indians, who were numer- ous and unfriendly. Mr. Miller was a me- chanic and manufacturer, and until his death, at the age of seventy-five years, one of the most influential residents of the district. Samuel Roseburg and his wife had seven chil- dren, of whom there are now living: Will- iam, the subject of this biography ; Annie R., the widow of the late John B. Herron ; Agnes G., the wife of George A. Kelley; Emma B., who lives in Lawrence, Kan .; and Jennie, the wife of Alexander R. Banks. of Topeka, Kan.
William Roseburg received his early educa- tion under private instructors in one of the select schools of the city. Afterward for some years he attended the Western Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, and in September, 1842, was graduated from Jefferson College, Penn- sylvania. During the succeeding five and a half years he worked in his father's office at the court-house. In 1848 he accepted the position of corresponding clerk in the bank of Pittsburg. In this capacity he showed such efficiency and zeal that he was soon made ex- change clerk. In March, 1866, he was pro- moted to the post of cashier, which he has since held, performing his responsible duties with fidelity and ability, and to the satisfac- tion of all concerned. Mr. Roseburg is a stockholder in several leading railway com- panies of the country, and was at one time president of the zEtna & Sharpsburg Railway Company. He is a stanch Republican in pol- itics, and has been closely identified with that party since its formation.
In 1856, December 31, Mr. Roseburg was married to Miss Margaret J. Watson, daughter
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of Robert and Margaret Watson, of Alle- gheny. He has four children living, namely : Samuel L., a dealer in glass, doing business in Pittsburg; William Roseburg, Jr., who is engaged in business in New York; Margaret, who is the wife of D. B. McClelland, of New York; and Robert, who is in South Carolina. Mrs. Roseburg died in Allegheny, at the fam- ily residence on Allegheny Avenue, Novem- ber 10, 1886. She was a member of the Episcopal church, of which Mr. Roseburg is also a communicant.
OBERT BRUCE WALLACE, of Pittsburg, one of the foremost opti- cians of Allegheny County, was born April 19, 1867, in Philadelphia, a son of Henry Wallace. Of Scotch origin, he de- scends from a family that fled from Scotland to the north of Ireland to escape religious persecution. There John Wallace, the pa- ternal grandfather of Robert B., was born, bred, and lived to a good old age, having been a farmer.
Henry Wallace was born in Ireland, where his early years were passed. In 1847 he emi- grated to the United States, settling in Phila- delphia, and until the time of his death, Sep- tember 6, 1885, was a loyal citizen to his adopted country. He married Elizabeth Stevenson, who was born in County Derry, Ireland, where her father, John Stevenson, the representative of a thrifty Scotch family, was for many years engaged in the book trade. Having outlived her husband, she died Octo- ber 10, 1887. Of their eleven children five are living, namely: Mary E., of Pittsburg; James, a physician in Philadelphia; William J. and Harry, merchants in Colorado; and Robert Bruce, the subject of this sketch.
Robert Bruce Wallace was reared and edu-
cated in his native city, and there acquired his knowledge of optical instruments under the instruction of Ivan Fox, of the Fox Opti- cal Company, with which he was connected seven years. In 1887 Mr. Wallace came to Pittsburg as an optician, working for a com- pany which in 1890 he bought out, and at once organized the Wallace Optical Company. He has since built up an extensive business, which is constantly increasing, making a spe- cialty of fitting lenses, in which his success is not surpassed by any optician in the State. Progressive in his methods and equipments, he keeps well abreast of the times in every detail pertaining to the use and manufacture of optical instruments or goods. Mr. Wal- lace is a man of culture, suave and social in manner, and is held in high regard for his many excellent qualities. In politics he is a sound Republican.
DOLPH L. LEWIN, M.D., a physi- cian and surgeon of Pittsburg, was born at his ancestral home in Wronke, Posen, Germany, February 25, 1871, son of Hermann and Pauline (Nochen) Lewin. The father, who came to Pittsburg from Wronke in 1881, and now lives in retirement, was a tailor by trade. Both he and his wife are members of the Hebrew church. They have six children, namely : Robert and Max- millian, merchants; Hulda, now Mrs. Her- mann Moser; Yetta, who married Mr. Meyer; Dr. Adolph L., the subject of this sketch; and Rachel, now Mrs. Henry Silvins.
Adolph L. Lewin received his early educa- tion in the public schools and in the gymna- sium at Wronke. Upon coming to America, he entered the preparatory department of the Western University of Pennsylvania. At the end of his Sophomore year at the University
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he took special courses in the College of Pharmacy, studied with Dr. Carrington, of the United States marine service, and Dr. James Stoner, and graduated from the medical de- partment in the class of 1892. Subsequently he was assistant to the chair of chemistry for two years, and was for one year resident phy- sician in the West Pennsylvania Hospital. Then he took a six months' course in the Johns Hopkins University in pathology and bacteri- ology, after which he began practice on Butler Street, his present home. Two years after, being well versed in the German language, he entered the University of Berlin for a course, studied under Koch, Leyden, and other pro- fessors of world-wide reputation, and subse- quently took the degree of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery with high honors.
Having made bacteriology his especial study while in Berlin, upon his return to Pittsburg Dr. Lewin was appointed instructor in bacteriology and lecturer on histology. While going again into general practice, he became also associate to the chair of clinical medicine in the medical department of the Western University, with which he has been connected for four years. He is now patholo- gist to the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, and also assistant obstetrician to the Reme- man Maternity Hospital. In addition to these many offices of distinction, Dr. Lewin is a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society; also of the Austin Flint Medical Club, of which he has been the secretary and censor. Another society with which he is connected is the State and American Medical Association. He has done considerable ex- perimental work in tuberculosis and diph- theria, and has written on these subjects and on the subject of city water. The Doctor is a member of Solomon Lodge, No. 231, F. & A. M., and of the K. of H .; and he is an
honorary member of Three Keys of Berlin, which is a Masonic lodge.
NDREW B. STEVENSON, residing at the corner of Lytle Street and Hazlewood Avenue in Pittsburg, is one of the oldest surviving natives of the city. He was born in the part of Pittsburg then called Squirrel Hill on December 30, 1817. In this long life he has witnessed the changes that have transformed Pittsburg from a village estate to one of the most flourishing and im- portant cities of the country, contributing his share to the development and promotion of its various interests.
His parents, James and Elizabeth Jane (Erskine) Stevenson, were born, reared, and married in Ireland, whence in 1817 they came to America, landing in Baltimore. From there they soon came to Pittsburg, where they spent their remaining years, the father dying June 15, 1836, while yet in the prime of life, and the mother, February 22, 1864, at a good old age. They had nine children, namely: Andrew B., the subject of this sketch; William E., a member of the conven- tion that nominated Abraham Lincoln as President, and one of the "fathers " of West Virginia, who died in 1884, soon after the ex- piration of his term as Governor of West Vir- ginia; John A., who was first a tanner and later a farmer, and is now living retired at Iowa City, Ia. ; Elizabeth J., who is the widow of Alexander Cummings, and resides in New Brighton, Pa .; Thomas Jefferson, of the firm A. M. Beyers & Co., of Pittsburg; James S., who died when young; Ruth, the widow of Francis Beattie, late of Chicago, Ill .; Mar- garet, who died in 1876; and James Ham- mell, also deceased.
Andrew B. Stevenson began work when a
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young lad as bobbin winder for a weaver, re- ceiving for his weekly wages twenty-five cents. His next employment was stripping tobacco, for which he received fifty cents a week. His income was subsequently doubled as a grinder of snuff. However, not satisfied with the work, he told his mother that his services were no longer needed, and was then appren- ticed to a cabinet-maker, with whom he re- mained seven years. After serving his time, Mr. Stevenson worked at the trade for six weeks, and then began pattern-making for the engine shops, an occupation in which he was successfully engaged for several years. One of the original stockholders of the First Na- tional Bank of Birmingham, he was elected a director in 1866 and the president in 1875. The latter office he retained until 1882, when he resigned. He was Justice of the Peace for some time and Burgess and Treasurer of Birmingham during the late war. In politics he has been a steadfast Republican since the formation of that party, and he is a Royal Arch Mason.
On May 10, 1842, Mr. Stevenson married Miss Catherine Cameron, who died May 17, 1884, having borne him seven children. Of the latter, three died in infancy. The others are: John C., who resides with his father, and is the president of the Manufacturers' Bank ; Elizabeth C., the wife of Daniel C. Ripley ; Ruth Emma, the wife of George Barker; and Matilda Ann, living at home. Mr. Stevenson subsequently married Miss Cynthia A. Douglas.
EV. CLEMENT L. ALSPACH, the pastor of Trinity Reformed Church at Wilkinsburg, was born in Van Wert, Ohio, March 31, 1867, son of Charles Alspach. The emigrant ancestor on his father's side came from Germany to America
in old Colonial times. The grandfather, Se- bastian Alspach, who was a farmer in the pioneer days of his native State, and assisted in reclaiming a homestead from the unbroken land, had a large family of children, among whom he lived to a ripe old age.
Charles Alspach, who has been a lifelong resident of Ohio, and is now living in retire- ment at Thornville, spent his active years in agricultural pursuits for much of the time in Perry County. In early life he married Anna Moore, who was born in Virginia, where her father, John Moore, settled on coming from Scotland, his native land, to this country. Mr. Moore was a farmer by occupation, and he served as a soldier in the late war. He died in 1886, at the age of threescore and ten years. To Charles Alspach and his wife five children were born, three of whom are now living; namely, John M., Millie, and the Rev. Clement L. The parents have always been identified with the religious advance- ment of the community in which they have resided, and are consistent members of the Reformed church.
The Rev. Clement L. Alspach acquired his education in his native State. After attend- ing the public schools of Thornville, he took an eight years' course in Heidelberg Univer- sity at Tiffin, graduating from the literary de- partment in 1890 and from the theological department in 1893. Throughout these eight years of diligent study Mr. Alspach paid al- most his entire expenses, though, when going to Tiffin, he had but two dollars and a half in his pockets. Soon after his graduation he began his professional duties at Ada, Ohio, where he labored for the Master most faith- fully for two or more years. In the latter part of the year 1895 Mr. Alspach accepted his present pastorate in Wilkinsburg. Under him the membership of the church has been
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increased by one hundred and twenty-two new members, making at the present time a total of two hundred and seventy-five com- municants. A needed religious zeal has been aroused within the society, resulting in the erection of a handsome church edifice, costing twenty-two thousand dollars, which was dedi- cated on March 14, 1897. Through the efforts of Mr. Alspach the gift of a handsome pipe organ, worth three thousand dollars, was secured for the church from Mr. Andrew Carnegie. Though young in years, Mr. Alspach is regarded as one of the strongest preachers of his denomination, while the work that he has accomplished in the past two years is proof of a large measure of executive ability.
On October 17, 1893, Mr. Alspach was united in marriage with Miss Anna F., daughter of William and Sarah (Rook) See- muth. Anna Margaret Alspach is their only child. Possessed of ample means owing to his thrifty habits, Mr. Alspach, in the sum- mer of 1896, built a beautiful home for him- self and family at 708 Swissvale Avenue, where he takes pleasure in extending hospi- tality to his numerous friends and acquaint- ances.
OHN LANG WINSLOW, M.D., one of the younger physicians of Pittsburg, was born in Jersey City, N.J., March 20, 1870, son of Dr. W. H. and Anna Tra- quair (Lang) Winslow. The founder of the family was Edward Winslow, the first Gov- ernor of Plymouth Colony, who came to America in the "Mayflower." Dr. W. H. Winslow, a native of Belfast, Me., married Miss Lang, of Philadelphia, Pa., who had two children by him - George Herbert and John Lang. In the United States Navy during the Civil War he attained a Lieutenancy, and a
large part of his life was spent away from home.
John Lang Winslow was brought up by his grandfather, George Shortread Lang, near Philadelphia. In 1878 the family removed to Pittsburg, where he was a pupil of the public schools. He subsequently attended the West- ern University, While a Sophomore, Mr. Dalzall sent him to West Point, from which he returned a year later in ill health. Soon after he commenced his medical studies in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia in the class of ISot, and in the following year took a post-graduate course at the Cleveland Medical College. Having finished his profes- sional education by further courses at New York Ophthalmic Hospital, he became asso- ciated in practice with his father, with whom he has since continued. Dr. Winslow is a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose, and throat ; and he has a large practice among the best people. He is an Episcopalian. On November 7, 1894, he married Miss Mary S. Denniston, a daughter of William H. Dennis- ton. Mrs. Winslow is a native of Pitts- burg, and was educated in the Washburn School, the St. Xavier's Convent, and at the Washington Seminary.
OHN M. ALSTON, a prominent archi- tect and contractor of Pittsburg, was born August 22, 1823, in the town of Lanark, Lanarkshire, Scotland, where his grandfather Alston, a stone cutter, spent his ninety-four years of life. His mother's father, John Menzies, a blacksmith, attained the age of ninety-eight years; and John Men- zie's wife lived to the age of ninety-six years.
William Alston, the father of John M., lived in Lanark some years after his marriage,
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having there been a stone contractor. In 1830, desiring to improve his circumstances, he came to the United States, landing at New York, where his efforts to secure work proved futile. He then walked to Philadelphia, and thence to Pottsville, where he was employed for a short time. Returning again to Phila- delphia, he started in the month of January, 1831, for Pittsburg on foot. The canals were then in process of construction; and, having secured remunerative employment, he sent for his family, which joined him the next June. Subsequently he worked on the court-house and on the Duquesne water-works in the capacity of foreman. Then he formed a partnership with a contractor named Fagan, and having organized the firm of Fagan, Swan & Alston, continued in contracting several years, building the old bank of Pittsburg and the Chestnut Street and the Ninth Street bridges. When the senior partner died, William Alston, in company with Mr. Hanna, built the locks on the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers. They subsequently took a contract on the old Pennsylvania, now the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Rail- road; but before its completion, in 1852, Mr. Alston died. His wife, whose maiden name was Agnes Menzies, survived him, living until November, 1876. Of their eight chil- dren two died in childhood. Their son Will- iam died at the age of sixty-four years. The survivors are: John M., the subject of this sketch; Archibald, a stone contractor, in Allegheny; Christina, the wife of Joseph Williams, of Avalon, this county; Robert, the superintendent of. the Standard Steel Works in Mifflin County; and Margaret, the wife of Joseph Stevenson, of the same county.
John M. Alston was eight years of age when he came with his parents to this county. After attending for a time the old academy at
Allegheny, conducted by Master John Kelley, he went to work at stone cutting at the age of eleven, and continued so employed until the removal of the family to a farm, when he was needed at home. When fifteen years old he came to Allegheny to learn carpentering of an uncle, with whom he served a four years' apprenticeship, subsequently working for him six months as a journeyman carpenter. Mr. Alston then secured a position with J. W. Kerr, the first architect to open an office in Pittsburg, remaining with him four years. From that time until 1865 he was engaged in carpentering, millwright work, and pattern- making, and thereafter until 1877 in the business of contractor. Then, resuming the profession of an architect, he has since carried on a thriving business. Among the public buildings erected by him are: the fine school- house at Avalon; the Second Ward School- house in Allegheny, notable as one of the best in the State for school purposes; and the Buena Vista Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
On January 13, 1848, Mr. Alston marries Miss Mary, daughter of William and Mary Lemon. She died March 10, 1875. They had eight children, of whom two died in early life. The others are: William and James, twins, who are machinists in Pitts- burg; Archibald, who is a contractor in this city ; John, a plasterer, residing in Allegheny: Charles, a blacksmith, who is a resident .: Oakland; and Mary, who has kept house :.: her father since the death of her mother. Since he cast his first Presidential vote fc- Henry Clay, Mr. Alston has invariably sug- ported the Republican candidates for office He is a valued member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. The other organizations : which he belongs are: the I. O. O. F., Temple of Honor, the Academy of Science
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and Art, the American Institute of Archi- tects, and the Chapter Association of Archi- tects of this city.
AMUEL FULTON KERR, a police magistrate of Pittsburg and one of the best known newspaper men in the city, was born here, December 6, 1852, son of John and Mary (Allen) Kerr. He traces his descent to paternal ancestors who crossed the channel from Scotland to Ireland, where they found a home.
John Kerr, who was born in Belfast, Ire- land, emigrated while still a youth to the United States. He found his way to Pitts- burg, where he began work as a blacksmith, soon gaining prominence in his calling. It was in his shop that the first work for the Pennsylvania Railroad was forged, when the line was completed as far as Pittsburg. Able to forge any kind of work desired, he was constantly employed, thereby acquiring a com- fortable competency. He died of cholera in 1853. Sturdy and industrious, John Kerr is remembered by our older residents as a typi- cal Irish-American citizen. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of James Allen, who emigrated with his family from Ireland when his daugh- ter was about four years old. She became the mother of eight children, three of whom at- tained maturity, namely: John H., now an attorney-at-law of this city; Samuel F., the subject of this sketch; and Martha, who be- came the wife of Samuel McElroy, and died in 1866. The death of her husband caused the care and education of the children to de- volve entirely upon the mother. The citizens of Pittsburg have witnessed the result of her motherly care and guidance. She died in 1879.
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