USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Pittsburgh > Biographical review : v. 24, containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburgh and the vicinity, Pennsylvania > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54
Samuel Fulton Kerr was educated in the
public schools of this city. While yet a lad he entered the office of the Christian Radical for the purpose of learning the printer's trade. So rapidly did he advance in his call- ing that when seventeen years old he began job printing on his own account. From his establishment subsequently was issued the initial copy of the News Item, the first paper published in Lawrenceville. During the year 1873 he was proprietor and editor of that journal. The Labor Tribune, which was one of the most successful organs ever issued for the advancement of the labor interests in this locality, was printed in his office during the first six months of its existence. In 1873 he disposed of his office and equipment, and in 1880 was engaged as a reporter on the Pitts- burg Leader. He was later advanced to the position of assistant city editor, and his con- nection with that well-known journal ex- tended over a period of ten years. Both as reporter and editor he displayed in news gathering the aptness that has always char- acterized his efforts. His work during the trying times of the Johnstown flood was ex- tremely creditable to himself as well as bene- ficial to the Leader. While upon the scene of that disaster, his zeal and anxiety to secure everything in the way of interesting news led him into positions of danger, and upon one occasion he came very near losing his life. Mr. Kerr was elected Alderman upon the Re- publican ticket from a Democratic ward in 1890 and 1895. On May 10, 1897, he was appointed by Mayor Ford Police Magistrate of the Second Police District. His political affiliations have always been with the Repub- lican party, and he is exceedingly outspoken in voicing his convictions. Particularly in- terested in educational affairs, he was a mem- ber of the School Board prior to his election as Alderman.
٢٠٠٠
1
-
ok89
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
On August 13, 1876, Mr. Kerr was joined in marriage with Minnie Meredith. Of his seven children four are living - Allen M., Hattie Marie, Samuel F., Jr., and Walter Richard. The others died of diphtheria. Mr. Kerr is connected with several fraternal and benefit organizations, including the Mac- cabees, the Mystic Chain, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. In company with others he organized the Fifteenth Ward Re- publican Tariff Club, which now has a mem- bership of one hundred and fifty, and occupies elegantly appointed rooms, where athletic, musical, and other amusements are enjoyed.
APTAIN WILLIAM WARD, some time ship-builder, and later for many years an extensive dealer in real estate, and one of Pittsburg's wealthiest citi- zens, was born in Philadelphia, September 6, 1807. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Harding) Ward, the former a native of Ire- land. John Ward came to America when a young man, and in Eastern Pennsylvania married Elizabeth Harding, who was of Eng- lish birth and parentage. When William was a child, his father settled on Steubenville Pike, near Robinson's Run, and carried on a farm; but later in life he went to Washington, D. C., where he held a prominent official posi- tion up to the time of his death. His wife returned to Pittsburg, and died at the home of her son William. The other children were: Hugh Ward, who went South shortly after his marriage; Henry, who died in Washington, where he had held a government position ; Catherine, wife of William Grimes, of Pitts- burg; Eliza, who married Mr. Mulholland, and lives in California; and Mary, who became the wife of Leonard Snyder.
William Ward was brought up on his father's farm, and received the limited educa- tion afforded by the country schools. In 1831 he removed to Pittsburg, where he entered a ship-yard, and became thoroughly versed in the trade of a shipwright. Anxious for knowledge and learning readily, he was able to add greatly to his store of useful informa- tion by extensive reading; and this habit was kept up throughout his life. He formed a partnership with John Speer, and built many of the larger steamers that plied the Alle- gheny, the Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. Among the many boats sent out by Speer & Ward was the "New Castle," launched in 1836, the first vessel to successfully navigate the Allegheny River. In 1843 Captain Ward retired from the river, and began to invest largely in real estate. He was almost invari- ably successful in his transactions, and be- came one of the heaviest land-owners in Pittsburg.
His practical sagacity made itself felt in the management of civic affairs, to which he gave much attention, being deeply interested in the welfare and progress of the city. He served twelve years in the Council, being for eight years chairman of the Street Commis- sioners; and during this period he was also a member of the Board of Guardians of the Poor. He was always interested in politics, and was justly proud of the fact that he was one of the delegates who organized the Republican party. About 1875 he founded and was made president of the Tax-payers' Union, an or- ganization to prevent municipal extravagance.
By his first wife, Isabella McCoy, whom he married in 1831, Captain Ward had two chil- dren - John and Louise; and by his second wife, Mary McCoy, a sister of his first wife, he had eight. All of these children grew to maturity ; but later, within a year's time, he
90
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
was called to mourn the loss of five, three sons and two daughters; namely, John, Madi- son, William, Blanche, and Sally (Mrs. Thomas Fulton). Mary E. (Mrs. Thomas D. Hodkinson), died in 1892. Those still living are: Louise, George, Leonore (Mrs. Jaspar Lawman), and Matilda (Mrs. Isaac Whit- taker), all of whom except George, whose home is in West Liberty, Ia., reside in the city. Just before his death Captain Ward went to Michigan for the benefit of his then failing health. He was suddenly called home by the death of his brother; and a few days later, December 3, 1890, he died, deeply mourned by relatives and friends. He was a Universalist in religious belief. He left property to the amount of three millions, a fortune accumulated entirely through his own energy and talent.
OHN McALEESE, warden of the Alle- gheny County jail, was born in Pitts- burg, March 10, 1851, son of James and Jacobina (Zebler) McAleese. The father, who was born in Scotland in 1811, emigrated to the United States when about fifteen years old. He and his brother John were the only members of the family to come to America. He settled in what is now the Thirteenth Ward of Pittsburg. After following the trade of blacksmith for a time, he worked in the coal mines. He retired from active labor during the Civil War, and died in 1881. He was one of the earliest supporters of the Re- publican party in this section, joining the organization during the Fremont campaign, and adhering to its principles for the rest of his life. His wife, Jacobina, who was born in Germany in 1822, daughter of Jacob Zebler, was brought by her parents to the United States when she was two years old.
Jacob Zebler settled in Pittsburg, and was a gardener by occupation. Both parents were reared in the Methodist faith, and became members of that church. James and Jacobina McAleese had five sons and five daughters. Of these seven are living, namely : James, a member of the Pittsburg Fire Department ; Daniel, who for many years has been foreman for Evan Jones, a contractor; Mary, the wife of Thomas Jones, of Mount Washington, Pa .; Caroline, the wife of Henry Gaither, a ma- chinist and millwright of Youngstown, Ohio; Louisa, who married John Robb Bloomfield, a carpenter of this city; Elizabeth, the wife of George T. Fleming, who resides upon a farm in New Florence, Westmoreland County, and is a book-keeper; and John, the subject of this sketch.
John McAleese was educated in the public schools. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, and afterward worked at it as a journeyman for about five years. Then he served in the fire department for sixteen years, having charge of Engine Company No. 5. Afterward he was Inspector of Police of the First District. Since October, 1891, he has been warden of the Allegheny County jail, a position which requires a determined, self-possessed man. He has the ability to maintain perfect discipline among a class of people not easily controlled, and his manage- ment of the jail deserves the high praise which it frequently receives.
On June 1, 1871, Mr. McAleese wedded Mary A. Patterson, daughter of James and Mary Patterson, of Pittsburg. His children are: James, Tillie, Caroline, and John. Car- oline is now the wife of Walter Beecher, a book-keeper at the Duquesne Bank. In poli- tics Mr. McAlcese is a Republican. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Heptosophs.
bo
11
er
n
a
ri
ri
S
91
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
ILMER ELLSWORTH NEELY, M.D., a leading physician of Allegheny, whose office is at 9 Pennsylvania Avenue, is a native of Allegheny County, born in Marshall township, May 13, 1861. His grandfather, Samuel Neely, who was born in Ireland of Irish parentage, came to Allegheny County in the early days, and there engaged in farming, acquiring his land by right of settlement. Samuel was twice mar- ried, and had a family of seventeen children. He died at the age of seventy. Dr. Neely's maternal grandfather was William Wright, also a native of Ireland and later a farmer in Allegheny County. William settled in the same locality as the Neelys, and the two fam- ilies were neighbors.
The parents of Elmer E., David and Sophia (Wright) Neely, both natives of this State, had fourteen children, of whom seven are liv- ing; namely, Melinda, Joseph, Sarah, David, Anna Belle, Elmer E., and John. Melinda is the wife of Peter Coppersmith; and Anna Belle is the wife of J. N. Doxsey. The father, who is a farmer, resides in Marshall township, which has been his home since his marriage. His wife died about twelve years ago. Both parents in early life were members of the Methodist church. Later they joined the Presbyterian church, while remaining Methodist in creed. The father has been an Elder of the Presbyterian church for some years, and is an influential man, and has held various offices in Marshall.
Elmer Ellsworth Neely was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his early education in the district schools. Later he attended Curry Institute in Pittsburg, and then taught school for two terms. He began the study of medicine under Dr. L. B. Means in 1884, and then entered Starling Medical College at Co- lumbus, Ohio, graduating from that institu-
tion in 1888. Ile began the practice of his profession at Thornhill, this county, and was there for about three years. From Thornhill he removed to Beaver Falls, where he re- mained three years more. In April, 1897, he opened his present office in Allegheny.
On December 3, 1889, Dr. Neely was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hoenig, daughter of John and Margaret (Kuhlman) Hoenig. She has since been the mother of three children - Celia Day, Hearne Ells- worth, and Glen Wayne. Dr. and Mrs. Neely are both members of the Union Meth- odist Episcopal Church, and take an active part in pushing forward any good work. In politics the Doctor is a Republican. His office and residence are in the same building.
EV. JOHN A. BURNETT, the pastor of the Second United Presby- terian Church of Wilkinsburg, was born December 29, 1864, at Newburg, N. Y., son of John and Harriet (Elder) Burnett. On the paternal side he is of sturdy Scotch-Irish ancestry. His grandfather, also named John Burnett, came of Scotch progenitors in Ire- land, where he spent his entire life. The father was for many years a prosperous carpen- ter and contractor in Newburg, N. Y., where he died June 10, 1878, at the comparatively early age of fifty-eight years. His wife, Harriet, was a daughter of William Elder, a thrifty farmer of Orange County, New York, who owned a large farm near Newburg, where she was born. Both her paternal and mater- nal grandfathers were soldiers in the Revolu- tionary War. After surviving her husband many years, she passed away January 19, 1893, at Wilkinsburg. Both were sincere and conscientious Christians and active mem- bers of the Reformed Presbyterian church.
92
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
Of their five children two survive, namely : the Rev. John A., the subject of this sketch; and Mary B., the wife of the Rev. J. J. Dun- lop, of Boston, Mass.
The Rev. John A. Burnett, after complet- ing the course of the common schools of his native town, entered Geneva College at Beaver Falls, Pa., from which he graduated in 1888. Three years later he graduated from the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Semi- nary of Allegheny, this county, and at once accepted a pastorate in Wilkinsburg, after- ward entering the United Presbyterian church, where he is doing good work for his denomination and the entire community. A young man of marked ability and great prom- ise, he has won the confidence and warm re- gard of a large circle of acquaintances, both in and out of his own denomination. His con- gregation is large, enthusiastic, and under his ministrations is rapidly increasing in power and influence.
On February 8, 1894, Mr. Burnett was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Frazier, daughter of G. G. Frazier, of Wilkinsburg. One child has been born of their union, a son, whom they have named George Frazier Bur- nett. In politics Mr. Burnett affiliates with the Republican party. He is deeply inter- ested in educational matters, and is now serv- ing as a member of the Wilkinsburg School Board.
ALTER M. GILL, M.D., one of the younger physicians of Pitts- burg, was born in Allegheny City, October 31, 1864, son of William J. and Eliz- abeth (Kerr) Gill, both natives of Allegheny County. John Gill, the grandfather, came from Scotland, and carried on a boot and shoe business in this section, afterward going into the hat and cap trade. The father, who was
born in 1841, followed the wholesale boot and shoe business for twenty-five years, and is now employed as a book-keeper. He married Miss Kerr, who has had eleven children, sev- eral of whom died in infancy. The survivors are: Clara, the wife of Oscar Reiter, of Alle- gheny; Walter M., the second child; Frank B., of the Standard Scale and Supply Com- pany ; William C., an attorney of Pittsburg; Alfred E., an assistant Tax Collector of Alle- gheny ; and Louis R. and Ida B., who are still at home.
After attending the schools of Pittsburg and spending a year at the Western University of Allegheny, Walter M. Gill graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1888, tak- ing the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Science. During the following year he was interne at the St. Francis Hospi- tal of Pittsburg. In 1889 he began practice with Dr. D. A. Hengst, and in 1890 he opened an office on his own account in Pitts- burg. On May 11, 1890, he married Eliza- beth Fields, daughter of William Fields, of 'Belle Vernon. He is a member of the Micro- scopical Society, of the Pittsburg Academy of Sciences, the I. O. O. F., and the American Mechanics; while in politics he supports the Republican party.
EORGE C. JOHNSTONE, of Pitts- burg, who is prominent in Masonic circles, and is secretary of the Odd Fellows' Endowment Association of Pennsyl- vania, was born at Whitehaven, England, not far from the Scottish border, July 3, 1845, son of George C. and Jean (Porteous) John- stone. His grandfather, George Johnstone, was a lifelong resident of Ecclefechan, Dum- friesshire, Scotland, owning there a farm known as " Axle-tree Well." This had been
Ik 95
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
owned by his father before him, and is still in possession of one of his sons.
George C. Johnstone, Sr., was born at the family homestead at Ecclefechan in 1825; and shortly after his marriage he was called to England, and lived successively in Carlisle, Whitehaven, and in Birkenhead, opposite Liverpool. He was a joiner by trade, and was engaged in finishing the inside of houses, being also employed by ship-yard firms in finishing the cabins of ocean-going boats and ships. From Birkenhead Mr. George C. Johnstone, Sr., and his son, George C., Jr., went to Holyhead on the ship "Cambria " on its trial trip to Wales. In 1852 the family immigrated to America, and settling in Dundas County, Canada, remained there until 1861, when they removed to Hamilton, Can- ada, where Mr. Johnstone, Sr., passed the re- maining years of his life. He was a stanch member of the Presbyterian church and a firm believer in the need of keeping holy and quiet the Sabbath day. He died in 1885, his wife having died two years previously. They had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters : James is now at Cornwall, Canada, · a contractor and builder, doing an extensive business; William was drowned on the way to school in a gallant attempt to save another boy from a like fate; John now resides in Hamilton, Canada; Christopher is a resident of Buffalo, N. Y .; Maggie is the wife of D. O. Smith, of Minneapolis, Minn. The other children are not now living.
Mr. Johnstone's maternal grandfather was in his time called an "honest miller, " and was a widely known musician and teacher of music. All the family were musical, and were expert performers on the fiddle.
George C. Johnstone, Jr., began to attend school in England when only four years old. After coming to America three years later, he
continued his studies in the log school-house near his home in Canada. He began his working life by helping his father, and virtu- ally learned the trade while in Hamilton. After that he worked in the Great Western Railroad shops until the time the passport system was adopted in this country, when, as a consequence, there was a reduction in the number of trains from four full trains from Buffalo to Detroit to one small train, so that there was little work. Mr. Johnstone then went to Buffalo, and was employed for three months in one of the elevators. He was there when Lincoln was assassinated; and, when his body lay in state at Buffalo, he stood in line four hours in order to have an opportunity to look on the face of the martyred President, for, though a Canadian, he was an ardent ad- mirer of "the greatest American." Leaving Buffalo, Mr. Johnstone worked at his trade for nine months at Niagara Falls. Then he was in Erie, Pa., for two years, working there in some of the finest residences in that city, and thence coming, November 5, 1867, to Alle- gheny, where within an hour after his arrival he entered the employ of the firm of Smith. Criswell & Burgoyne. That company scon dissolving, Mr. Johnstone worked nine months for Warner & Alston, and then engaged with Slack & Sholes in Pittsburg, securing the latter place through the influence of Mr. Cris- well, who is his warm and constant friend
On the Ist of May, 1876, he was elected to take care of the Masonic rooms then located in Library Hall, and is still in charge, but in a different location. There are over twelve hundred members in the Scottish rite degrees. and only thirty-four of them have been longer in it than he. Mr. Johnstone was made a Mason at Mckinley Lodge, No. 318, on Ne- vember 10, 1868, and has been its secretary since December 23, 1873. He has been :
96
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
member of Allegheny Chapter, No. 217, since February 9, 1872, and has been through all the chairs, and has represented that body in the Grand Chapter for four years. He has held all the offices in the Council except the first, and has also held all the offices in the Grand Council of Pennsylvania. He was ad- mitted to Allegheny Commandery, K. T., De- cember 13, 1872, and has held office in the commandery for over twenty years, having been in the different chairs up to that of Emi- nent Commander and Recorder. He was rep- resentative to the Grand Commandery, also Eminent Commander during the year of the successful Triennial Conclave at Washington, D. C., and was chairman of the Committee of Arrangements. He is a member of all the Masonic degrees up to and including the Con- sistory. He is a thirty-third degree Mason, and has held the position of Sentinel since May 1, 1876. From 1874 to 1884 he was Grand High Priest and Deputy Grand Master, and again from 1892 to 1896, and is now the Head of Princes of Jerusalem, succeeding D. A. Stevenson, who recently died. He was made Keeper of Rooms of the higher bodies, in the office called Seneschal, from 1876, and holds the position to the present time. September 15, 1896, he was crowned an honorary member, Sovereign Grand In- spector-general for the thirty-third and last degree for the Northern Masonic jurisdiction of the United States of America; and on the 18th of September, 1896, he received the de- gree in the Royal Order of Scotland which is usually conferred only on thirty-third de- gree Masons. Mr. Johnstone has been a member of McFarland Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., since April, 1869. He was its secretary for seven years, and has been all through the chairs; and January 20, 1880, one year after its organization, he was elected the
Secretary of the Odd Fellows' Endowment Association, and has held the position ever since, the society having grown from a small number to a large membership, and having paid in benefits nearly one million dollars ($1,000,000). The secretaryship of the so- ciety entails a large amount of work. Mr. Johnstone is also Treasurer of the Masonic Hail Association, and was an active worker in securing the erection of the building.
On November 19, 1868, Mr. Johnstone mar- ried Miss Maggie J. Johnston, daughter of Charles R. Johnston, who was for many years Registry Clerk in the Allegheny post- office. Mr. and Mrs. Johnstone have four children living: Charles Monroe, who is ad- ministrator of the estate of William P. Ben- nett, by whom he was formerly employed; M. Francis; William G. ; and Lillian Elton.
OMER J. STEWART, D.D.S., one of the younger members of the dental profession located in Pittsburg, is a fine representative of the self-made men of the county; and a brief review of his career will show what may be accomplished by per- sistence and perseverance. A mechanic in his youthful days, poor in purse but rich in courage, he left his bench to enter upon a professional life, in which he has succeeded admirably. He was born December 13, 1868, in Franklin County, son of Dr. G. E. Stew- art. The father was born and reared in Ju- niata County, coming from Scotch-Irish an- cestors. He studied medicine in his early days, and was graduated from Jefferson Medi- cal College in 1856, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Pennsylvania, spending the most of his life in Bedford and Franklin Counties. He mar- ried Louisa Burge, who was born in Juniata
97
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW
County. She bore him four children, namely : Alpheus D., a resident of Chicago, Ill .; An- gelia Maude, who died at the age of twenty- six years; Homer J., the special subject of this biography; and H. Ward, who also lives in Chicago.
Homer J. Stewart attended school until eighteen years of age, having taken a course in book-keeping after leaving the academy. Before attaining his majority he went to Ala- bama, where he was employed for two and one- half years in the Sheffield Iron Works. On returning to his native State, he was engaged in the same business in the borough of Brad- .dock for two years. But, being desirous of becoming a dentist, he entered his father's office, where he studied with that purpose in view. In the spring of 1895 he was gradu- ated from the Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery, receiving his degree. At once he began his professional duties, locating in Pittsburg in April of that year. He has here won a fair share of practice, his work being of an excellent character, durable and pleasing.
Dr. Stewart was married May 23, 1892, to Miss Sadie E., daughter of John Hudson, of Braddock, Pa. In politics the Doctor is an earnest advocate of the principles of the Re- publican party. He is a member of the Bap- tist church; and he belongs to the I. O. O. F., to the A. O. of F., and the K. A. E. O.
OHN EDWIN RIGG, M.D., one of the foremost physicians of Wilkins- burg, Allegheny County, was born Oc- tober 13, 1855, in Washington County, Penn- sylvania, son of Newton Rigg. He comes of English stock and a pioncer family of Wash- ington County, where his grandfather, Hijah Rigg, was a respected resident for many years. Newton Rigg worked at the carpen-
ter's trade in his younger manhood in Pike Run township, Washington County. He afterward bought a farm near Scenery Hill, in the same county, and was there engaged in agriculture until his death in 1879, at the age of sixty-eight years. He married Margaret, daughter of Jonathan Winnett, a well-known farmer and a prominent public man of that section of the State. His children were: Ella; John E .; Laura; and Mark A., of Craf- ton, this county. Both parents were united with the Methodist Episcopal church many years ago, The mother now resides in Wil- kinsburg.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.