USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 11
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J ACOB PFLUG, a gentleman who for many years has been a prominent and influential farmer of Marion township, Beaver county, Pa., is now living on his farm of one hundred and forty acres, which is known as the old Pflug homestead, and en- joying the benefits of his early toil. He is a son of George and Dorothy (Martzolf) Pflug, and was born on May 28, 1817, in Germany, about ten miles from where the first battle of the Franco-Prussian War was fought.
George Pflug, the father of Jacob, came to America on March 16, 1830, with his entire family, and after a voyage of sixty-four days landed in Baltimore, Md., on the 9th of June following. They next moved to Pittsburg by means of a six-horse team, arrivino on July 4th, and there George Pflug obtained employ- ment in a nail factory, although his trade was that of a carpenter. When he landed in that city he had but $100, but by hard and con- scientious work, in September of the year 1830, he was enabled to buy forty acres of wild land at a cost of $135. In the fall he moved his family to Marion township, Beaver county, where the property was located, and there he built a log house. The next year, leaving his family at home, he went to Phillipsburg, Pa., and worked at boat building for a man named Phillips, continuing thus for three years. In 1833, he erected a small house at Freedom, Pa., it being the first one built in that town, and sold his first purchase at a price of $1, 100. He then bought the land on which the house of Jacob Pflug is now located; at that time it was all timber land, but prior to his death it was mostly cleared. He lived upon this prop- erty the remainder of his life and at the time of his death in July, 1850, owned one hundred and forty acres. Late in life he replaced the original log cabin with a handsome residence now occupied by his son Jacob. He married Dorothy Martzolf, and they had the follow- ing children: Dorothy (Dedrick), deceased ; Magdaline (Repe), deceased; Salama (Sche- ny); Jacob, the subject hereof; Mary, who first married Abraham Burry, and is now the
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wife of Frederick Householder; Frederick, a farmer in Butler county, who first married a Miss Garvich, and later wedded Catherine Klein; Barbara, the wife of Michael Veiock; and Philip, deceased.
Jacob Pflug was thirteen years of age when he came to this country with his parents, and after arriving in Pittsburg he worked in a hotel at the corner of Wood and Fourth streets, as porter. When his father bought his first tract of forty acres, he moved to Marion with him, and he and his mother cleared four acres the first year. His mother was a very industrious woman and an excel- lent help-meet to her husband. Before com- ing to this country she worked upon a farm and was accustomed to plowing with two cows. Jacob Pflug always remained at home, but was at times engaged at working out at the carpenter's trade with his father. He also made shingles and took contracts for roofing houses. After coming into possession of the old homestead he made many improvements, and has since made additions to the house and erected a fine barn. He also greatly added to the property, increasing it to about three hun- dred and ninety acres, but all excepting the original tract of one hundred and forty acres he has given to his son. He is now engaged in general farming and his advancing years are being spent in the peace and quiet of farm life. He is a well read man, takes a sensible view of all subjects coming to his attention, and is deeply interested in the progress being made by his fellow workmen. He is highly thought of and has friends far and near.
In 1840, Mr. Pflug was joined in wedlock with Salama Householder, by whom he had the following issue: Jacob, the husband of Caroline Herrman; Salama, the wife of Henry Schramm; Caroline, the wife of John Geoh- ring; Frederick, deceased; Henry, whose wife is Caroline Miller; Mary, the wife of Henry France; George, deceased; Elizabeth, the wife of Frederick Harmon; Amelia, the wife of William Caterrer; Daniel, who married Eliza- beth Gettman; and Matilda, whose first hus- band was Elmer Geohring, and who was mar- ried a second time to Albert Hartzel. The subject of this sketch after the death of his first wife, was united in marriage with Ver- nelia Geohring, and they have one son, Albert, who resides at home. Politically, he is a Democrat and has held all of the township offices excepting those of justice of the peace and constable. Religiously, he is a devout Lutheran. His portrait is presented on a preceding page, in proximity to this.
ALBERT MYLER, a gentleman who has made his home in Beaver county for little more than a decade, has established a reputation for general busi- ness ability which entitles him to be ranked among the leading men of Western Pennsyl- vania. His start in life was an inauspicious one, but with a degree of energy such as but few possess, he strove for success, and to-day is a member of the firm of Dawes & Myler, owners and proprietors of one of the largest manufacturing establishments in the county.
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Messrs. Dawes and Myler, both men in the prime of life and possessed of considerable experience, located in New Brighton, Beaver county, in 1888, and purchased four acres of land at Allegheny street and Block House Run, on which they built a brick plant and engaged in the manufacture of porcelain lined bath-tubs and sanitary specialties, and also of plumbers' supplies. They employed about eighty men of experience during the first year, and in March, 1889, placed their product on the market. Being of a superior quality, no difficulty was experienced in sell- ing all that could be produced, and in time it was seen that the plant must be enlarged to meet the requirements of the de- mand. In 1892, an additional three acres of land was purchased, and now six acres are covered with buildings, all of which are of brick but the foundry, which is a substantial frame building. It is heated by hot air and lighted by electricity from their own light plant. The works are run by steam and are in operation day and night,-as many as 425 men being employed daily,-and the pay roll per day being not less than $1,000. It is a fact worthy of mention that ever since the firm was first organized, the plant has been in full operation and has not missed a single pay day. It can readily be seen that in addition to bring- ing industrious men and establishing new homes in the town, the large amount of money put in circulation by the employees has re- sulted in material benefit to the borough of New Brighton. The goods of their manufac- ture have a wide reputation and are sold in
the markets of all the countries of Europe, in Australia, Japan, Cuba, and the Hawaiian Islands, as well as in every state in the Union.
Mr. Myler was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and is a son of John A. Myler, who during his early life was engaged at merchant tailoring and attained a high degree of success. He retired from that line of business and became president of the National Bank for Savings. For eighteen years he served as postmaster of Allegheny with credit. W. Albert Myler was reared in his native city and obtained a good intellectual training in the schools there. En- ergetic and ambitious as a boy, he early sought employment and was engaged in the wholesale mercantile business until 1878, when he became bookkeeper for the Standard Manufacturing Company of Pittsburg. He remained in that connection until 1888, when he removed to New Brighton, and engaged in business for himself as a member of the firm of Dawes & Myler. He has since evinced an earnest interest in all that pertains to the growth and development of the borough, and is one of its most dutiful citizens. He pur- chased a fine lot which was a part of the old Metz'orchard at one time, and in 1897 built thereon an elegant brick residence, modern in design and in all its conveniences. Surround- ed on every side by a beautiful and well- graded lawn, with its drives and walks, it pre- sents a very attractive appearance and is always greatly admired.
W. Albert Myler was united in marriage with Mary I. K. Dennison, a daughter of Prof. David Dennison of Youngstown, Ohio. Prof.
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Dennison was one of the early academy teach- ers in New Brighton, Allegheny City, and Pittsburg. This union was blessed with two children; Mary Gertrude and Jean Hay.
R. ADDISON S. MOON. Pre- eminent among the young physi- cians and surgeons of note, so nu- merous in Beaver county, Pa., stands the sub- ject of this sketch. There is no cause more noble than that of relieving suffering human- ity, no life more nobly spent than in faith- fully fulfilling the duties incident to the life of a physician and surgeon. Dr. Moon was born at Hookstown, Beaver county, Pa., on October 25, 1859. He is a son of Robert Allison and Sarah (Sterling) Moon, and grandson of William Sterling, of Ireland.
William Sterling came to America from his native land, locating in Green township, Beaver county, where he finally settled per- manently and followed the peaceful occupa- tion of a farmer. He thought little of the dangers which were to be met and overcome in a new and undeveloped country, and it is largely due to the bravery of such men as he, that the Keystone State owes her prosperity today. He lived to a good old age, passing away in the same community where he had spent so many happy years.
Robert Moon, father of Addison S., was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., where he was also reared and educated. After reach- ing manhood, he desired to fit himself for
something better than an ordinary life, and decided in favor of the profession of medicine as his future sphere of effort. Accordingly he went west and studied medicine with his brother, Arnold C. Moon, of Knoxville, Ohio. After completing his studies and taking the required course of medical lectures, he went to Hookstown, Pa., in 1845, and opened an office. His genial and pleasant manners won many favorable comments among the resi- dents of that place. Soon fortune smiled on his endeavors, and his practice, small at first, increased to great proportions, during the thirty years of his stay there. But there came a time when he desired a change of location, and April 6, 1875, he removed to Beaver Falls, where he spent his closing years, ac- tively engaged in the duties of his profession, and being looked upon as a very skillful phy- sician. He crossed the river of death to the light beyond, on October 26, 1892. More than half a century was passed by him in do- ing good to others. Who shall say that he has not received his just reward? In early life he led pretty Sarah Sterling to the hyme- neal altar, and she proved to be a most tender and solicitous companion; when returning from some long, tiresome journey, weary and exhausted, he was greatly cheered and re- freshed by her sweet companionship. Mrs. Moon was born February 2, 1829. Two children blessed their happy union, Helen M. and Addison S., the subject of this sketch. Helen M. was twice married; her first hus- band was Rev. James S. Brandon, a minister of the United Presbyterian church. She is
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JOHN IMBRIE MARTIN.
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now the wife of William A. McCormick, an attorney-at-law, of Mercer, Pennsylvania.
Addison S. Moon received his primary education in the schools of Hookstown and Beaver Falls. Later, he attended Beaver Seminary, and spent two years at Westmin- ster College. In addition to this, he took private instruction for some time, being am- bitious to obtain the best possible education. He then studied medicine in the office of his father, who was desirous of leaving his large practice to his only son. After studying dili- gently for some time, young Moon took a three years' course in the medical department of the Western Reserve College at Cleveland, Ohio, from which he graduated with high honors in 1884. On February 27th of that year, he returned to Beaver Falls, and prac- ticed his chosen profession, but after two years, being ambitious to become more thor- ough in his calling, he went to New York City, where he took a special course in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. He also took a course in Polyclinics in New York. Returning again to Beaver Falls, he has prac- ticed there ever since, with even greater suc- cess than he anticipated.
Dr. Moon is a member of the American Medical Association and is secretary of the Beaver County Medical Society of which he has been a member since locating in Beaver Falls. Politically, he is a Republican, but never sought nor desired office. The Doctor is also a member of numerous beneficiary societies; being examiner for the Prudential Life Insurance Company and also for the
Western Mutual Life Association of Chicago. On May 17, 1888, Lulo A. Perrott became his bride and this union has augmented his pleasures and soothed his sorrows. Their home was brightened by two children, but the grim messenger, Death, recalled one pre- cious treasure. The names of their children are: Merl P., born March 4, 1891, and Alta Sterling, born June 1, 1894, and died July 12, 1894, being deprived of life by a sad acci- dent.
Dr. Moon is a self-made man according to the common significance of the term. As a physician, he is well and favorably known throughout a large circle of patrons, a repu- tation he has won by a degree of energy, de- termination, and skill, that have secured for him an extensive field of practice and have fairly given him a place among the leading men of his profession.
OHN IMBRIE MARTIN, whose por- trait is shown on the opposite page, is a substantial and capable citizen of the town of Beaver, with which community he has been prominently identified for many years. He has served as deputy sheriff, and as sheriff, of Beaver county, but is now en- gaged in the real estate business. He was born on the old homestead in Darlington township, Beaver county, and is a son of James Powers Martin, and a grandson of James Martin.
Major Hugh Martin was the great-grand- father of the subject hereof, and although
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born in the North of Ireland, he was of Scotch-French extraction; he came to this country in 1770, and was an Indian scout and captain of a reconnoitering party during the War of Independence; he met with many thrilling adventures while in that capacity, which he was wont to relate with pleasure. Before the close of the war he was commis- sioned a major. About the year 1798, he took up a tract of fifteen hundred acres of land, a portion of which was near Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pa., and the rest ex- tended into Darlington township, Beaver county. His three sons, William, John, and James inherited the estate upon his death.
Mr. Martin's grandfather received the homestead and one hundred and seventy-five acres, as his portion of the estate ; he greatly improved the property by supplanting the old set of log buildings with a new set of brick and stone buildings, which are still in use by the heirs of his son, James P. He reared a family of children, and those who grew to maturity were: Hugh, Daniel, Leasure, Jesse, Robert, John, James P., Eliza J., and Maria. He died aged seventy-two years, and his wife, Elizabeth Leasure, also attained an advanced age.
James Powers Martin was born in 1828, on the homestead, and upon the death of his father, bought out the interests of the heirs to the homestead; the greater part of his life was devoted to farming, in which he was very successful. He was at one time connected with an oil refinery, which was built on his farm, the oil being manufactured from cannel
coal. From January 1, 1876, to 1879, he served as sheriff of this county, being elected on the Republican ticket. At about seven o'clock on Christmas Eve of 1892, he was struck by an engine while walking down the railroad track, from the result of which he died the next day at one o'clock. He had just left the railway station after accompany- ing his daughter there, and was on his return home, when the accident occurred. His death was deeply lamented both by his family and relatives, and by his host of friends. He was married, in 1850, to Mary Imbrie, a daughter of John Imbrie, a prominent farmer of Big Beaver township, Beaver county, and they were the parents of the following children : James R., a lawyer of Beaver; John I., the subject hereof; Rose, the wife of A. Duff, of Beaver Falls; Mary I., the wife of Isaac Hall; William H., a real estate dealer of Beaver Falls; De Lorma E .; Lilla J., the wife of Dr. J. R. McQuaid, of Leetsdale, Pa .; and Jere C.
John Imbrie Martin was reared on the farm and attended the Darlington Academy; he continued to work on the homestead until he became associated with A. Duff in the dry goods business at Beaver Falls. Four years later he sold out and returned to farming, which he followed four years. He was then deputy sheriff under Sheriff A. J. Welsh, for one term, and in 1890 he was elected sheriff, -his term beginning January 1, 1891, and ending January 1, 1894. During this period, he erected dwelling houses on Fourth street, also one on Beaver street, in
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which he made his home; in 1898, he erected his present handsome residence opposite the college, on College street. Mr. Martin de- votes much of his time to real estate ; he is also interested in other enterprises in the borough.
Mr. Martin was joined in matrimonial bonds with Griselda Best, a daughter of Charles L. Best of Lawrence county, and one child has blessed their home,-Norman I., born June 28, 1894. Politically, the subject of this biography is an active Republican; he has been elected a director of the schools for several terms. Religiously, he is a Presbyte- rian. Fraternally, he is a member and past master of St. James Lodge, No. 457, F. & A. M. Mr. Martin is a prominent member of the Beaver County Agricultural Society, of which he has been treasurer for the past three years.
ERE C. MARTIN is conspicuous among the prominent and influential members of the Beaver County Bar, -- being a partner of his brother, J. R. Martin, with the firm name as Martin & Martin. His popularity and executive ability have been ap- preciated by the citizens of Beaver, to the ex- tent that he has been honored with the office of chief burgess of his adopted town, and he is at present officiating in that capacity. He was born in Darlington township, Beaver county, April 11, 1867, and his ancestors have been residents of this county for more than a century. He is a son of ex-Sheriff James
Powers Martin, grandson of James Martin, and great-grandson of Hugh Martin.
Major Hugh Martin was born in the north of Ireland and was of Scotch-French origin ; he came to America in 1770 and served dur- ing the Revolutionary War as an Indian scout and captain of a reconnoitering party, in which capacity he met with many thrilling ad- ventures, which he often related with pleasure. He was commissioned major during the latter part of the war. About the year 1798, he set- tled in Westmoreland county, Pa., near Greensburg, and there he took up a tract of fifteen hundred acres of land; the larger part of it extended into Beaver county, Darlington township. Upon his death his estate was di- vided among his three sons, William, John and James.
James Martin received the homestead and one hundred and seventy-five acres of choice land; the first set of buildings was made of logs, but James Martin built large brick and stone buildings, all of which are still in con- stant use, and are owned by the heirs of his son, James P. Martin. James Powers Martin was one of a family of twelve children ; those who grew to maturity were Hugh, Daniel, Leasure, Jesse, Robert, John, James P., Eliza J., and Maria. James Martin died aged sev- enty-two years, leaving a large estate ; his wife, Elizabeth Leasure, also died at an advanced age.
The father of Jere C. Martin was born on the homestead in 1828, and bought out the heirs of his father's estate upon the latter's death; his entire life was principally devoted
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to agricultural pursuits, but he was at one time associated with an oil refinery built on his farm,-the oil being manufactured from cannel coal. He was elected sheriff of Beaver county on the Republican ticket and served from January 1, 1876 to 1879. On the even- ing of December 24, 1892, Mr. Martin accom- panied his daughter, Mrs. A. Duff, and family, to the railway station in a conveyance, and, upon their departure, he started on his way home, walking down the track, but just before leaving the track he was struck by an engine. This occurred about seven o'clock in the even- ing, and on the next day at one o'clock he departed from this world. He was popular, widely known throughout the county, a good citizen and friend, and his many excellent qualities and courteous bearing gained for him the esteem and respect of all who knew him. He was married in 1850 to Mary Imbrie, a daughter of John Imbrie. a prominent farmer of Big Beaver township, this county. She was born in 1831, and died in 1877. They were the parents of the following children: James Rankin, a partner in the law firm of Martin & Martin; John Imbrie, ex-sheriff of this county ; Rose, the wife of A. Duff of Beaver Falls; Mary I., the wife of Isaac Hall; Wil- liam H., a prominent real estate dealer of Beaver Falls; De Lorma E .; Lilla J., the wife of Dr. J. R. McQuaid, of Leetsdale, Pa .; and Jere C.
. The subject of this sketch was intellectually trained in the public schools, in Greersburg Academy, and in Washington and Jefferson College at Washington, Pa .; from 1891 to
1893 he served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff John Imbrie Martin, his brother, and during this period he devoted his spare time in the study of law, having access to his brother's law library. September 19, 1894. he was ad- mitted to the bar and immediately became a partner with his brother, J. R. Martin. Since January 1, 1897, he has served as chief bur- gess of Beaver, being elected on the Republi- can ticket. The borough of Beaver is located on the north bank of the Ohio River and near the mouth of Beaver River. Under the ad- ministration of Hon. Thomas Martin, then - Governor of Pennsylvania. in 1791, the town
was surveyed and laid out. Martin & Martin, attorneys-at-law. have a fine office in the Daw- son Block on Third street, and also one in Beaver Falls. Jere C. Martin has only been practicing a little over four years, but is recognized as exceedingly bright, of excel- lent address, quick to see the point and appli- cation of law, of unusually good judgment, accurate in the preparation of legal papers or causes for trial, and as having a clear legal mind and giving promise of standing high in the ranks of his profession. His partner, J. R. Martin, is a hard and conscientious worker, thoroughly equipped for his profession, and he has merited the confidence reposed in him, his progress having been deservedly rapid.
Jere C. Martin was wedded in 1894 to Miss Rose Best, a daughter of Charles L. Best of Enon, Lawrence county, Pa., and two chil- dren have been born to them, Dorothea and Griselda. He is the owner of a fine home in Beaver. Socially, he is a member and past
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JOSEPH T. PUGH.
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master of St. James Lodge. F. &. A. M .; and is also a member of the Elks; and the K. of P.
OSEPH T. PUGH, whose portrait ap- pears on the opposite page, is, perhaps, the oldest living resident in Beaver county, Pa., his birth occurring at Fallston, January 6, 1809; he has for many years made his home in New Brighton. He has the ap- pearance of a man of sixty years, being still strong and active, with mind unimpaired; he has fine eye-sight,-as he still reads without glasses,-and he may be considered an authority on the early history of this county. His father, John Pugh, was a son of Jonathan Pugh, and a grandson of John Pugh.
John Pugh was of Welsh origin, and was among the early Quaker settlers of Philadel- phia. Jonathan was born in Limerick town- ship, Philadelphia county, Pa., and his wed- ding with Naomi Evans was solemnized at a meeting held at Gwynedd, in that county, September 27, 1759; our subject has the cer- tificate of the marriage framed and in good condition; it was signed by thirty-two wit- nesses. They settled in Chester county, Pa., where he bought two plantations. His death occurred March 8, 1798. His children were : Elihu, Evan, Jesse, John, Ruth, Sarah, Jesse, (2), and Mary.
John Pugh was born near Pughtown, Chester county, August 20, 1779; his brother Evan was also born there November 13, 1765. In May, 1804, John and Evan Pugh came to
Beaver county, and as both had learned the milling trade, they erected mills at Falls- ton. Their mill was not only patronized by the farmers of the neighborhood, but many came from distant points to have their wheat ground. They shipped extensively to Pittsburg,-the flour and feed being taken to that city on boats. Later a carding and cloth dressing factory was added, and still later they began to manufacture cotton goods. Evan Pugh withdrew from the business a number of years later and the father of Joseph T. continued alone until 1858, when he rented the mills. He also conducted a gro- cery store at Fallston and operated a linseed oil mill. His mills were all destroyed by fire, in which he suffered heavy losses. He built the handsome brick residence now occupied by Mr. McKibben, and resided there until death claimed him in May, 1860. He mar- ried Sarah Townsend; she was born January 13, 1777, and died July 16, 1826. They were the parents of the following children: Jona- than ; Caroline ; Mary Ann ; and Joseph T., the subject hereof. Jonathan died young; Caro- line died in 1831,-she was the wife of John Minor, and the mother of one daughter, Caro- line, who married David Critchlow; Mary Ann, who died in 1881, was first married to Warren Seely, M. D., and later, to John Minor,-she is the mother of Henry, John F., and Henrietta. John Pugh, father of our sub- ject, formed a second union, with Mrs. Ann Peck. He was president of the branch of the United States Bank, located at New Brighton. . The subject of this record attended such
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