USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 20
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formerly the residence of Dr. Simpson. Dr. Gale was united in wedlock with Lucy L. Ste- phenson, a daughter of Hon. James Stephen- son, of Parkersburg, West Virginia. He has served several years on the staff of the Beaver County Hospital, is a member of the Beaver County Medical Society, State Medical Asso- ciation, and American Medical Association. He is a stanch Democrat, but has never sought political distinction. He is also a member of the order of Elks, of Rochester, Pennsylvania.
R. WILLIAM S. GRIM, a leading practitioner of Beaver Falls, Pa., is a pleasant, companionable gentle- man, with a liking for company, and a genial manner that wins him large numbers of friends. Dr. Grim has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine ever since his grad- uation from the medical department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, at Pitts- burg, in 1888, when he located immediately in Beaver Falls. He makes a specialty of dis- eases of the nose, throat, ear, and chest. He was first assistant surgeon of the 10th Reg. of Pennsylvania Militia for a period of six years. He is a member of the Beaver County Medical Society and also of the Pennsylvania State Medical Society. He acted as delegate from the latter to the State Medical Society of New Jersey in 1889. He is also a member of the Pittsburg Obstetrical Society. Politically, the Doctor is an ardent Democrat, but has never
sought nor held office, being too busily occu- pied with his professional duties.
The subject of this article is a son of Dr. William and Lucinda (Spangler) Grim, and was born August 26, 1864, in Rockville, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. He received an excellent scholastic training in the com- mon schools of Beaver Falls, which was sup- plemented by a course at Piersoll's Academy at Bridgewater, and a finishing course at Geneva College in Beaver Falls. He received the degree of B. S. in 1885, and the degree of M. S. in 1889. For his future life work he elected to become a physician, like his hon- ored father. With him, he began the study of medicine in 1885; after studying diligently for some time he attended the Western Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, at Pittsburg, grad- uating in 1888, as previously mentioned. His energy, determination, and skill have won for him a high reputation as a physician, and have secured for him an extensive field of prac- tice, besides having fairly given him a place among the leading practitioners of his profes- sion. Dr. Grim is a past master of Beaver Falls Lodge, No. 478, F. & A. M., and is also a member of Harmony Chapter; a member of Valley Echo Lodge, I. O. O. F .; Lone Rock Lodge, K. of P .; and Schuyler Grove, No. 8, United Ancient Order of Druids.
Louis Philip Grim, the great-grandfather of the subject hereof, was a native of Germany, and, on coming to the United States, settled in York county, Pa., at an early date. His son, Michael Grim, was the grandfather of William S. and was born in York county,
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Pa.,-settling in Beaver county, about the be- ginning of the present century. He located near Unionville, where he followed agricul- tural pursuits, and spent the remainder of his life. He rendered valuable services to our country during the War of 1812, being under the command of Captain Henry, in the battle of Lake Erie, under Commodore Perry.
William H. Grim, father of William S., was born in Beaver county, Pa., about 1833. He was a pupil in the common schools, and at Beaver Academy. He then read medicine with Dr. W. W. Simpson, of Rochester, Pa., after which he entered the Cincinnati Medical College, from which he graduated.
After practicing a few years in Lawrence county, and at Rockwell, Dauphin county, he took a special course at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, graduating therefrom in 1869. He then went to Beaver Falls, where he practiced until his death. April 29, 1897. He was a member of the Beaver County Medical Society, and the Pennsyl- vania State Medical Society. He made a spe- cialty of surgery, and when in active practice, was considered by many to be the leading surgeon in Beaver county. He was a Demo- crat in his party affiliations, took an active part in politics, and was vice-president of the State Democratic league. He took a deep interest in the educational institutions of his county, and served as a school director for (perhaps) twenty years. He was appointed postmaster under the administration of Benja- min Harrison, and served faithfully in that offi- cial capacity. In the Episcopalian church, he
was recognized as one of the prominent mem- bers, and had a record for piety of the most earnest character. He was twice married. His first wife was Lucinda Spangler, mother of the subject of this biography. She was a native of Lebanon county, and was a daughter of Levi Spangler. Some time after the death of his first wife, Dr. William H. Grim re-married, his union in this instance being with Amelia Ann Robinson, a daughter of Hon. Archie Robinson, who was state senator of the Beaver-Lawrence district in the early days. Dr. William H. Grim was a very prominent man in the Masonic fraternity. He was past master of the Beaver Valley Lodge, No. 478; a member of Harmony Chapter; Pittsburg Commandery ; and of Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
Levi Spangler, maternal grandfather of the subject hereof, was an extensive coal operator at Tremont, Pennsylvania. His grandfather settled in Philadelphia in 1737. in what is now known as the First Ward, but later in life went to what is now Myerstown, in Lebanon county. There he built a stone house which was called "Stone Fort." In this the people of that vicinity took refuge at times to protect themselves against the Indians. Levi Spang- ler and his brother Christian, were engaged many years in coal operating at Tremont, Pennsylvania. Christian Spangler was a prominent man of his day. He was one of the thirteen original directors of the Pennsyl- vania R. R. Company, and continued to be an officer of that road up to the time of his death, being the last of the thirteen to die.
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OLIVER B. ELLIOTT.
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LIVER B. ELLIOTT. Among the most important public institutions of Beaver county is the Home for the Poor and Infirm, a fact which is largely due to its successful management by the gentleman named above. It is situated on a tract of one hundred and thirty acres in Moon township, on the banks of the Ohio River, and com- mands a beautiful view. The place was for- merly known as the Stone farm, and a part of the old farm house is now used as the superintendent's residence. A large brick building was erected for the use of the inmates which is a model of convenience in its ar- rangement, being heated and lighted with gas, equipped with numerous fire escapes and extinguishers, and a 250-barrel tank to insure safety from fire ; its sanitary equipments are of the finest. There are thirty-two large, airy sleeping rooms for the accommodation of from eighty to one hundred and ten inmates, and the lower floor is given to separate parlors for the males and females; these are fitted up in comfortable style, and good literature is supplied. The pest house is placed in an isolated position on the farm, but, fortunately, owing to the absolute cleanliness of every portion of the place, this is but little ised. The cellars and every out-of-the-way corner are scrupulously clean,-and all of these condi- tions received due praise from the state super- intendent. The building is surrounded by beautiful grounds, and a greater part of the farm is under cultivation, the product being used upon the table, leaving nothing but flour and meat to be bought for daily use. The
inmates are well cared for and are provided with an abundance of good, wholesome food, and treated on holidays to special dinners. In addition to this, entertainments are frequently given for their benefit, and they are allowed plenty of freedom. The inmates are very useful in the kitchen, laundry and bakery, and elsewhere; one man is placed in charge of the chicken coops,-500 fowls being kept. About 1,400 dozen eggs per annum are gathered, of which 1,000 eggs are kept for setting and the remainder are used for home consumption. The young inmates are instructed in useful ways, and are taught to lead a life of indepen- dence and self-reliance. As soon as possible they are placed in good homes, and in many instances have become useful and honored cit- izens. Mr. Elliott is eminently fitted for the position he holds, and it is to be hoped that, for the advantage of the inmates and the ben- efit of the county, he will be retained for many years to come. He has made a study of human nature, and seems to comprehend every desire and want of his charges ; these he endeavors to satisfy, if reasonable, and within his power. Kind and considerate, he has their respect, without exception.
Oliver B. Elliott was born in Moon town- ship, Beaver county, June 20, 1857, and at- tended the district schools until he reached the age of sixteen years, after which he as- sisted his father on the farm until he was mar- ried. He later purchased a portion of his grandfather's old estate,-in all eighty-four acres. It was partially improved land, but Mr. Elliott improved both land and build-
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ings still further,-setting out excellent or- chards and vineyards. He raised six tons of grapes annually, besides large quantities of berries, cherries, apples, plums, etc. He also engaged in general farming. His place was well stocked with good horses, registered Jer- seys and Holsteins, and sheep. He continued at this until he was appointed superintendent of the County Home, in 1897, since which time the place has been rented.
Mr. Elliott was united in marriage with Ellen Dunn, a daughter of Walter and Ellen Dunn, of Scotch birth, and they have three children: Bertha A., born in January, 1883, a student of Beaver High School of the grad- uating class of 1901 ; Frank W., born in Aug- ust, 1885 ; and one who died in infancy. Politi- cally, Mr. Elliott is a Republican, and served as assessor and collector for a long time. He was also constable until 1897, and has filled all the township offices except that of justice of the peace. Religiously, he is a member and elder of the Presbyterian church. Socially, he is a member of the K. of P .; Jr. O. U. A. M .; Woodmen of the World; and Rochester Lodge, B. P. O. E. Mr. Elliott's portrait accompanies this sketch.
ILLIAM DELOSS HAMILTON, county, Pa., is one of that town's postmaster of Freedom, Beaver most active and popular business men, was born in Freedom, March 24, 1863, and is a son of Oliver James Hamilton. His great-
grandfather, James Hamilton, was born in Ireland, and on coming to America, settled among the early pioneers of the western town- ships of Beaver county. While assisting the sheriff to make an arrest, he was shot by some one who supposed him to be the sheriff. He was the first white man shot in Beaver county. His children were: James; Oliver; and Martha.
James Hamilton, the grandfather of the subject of this record, went to Beaver, where he learned the trade of a tailor, and afterward settled in Moon township. where he followed farming the rest of his life. He was born March 22, 1789, and died October 12, 1870. He married Elizabeth Weigle, a daughter of John Weigle. She was born December 6, 1799, and died May 7, 1866, at the age of sixty-six. Their children were, as follows: John, born January 16, 1824; Oliver James. born April 4, 1825 ; Caroline J., born August 3, 1826, and married to Daniel Irwin ; Oscar. born April 20, 1828; Eleanor, born June 28, 1830, and married to Milo Jones; Susannalı, born June 24, 1832; Sibeam, born Novem- ber 1, 1834; Juliana. born October 14, 1837. and married to Milfred Webb; Samuel, born November 3, 1839; and Martha, born October 16, 1843. Oliver James Hamilton, the father of William Deloss Hamilton, fo !- lowed farming early in life, and then learned ship carpentering, and became one of the members of the Freedom Barge Building Co., which built boats for many years. Then Mr. Hamilton followed house carpentering, and built himself a home on Fourth street,
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which he sold later. At present, he is retired from active life. He married Lovina Minor, a daughter of James Minor, of Hookstown, Beaver county. Mrs. Hamilton died August 15, 1853, at the age of thirty-four years, and eleven months. Their children were as fol- lows: B. Deloss, deceased; James Oscar, born August 31, 1851, married to Cynthia Davis, and having six children, as follows: Elmer; Fay; Eva; James; and Adam and Nancy J., both deceased. Mr. Hamilton was married again, this time to Mary Jane Calvert, a daughter of James Calvert, of Allegheny, who was born in County Down, Ireland. Miss was born in County Down, Ireland. Miss Calvert was born July 13, 1827. The second union resulted in seven children, as follows: Lizzie L., born March 14, 1859, now de- ceased; John C., born October 19, 1860, and married to Lydia Cuppo, whose children were,-Lizzie, Rubie, John O., and Gertrude ; William Deloss, the subject of this biography ; Milo J., born November 25, 1864, and mar- ried to Joanna Lopp; Frank S., born April 8, 1867, and married to Clara Harshman; Alex- ander O., born May 19, 1869, married to M. Cronk, and having one child,-J. Earl; and Thomas, born April 23, 1871. Mr. Ham- ilton is a Republican in politics, and a mem- ber of the M. E. church.
William Deloss Hamilton, whose name heads this sketch, was educated in the schools of Freedom, and as early as twelve years of age, began work in the Rochester Tumbler Works,-spending several years also as a glass blower, in Pittsburg. When the Key-
stone Tumbler Works were established in Rochester, he was one of the organizers and stockholders, and is at present a stockholder. He worked there until January, 1898, when he was appointed postmaster of Freedom. The postoffice of Freedom was established about May 28, 1832, with Stephen Phillips as postmaster. The officials who preceded him in that capacity were as follows: Will- iam Smith, May 9, 1836; T. F. Robinson, March 6, 1840; Henry Bryan, April 30, 1844; Frederick Schumacker, September 25, 1845; William P. Phillips, February 18, 1850; John Graham, June 16, 1853; William Kerr, March 13, 1861 ; William D. Fisher, May 26, 1871 ; T. C. Kerr, September 6, 1880; Francis M. Grim, February 15, 1886; J. L. Conner; and G. W. Jack. The assistant is Miss Annie C. Lewis. Miss Elizabeth Wright served as as- sistant from 1880 until 1898.
Mr. Hamilton built, on Fourth avenue, a beautiful residence, which he occupies. He was united in marriage with Margaret Fehr, a daughter of Conrad and Mary Fehr. She was born in Pittsburg, but was reared in Freedom. The children which have blessed this union are: Clyde D .; Milo S .; Mary G .; Harry C., and an infant son, un- named. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Woodmen of the World and is a member, and ex-steward, of the Method- ist Episcopal church. His present position he has filled to the entire satisfaction of all the citizens, and he has fully demonstrated that he is worthy of all the trust and con- fidence reposed in him.
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REDERICK DAVIDSON, vice- president of the Union Drawn Steel Co., of Beaver Falls, Pa., is among the most prominent citizens of his town. His career gives evidence of careful training in early youth. When young, he moved to Beaver, where he received his primary education, and later took an academic course at Chester Mili- tary School. His business tact and abilities attracted the attention of an official of the National Bank of New Brighton, and he ob- tained a situation as clerk in the bank, which he held for three years. He then accepted the responsible position of cashier of the Beaver National Bank. At the death of his brother, James J., he became president of the Union Drawn Steel Co., of Beaver Falls. His life has been a steady, onward and upward advance in every field of usefulness to which he has been called, in which respect his career is suggestively similar to that of his father. Socially, Frederick Davidson is affiliated with St. James Lodge, No. 457, F. & A. M., of the borough of Beaver, where he now lives. His political preference is with the Republican party. The subject of this writing is the youngest son of Daniel R. and Margaret C. (Johnston) Davidson, and a grandson of Wil- liam and Sarah (Rogers) Davidson.
Hon. William Davidson was of Scotch- Irish origin, and was born in Carlisle, Cum- berland county, Pa., February 14, 1783. He was a very prominent man of his day, both in religious and political circles. He was a clergyman of the Christian church and a very active worker in that denomination; he was
equally influential in the political arena, hav- ing served as a member of the State Legisla- ture, as state senator, and as speaker of the House. He died at the age of eighty-five years.
Daniel R. Davidson, father of Frederick, was an active business man of Beaver, Pa., and was born in Fayette county, Pa., January 12, 1820, where he was a pupil in the select schools. He was a man of notable commer- cial tact and ability; his business relations were varied and extensive. He dealt largely in coke and coal, and owned valuable mines. For many years, he was a successful and in- fluential railroad official, having built the B. & O. R. R. from Pittsburg to Connellsville, Pa., in connection with which he held various of- fices, and for a time was president of that branch. After severing his connection with that road, he was the main promoter of the Fayette county branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. At the time of his death, he was president of the Commercial National Bank, of Pittsburg, having been one of the organ- izers of that institution. He was also one of the board of directors of the National Bank of Commerce, of Pittsburg, from the time of its organization. He was the owner of two plants in the coke regions, and was president of the Love Manufacturing Co., of Rochester, Pa., during its existence. In politics, he was a Republican, and gave the weight of his in- fluence to the advancement of the principles of that party, believing his own, as well as the public interests, were best advanced by Re- publican policies.
WILLIAM HENRY WAGONER.
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Daniel R. Davidson was married in Fayette county, Pa., in 1846, to Margaret C. Johnston, daughter of Alexander Johnston, who was of Scotch-Irish descent. Seven children blessed this union, and were named as follows : Charles, who lives in Connellsville, Pa .; Sarah, William J., and Elizabeth, deceased ; George, who is cashier of the National Bank of New Brighton ; James J., deceased; Louis R .; and Frederick, the subject of this sketch. Daniel R. Davidson died March 18, 1884, and with his death ended a very useful and exem- plary life.
ILLIAM HENRY WAGONER, a noted machinist, whose portrait is presented on the opposite page, has been a resident of Beaver Falls since 1883, when he accepted a position with the Hart- man Steel Company, but subsequently en- gaged with the American Steel & Wire Com- pany. He learned the trade of a rod roller, -becoming quite an expert at that business. On December 22, 1892, he was promoted to the position of a boss roller of that mill. The plant is an important one, and, when running full time, night and day, furnishes employment to 151 men, many of whom are under the direct supervision of Mr. Wagoner. August 24, 1899, Mr. Wagoner accepted a more responsible position with the same com- pany, at Rankin, Pa., and has charge of the company's works there, as boss roller.
Besides the important position he occupies
with the above-mentioned firm, Mr. Wagoner is also interested in various other enterprises of minor note. In the many years he has exercised his right of suffrage, Mr. Wagoner has always voted with the Republican party, and takes an unusually active part in politics. He is a thorough advocate of good systems of public instruction and was elected to the office of school director from the sixth ward; he has taken a deep interest in affairs under consideration by the directors, and has served on some of the most important committees. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, in good standing,-being a past mas- ter of that order. He is also a member of Lodge No. 225, Knights of Pythias ; of Lodge No. 311, Royal Arcanum, and is a member of Sr. O. U. A. M., Council No. 385.
William Henry Wagoner was born January 7, 1867, in Sewickley, Allegheny county, Pa., and is a son of Andrew and Saralı Jane (Marlatt) Wagoner, and grandson of Joseph Wagoner. Joseph Wagoner was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Sewick- ley, Allegheny county, Pa., where he lived many years, and finally died. He was a carpenter by trade, and a steamboat builder. He assisted in building many boats on the Ohio River, and was an excellent workman. Andrew Wagoner, father of William Henry, was born in Sewickley township, December 16, 1832. He was reared in the same locality, and attended the district schools, remaining there even after attaining his majority. Like his father, he also engaged in carpenter work
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and steamboat building, and is now located in Van Wert, Ohio.
He was joined in matrimony with Sarah Jane Marlatt, a daughter of Joseph Marlatt. She was also a native of Allegheny county, and bore her husband eight children, four of whom are now deceased. The names of the children are: Elias, who resides in Little Chip- pewa township, where he follows the occupa- tion of a farmer; Cecelia, deceased; William Henry, the subject of this sketch; Frank L., who died at the age of twenty-two years ; James and Joseph, twins, who died young ; Mary Luella, wife of W. J. Harris, of Beaver Falls; and Alfred. William Henry Wagoner was the recipient of a practical education ac- quired in the public schools of Sewickley. After leaving school his first position was with the Bentley & Goehring Works, of New Brighton, where he remained until 1883, when he went to Beaver Falls, as before mentioned.
The subject of this record was joined in marriage with Elizabeth A. Tucker, an at- tractive young lady. Their home was bright- ened by the presence of four children, one of whom is now deceased. Their names are : Winifred M .; Samuel Anderson; Warren Henry, deceased; and Merle Edwin. Besides his cares and duties, Mr. Wagoner has time to devote to other affairs, and takes much inter- est in the progress and welfare of his commun- ity. He is abundantly qualified to fill his pres- ent, or any similar, position, for his life has been spent in factories and in following me- chanical arts. He is found ready and willing to undertake new projects, but is still conser-
vative enough to withhold his support from visionary and wild cat schemes. He is broad and liberal in his ideas, and is esteemed and respected by his many acquaintances; he per- forms the varied duties which fall to his lot with a ready tact and ease that come only from thorough experience.
ENRY SECHRIST, a progressive dairyman, and stock and feed farmer, of Big Beaver township, ranks among the most up-to-date agriculturists of Beaver county, Pa. Mr. Sechrist commenced the dairy business about 1872, when he pur- chased the homestead farm from his father. Previous to that, he had followed farming ever since leaving school, and the compiete imanagement of the farm had been left to him for several years. He removed to Beaver county, when nineteen years of age. Having good business ability he was quick to realize that money was to be made in the dairy trade. He started with only twelve cows, but has since had as many as thirty-five. At first, he kept only the short-horn variety, but later changed to the Holstein breed. and now keeps Only Jerseys. The dairy products of his farm were formerly shipped to Allegheny and Pitts- burg. Later, he purchased a retail route in Beaver Falls. Disposing of that, Mr. Sechrist now ships to Beaver Falls. He also raises hogs and horses, and large quantities of grain and hay. Most of the latter is, however, feed for his stock. Soon after purchasing it, our
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subject built a new house on his farm; this house was destroyed by fire in 1894. In March, of the same year, was begun the erec- tion of his present handsome residence, which was constructed from plans drawn by himself. He also built fine, large barns, equipped with all modern conveniences. Only the latest and most improved farming implements are to be found on his farm, and when not in use, these are carefully sheltered under neat sheds pre- pared for the purpose. Everything about his place goes to show the superior ability and management of its owner, the entire premises being a model of neatness and convenience. Besides keeping up the old orchards on the farm, Mr. Sechrist has recently planted a fine, large peach orchard containing the choicest varieties to be found.
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