USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 25
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
297
BEAVER COUNTY
ment, while gallantly leading the assault, Gen- eral Littell was again wounded by a ball. This ball struck him in the left thigh, passed through a pocket-book, and lodged in his body. While a disastrous day for him, it was a glorious one for the Union Army. Although suffering severely, General Littell was able to exult in the splendid victory. He was re- moved to Fortress Monroe, the ball having been extracted while on the field. Later, he was sent to his home. Upon the recommenda- tion of General Terry, as a merited recogni- tion of his distinguished valor, he was created a brevet-brigadier general. While recovering from the wounds received at Cold Harbor, a party of inferior officers tried to secure the General's discharge from the army. This was done to better their own chance of promo- tion. Rumors of the situation reached the General before their plans had finally matared, however, and, with his wound still running, he returned to his command. It is a fact worthy of note that of all the commissioned officers who went out with the regiment, the subject of our sketch and one other alone returned.
After such a notable war record, General Littell was urged to be a candidate for sheriff, and was elected by a large majority, in 1866. Immediately after the expiration of his first term, he settled upon the farm where he still lives. This farm contains 233 acres of fine, improved land and was purchased from Har- rison Power. The General erected another house and built better barns, and his farm is conceded to be one of the best in his section. For many years he operated a dairy. He was
one of the organizers of the creamery in Dar- lington, of which he is still a stockholder. He was president of the same until he declined to serve longer, but is still retained on the board of directors. He now makes a specialty of raising early lambs for the market. He is a Republican, and has served as school di- rector and as supervisor. He is also an elder of the United Presbyterian church.
LYDE W. INMAN, a manufacturer and merchant of Cannelton, Pa., was born in Chippewa township, Beaver county, in 1867. He received his scholastic training in the schools of his native town, and in Darlington Academy. After leaving school, he began to work in a coal mine, doing the work of a bailer. This he followed for a short time, and then commenced work on the N. Y., P. & C. R. R., which was during the construc- tion of the road. After a few months, he again returned to the mines as a coal digger for Mr. Mansfield, a well-known operator. In 1884, he made another change, this time entering the carpenter department of the Al- legheny car shops. One year later, he re- turned to work for Mr. Mansfield as a car- penter, to do the wood work in the manu- facture of the Grimm drill. In 1886, he opened a general store in Cannelton in part- nership with his father and brother. Fifteen months later, he bought out the interests of his partners, and has since conducted the store alone. He also bought the plant of,
298
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
and the right to manufacture, the Grimm drill. In 1893, he built a new work shop and put in new machinery. He has an up- right engine and boiler, two screw-cutting lathes, a large drill press, forges, and nu- merous jigs, and labor-saving devices.
In connection with his factory, Mr. Inman operates a general blacksmith shop, where he manufactures picks, sledges, wedges, bars, etc. The market for his goods extends through the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Illinois, and Michigan. The Grimm drill is a tool sub- jected to years of actual test, and has been demonstrated to be the most durable, effec- tive, and economical drill in the market. It finds a sale in every land, and has everywhere been crowned with the highest competitive honors. These drills bore one and one-half to three inch holes, and eight feet deep at any angle, in coal, fire clay, rock, and slate.
Mr. Inman keeps a stock of general goods in his store, varying from groceries to hard- ware. He has a large warehouse and is well equipped to satisfy the demands of miners and farmers. He is also a member of the firm of Inman Brothers, miners and shippers, his partner being his brother, G. W. Inman. Their coal trade is local, but they ship a clay, which is like Cannel coal, peculiar, and as fine a quality as can be found in any part of the world.
The subject of this sketch married Laura E. Hays, daughter of Charles Hays, the well known blacksmith, of South Beaver town- ship. They have three children: Lena W .;
Zoe M .; and Hannah E. Mr. Inman is a strong Republican, and a member of the county committee. His fraternal associations are with the I. O. O. F. and Meridian Lodge, No. 411, F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. His sympathies are with the church of the Seceders.
R. JAMES S. LOUTHAN, a prom- inent physician and surgeon of Beaver Falls, Pa., has, by his per- severance and strict attention to professional duties, placed himself in the foremost rank of physicians in Beaver county, and has built up a large practice in the home of his adop- tion, where he has been located since 1890. Dr. Louthan was born in South Beaver town- ship, Beaver county, Pa., April 28, 1856. He received his early scholastic training at Dar- lington Academy, after which he followed the profession of teaching for four years, sub- sequently attending Westminster College. He began the study of medicine under Dr. Moon, and later studied with Dr. Strouss. He took the required course of lectures at Cleveland Medical College, graduating in the class of 1882. Dr. Louthan began the prac- tice of his profession immediately after his graduation, locating at Fairview, Beaver county, Pa., where he remained until 1890, when he located in Beaver Falls, and is still to be found there.
Dr. Louthan is a quiet, unassuming gentle- man of a very pronounced, studious nature.
299
BEAVER COUNTY
To him it is a pleasure to keep in step with the wonderful advances made of late in his profession. No new thing escapes his atten- tion, and he is quick to grasp and utilize any modern discovery, which may be used to the advantage of his patients. Careful and con- servative, he is a strict adherent to the ethics of his craft, and possesses the traits of a true professional worker. Dr. Louthan descended from one of the first families of Virginia. He is a son of James Louthan, Jr., grandson of James Louthan, Sr., and great-grandson of Moses Louthan.
Moses Louthan was a native of Scotland. and his parents were the first representatives of the family in America. They settled in Vir- ginia, where their son Moses, in early man- hood, engaged in farming. Later in life, how- ever, he removed to South Beaver township, Beaver county, Pa., being one of the earliest settlers of that county. He was a member of the Salem church congregation, and was one of its first elders. Moses Louthan lived to be over eighty years of age. His wife, Betsy, bore him seven children, as follows: James; George; William; Samuel ; Henry; and Betsy. James Louthan, the next in line, was born in Beaver township and received his mental training in the vicinity of his home. Like his father, he followed the occupation of a farmer, settling on a farm adjoining the old homestead, where he remained a few years, and then sold it and moved to the state of Ohio, settling near Worcester. There his death took place, in his forty-third year.
He was joined in wedlock with Anna Brad-
shaw, a daughter of Robert Bradshaw, of South Beaver township. Mrs. Louthan died at the advanced age of eighty-three years. As her husband died early in life, the rearing of the family fell mostly upon her shoulders. Two sons and three daughters were the off- spring of this worthy couple, named as fol- lows: Moses; Sarah (Sebring); Eliza ; Susan (McConnell); and James, Jr., father of the subject hereof. They are now deceased, ex- cept James, the youngest.
James Louthan, Jr., was born near Worcester, Ohio, but obtained his schooling in South Beaver township, Pa., whither his mother had removed soon after the death of her husband. At the time of his father's death, James was but six years old. Upon reaching manhood, James became apprenticed, and learned the carpenter's trade in New Brighton. In that capacity he worked upon the first brick building in that flourishing borough, and followed his trade almost unin- terruptedly for over forty years, making his home in South Beaver. He was an indus- trious, enterprising citizen, with a love for work and a capacity for achieving success in whatever he undertook to accomplish. He also followed agricultural pursuits, and was respected by all men of character and position. Purchasing twenty acres of woodland, he cleared some, and built a home, very soon add- ing sixty acres more. In 1838, he wedded Nancy Strain, a daughter of James Strain, of Chippewa township. Mrs. Louthan passed away from her earthly home in June, 1879, after assisting in rearing a family
300
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
of ten children. Mr. Louthan sold the homestead, and removed to Darlington, remaining there until 1896, when he went to Beaver Falls, and is now spending the sunset of life in retirement. One remarkable fact concerning this family is their general good health; neither the father nor any of the children ever had any serious illness. Mr. Louthan was first a Whig, then a Free-soiler, and later a Republican, in his political attachments. He is strong in his belief, and is intensely interested in the gov- erning policy of the nation. In his religious views, he is a Covenanter. His children's names are: Mary A. (Craig) ; Asa (Martin) ; Rebecca (Rayle) ; Susan M. (Hartzell) ; Eliza- beth W. (Cox); Bradford; Allie (Bradshaw); James S. (subject) ; Nancy (Patterson); and John.
Dr. J. S. Louthan was united in marriage witli May Johnson, an entertaining daughter of Joseph Johnson, who now resides in Beaver Falls. Their nuptials were consummated in 1884, and their home is brightened by the presence of two daughters: Ethel Zoe; and Elizabeth Gemiska.
Dr. Louthan is a Republican, and takes a fitting interest in party affairs. He is a mem- ber of the Beaver County Medical Associa- tion. Aside from his professional duties, he is a very energetic gentleman in the town and county. He was one of the organizers of the Dime Savings & Loan Association, of Beaver Falls, and is one of its directors. He is also a director of the Farmers National Bank.
O. BROWN is the junior member of the firm of Steffler & Brown, manu- facturers of paving brick, in Darling- ton, Pennsylvania. Mr. Brown was born in Armstrong county, in October, 1867. After receiving a practical education in the public schools of his native county, he learned the trade of a carpenter, working as a journey- man in Armstrong county, and later in Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania. He went to the latter place in 1885, and entered the employ of Mr. Steffler, a prominent contractor and builder of that city. He remained in the employ of Mr. Steffler for a period of ten years, and became an expert workman.
In 1896, in company with Mr. Steffler, Mr. Brown purchased the plant of the Darlington Fire Brick Company, then owned by Messrs. Cook, Sturgeon & Cook, and since then busi- ness has been carried on under the firm name of Steffler & Brown. Their plant is strictly up-to-date, and covers about three acres of ground. Adjacent to it is a bed of fine clay and coal. The clay from this district is as fine as may be obtained in any part of the world. Large quantities of the raw and ground clay are shipped to all parts of the United States. At the works are five large draught kilns and three large dry tunnels. Each kiln holds 60,000 brick. The kilns are kept going all the time.
The engine house adjoins the machine room, and is equipped with two 100 horse power boilers and an 80 horse power engine. This large engine runs the crusher and dry pan for grinding clay, also the wire cutting
i
WILLIAM H. FOX.
303
BEAVER COUNTY
machine, the soft mud machine and the re- pressing machine. One brick-making ma- chine has a capacity of 20.000 bricks per day. A smaller engine operates the fan for the dry tunnel.
The company owns its own railroad siding. and a network of train and trestle roads for the transportation of clay and coal from the bank: to the works. The main offices of the company are in Pittsburg. About twenty men are constantly employed, and the products of the p'ant are shipped to Pittsburg and throughout the West.
Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Lily Steffler, the accomplished daughter of his business partner. Their marriage took place in Pittsburg. Mrs. Brown was born in Lawrence county, in 1872. One son. Harry, born June 8, 1896, is the result of this most happy union. Mr. Brown is a stanch Repub- lican, but has given his attention strictly to his business interests, having no time for political campaigning. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are faithful attendants of the United Presbyterian church, and contribute gener- ously towards its support. They also assist worthy charitable institutions. Both are well and favorably known in social and religious circles throughout Beaver county.
ILLIAM H. FOX, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is the leading blacksmith of Beaver Falls, and he is recognized as having no superior in Beaver county, Pa., in the line of shoeing
horses. He owns a large, brick shop and gives employment to several skilful hands who are constantly kept busy in order to meet the demands of his large patronage ; he is also a prominent and industrious citizen, command- ing the respect and good-will of a host of ac- quaintances. He was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1862, and his parents are David and Rachael (Van Horn) Fox.
His grandfather, Peter Fox. was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he followed his trade as a millwright during his active life. Ilis wife was Miss Saddler by whom he reared five sons and three daughters: Joseph ; Michael; John: Peter; David; Mrs. Morrison ; Mrs. Kennedy ; and Mrs. Ryhel.
David Fox was born in Lawrence county. Pa., in 1818, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which occupation he successfully followed throughout his active career. He was joined in marriage with Miss Rachael Van Horn, who was born in Lawrence county, Pa., in 1825, and they became the parents of seven children, as follows: William H., the subject of this narrative; Abram V .; Rebecca J. (McCurdy) ; Mary M. (Dick): Katie (Gol- den) : Emma (Williams). and Agnes (Cam- eron).
William H. Fox received a common school education in Venango county, Pa., and at the age of sixteen years, he began life on his own account. Leaving his father's farm, he sought to learn the trade of a blacksmith ; after mastering the trade, in 1884 he located in Beaver Falls, where he has since established the reputation of being the most expert and
304
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
competent blacksmith in the county. His patronage increased to such a large extent that it was necessary for him not only to en- large his shop but also to employ more hands to cope with the growing demands. Accord- ingly, he erected a fine two-story shop facing Third avenue on the corner of Eighth street, and he is now able to accommodate his pa- trons. Mr. Fox is well deserving of the suc- cess that has met his efforts; he is enter- prising and progressive, and supports all measures that tend to promote the welfare of the community.
Mr. Fox was joined in the bonds of matri- mony with Miss Mary A. Hitchin, a native of England. Socially, he is a member of the Order of Maccabees, Woodmen of the World, and Independent Order of Good Templars. In politics, he is a Republican, while in relig- ious views he favors the Methodist church.
AMES S. WILSON, who is a prom- inent and independent farmer of North Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pa., is a veteran of the Civil War and bears an excellent record for honorable and valiant service. He is a son of James and Barbara (Showalter) Wilson, and was born November 27, 1833.
James Wilson, the father of James S., was born on Hickory Creek in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His father died when he was a young man and his mother was again mar- ried to a Mr. Ralston, and he soon after went
to Butler county, where he remained for some time. He moved to Beaver county at an early day, and worked as a farm hand until 1832, when he bought the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. It consisted of one hundred and seven acres of wooded land, and he worked early and late until hie cleared all but twenty acres, upon which the timber still stands. He was one of the prosperous and substantial men of the township, and was everywhere held in the highest esteem. He died in 1891, aged eighty-six years. He mar- ried Barbara Showalter, and they became the parents of twelve children: Salina, the widow of H. M. Biddell, who lives in Beaver Falls; Nancy, who died at the age of thirty years; William F., who moved West; James S., the subject of this personal history ; Joseph F., who lives in New Brighton; Harrison, who died at the age of nineteen years; Mary Jane, deceased ; Jefferson ; Aaron, a dry goods merchant and Baptist minister, who lives at Rochester; John, who died in the army during the Civil War; Thomas, who is engaged in the grocery business at Rochester, Beaver county ; and one who died in infancy. In political be- lief, Mr. Wilson was a Republican. Re- ligiously, he was a devout Christian and at- tended the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Wilson died in 1893.
James S. Wilson was born on the farm on which he now lives, and received a first-class scholastic training in the common schools and in North Sewickley Academy, and pursued a course in Duff's Business College at Pitts- burg. He spent his time working on the farm
305
BEAVER COUNTY
until the Civil War was in progress, and then, in answer to the call for volunteers, he en- listed, August 23, 1861, in Company C, 63d Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., as a private. He saw much hard and continued fighting, but was ever willing and even eager to perform his full share of the work, and more. He is of a cool and even temperament, and in times of danger was undisturbed, and always to be seen in the very thickest of the fight. In 1863, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy. He took part in the following important en- gagements: The siege of Yorktown; Will- iamsburg; Fair Oaks; Seven Days Battle; second battle of Bull Run; and Chantilly. He then went home on recruiting service, re- maining six months, and upon returning to the regiment, participated in the battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, following Lee to Manassas Gap, where an engagement took place. He fought in the battles of Mine Run, Kelly's Ford, and in the battle of the Wilderness, where, on May 5, he was severely wounded in the thigh and hip. He was com- pelled to go to the hospital for three months, and upon going home, used a pair of crutches for two years. He then resumed agricultural pursuits, his farm being under a high state of cultivation, and one of the best in that sec- tion. It is supplied with good substantial and convenient outbuildings, which are so essen- tial to success in farming, and the house in which he resides is a large brick dwelling. He is a man of pleasing personality, a clever con- versationalist, and has a host of friends.
On July 24, 1866, Mr. Wilson was joined in
wedlock with Miss Jemima A. McCreary, a daughter of William and Mary McCreary, of North Sewickley township, and six children were born to them: Mary E., the wife of E. U. McDaniel; Sarah Jane, the wife of Henry Bonzo; Cecelia N., who married Jefferson Kinney ; and Anna, Aaron, and George, who live with the parents. Religiously, the fam- ily are Presbyterians.
ENRY M. CAMP is one of the most active and prominent business men in the borough of Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., where the Camp family has re- sided and contributed to its growth and pros- perity since its early days. Our subject is in- terested in many of the local enterprises, and since 1887 he has acted in the capacity of superintendent of the Rochester Heat & Light Company. He was born in Rochester in 1850, and is a son of Michael Camp and grandson of Michael Camp, Sr.
Michael Camp was born in Hanover, Ger- many, and, with his brother John, came to the United States in 1832, first locating in Philadelphia, then in Butler county, and fin- ally in Beaver county, where he spent his re- maining days. They crossed over the moun- tains in a wagon, and at Rochester made a stop, and there John erected the old National Hotel on Water street; he later owned the one now adjoining, known as the Farmer's Hotel. Michael Camp was engaged in the making of shoes, the work being all by hand; the leather was purchased from near-by
306
BOOK OF BIOGRAPHIES
tanners and much of the work was let out to men who would complete it at their homes. His home and shop were located in Beaver, near where Mr. Frank Laird now resides. During his latter days he retired to Rochester, where he passed from this life, aged seventy- five years. His wife was Annie Barbara Schlesman, and they became the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, who died in Germany; Catherine, who married John Frick ; Michael; Mary, who was born while her parents were crossing the ocean, and who is the wife of John Miller ; Christian and Mar- tin, who are twins; Margaret, who was mar- ried to Benjamin Dawson ; Henry ; John ; and Barbara, who is the wife of James Robinson.
Michael Camp was born in Hanover. Ger- many, in 1827, and upon coming to this coun- try, learned the trade of a brickmaker, but soon discontinued that occupation and ac- cepted a position as clerk in the National Hotel. John Buchler was proprietor, and died the second day after taking possession of the hotel. Mr. Camp continued as clerk in the hotel, and later married Mrs. John Buch- ler, whose maiden name was Magdaline Weise. She died in 1877, aged sixty-four years, and had been married three times. Her first husband was Mr. Zerker, by whom she reared three children : Magdaline, Mary, and John. Her second husband was John Buch- ler, and four children were born to them: Frederick, William, Caroline and Emma. Her third union was with Michael Camp, and their only child was Henry M., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Camp formed a second union,
with Mrs. Catherine (Mauser) Smith, widow of John Smith. Mr. Camp owned and con- ducted the Pavilion Hotel, now known as the St. James, from 1861 to 1886; in the latter year he sold out to C. H. Clarke, and moved on the farm formerly owned by William John- son, which is located on the east side of Adams street. Mr. Camp still resides there, and is spending his latter days in comfort and hap- piness. He has always been a stanch Demo- crat, and has served in the council, as assessor and in many minor offices. Mr. Camp was one of the promoters, and is a large stock- holder, of the Rochester Insurance Com- pany; he is a stockholder in the Rochester Flint Vial & Bottle Works,-now known as the Point Bottle Works,-a stockholder in the Olive Stove Works, a member of the Rochester Heat & Light Company, a di- rector in the Big Beaver Bridge Company, and a stockholder in the Keystone Tumbler Company. He built his present residence and has also erected many houses for tenement use.
The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Rochester until he attained the age of seventeen years, when he went to Pitts- burg to learn the machinists' trade, and fol- lowed it for five years. Returning to Rochester, he went into the hotel business with his father, but upon the organization of the Rochester Heat & Light Company, he became superintendent and a stockholder. This company is composed of two hundred stockholders and has a capital stock of $18,- 000. The gas used is furnished from Beaver
JOHN BEUTER.
309
BEAVER COUNTY
and Allegheny counties, and the company has not only been a success, but a means of great saving to the residents of Rochester. Our subject is a stockholder in the Rochester In- surance Company, the Flint Vial & Bottle Works, the Big Beaver Bridge Company, the People's Electric Railroad, and the High River Bridge Company. In 1883, he erected a handsome brick residence on the corner of Jefferson and Connecticut streets, and has re- sided there ever since.
Mr. Camp was joined in marriage with Miss Tillie E. Scheinder, a daughter of Louis E. Scheinder, of Rochester, and this happy union has been blessed by the birth of three children : Charles A. ; Marl Etta, and Emma Maria, deceased. Our subject is a solid Demo- crat, and has served as a councilman. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the Lutheran church; socially, he is a member and past master of the Masonic fraternity; and mem- ber and past regent of the Royal Arcanum. Mr. Camp is a man of high business principles, is respected by all who know him, and is al- ways active in advancing the prosperity of his adopted town and county.
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.