USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 37
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Charles A. Treiber received his schooling in Beaver Falls, and learned the trade of plumb- ing in the shops of Chandley Bros., and be- came an expert workman; the finest work in the shop was always given to him. He re- mained in the employ of this firm for twenty-
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five years, and in 1892 started in business for himself, under the firm name of C. A. Treiber & Co. His first store was located at 1404 Sev- enth avenue, and he then moved to temporary quarters on Fourteenth street. The store is now located on Seventh avenue, in handsome new quarters recently purchased by the firm. There is a fine display-room, sales-room, stock-room and work-shop. Some of the best and largest contracts in the county have been awarded to the firm, among them may be mentioned the buildings of John Elliot: Dr. Moon; F. H. Laird; J. Kurtz; Judge Wick- ham; the Doncaster house ; McColl Tube Co .; Emerson, Smith & Co .; Glass Company; Mayer Pottery Co .; Enamel Sign Co .; H. M. Myers Co. The firm has also done a great deal of work for the P. & L. E. R. R. be- sides having numerous less important con- tracts. They do plumbing, gas, steam and hot water pipe fitting, and also do a large business in bath tubs. They are special agents in the county for the Champion beer pump, and Welsbach lights. They also deal extensively in gas stoves, and keep a large stock on hand. The firm can rightly be proud of their store, and feel that their efforts have been well re- warded.
The subject of this biography married Annie O. Connell, who was born and educated in Buffalo, New York. Mr. Treiber is an in- dependent Democrat, is a school director ; member of the R. A .; past chancellor, and grand lodge officer of the K. of P. ; and a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. He takes an active part in all political and social affairs, and is well known throughout the county.
J C. McKIM,* a retired contractor and builder, is spending his declining years on his fine farm in Big Beaver town- ship, Beaver county, Pa., and enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. He was born De- cember 17, 1834, is a son of William and Margaret (Gilkey) McKim, and a grandson, of James and Hannah (Lewis) McKim.
James McKim was born in Ireland, in 1744. When twenty-two years of age, he came to America. Not many years after he sought a home in America, the Revolutionary War broke out. James joined the Washington Life Guards and served throughout that long and bloody struggle, as did his brother John, who was in the same regiment.
At the close of the war, James went to Northumberland county, where he found em- ployment as a furnace man in the iron works. He left there eight years afterwards, and en- gaged in similar work in the Beaver Valley. About the year 1800 he bought a farm of wild land in Beaver county. After opening a small area, he built a log house and barn and en- gaged in clearing and cultivating the rest of the tract. He improved his place as rapidly as possible, and raised general farm products. He died at the good old age of eighty-eight. Hannah Lewis, also born and reared in Ire- land, became his faithful wife and they reared six of their seven children. The names of their offspring are: Alexander; Thomas; John; William, the father of J. C .; Mary (Marshall); Hannah, who died aged eleven; and Elizabeth.
William McKim was born in Northumber-
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land county, Pa., in 1790. When only ten years old, he accompanied his parents to Bea- ver county, where he attended school. After this he engaged in farming. When twenty- two years old, he enlisted in the army, and fought in the War of 1812, serving through that memorable contest. On the termination of the struggle he resumed work on the farm, assisting his father on the old homestead. At a period later in life, he purchased a farm of ninety-five acres, and upon this he built a two- story, hewed-log house, which was a very fine house, for those days. He cleared his land, raised a great deal of grain, and also de- voted much time and attention to sheep-rais- ing. He was a shoemaker, also, and followed that trade to a considerable extent during the winter months.
William McKim was twice married. In November, 1816, he was wedded to Letitia Miller, by whom he had four children, name- ly: Robert, Hannah, Lewis and James. Rob- ert was born in 1818, was educated in the dis- trict schools, and was a teacher for fourteen years. He was a fine linguist; later in life, he devoted his attention to agricultural pur- suits. Hannah (Cochran) was born in May, 1820; Lewis, was born January 7, 1823, and James was born July 14, 1825. Some time after the death of his first wife, Mr. McKim formed a second matrimonial alliance by wed- ding Margaret Gilkey, who was also born and schooled in Beaver county. This union resulted in five children, whose names are: T. W., a prominent educator; J. C., subject of this biography; William A., a successful
farmer in Kansas; Harvey M .; and Mary J. (Runyon). William McKim belonged to the Republican party. He served as school director, supervisor and collector. He was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, of which he was a deacon for many years. He died in 1856, and his widow sur- vived him until 1879.
J. C. McKim was born on the old home- stead, and was the recipient of a good prac- tical education obtained in the district schools. He learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that line of work until 1861. He then enlisted in the Union army and served nine months in the Civil War. His brother, Harvey M., also enlisted, and served three years and a half. After the war, J. C. McKim formed a part- nership with his brother, and worked at con- tracting and building, until 1868. He then bought his first farm, containing fifty-five acres. He carried on the double work of farming and contracting and was soon en- abled to add forty acres to his original pur- chase. He then discontinued carpentering and devoted his time exclusively to farming. From time to time he has added to his land until he now owns one of the finest farms in Beaver county. It contains two hundred and fifty-nine acres and has two fine dwelling houses. One is an attractive brick residence and the other is a new frame, recently built by Mr. McKim from plans and specifications of his own design. It is a handsome struc- ture and a model of beauty and convenience. It was built two years ago, and is now occu- pied by Mr. McKim as his home. The barns,
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sheds and out-buildings compare well with the house in the matter of modern design.
The subject hereof carries on general farm- ing. He married Sabina Miller, a talented lady, who was born in 1840, and became Mr. McKim's wife, in 1864. She is a daughter of William and Margaret (Crawford) Miller, and a granddaughter of Robert and Catherine (Williams) Miller. Robert Miller was born at Northampton, and came to his death at the age of forty-five years,-while assisting in raising a barn. He married Catherine Wil- liams, and they had ten children, namely : Aaron; William; Moses; Charles, who died at the age of eight years; Lettie (McKim): Jane (Crawford); Ellen (Shannon); Mary (McChesney); Sidney, who remained single; and Elizabeth, who was twice married. Her first husband's name was Eckels; her second was a Mr. Parker.
William Miller was born, in 1802, in Beaver county, where he was educated. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed dur- ing the winters. When his services in this capacity were required he would go to the house where shoes were needed, and remain there until he had made shoes for the entire family, if so requested. During the summer he engaged in farming. He was joined in marriage with Margaret Crawford, a daughter of Robert and Martha (McClelland) Craw- ford. They reared six children, namely: El- len, born in 1828; Robert, born in 1831; Martha (wife of F. W. McKim), born in 1834; Aaron, born in 1837; Sabina (J. C. McKim's wife), born in 1840; and Nevin, born in 1843.
To the subject of this biography and his worthy wife one son, William M. McKim, was born, in 1865. William M. McKim was a student at Bridgewater Academy, and is a fine scholar. He adopted, however, the peace- ful, independent life of a farmer. He married Ironette Patterson and three bright children now bless their home. They are Mary R., born in 1894; John P., born in 1896; and Robert G., born in 1898.
Previous to his marriage with Miss Patter- son, William M. assisted his father, who then gave him a place of his own, as a foundation for his future career. Mr. McKim has been an elder in the United Presbyterian church for several years. In politics he acknowledges his preference for the Republican party. He has served as school director, and in various town- ship offices.
OHN M. HUGHES,* who is highly esteemed as one of the leading citizens of Beaver Falls, Pa., is one of the most extensive contractors in this section of the state and has erected many industrial plants, and constructed a large number of railroads. He is a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Grubb) Hughes, and was born in Braddock, Pa., in 1860.
John A. Hughes, the father of John M., was born in Pine Creek, Allegheny county, Pa., in 1822, and in 1840 removed to Braddock, where he followed the business of general contracting for thirty years. In 1870, he built the Grant Mills on Clarion River, which he
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conducted until they were destroyed by fire. He then returned to Braddock, and started a steam saw-mill and a boat building yard. He bought the steamboat Kangaroo, of which he acted as captain for several years; in 1875, he moved to Beaver Falls, and en- gaged in general contracting. At a subse- quent period he took in his sons as partners, as he preferred the river life, which he con- tinued to follow until his death, on March 14, 1898. He married Elizabeth Grubb, and they became the parents of eight children : Mary (Sloss); Elizabeth (Beams); Margaret (Willets); Martha (Casner); James H., who was killed at Edgar Thompson's steel works; Olive L. (Willets); John M., the subject of this personal history; and E. O., who is also a contractor. Mr. Hughes was a Democrat in politics; he belonged to the Disciples' church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows order.
John M. Hughes obtained his primary edu- cation in the public schools of Braddock, and took an advanced course at Miss Bell's In- stitute, a private school. He moved with his family to Beaver Falls, and at once secured a position as office boy with the H. M. Myers Shovel Company ; after a while he was trans- ferred to the finishing and handle department. He was finally promoted to be inspector,- which speaks well for his ability and general knowledge of the business,-for that was a feature of the work which Mr. Myers had personally attended to for many years. Con- tinuing thus for three years, he, in the mean- while, took a course in civil engineering under
the instruction of P. Kirkerwaugh. In 1878, he resigned and was taken into the partner- ship with his father, the firm name becoming John A. Hughes & Sons, with offices on Ninth street, between First and Second ave- nues. Their first work was to build the A. F. Wolf stove foundry, but as their reputa- tion grew, their business increased, and they completed many large contracts,-including large coal works in West Virginia; the barns and houses of the Sewickley Dairy Company ; the Newcastle Steel & Wire Nail Mills; the Beaver Falls Chemical Works; and the Belle- vue school building. In 1888, John M. Hughes retired from the firm and started into business for himself, with offices at No. IOII Seventh avenue. His first work was to erect a store room for J. T. Howarth, now the Farmers' National Bank, at the corner of Eleventh street and Seventh avenue. He then built a store adjoining this for John White, who occupied it with a five and ten cent store,-and he himself took offices over it. He then accepted a contract to build the Beaver & Ellwood Short Line R. R., and took op- tions on a great deal of the property, selling it at handsome profits; this was his first im- portant contract while in business for himself. He then went to Ellwood, while the railroad was in the course of construction, and drove the first stake, and put up the first building, in what is now one of the most prosperous towns in Lawrence county. He also built the tube works and the enamel factory, and later had charge of the entire property in the village. This was a very successful under-
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taking and in two years he made considerable money. In 1892, he returned to Beaver Falls and became interested in the street railways and other business ventures; he built the Shenango Valley Railway, from Sharon to Sharpsville, and also the pottery works. He then formed a special partnership with George C. Wareham, for the construction of the Pittsburg & Homestead Street Railway, which was completed in December, 1894, It might be stated here that owing to a lack of business ability, and the foolish and absurd actions of a few of the directors, this immense contract was almost a total loss, and was a severe blow to Mr. Hughes. Having once ascended the ladder to the top round, he was now forced to the ground, to begin anew. Everybody had the utmost confidence in him, and respected him for the scrupulous manner in which he met every obligation. In 1895, he went to West Virginia and built the Moundsville, Benwood & Wheeling R. R., but here again ill luck seemed to follow him, for it was not until after three years of litiga- tion, that he was able to procure his money. In 1897, he returned to Beaver Falls, and made the plans and specifications for the Titusville, Hydetown & Pleasantville Ry., and a short time afterward became a promoter and builder of the Riverview Street Railway. He employs a large force of men, the number ranging between seventy-five and three hun- dred,-over whom he exercises personal su- pervision.
He was united in marriage with Ida L. Lit- tlefield, a descendant of two of America's most
distinguished families, and a daughter of Dr. Littlefield, of North Adams, Mass. She was born in Sterling, Ill., and after completing her education in Edwards Seminary, taught in the Sterling High School. Her union with Mr. Hughes has been blessed by the birth of two children: Homer L., who was born in November, 1892; and J. Mitchell, born in June, 1895. Politically, Mr. Hughes is a stanch Republican, but has accepted but one office,-that of postmaster of Ellwood. Reli- giously, he is a liberal supporter of the Pres- byterian church.
EV. ROBERT WILSON KIDD* is the beloved pastor of the United Pres- byterian church at Beaver Falls, Pa., which charge he has had since the year 1892. He is a man of great strength of will and force of character, with brilliant mind and selí-reliance, and by his courteous manners and winning address, he has not only won the esteem and affection of the members of his congregation, but also the cordial regard of the citizens of the borough. Mr. Kidd is a son of James and Sarah (Middagh) Kidd, and was born in 1848, in Juniata county, Pennsyl- vania.
James Kidd was born in Ireland, and came to this country in 1819; upon arriving he located in Juniata county, Pa., where he bought a large farm and followed agricultural pursuits the rest of his life. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and always voted the Re- publican ticket. As a result of his union with
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Sarah Middagh, seven children were born.
Rev. Mr. Kidd received his preliminary education in the public schools, and after- wards pursued a course at Westminster Col- lege at New Wilmington; in the meantime having decided upon entering the ministry, he began his studies in the theological sem- inary at Newburg, N. Y., in 1873, and com- pleted them in 1876,-when he was at once ordained to the ministry. A very prominent charge was assigned to him,-the Seventh Avenue United Presbyterian Church of New York City, and he continued to occupy the pulpit of that church until 1892. In that year, he accepted his present pastorate in Beaver Falls, which has ever since continued to flourish. The present edifice was erected, in 1893, at a cost of $17,000, and it is one of the most handsome churches in the county; the large liability thereby incurred has been very nearly cleared, through the untiring efforts of Rev. Mr. Kidd. When the subject of this sketch assumed his present position, the men- bership numbered only 224, which number has since been increased to about four hun- dred. The Sabbath school has about 300 members, and all the departments of the church are in a flourishing condition; these are the Young People's Church Union,-the Junior Society,-the Ladies' Aid Society, the Women's Missionary Society, and the Young Women's Missionary Society. Rev. Mr. Kidd is an earnest Christian, a mes- senger of peace and good will, and manifests those traits of character which gain for him the esteem and respect of all who know him.
Politically, Rev. Mr. Kidd is a strong Pro- hibitionist and interests himself in the cause of good government. He was united in the bonds of matrimony with Amanda Harper, a daughter of Dr. James Harper, now of Xenia Theological Seminary, in Ohio. This union was blessed by the birth of four chil- dren, namely: Robert Wallace; Chester Buchanan; Howard Carson; and Gladys Harper.
AMUEL J. CROSS, Jr.,* a pros- perous citizen and well-known busi- ness man of Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., is agent for H. T. Morris of Pitts- burg, with whom he has been identified for more than eleven years. He was born Febru- ary 5, 1865, at Rochester, Beaver county, Pa., and is a son of Samuel J., Sr., a grandson of Joseph, great-grandson of Samuel, and great- great-grandson of Samuel.
Samuel J. Cross, Sr., the father of the sub- ject hereof, was born in Charlestown, Wash- ington county, R. I., January 6, 1828, and was a pupil of Greenwich Academy at Green- wich, R. I. He was subsequently engaged in teaching, which he continued until he became bookkeeper for Roland G. Hazzard at Peace- dale, R. I. In 1855, he removed with his wife to Rochester, Pa., where he opened a gen- eral store on Water street, with E. S. Gard- ner, under the firm name of Cross & Gardner. At a later period he built the block where Mr. Thomas conducts a clothing store, and en- gaged in business alone, but the firm name
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finally became S. J. Cross & Co. It was the leading store in the borough and was exten- sively patronized. Mr. Cross was one of the most energetic business men, who have ever made their homes at Rochester, and his suc- cess was due solely to his own enterprise. He took an earnest interest in public affairs, and was connected with many business ventures as promoter and stockholder. He became agent of the Rochester Land Company for Samuel Signes, a company reported on the verge of failure. But his keen eye for busi- ness and rare foresight pointed out the way to success in that line, and the firm soon became a prosperous and influential one. He was a man of excellent standing in the community, and his advice, often sought, was freely given. He built a fine residence, known now as the Vandersliel estate. Politically, he was a stanch Republican and served in the state leg- islature in 1873-1874. He served as school director many years, and was instrumental in the establishment of first-class schools in the borough. Religiously, he was a Baptist and was a trustee and one of the founders of the church. His wife, whose maiden name was Frances Elizabeth Wells, is still living. They had the following issue: Julia F., the wife of B. T. Dimson; Mary E., who died in in- fancy ; Samuel J., the subject of this personal history ; Emma W., the wife of C. L. Blazier ; George H., a grocer, of Rochester; and Thomas W., who also resides at Rochester. Mr. Cross died September 27, 1875.
Samuel J. Cross, Jr., attended the public schools, and after obtaining a good prelimi-
nary training took a course of study in Beaver College. He then attended the Iron City Business College, after which he entered the employ of his father, with whom he remained until January 1, 1880, when he became con- nected with the People's Institute, of Pitts- burg, as clerk and agent. He continued in their employ until eight years later, when he became identified with H. T. Morris of Pitts- burg. He is a thorough business man, quick to grasp an opportunity for advancement, and one in whom everybody has the greatest con- fidence. He has always resided at Rochester and, in 1895, erected a handsome home on Vermont street, where he now lives.
Mr. Cross was joined in hymeneal bonds with Effie Jenkins, a daughter of Oscar F. Jenkins of Wellsville, Ohio, and they have had five children: Oscar Joseph, who died in in- fancy ; Mary B., who died in infancy ; Alpheus Jenkins; Samuel Joseph, who died in child- hood; and Effie Letitia. Religiously, he is a member of the Baptist church, while his wife is a faithful member of the Episcopal church.
I HOMAS E. CRAVEN* is a large stockholder in, and superintendent of, the American Porcelain Manufactur- ing Company of New Brighton, Pa., and he is the inventor of a composition, which is used in the making of pottery, that surpasses all other preparations used in the making of such wares. He was born in New Brighton June 3, 1856, and is the only child of John Craven, Jr., and grandson of John Craven, Sr.
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The grandfather of Thomas E. was of Eng- lish extraction and spent the greater part of his life in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. In 1830, he began the manufacture of threshing machines at Fallston, in this county, and after several years of success, his establishment was burned down, and he sustained a severe loss. He then applied himself to contracting in New Brighton, and followed that line of busi- ness until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, Catherine, died when ninety-four years old, and they are buried in the Grove cemetery. They reared a family of children, all of whom grew to ma- turity ; their names are: James, Sarah, Ben- jamin, Matilda, Isabella, John, William, Mi- nerva, Charles, and Madison. The father of Thomas E. was a carpenter by trade; he died in the prime of life.
The subject of this memoir was reared by his grandfather, and the day before he was twelve years of age, he entered the pottery works as an apprentice; he worked in all the departments, and became a master of the trade. His inventive turn of mind led to the making of an enamel superior to pottery, and his secret process was not revealed until the organizing of the American Porcelain Manu- facturing Company, of which he is superin- tendent, and a stockholder. This company was organized November 24, 1894; they pur- chased the tile factory of Scott Brothers, lo- cated on Allegheny street, and their kilns, en- gine house, storage and ware house, and ship- ping house cover three acres of ground. Thirty skilled hands are employed by this
company, who turn out a fine grade of por- celain ware, which consists mostly of porce- lain tubs, sinks, and kitchen and pantry uten- sils; they also have many orders for special- ties in the porcelain line. Much of the suc- cess of this company is due to the untiring energy of the subject hereof, who is not only thoroughly acquainted with this line of busi- ness but is a man of good business ability. He is popularly known throughout the county and possesses many warm friends.
Mr. Craven erected, and lived in, the resi- dence now owned by E. Liddell, on Four- teenth street; he now resides at No. 120, Tenth avenue. Mr. Craven first wedded Flora Hoagland, a daughter of John Hoag- land, of Rochester ; she died aged twenty-two years, leaving one child, Elva May. His sec- ond union was with Alice Thompson Foster, a daughter of Harry S. Foster, of Beaver Falls, and their home has been blessed by the birth of six children: Nellie Luzetta; Alice Verna; Luverne Eugene; Harry ; Thomas H. ; and a son who died early in life.
L. HUTCHINSON*, a progressive business man, and highly respected citizen, of Beaver Falls, Beaver county, Pa., is secretary of the Emerson, Smith & Co. Saw Works, an extensive plant covering three acres of ground and situated on Fourteenth street, which ships its prod- uct to all parts of the world. He is a son of William and Sarah (Lowrey) Hutchinson,
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and was born in Pittsburg, Pa., August 28, 1852.
His grandfather was William Hutchinson, who was born in Ireland, and was of Scotch- Irish descent. He attended the local public schools and afterwards came to America, set- tling in Pittsburg, Pa., where he followed the trade of a mechanic throughout his life. Polit- ically, he was a Whig and subsequently a Republican, but never sought office. In a re- ligious sphere, he was a member of the Re- formed Presbyterian church. He was the father of five children, whose names are as follows: William ; Samuel, a patternmaker by trade; Robert, who followed the occupation of a machinist ; Eliza J. (Armstrong), who was for many years a director of public works; and James, a machinist.
William Hutchinson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Ireland, and after receiving a good intellectual training in the public schools, was brought to this country by his parents. It was but natural that he should take up the occupation at which his father had been so successful. He became a machinist and engine builder, and was one of the finest workmen in Pittsburg. He was a member of the firm of Hartup & Co., and sub- sequently, of the firm of Robinson, Minnis & Miller, the well known manufacturers of ma- rine and stationary engines. In connection with his brother Robert, William Hutchinson has the distinction of having built the first steam-power fire engine ever made in this country, which was tested in Cincinnati, in 1854, and was a pronounced success. It was
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v hile testing this engine that he contracted a severe cold, which shortly afterwards resulted in his death, in the year 1855. He was united ir. marriage with Sarah Lowrey, who was born and schooled in Ireland, and they were the parents of three children: William, a me- chanic by trade; E. L., the subject hereof ; and Clifford, who was cashier of the Alle- gheny National Bank up to the time of his death. In political affiliations, he was a Whig. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyte- rian church. Mrs. Hutchinson survived her husband six years, dying in the year 1861.
E. L. Hutchinson was left an orphan at an early age, and attended the public schools but a short time, when he entered the employ of J. H. Ellerman, the hatter. He subsequently became a clerk in the cashier's office of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and continued there for seven years, when he removed to Beaver Falls to accept a position as bookkeeper for the Emerson, Smith & Co. Saw Works. He continued in that capacity for about six years, when he was taken into the firm, and was elected secretary. He is also vice-president, --- Julius F. Kurtz being president. He has served in that position without a break since his first incumbency, and has become one of the leading business men of the town. He pos- sesses good business qualifications and mani- fests tact and enterprise in all of his transac- tions. The plant is located on Fourteenth street, and covers an area of three acres. It is a large stone building, and in addition, are the engine rooms and office buildings. They turn out saws, knives and all other edged
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tools, which are placed upon the market in all parts of the world. They employ a force of ninety men.
In 1881, Mr. Hutchinson was united in marriage with Clara Perrott, who was born in Fallston, Beaver county, and attended school
in Beaver Falls; they have two children : Juliet, who was born in 1885; and Lucille, born in 1890. Politically, Mr. Hutchinson is a Republican. He is a trustee of the Pres- byterian church.
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