USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 6
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Mr. Brown was joined in marriage to Miss Sue T. Cross, a daughter of Samuel J. and Frances E. (Wells) Cross. Hon. S. J. Cross was born in Washington township, Rhode Island, January 6, 1828, and came to Beaver county in 1855. For twenty years he was the leading merchant of Rochester. He passed from this life September 27, 1875. His wife now resides with the subject of this sketch. Their children were named as follows: Sue Thurston, the wife of Hartford Perry Brown; Julia Frances; Samuel Joseph; Emma Wells; George Herbert; Thomas Wells; and May, who died in her infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of six chil- dren: Hartford Perry, Jr., who was born
February 5, 1875, and died in 1889; Frances Mary, born October 19, 1876; Emily Edna, born November 1I, 1878; Sue Thurston, born October 27, 1880, and died in 1893; Julia Parthenia, born March 27, 1887; and Stanley Quay, born February 17, 1889. Mr. Brown and family are members of the Bap- tist church. In 1880, Mr. Brown erected a handsome brick residence on West Adams street, which he makes his home.
ILLIAM G. ALGEO, Jr., master mechanic of the Union Drawn Steel Works, has won an enviable reputa- tion as master of his craft and is a highly es- teemed and respected citizen of Beaver Falls, Pa., being also well-known through Beaver county. He was born February 4, 1854, in Pittsburg, Pa., where he was also reared and schooled; his educational advantages, how- ever, were extremely limited, and he obtained only a slight knowledge of the common branches. At the age of fifteen years, he quit school to learn the trade of a machinist in Pittsburg. After completing his trade, he went to Rochester, Pa., where he learned the trade of a cabinet maker with his father, and remained in that line of business until 1878. Entering the service of the Western File Works of Beaver Falls he remained with them two years, as a journeyman. At the end of that time, Mr. Algeo was employed by the Love Sewing Machine Co., at Rochester, Pa., and was occupied in the manufacture of sew- ing machines for the next three years. He
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was subsequently engaged by the Standard Horse Shoe Nail Works at Fallston, then by the Great Western File Works, and then by the Hartman Steel Company, where he re- mained four years, three of which found him in charge of the machine department. Later, Mr. Algeo entered the service of the Union Drawn Steel Company, being the first man hired by the company. The plant, though small at first, has gradually been improved, and enlarged until it has become one of the largest and most substantial enterprises of the town. Mr. Algeo's position is that of master mechanic and there is hardly a detail in the whole range of the plant but what he can attend to with accuracy and skill. When work has passed his expert and trained hand and eye, it is sure to have been done right.
Our subject is a stanch Republican, but has never sought nor held office. He was at one time a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Jr. O. U. A. M., the I. O. of H., and the Maccabees. Like his honored father, William G. Algeo, Sr., whose sketch also appears in this publication, he is a member of the Epis- copal church. Our subject was joined in marriage by the beautiful and impressive Episcopal service, with Nora Clayton, a lady of rare accomplishments. Two children, Ma- bel and Alice, blessed their home for a short time, but were taken away by the "grim reaper."
Our subject is a prominent citizen, public- spirited, generous, and liberal, and has ever labored zealously to promote the welfare and prosperity of his town and county. In his busi-
noss sphere, he is everywhere known as a man of indomitable spirit, extreme integrity, and correct method. The growing and valuable interests he directs show the impress of a master mind. They are of the utmost import- ance not only to the people of Beaver Falls, but to the manufacturing world as well. Mr. Algeo is recognized as a moving spirit of the business and is accordingly esteemed and re- spected.
J OHN MARTIN, a young man who has always been engaged in the manufac- ture of bricks. holds the important posi- tion of foreman of the Pennsylvania . Clay Manufacturing Company, of Monaca, Pa., in which capacity he has efficiently served since 1897.
This is one of the six large plants con- trolled by Park Brothers, with general offices at Rochester, Pa., and it is one of their best. It is known as "No. 4," and is devoted to the manufacture of paving brick exclusively, the output being 25,coo finished bricks per day. This yard was established many years ago, but did not come into possession of the present firm until 1895. There are forty acres of clay of a superior quality, and the mine is a 12 ft. vein sunk through a 72 ft. shaft, the material being conveyed from the mines to the works on a train road. It is dumped into a set of rolls and crushed, then carried by an auto- matic elevator into a mill where it is ground and mixed for the brick machine. When it comes from the brick machine which has a
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DR. SAMUEL DIXON STURGEON.
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capacity of 35,000 per day, it is ready for the dry kilns, a double deck affair with a capacity of 100,000, and from there it is taken to the kiln. Of these they have ten of the round, down draught variety, each one of them hold- ing from 47,000 to 70,000 bricks. Facilities for shipping are of the best, being located on the P. & L. E. R. R. The firm have a Colum- bia engine of 125 horse power, and ship all of the product to local, Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio markets. Mr. Martin has complete charge of the operation of these works, and as he has been engaged in that line of work all his life, he conducts them in the most efficient manner. He has 35 men in his employ, with whom he is exceedingly popular and they, one and all, accord him the greatest respect.
John Martin was born in Clarion county, Pa., July 29, 1869, and attended the public schools until he was thirteen years old, when he accepted a position in a brick yard. His first engagement was with the Climax Fire Clay Company, with which he remained for ten years, learning his trade in the most thor- ough manner. He then moved to Bea- ver county, and for five years faithfully performed similar duties in the employ . of Barnes & Company. In 1897, he re- signed his position to accept that of ยท foreman of the plant he now operates,
one of the substantial concerns of Monaca. He has taken a deep interest in the progress of this little borough, and has made many friends since locating there.
On July 4th, 1895, Mr. Martin was united
in marriage with Lillie Mennall, a native of Beaver county, and a daughter of Richard Mennall, and they are the parents of two children: William, who was born in 1896; and Melvin, who was born in 1898. Mr. Mar- tin has dealt some in real estate, but has now discontinued that business; he bought his present residence in 1899. He is a member and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, he is a sturdy supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World.
R. SAMUEL DIXON STUR- GEON, a leading physician of New Galilee, Pa., whose portrait appears on the opposite page, has been located in that thriving little town since 1891. He enjoys quite an extensive practice, considering the short time he has been there, and is frequently obliged to take long drives in the country on professional duty. He is patronized by many well-to-do citizens, and owns a fine modern residence. Shortly after purchasing this home, Dr. Sturgeon built a large and con- venient barn to comfortably shelter his driv- ing horses. Dr. Sturgeon was born at No- blestown, Allegheny county, Pa., July 7, 1851. He is a son of Henry P. and Miriam L. (Ewing) Sturgeon. When Samuel was five years old, his parents removed to Ashland county, Ohio, where he lived until he had attained the age of sixteen years. His acade- mic schooling was received at Greersburg Academy and Beaver College. He taught
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school eight years in Beaver county, first at Oakdale, one term, then at Brush Run, one term, South Beaver, one term, Brighton town- ship, three terms, Bridgewater, one term and at Darlington public school, one term.
He then decided upon a professional career, and entered the Western Reserve Uni- versity of Cleveland, Ohio, where he pursued a course of medicine. He graduated from that institution with a degree of M. D., in the class of 1884. In May of the same year, Dr. Sturgeon opened an office as general prac- titioner at Darlington. His pleasant, courte- ous manner and agreeable ways soon made a favorable impression on the people, and brought him patients. He remained in Dar- lington for seven years and then sold out, locating next at New Galilee, where he still remains.
Dr. Sturgeon married Fanny K. Tyler, an accomplished daughter of Moses W. Tyler. Mrs. Sturgeon was born in Brattleboro, Vt., and moved to Erie, Pa., with her parents, when quite young. It was there that she ob- tained her primary education. Her classical training was received in Boston, Massachu- setts.
Besides his property in New Galilee, the Doctor has several outside investments. Po- litically, he affiliates with the Republican party, and has served a number of years as a member of the county executive committee. In addition to this, he has held all the town- ship offices. He takes a keen interest in local affairs,-being on the school board and in the borough council. The church relations of Dr.
and Mrs. Sturgeon are with the Presbyterian denomination, of which church the Doctor has been a trustee for many years. Socially, our subject is a valued member and past mas- ter of Meridian Lodge, No. 411, F. & A. M.
R OBERT S. IMBRIE, real estate dealer and insurance agent of Beaver, Penn- sylvania, is a gentleman whose life has been spent wholly in Beaver county, Pa., with the exception of three years passed in Franklin county, in the same state, and, al- though he appears to be a man of middle age. is to-day in his seventy-first year. He ob- tained his elementary education in the public schools of his native place, taking a finishing course at Beaver Academy, and afterwards following the profession of teaching for a pe- riod of five years. He next engaged in mer- cantile pursuits by conducting a branch store with his brother at Mercersburg. Franklin county, Pa., for about two and one-half years. Later he went into the same business alone, keeping a general store at Loudon, Franklin county, until 1861. when he sold out and started a new store at Darlington, Beaver county. Upon the death of his father, in 1864, he again sold out his business and went upon the homestead farm, which he conducted and managed for his mother until it was sold a year later. Mr. Imbrie then accepted a posi- tion with the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Ma- chine Co., at Beaver, and continued as their general agent for a period of nine years, being very successful at that business, and selling
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hundreds of sewing machines. He subse- quently severed his connection with that firm and dealt for some time in agricultural imple- ments, that he might have occupation at home where he could share domestic pleasures and companionships. But the machine compa- nies sought his services again, and he was finally induced to enter that sphere once more, engaging with the White Sewing Machine Co. for one year, and with the American for three years.
Our subject then abandoned that business entirely, and turned his attention to fire insur- ance, associating with the firm of Hurst & Imbrie. Later, at the death of Mr. Hurst, fire insurance was dropped and life insurance was taken up in its stead. Since then Mr. Imbrie has been connected with the "Mutual Life, of New York," the "Manhattan" and the "Equit- able." The latter is the one in which he is now mainly interested. Some years ago, our subject built a residence on Third street, which is now owned by Mr. Shoemaker, but later, purchased his present residence on North Park street. This is a large, handsome structure of brick, built by his brother De- lorme, in 1859; it is a beautiful place, and is finely located, making an ideal homestead.
In 1859, Nancy E. Scott, a favorite daugh- ter of William Scott, a highly respected resi- dent of New Brighton, Beaver county, be- came the wife of Mr. Imbrie, and is said to be a very attractive and entertaining lady. To them were born the following children : Mary, who died in her fourth year; J. Maurice, a molder, deceased at the age of thirty years,
who wedded Ella Morgan and had three chil- dren, Martha, Robert, and Paul; Nannie S., wife of Joseph Irons, of Beaver Falls, who has two children, Lorain and Helen; Nettie, a stenographer, of Pittsburg; Mabel, a music teacher, of Pittsburg; Grace, who is still at home, and is a fine musician ; and Jessie, also a stenographer, of Pittsburg.
In his political views our subject has ever been a Republican, and although he has never sought office or political distinction, he has served as school director and as member of the borough council. In business he is careful, shrewd, and trustworthy. Enjoying the pat- ronage of the best class of people, his work is executed with facility and dispatch. As a neighbor, he is kind and obliging, and his enterprising spirit has been felt in all move- ments to advance the welfare of his commu- nity. In his religious convictions, Mr. Imbrie is a devout Christian and a member of the United Presbyterian church; he has served many years as elder and as superintendent of Sunday School.
Robert S. Imbrie was born in Big Beaver township, Beaver county, Pa., August 12, 1829. He is a son of John and Nancy (Ran- kin) Imbrie, and grandson of David and Mary Imbrie. David Imbrie was a native of Scot- land, and while still a single man came to the United States. He was a tanner by trade. He became the owner of a tannery in West- moreland county, Pa., and conducted it for many years. Late in life he retired from that business and spent his closing years upon a farm previously purchased by him. Both he
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and his good wife Mary lived to a good old age. Their children were: David; Robert; James; John, father of Robert S .; George; Mrs. Catherine Slone; Mrs. Mary Fleck ; and Mrs. Jane Maloney.
John Imbrie was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he early learned the trade of a tanner in his father's tannery. Some years after arriving at manhood, he removed to Big Beaver township, Beaver county, Pa., and purchased a farm of 106 acres, heavily timbered. Erecting a tannery upon his land, he carried on that business for several years, but later turned his attention to farming. He bought 50 acres quite near his former pur- chase, and upon it passed the remainder of his life. This farm was commonly known as the Economite farm, and upon it his death occurred at the age of seventy-three years. He was joined in wedlock with Nancy Ran- kin, daughter of James Rankin. She survived her husband until she reached her eighty- eighth year.
John Imbrie rendered eminent services to our country during the War of 1812, being stationed at Fort Erie. He was looked upon as an influential citizen, and above all a man who could be trusted, and enjoyed the love and esteem of all who knew him. Possessed of good judgment, and richly endowed with perseverance, he carried through to a success- ful termination his every undertaking. He served as justice of the peace, and as county commissioner, many years. He was a Se- ceder, and later, a United Presbyterian. He and his much beloved wife reared the follow-
ing family (all of whom are now deceased except Robert S. Imbrie and his brother John): Addison; Delorme; Mary, wife of J. P. Martin, whose life history is found else- where in this volume; Nancy, wife of James L. Ansley; Robert S., subject of this biogra- phy ; Minerva, who died at the age of eighteen years; John, still single; Jeremiah R .; and David. The last two served in the Civil War in the 10th Reg. Pa. Reserves, and both died from the effects of the exposure and hard- ships of campaigning.
The subject of our sketch is a gentleman who is intelligent, courteous, and refined,- just the kind of a man to make a lasting im- pression for good on all societies, who are so fortunate as to number him among their members.
OHN F. FERGUSON has been a prominent citizen of the borough of Beaver Falls for the past ten years and is the proprietor of one of its leading livery stables. He has been engaged in various en- terprises in this locality, all of which have proved successful, and he is a popular and well-to-do citizen. He was born in this county, December 8, 1850, and is a son of John and Janiza (Elliott) Ferguson.
John F. Ferguson's great-grandfather was a life-long resident of his native country, Ire- land. John Ferguson, the grandfather of John F., was also a native of Ireland, and was a tallow-candle maker by trade; he was the sole member of the family who came to this coun-
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try. He settled in Beaver county, where he spent his remaining days in carrying on agri- cultural pursuits. He built a house, which still stands on the premises. He was the father of a son and four daughters,-John, Mary, Maria, Ann, and Sarah, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Mary.
John Ferguson was born on the homestead March 31, 1814, and resided there all his life, pursuing the vocation of a farmer. As a re- sult of his marriage with Janiza Elliott, a fam- ily of two sons and three daughters was reared, as follows: Agnes, who is the wife of Henry Sloan of New Brighton, Pa .; John F .; Sarah Jane, who is the wife of Elisha Bax- ter of Beaver Falls; Mary E., who was united in marriage with Abram Berry and resides in New Brighton; and Thomas B., who has charge of the old homestead.
John F. Ferguson possesses a common school education and spent his boyhood days assisting his father at home; he continued to remain on the home farm until thirty-five years of age, when he decided to go into busi- ness on his own account; he began contract- ing and teaming in Beaver Falls and New Brighton, and followed that occupation until 1888. In that year he opened a livery busi- ness in Beaver Falls, and has successfully conducted it up to the present time. He has established a fine trade and is well worthy of the large patronage he receives. For many years he was engaged in the ice business, but sold out in 1893. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, and possesses the esteem and good-will of his many acquaintances.
Mr. Ferguson formed a matrimonial alli- ance with Miss Jeannetta L. Anderson, a daughter of Frank Anderson, of Beaver Falls, the nuptials occurring August 31, 1896. In religious belief he favors the Methodist de- nomination. In politics, he is a Republican.
R. WILLIAM S. COOK is a young dentist who has built up a large practice in the short time he has re- sided in Beaver Fails, and is likely to become one of the most prominent and successful den- tists of his time. Dr. Cook was born in Dar- lington, Beaver county, May 31, 1868, and was educated at Greersburg Academy, an in- stitution of learning established in Darling- ton, in 1802. Immediately after his gradua- tion therefrom, June 11, 1886, young Cook entered upon the noble profession of teaching, following that calling for a period of three years in his native county. At the close of that time, he began the study of dentistry, and in 1889 entered the Philadelphia Dental College, from which he graduated February 26, 1891. Immediately after his graduation, Dr. Cook located in Beaver Falls, where he established an office and engaged in the prac- tice of his profession. He has been located since October Ist, 1898, at the corner of Sixth avenue and Twelfth street, where his many patrons seek him both early and late.
Dr. Cook is a member of the Odontological Society of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. The doctor has a rare literary talent which, coupled with a thorough knowledge of
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his profession, has given him a chance to dis- tinguish himself. He has read papers, pre- pared in an intelligent and able manner, be- fore the above mentioned society. Among his most noted papers are "The Cleft Palate," "The Repair of the Cleft Palate by Means of the Obturator." He has also written and read other papers of less importance than those above noted. Dr. Cook is an enthusiastic Republican, and never fails to do his duty toward that party when election day arrives. He has served as a member of the council from the third ward of Beaver Falls and, fra- ternally, is a member of the Woodmen of the World.
Miss Jane E. Anderson became the Doctor's bride on December 27, 1893. Although he and his accomplished wife have no family of their own, they greatly delight in and admire the little "fairies of light." They are both willing members and workers of the United Presbyterian Church and are known throughout the community as kind hearted, charitable people. Dr. Cook is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Duff) Cook, and grandson of James Cook.
James Cook was a native of Ireland and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He came to America when young and shortly afterward located in Darlington, Beaver county, Pa., where he purchased a farm and engaged in clearing it for the purpose of utilizing the rich soil. He lived upon that farm the remainder of his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Upon this old homestead near Darlington, Thomas Cook, the father of William S., was
born, January 16, 1845, and was reared and educated in the same locality, remaining there until 1861, at the breaking out of the Civil War. He enlisted in the Union Army as a inember of Company D, 100th Reg. Pa. Vol., known as "The Round Head" regiment. Mr. Cook served with that regiment until his dis- charge, the latter part of November, 1862. The most important battles in which he par- ticipated were, James' Island, Hilton Head, S. C., and Chantilly, Va., in which last en- gagement he was wounded, and was taken to a hospital at Point Lookout, Md., where he was confined from the first of September until he received his discharge in November.
Returning from the war, he learned the blacksmith's trade, completing his apprentice- ship in 1865. He then began working as a blacksmith in Darlington, where he also en- gaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons in connection with his trade. He re- mained in Darlington until 1889, when he went to Beaver Fails, and has since followed the same line of business. In his political views, Mr. Cook is a Republican, and has al- ways taken an active interest in the success of that party, although he has never sought po- litical distinction. He is a member of Beaver Falls Lodge, F. & A. M., also of Harmony Chapter, No. 206, R. A. M., at Beaver Falls, and is a past colonel of the Union Veteran Legion, No. 4, of Beaver Falls. He is also a member of the L. A. W. and a charter mem- ber of Beaver Valley Cycling League No. 88, which was organized in the early part of 1893, with fourteen members and, at the present
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writing, has a membership of one hundred and twenty-six, and occupies the entire sec- ond story of the Martsolf building, on Seventh avenue. He has been one of the board of directors since its organization, and is now serving as its president; he has been twice a delegate.
Dr. Cook is known to be a conscientious and honorable man; by his pleasant manner and courteous bearing, he at once gained the good will of the citizens of Beaver Falls, while his close application to his profession and the painstaking care he exercises in the cases that have fallen to his share, have won him the confidence of the entire community. The marvelous rapidity with which he has built up his present practice is a'most incredible to one unacquainted with the doctor's push and energy.
OHN B. WILSON. Among the enter- prising and reliable business men of Beaver, Pa., is the gentleman whose name appears at the opening of this biogra- phy, who is the senior member of the well known firm of J. B. Wilson & Son, the largest hardware merchants in the community. Mr. Wilson also deals largely in real estate, own- ing several houses and lots out in the east end of Third avenue, which is now considered the most beautiful residence portion of Beaver. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish descent, and his grandfather was pioneer of the family in this country. Industry town- ship, Beaver county, Pa., is the birthplace of
our subject, his birth occurring on February 2, 1839. He is a son of Thomas and Jane (Burnsides) Wilson.
George Wilson, grandfather of John B., was a native of the northern part of Ireland and was of Scotch ancestry ; in 1819, he came to this country with his family of five children, and took up a tract of fifty acres in Industry township. He sold this property, which is now the James Jackson farm, and then bought two hundred and forty acres of timber land. He erected a log house and had resided upon his newly purchased land but a short time wien death claimed him; he was then about sixty years of age. He was married to Elizabeth Lindsey, also a native of Ireland, and their children were as follows: Thomas; James, set- tled in Hannibal, Mo .; George, deceased ; Margaret, wife of William Sutherland of Han- nibal, Mo .; and Catherine, who was wedded to William Humphrey. George Wilson and his wife were buried in the old Beaver cemetery.
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