USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 7
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Thomas Wilson was born in Ireland in 1808, but was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Beaver county, and upon his father's death he took charge of the home- stead; after attaining an advanced age, his son, George Wilson, took charge of the farm, and is still in possession of it. He was wedded to Jane Burnsides, also a native of Ireland, and a daughter of John Burnsides, who came to this country and located in Dresden, Ohio, where he carried on farming. Mr. Wilson died when eighty-three years old, while his wife departed this life in 1872, aged fifty-five
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years. They reared the following four chil- dren: George, who has the homestead; John B .; Margaret, the wife of C. A. Bowers of Beaver; and Eliza. Religiously, the family were Presbyterians; politically, Mr. Wilson was a Republican.
John B. Wilson was reared on the old homestead and received his mental training in the public schools of that district; after teaching school two years, he went to Beaver to learn the plasterers' trade; he then en- gaged in contracting for about eight years, after which he located in Youngstown, Ohio, where he embarked in the grocery business for a period of ten years; on disposing of this he returned to Beaver and began the sale of agricultural implements; this was in 1875. The continual increase of his patronage made it necessary to seek large accommodations, and accordingly, in 1883, he bought the old Clark Hotel property, which is located on Third street. He turned the old building around and rebuilt it, putting on an additional story, and also building barns and a large warehouse. He stocked the concern with a complete line of hardware goods, and the bus- iness progressed satisfactorily until March 2, 1888, when the entire building was destroyed by fire. Mr. Wilson immediately built a brick building 30 by 100 feet, and also erected a warehouse. The other half of the lot he sold to Mr. Anderson. An extensive stock of hardware goods and implements was then put into the new structure and Mr. Wilson con- ducted the largest and best equipped store of its kind in the county. In 1897, the subject
of our sketch took in his son as a partner, and the firm name was afterwards known as J. P. Wilson & Son; the capital stock of the firm has been increased to $10,000. Mr. Wilson purchased a square on Third and Wilson ave- nues, and on the corner lot erected a hand- some brick residence: he has also built a double-house adjoining his home, and has sold many lots in the block. He is a progres- sive and loyal citizen; intelligent and well- read; and he has a host of acquaintances in the vicinity.
Mr. Wilson and Matilda Eakin, a daugh- ter of J. R. Eakin, were united in marriage, and they are parents of three children: Mary E .; Genevieve C .; and Royal Q .; the latter is connected with his father in the hardware business, and is one of the most promising young business men in Beaver; like his father, he has won the esteem and confidence of all. Mr. Wilson and family are all members of the Presbyterian church, the former having been a trustee of the church for the past twenty years; politi- cally, he is a Republican.
ILLIAM G. HARKER. One of the prominent and successful indus- tries of Beaver Falls, Pa., is that of Knott, Harker & Company,-manufacturers of fire-grates, hardware novelties and castings of all kinds; the gentleman whose name ap- pears at the opening of this biography is the superintendent of the above enterprise and much of the success of the plant is due to his
5
EDWARD JAMES ALLISON.
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good judgment and untiring efforts. He was born on the Conoquenessing Creek, Beaver county, April 15, 1851, and is a son of Wil- liam and Mary Ann (Peatling) Harker.
Wiliam G. Harker's parents were both born in Lancastershire, England, and shortly after their marriage they came to the United States, in 1846, and located on a farm in Beaver county ; until 1854 he was engaged in farming, but in that year he settled in New Brighton, and worked in a saw-mill. He after- wards entered the employ of W. P. Townsend & Co., remaining in their employ until death claimed him. He was a Republican in poli- tics; religiously, he was an active and con- sistent member of the Methodist Protestant church. He was married in his native coun- try and became the father of the following children: Mary Ann, the wife of J. W. Gra- ham of New Brighton; Charlotte, the de .. ceased wife of W. H. Elverson of the New Brighton Pottery Works; William G .; Lizzie, wedded to J. H. Rice, a farmer in Michigan ; Charles E., a machinist residing in New Brighton; Carrie, wedded to Sheldon Roat, a farmer living in Michigan; and Albert P., a machinist, of New Brighton.
William G. Harker attended the common schools of New Brighton and at an early age served an apprenticeship to the molders' trade; he then accepted the superintendency ยท of the Beaver Falls Car Works Foundry, in which capacity he continued to serve for a period of eight years. Upon the organiza- tion of the Knott, Harker & Company enter- prise, the subject of our sketch was made
superintendent,-a position he has faithfully filled up to the present time. The company is engaged in the manufacture of fireplace- grates, hardware novelties, and all kinds of castings; it a'so operates a machine shop and gives employment to some 60 skilled hands. Mr. Harker is an expert mechanic and is greatly respected by the employees under his charge; he is an intelligent and loyal citizen, commanding the good-will of all who know him.
Politically, Mr. Harker is a Republican, although in local matters, he always supports the one whom he considers best qualified for the position. He is a member and trustee of the Methodist Protestant church of New Brighton; socially, he is a member of the K. of P., and a director of the Y. M. C. A. of New Brighton. On October 26, 1875, Mr. Harker was joined in matrimonial bonds with Miss Irene Wilson, a daughter of Joseph Wil- son of New Brighton, and they are the par- ents of the following children: Joseph, de- ceased; Ernest Ira, deceased; Clyde; and Elsie.
DWARD JAMES ALLISON, whose portrait is shown on the pre- ceding page, is cashier of the First National Bank of Beaver, Beaver county, Pa., and is one of the most enterprising and highly esteemed citizens of the county He has dis- tinguished himself in business circles as a shrewd, practical and conservative man, whose judgment has not failed him in critical moments. His record has been honorable,
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and his integrity is unquestioned. He has ever been quick to see the main chance in business, and has accumulated a handsome competency by the most open methods. Mr. Allison, who is a descendant of one of Beaver county's most noted men, was born at Bridge- water, in February, 1852, and is a son of Thomas and Emily (Logan) Allison, and grandson of Hon. James Allison.
Hon. James Allison, attorney-at-law, of Beaver, was born in Virginia or Maryland, where his father, James Allison Sr., owned a very large plantation and numerous slaves. Hon. James Allison chose the profession of a lawyer, and was educated at a law school at Washington, D. C. About 1794, he located in Beaver, Pa., and engaged in the practice of his profession. As there were few lawyers there at that early date, he had more business at times than he could attend to; he was con- sidered one of the ablest lawyers of his day, making a specialty of clearing up land titles. After he succeeded in establishing a large and well-paying practice, he was twice elected to Congress, but resigned during his second term, to resume his practice, which was far more remunerative. He accumulated a hand- some competency, and was esteemed by all who knew him. He lived to the good old age of eighty-three years, and his companion departed from his side in her sixty-seventh year. His wife, who was a Miss Bradford, bore her husband the following children : John; Samuel; William; James; Thomas; Sarah ; Margaret; Juliette; and two who died in early childhood.
Thomas Allison, the father of Edward James, was a pupil in Beaver Academy, and early in life began a mercantile career at Bridgewater, conducting a store for a period of twenty-two years, at the same stand now occupied by R. S. Ranger. Mr. Allison sub- sequently removed his business to Beaver, where he was similarly engaged for fourteen years, on the corner of Third street and Col- lege avenue. In 1892, Mr. Allison retired from business pursuits, and one year later his death occurred, at the age of seventy-six years. He was united in marriage with Emily Logan, a daughter of Joshua and Sabina (Swift) Logan, respected citizens of Beaver county. The maternal grandmother of Mr. Allison, Sabina Swift, was a granddaughter of Lucy Eliot, a lineal descendant of Rev. John Eliot, "the apostle to the Indians." In 1646, the legislature of Massachusetts passed an act for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, and in the same year John Eliot began his labors at Nonantum, of forming churches and translating the Bible and other Christian books. The beloved mother of the subject of this record is still living, and re- sides at Beaver.
Edward James Allison was the only child of his parents, and received his finishing edu- cation at Beaver Academy. He began his career by working in his father's store, where he continued until he was appointed teller of the First National Bank of Rochester, Penn- sylvania. This position he occupied for five years, resigning to become cashier of the First National Bank of Beaver, Pa., his present
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responsible position.
The First National Bank was established March 31, 1888, with a capital of $50,000, Edward B. Daugherty being president, Hon. John M. Buchanan, vice-president, and Ed- ward J. Allison, cashier. At the death of E. B. Daugherty, in 1897, Hon. J. M. Buchanan became president, and Dr. J. H. Wilson, vice- president. The bank is located in the Ander- son block, and is one of the handsomest and best ordered business places in Beaver Valley. The building is centrally located, and its rooms are well lighted by one of the finest plate glass fronts in the county. Its interior is newly decorated, and its construction and arrangement are thoroughly adapted for the purpose for which it was intended. It con- tains a beautiful office, finely decorated, and private offices for the president and directors. It is heated throughout with steam, and con- tains one of the best vaults of modern date, with time-lock, etc. The bank is considered not only proof against fire and burglars, but is conducted on safe lines. In evidence of the careful and conservative management of its business, is the fact that within the ten years since it was chartered, it has placed to the credit of the surplus account the sum of $50,000, or an amount equal to its capital, and has paid dividends at the rate of six per cent., since April 1, 1888. The average de posits are $225,000; the average loans are $265,000. This bank has recently placed in its building one of the largest and best con- structed safety vaults, with deposit boxes, in Western Pennsylvania. It is not necessary
to say that the First National Bank embraces in its management and directorship some of the best and most substantial citizens of Beaver Valley, that it is considered one of the finest banking houses in Western Pennsyl- vania. Its present officials are : John M. Bu- chanan, president ; Jefferson H. Wilson, vice- president; Edward J. Allison, cashier, and Robert F. Patterson, teller. Its board of di- rectors are : John M. Buchanan, Jefferson H. Wilson, Alfred S. Moore, David A. Nelson, Alfred C. Hurst, Samuel Moody, John I. Mar- tin, John T. Taylor, and Joseph L. Holmes.
Edward James Allison, whose name heads this biography, was united in marriage with Margaret McGaughey, a daughter of the late Rev. Alexander McGaughey, who during life was a much beloved pastor of Salem, Penn- sylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Allison have a hand- some modern residence on Beaver street, built in 1889. This home is rendered much happier by the presence of two little sons and one daughter, whose names are as follows: Dwight M., born in February, 1891; Marga- ret M., born September 12, 1895; and James, born September 11, 1898. Mr. Allison also owns considerable other valuable real-estate in Beaver. Like his honored ancestors, he is a Republican in politics. He worships in the Presbyterian church, of which he is a member and a trustee. He has held minor offices in the borough and takes a lively interest in the promotion and progress of Beaver. He is a gentleman with a wide range of experience in the financial field, where he is an important factor, and his thoroughness and methodical
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ways stand him in good stead. The subject of this biography is a member of the Masonic fraternity of high standing, and easily ranks as one of the best citizens of Beaver county.
R. GEORGE S. BOYD, a popular and successful physician of Beaver Falls, Pa., is one of the most promi- nent Homeopathic practitioners in Beaver county. He has been practicing at his pres- ent location for nearly twenty years, and con- trols a large business. Dr. Boyd has worked hard and earnestly for his success, and de- serves the reputation and confidence with which he has been rewarded.
Dr. Boyd was born at New Sheffield, Pa., on May 6, 1850. He received his primary mental training in both public and select schools, afterwards taking a collegiate course at Curry Institute in Pittsburg. After receiv- ing special tuition in that school, he followed the profession of teaching for a period of nine years, chiefly in Beaver county. He decided to fit himself for the medical profession, and with that object in view, he studied medicine with his brother, John S. Boyd, after which he took the required course of lectures at the Cleveland Homeopathic Hospital College, and graduated with the class of 1880. Dr. Boyd immediately established himself in Beaver Falls and has remained ever since, even occupying the same office, refitted, how- ever, from time to time, with the most mod- ern appliances used by the most progressive medical men of to-day. His practice, small at
first, has increased with each succeeding year until now the Doctor has all he can attend to. In 1881, Dr. Boyd was united in marriage with Emma J. Laird, an affable daughter of Alexander Laird of New Scottsville, Penn- sylvania. Dr. Boyd is an influential member of the State Medical Association, and also of the Homeopathic Medical Society of Beaver county. He was one of the organizers of the Beaver Falls Board of Health in 1893, and has been president and secretary of that organ- ization. His interest in educational matters is not lacking, and is proved by his having served on the school board. In politics, the subject of this sketch is a Republican, but his practice is not confined to his Republican friends and their families; indeed. the Doctor never allows politics to interfere with his pro- fessional duties whatever. He is also a mem- ber of the medical and surgical staff of the Beaver Valley General Hospital. Dr. Boyd is a son of Samuel and Martha (Maratta) Boyd, and grandson of John Boyd.
John Boyd was a native of Ireland, coming to America and settling in Allegheny town- ship, Allegheny county, Pa., where his son Samuel was born. Samuel Boyd was reared and educated in his native county, and learned the trade of a cabinet maker. After living a number of years in Bridgewater borough, he removed to New Sheffield, Beaver county, where he followed farming in connection with the undertaking business. His last years were spent in Beaver Falls, where he died, aged seventy-nine years. His widow, the beloved mother of our subject, still survives her hus-
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LEWIS W. REED.
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band and resides in Beaver Falls. Mrs. Boyd was, before marriage, Miss Martha Maratta. She was born in 1820 in Hopewell township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. The Doctor's brothers and sisters are John S., of New Brighton; Sarah (Todd), of Washington, Iowa; and Frank, of Beaver Falls. The highly respected father was an earnest Republican, and took a decided interest in the success of his party. He was honored by the confidence of the people, and served as postmaster before and during the Civil War.
Dr. Boyd is, at this writing, a very active man. His constitution has been of that sort that has enabled him to go through all kinds of weather to attend to his practice, without any bad effect upon himself. His affluent cir- cumstances are due to thrift and careful atten- tion to his professional duties, and his stand- ing in the community is certainly well mer- ited.
EWIS W. REED, the efficient and ac- commodating postmaster of Beaver, Pa., where he is also an active at- torney, is one of the most enthusiastic Demo- crats in the whole of Beaver county. Ever since arriving at maturity, he has been par- ticularly zealous in the interests of his favorit. party, and has officiated as chairman of the Democratic committee for several years, hav- ing long been a member of that organization and having served for seven years as its secre- tary. Although he never sought office, he has been repeatedly offered political prefer-
ment. Mr. Reed was born in Raccoon town- ship, Beaver county, Pa., and after attending the public schools of New Sheffield, took an academic course at Woodlawn Academy. He then became assistant editor of the "Beaver Star," and while engaged in that capacity, also studied law under the preceptorship of Hon. J. M. Buchanan. He was admitted to the bar February 4, 1889, and, opening an office in Beaver, he engaged in the practice of his pro- fession for two years. At the close of that time, he became associated with J. M. Buchanan and continued to be a law partner of that noted attorney for five years. On ac- count of failing health, Mr. Reed was obliged to discontinue his professional duties, having already had several hemorrhages. Although reluctant to do so, he gave up his practice, intending to make his home in a warmer cli- mate, but after a few months of exercise in the open air, his health rapidly improved, and he was able to resume his work. His office is now located in the Buchanan Block, at rooms 214 and 216.
Mr. Reed is secretary and a stockholder of the Star Publishing Co., a director of the Farmer's National Bank of Beaver Falls, and has served as school director of the borough, for three years. He was appointed post- master of Beaver, February 8, 1896, and im- mediately appointed Miss Lizzie J. Hepting, assistant, and Miss Martha H. Morgan as clerk. The office, which is also located in the Buchanan block, is a handsome one, and is fitted up in the most modern style. The post- office of Beaver was established as early as
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1802, and was called Beaver Town, until 1829, since which time it has been known as Beaver postoffice. The first postmaster was James Alexander, who was appointed January I, 1802; he was succeeded by the following : Joseph Hemphill, July 1, 1803; James Alex- ander, August 9, 1804; James C. Weiser, January 1, 1816; James Alexander, January II, 1818; Andrew Logan, April 29, 1832; Charles Carter, May 28, 1838; James Lyon, June 1, 1841; Miss E. D. Carter, December 27, 1855 ; Miss Margaret J. Anderson, July 23, 1861; Mrs. S. J. McGaffick, November I, 1866; Miss May McGaffick, January 23, 1867; Mrs. Sophia C. Hayes, February 12, 1868; Miss May McGaffick, February 15, 1869; Miss N. B. Imbrie, March 19, 1875; Miss Mary E. Imbrie. January 29, 1883 ; Daniel M. Donehoo, March 17, 1887; A. G. White, De- cember 23, 1891 ; and Lewis W. Reed, Febru- ary 8, 1896.
Lewis W. Reed was united in marriage with Lizzie Hall, a daughter of William B. Hall, a prominent farmer of Raccoon township. William B. Hall was a descendant of Robert Hail, of English and Scotch descent. Robert Hall was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and went to Beaver county, where he purchased four hundred acres of land, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His last days, how- ever, were spent in Freedom. The worthy subject of this sketch and his amiable wife find it a pleasant duty to rear and educate their family, which consists of one son and two daughters, as follows: Lewis G., born January 10, 1883; Vera, born November 26,
1887; and Helen, born June 29, 1891.
Mr. Reed built a fine modern residence, in 1890, on Beaver street, his present handsome home. In 1892, he also built a residence for his beloved mother on Laura street, and in addition to these, he owns two attractive tene- ment houses. He has always taken a lively interest in the development and progress of Beaver, and, like his forefathers, is an active member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Reed is also a valued member of the Masonic fraternity.
Thomas Reed, great-grandfather of the subject of this record, was a native of Scot- land, whence he came to America, settling near Baltimore, Maryland. He left two sons, one whose name was James and another whose name has not been preserved. James Reed, grandfather of Lewis W., was born near Baltimore, Md., and in early manhood went to Beaver county, settling first in Rac- coon township, where he purchased a farm, in 1837. This farm is, today, owned by his son, John Reed. Upon this farm, James Reed pursued the calling of an agriculturist until cut off by death at the age of sixty-seven years. He was joined in marriage with Agnes Baker, a daughter of Michael Baker. Mrs. Reed lived to attain the age of sixty-nine years, and with her husband, belonged to the Old School Presbyterian denomination. James Reed was known as a very progressive farmer, and the old homestead, built by him in 1837, is still standing as a monument to his thrift and economy. To him and his beloved companion were born the following children :
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Harriet, wife of Daniel Baker; Jane, wife of Cornelius Weigrandt ; Washington B., (father of Lewis W.), who will be mentioned later; John, who wedded Ruth Allen; Rosanna, wife of Robert Potter; Elizabeth, wife of Dr. John Bryan; and Jesse, who wedded Martha Kennedy.
Washington Baker Reed, father of the sub- ject of this biography, was born on the old homestead, January 14, 1820. He received a good scholastic training, for those days, and began life as a farmer. Upon the death of his father in 1868, he bought out the other heirs of the homestead of two hundred acres. Later, he sold fifty acres, and had one hundred acres under a state of high cultivation. He was a public-spirited man and a stanch Democrat,- serving in many township offices. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian church, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He died July 20, 1890, aged sixty-five years. He led Eliza Kerr to the altar, in 1851, and she bore him the following children: Lizzie, wife of Sheridan Knowles, of Beaver; John A., who married Mary Deming, of Beaver; Lewis W., the subject of these lines; Cornelius W., who was united in marriage with Ella Shoe- maker, and resided at Mckeesport; Sampson K., who wedded Sarah Baker, of Beaver; Harriet, wife of David G. Hood, of McKees- port; and Agnes, wife of Hugh Orr, of Beaver.
Sampson Kerr, the maternal grandfather of Lewis W., was born in Raccoon township, and was a son of John Kerr, a surveyor by trade, who was granted a tract of land con-
taining four hundred and four and two-thirds acres,-obtaining a patent for the same. This tract bordered along the Ohio River in Rac- coon township, Beaver county, Pa., and upon it John Kerr settled prior to the year 1800. He built a house, where George Fox now lives, and here his two sons were born. Their names were,-Sampson and James. In 1836, the homestead, containing two hundred and ninety-eight acres, was deeded to Sampson. John Kerr was one of the founders and elders of the Presbyterian church, which stood at the same place where Bethlehem Church is now located. He was a justice of the peace for many years, the office at that time being a much more important one than at the present day. After filling this station in a most ac- ceptable and capable manner, he passed to his final rest at about the age of eighty years. Sampson Kerr was looked upon as a well-to- do man, of his day. After selling the home- stead, he went to Beaver, and conducted a hotel on Third street for many years, where the Wade building now is. Later he kept the Keystone hotel of Pittsburg. After re- tiring, he died in Allegheny City at the age of seventy-seven years. He was twice married. His first wife was Agnes Reed, a daughter of John Reed, who was a settler adjacent to the Kerrs, where he owned four hundred acres of the finest land bordering on the Ohio River. Their home was built on the rear end of the Samuel Clear farm. Mrs. Kerr died in 1842, at the age of thirty-four years, leaving one daughter, Eliza, the mother of Lewis W., who was then twelve years old. Her father
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