Century history of New Castle and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Part 79

Author: Hazen, Aaron L. (Aaron Lyle), 1837- comp. and ed. cn
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1058

USA > Pennsylvania > Lawrence County > New Castle > Century history of New Castle and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th > Part 79

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and John Q., residing in Mahoning Town- ship.

Joseph P. McFarlane attended school in the home neighborhood during his boy- hood and grew to manhood trained to the practical work of the farm. In politics he is a Republican. He is not identified with any particular religious body, but his char- ities are many, and he is a liberal contribu- tor both to religion and education in his own community. He is one of the re- spected, reliable and substantial citizens of this section.

SAMUEL DE GRAFF PEARSON, president of the Croton Limestone Com- pany, with offices on the ground floor of the Pearson Block, on Washington Street, New Castle, is a young man who has made a success of his business in his native city, where he was born June 4, 1877. He is a son of Joseph K. and Catherine (De Graff) Pearson.

The late Joseph K. Pearson, father of Samuel D., was one of New Castle's lead- ing and substantial citizens. For a num- ber of years he was associated with his brother, David W. Pearson, in a clothing business, on Washington Street, and in 1893 together they erected the commodious Pearson Block in this city. Joseph K. later became interested in the limestone business, owning the valuable quarries which are situated two miles northeast of New Castle, in Hickory Township. He died August 15, 1892, but his widow survives.

Samuel De Graff Pearson was reared at New Castle, was educated in her excellent schools and has continued his business in- terests here, investing his capital and em- ploying home labor. He has a pleasant home and a wide circle of friends. He mar- ried Florence Stunk and they have one child, Evelyne. Mr. Pearson is a member of the Order of Elks.

JAMES ALLEN McCOWIN, who has lived in Enon Valley, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, nearly all his life, is a well

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

known citizen there and has conducted a blacksmithing establishment with good suc- cess. He was born June 16, 1837, on the old homestead and in the old stone house erected by his grandfather in 1816. He is a son of Josiah and Matilda (Correy) Mc- Cowin, and grandson of James McCowin, from whom he takes his first name.

James McCowin, the grandfather, was a son of Allen McCowin, with whom he came to Beaver County at a time when the country was sparsely settled, wild game abounded and Indians largely inhabited this region. Here he passed the remainder of his days. He was the father of the fol- lowing family: Samuel; Josiah; James; Allen; John; Thompson and William, twins; Harvey, the inventor of the hay- fork, after which the modern hayforks are all patterned; and Martha. All are now deceased.

Josiah McCowin was born on the old home place near Enon Valley, in the little old log cabin which then adorned the place, in 1799, and spent all his days in this sec- tion. He early in life followed the trade of a stonemason, but his later years were devoted to agricultural pursuits. He was joined in marriage with Matilda Correy, who was born in Little Beaver Township, and they were parents of the following children: Margaret, Cora, Matilda, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, and Lena, all deceased; Mary, wife of William St. John; Martha Jane, wife of Barney Finnigan; Samuel, who was living in the West when last heard from; Josiah, Harrison, and James Allen.

James Allen McCowin spent his boyhood days on the home farm, and in early life assisted his uncle in the manufacture of hayforks. At the age of nineteen years he started to learn the trade of a blacksmith with Montgomery Madden at Petersburg, Ohio. He then worked in most of the coal works in the vicinity, continuing until he enlisted for service in the Union Army dur- ing the Civil War. He enlisted as a mem- ber of Company I, One Hundred and

Thirty-fourth . Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, under John W. Hague, and worked at his trade in the army until he was incapacitated by the kick of a gov- ernment mule. He was then honorably discharged and returned to Enon Valley, where he opened a shop. He has been en- gaged actively at his trade here ever since, except during the years 1867 and 1868, when he farmed the home place and looked after the interests of his mother. He has always been a man of great industry, and during his long and useful career in Enon has accumulated a handsome competency.

April 15, 1858, Mr. MeCowin was joined in marriage with Susan Kale, a daughter of Jacob Kale, a prominent early resident of the community, and they became parents of the following children: Presley, who married Catherine Crowl; Alice, wife of J. Augestine; Dwella, wife of M. Martin; Robert, who married Bella Shellenbarger; Kitty, wife of Benjamin Thomas, both now deceased; Edwin, who married Mamie Dickson; and two who died in infancy. Po- litically, Mr. McCowin is a Republican.

SCOTT COX, a well known and popular citizen of Mahoning Township, residing on his farm of twenty-three acres, which he has placed in an excellent state of cultiva- tion, was born February 25, 1839, in Ma- honing Township, Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania.

Mr. Scott was reared in Mahoning Town- ship and with the exception of a short period spent in Pulaski Township has lived here through his long and busy life. His early education was obtained in the sub- scription schools, but in all the important things of life he has been self taught. His occupation has been farming. Early in 1861 Mr. Cox enlisted for service in the Civil War and performed the duties of a soldier faithfully and well for over three months, mainly in Maryland and the mountains of Pennsylvania, as a member of Company F, Twelfth Regiment, Penn-

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sylvania Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Edward O'Brien, who later became colonel of the regiment.

Mr. Cox married Sarah A. Onstott, who was born in Pulaski Township and died in Mahoning Township. She was a daughter of Adam Onstott, who was a native of Ger- many and an early settler in Pulaski Township. Six children were born to them, as follows: Alexander L., residing in Mahoning Township; Ira L., residing at New Castle; Maud, wife of Walter Lamm, of New Castle; James L., also of New Cas- tle; Blanche, wife of Harvey Stevenson, residing in Pulaski Township; and Morris K., residing at New Castle. The family was reared in the faith of the Disciples' Church, of which the mother was a con- sistent member.

In politics, Mr. Scott is a Democrat and has frequently been elected to township offices, and during his term of service as road supervisor greatly improved the high- ways under his supervision.

H. W. KEAGY, general merchant at New Castle, who conducts a large business at No. 183 Croton Avenue, is a represen- tative citizen here. He was born in Bed- ford County, Pennsylvania, in 1849.

Mr. Keagy spent the early part of his life on a farm; in fact, was interested in agricultural pursuits up to 1884, when he went to Martinsburg, Blair County, where he embarked in a mercantile business. He remained there until the spring of 1898, when he came to New Castle. He located on the corner of Croton Avenue and Vine Street, where he continued until he took possession of his own building. This sub- stantial structure he erected in 1900, a business block and a fine attached resi- dence. Mr. Keagy carries a well assorted stock of general merchandise and also handles feed.

In 1877 Mr. Keagy was married to Miss Camilla Lindsey, who was born in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Keagy have had the following children :

Ira, Iva, Arthur H., Clark, Laura, Dora and Clinton. The three named first are deceased. The late Arthur H. Keagy was probably one of the most popular young men ever reared at New Castle and his untimely death on July 16, 1908, was felt as a personal loss to hundreds of his fel- low citizens. He was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, was educated at Martinsburg and had ever since been as- sociated with his father in business. In 1906 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Clapper, of Blair County, who, with one son, Arthur Clapper, survives. He be- longed to the Uniform Rank, Knights of Pythias. His genial nature and pleasing personality were exponents of a beautiful character. In his great affliction Mr. Keagy had the sincere and often expressed sympathy of his neighbors. Mr. Keagy is a member of the Church of God. He be- longs to the organization of business men known as the Retail Grocers' Association.

PHILIP N. GUY, a well-known black- smith of Enon Valley, comes of a prom- , inent old family of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He was born in Wayne Township, July 16, 1858, and is a son of Peter and Charlotte C. (Roberman) Guy.

Moses Guy, paternal grandfather of Philip, came from east of the Allegheny Mountains, in Pennsylvania, and located in Wayne Township at an early date. The country was wild and undeveloped at that time, and it was necessary for him to make a clearing for a cabin. One of his broth- ers, while assisting in making a clearing for Slippery Rock Cemetery, was killed by a falling tree, and his burial was one of the first in that burying ground. Moses and his wife Elizabeth were also buried there, but both lived to a ripe old age. They had seven children, Peter being among the oldest.

Peter Guy was born in Wayne Town- ship, and assisted in clearing the home farm. He learned the trade of blacksmith with a Mr. Funkhauser, and soon became

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

owner of a shop of his own, being consid- ered one of the best blacksmiths of his day. His death occurred at the age of seventy years. He was united in marriage with Charlotte C. Roberman, who was born in Germany, her mother dying at her birth. Mrs. Guy attended the schools of her native country until she was fourteen years of age, then accompanied her father, Henry Roberman, to America. She died at Chewton in 1905, at the age of eighty three years. Nine children were the off- spring of their marriage: Joseph Kirk, Henry Wallace, Moses Lorenzo, deceased; Albert Crayton; Frank A., deceased; Philip Newton; Charles Lewis; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Sponsler, of Chewton, and William Peter.

Philip N. Guy spent his boyhood days on the home farm and received his edu- cational training in the district schools. When quite young he began to assist his father in the shop, even when so small he had to stand on a box while at work. He later went to Henry County, Illinois, and served an apprenticeship at his trade dur- ing the years 1879, 1880 and 1881. He then worked at his trade at various places throughout the West and South, going as far as the Pacific Coast, but he always claimed his residence in Lawrence Coun- ty. In August, 1892, he moved to Enon Valley, and for a time rented a shop, then purchased his present establishment. He is a natural mechanic and a first-class workman in every respect, and enjoys a liberal patronage at the hands of the peo- ple of the community. He is an active Re- publican in politics, and has served cap- ably six years as member of the Village Council, and two terms as school director.

Mr. Guy was first married in 1881 to Ellen Guildo, of Lawrence County, and she died leaving three children, namely: Josie May, widow of Lee Forney, by whom she has a son, Charles Watson; Earl W., who is employed on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Ada Naomi. His second marriage was with Miss Kate Bennehoof, of Lawrence

County, who died in 1902, leaving one daughter, Marjory Ella. Mr. Guy was again married in December, 1906, to Mrs. Susan Crane, widow of Thomas Crane. Religiously they are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. In fraternal af- filiation he has been a member of Enon Lodge No. 916, I. O. O. F., since 1883, and has passed through all the chairs, and a member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Enon since 1902.

MATTHEW WILLIAM BLEAKLEY, a prominent farmer of Hickory Township, residing on his valuable farm of 112 acres, which lies one mile east of the East Brook Road, was born October 24, 1870, on the present farm in Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, and is a son of Samuel B. and a grandson of Matthew Bleakley.

Matthew Bleakley was born in County Down, Ireland, and was an early settler in this section of Lawrence County. The parents of Matthew William Bleakley now reside on Wallace Avenue, in New Castle, but prior to taking possession of that home they had resided on the farm on which Matthew William lives, in Hickory Township.

Matthew William Bleakley is an only son. His education was obtained at the Stony Point School, and his business through life has been of an agricultural nature. The home of Mr. Bleakley is a fine property and has been improved with a handsome two-story brick residence, a commodious barn and excellent out-build- ings. He is a well-informed, practical farmer and has met with a large measure of success in his chosen vocation.

On February 2, 1898, Mr. Bleakley was married to Mary Elizabeth McConahy, a daughter of Nathaniel McConahy, who formerly was a very prominent farmer in this section. He served in the Civil War and was a member of Company I, One Hundredth Regiment, the Round Heads, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Bleakley have one child, Samuel

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Norman. They are members of the Unit- ed Presbyterian Church in which they are much interested.

GEORGE W. DAMBACH, of the lead- ing department store of Ellwood City, and president of the Dambach Mercantile Com- pany, was born in Connoquenessing Town- ship, Butler County, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1876, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Staff) Dambach.

Jacob Dambach, father of George W., was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, and is now a capitalist and retired farmer living at Zelienople. Formerly he resided on his farm of 160 acres, which lies in the oil belt, a very valuable tract of land which is still in the possession of the family. The first oil well drilled on this farm produced 160 barrels of crude oil in one hour. Jacob Dambach married Margaret Staff, who was born in Germany, and was a daughter of Peter Staff, who brought her to America when she was a child of three years. She was reared in Butler County and died in 1902, having been an admirable wife and mother. Jacob Dambach and wife had nine children and six of these survive, as fol- lows: Adam E., who resides at Zelien- ople, engaged in the oil business; Peter E., who is engaged in the manufacture of bath tubs, resides at Zelienople; George Wash- ington; Laura, who is the wife of Albert A. E. Eichholtz, resides at Zelienople; Ma- tilda, who is the wife of Howard Zeigler, resides also at Zelienople, and Elizabeth, who lives with her father.

George W. Dambach was educated in the public schools in his native township, then at Evans City, and later at a commercial college at New Castle. After he left school he entered into a mercantile business at Petersville, Butler County, where he con- tinued for three years and then went to Pittsburg, where he engaged in a grocery business for three more years, after which, in 1896, he came to Ellwood City. He pur- chased an interest with Dambach Brothers & Company, and took an active part in the

business for six years afterward. In 1902 the firm, through incorporation, became the Dambach Mercantile Company, and in 1907, George W. Dambach was elected president of the concern. The present building at Nos. 601-603 Lawrence Avenue, was erected in 1902, and the stock carried and the volume of business done, make this the largest enterprise of its kind in the city. A force of twelve employes is kept and business is conducted along the most approved modern lines of merchan- dising.

Mr. Dambach was married to Virginia Butler, who was reared in Blair County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of J. E. Butler, of Ellwood City. They have two children, Marguerite and John Ellsworth. Mr. and Mrs. Dambach are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically he is af- filiated with the Republican party. Fra- ternally he belongs to Alma Lodge, No. 420, Knights of Pythias, and also to the Golden Eagles.

GLYNN MORGAN, manager of the E. Evans Furniture Company, doing business at No. 561 South Mill Street, was born in Wales, in 1870, and is a son of Thomas L. and Gwenny (Bevan) Morgan.

When six years old, Mr. Morgan was brought to America by his parents, who settled in the coal regions near Scranton, Pa., where the father subsequently died. The mother still resides at Scranton.

Glynn Morgan began to work in the mines in boyhood and then learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked for eight years, after which he came to New Castle and found employment in the W. M. Evans Furniture store. After the death of Mr. Evans, in 1906, he has had full charge and management of the same, and took charge of the business for his mother- in-law. This business was established by the late William M. Evans, in 1897, and was conducted by him until his death, in 1906, when Mrs. Evans secured her son- in-law as manager. The late Mr. Evans

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

was born in Wales, and was about twenty- five years old when he came to America. Prior to coming to New Castle he worked in the anthracite coal fields at Scranton. He married Ellen Evans and they had one daughter, Hannah, who was married in 1880, to Glynn Morgan. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have two children, Eva and Will- iam. Mr. Morgan is a member of the or- der of Modern Woodmen. Mr. Morgan's manner of doing business, combined with the excellent quality of the goods handled, have gained him the confidence of the pub- lic and a place among the representative men of this city.

ALEXANDER NEAL was a well- known agriculturist of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and in his death, which oc- curred December 30, 1898, Pulaski Town- ship lost one of its leading and most re- spected citizens.

Mr. Neal was born in Pulaski Township, July 22, 1844, and was a son of Alexander, Sr., and Nancy (Mayers) Neal, his father a native of Mercer County, Pennsylvania, and his mother of Trumbull County, Ohio. He was reared on the farm now owned and occupied by his widow, and received his education in the public schools. He had a farm of 144 acres, well improved and un- der a high state of cultivation, and fol- lowed general farming and stock raising. He was exceptionally successful as a stock raiser and dealer, buying and selling ex- tensively throughout his active career. He was a man of public spirit, and was ever among the foremost in promoting the in- terests of the community.

Mr. Neal was married February 22, 1893, to Miss Sarah J. Heasley, who was born in Pulaski Township December 24, 1865, and is a daughter of Eli P. and Jo- sephine (Davis) Heasley, her father being a native of Mercer County and her mother of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Heasley passed from this life in May, 1901, and his widow, who still survives him, re- sides at Youngstown, Ohio. Of the chil-

dren born to Eli P. Heasley and wife, seven survive, namely : Flora L., widow of Frank Wellington, resides in Youngstown; James E., of Warren, Ohio; Sarah J., widow of Alexander Neal; Emma E., wife of Harry Brown, of Pulaski Township; Homer, of Sharon, Pa .; Chauncey A., of Akron, Ohio, and Charles N., of Poland, Ohio.

Alexander and Sarah J. Neal became parents of three children, as follows : Clar- ence A., Pearl M. and Harold L. Politic- ally, Alexander Neal was an active sup- porter of the Republican party. In relig- ious attachment he was a consistent mem- ber of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Neal resides on the home farm of 144 acres, and has displayed unusual business ability in the management of the place. She is a woman of most estimable qualities, and has a host of friends throughout this com- munity where she has lived so many years. Religiously, she is a member of the Hope- well Presbyterian Church.

HENRY WALLACE GUY, owner of seventy-seven acres of excellent farming lands which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation, resides in Perry Town- ship, about seven miles from Ellwood City. Mr. Guy was born February 3, 1848, at New Castle, Lawrence County, Pennsyl- vania, and is a son of Peter and Charlotte (Roberman) Guy.

Peter Guy was well known through Wayne Township, where he conducted a blacksmith business for many years. His death occurred in the town of Chewton. He married Charlotte Roberman, who was a daughter of Henry Roberman, of Mor- gan County Ohio. The children of Peter Guy and wife were: Joseph Kirk, Henry Wallace, Moses Lorenzo, Albert Crayton, Franklin Allamander, Philip Newton, Charles Lewis, Mary E., and William Peter.

Henry Wallace Guy attended school in Wayne Township, after which he worked for his father for some years. In 1885 he turned his attention to farming, and dur-

MRS. SARAII H. NEAL.

ALEXANDER NEAL.

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ing the next ten years rented land in dif- ferent parts of both Lawrence and Butler Counties. In 1895 he purchased his pres- ent valuable property, which was formerly owned by James Hogue and Charles H. Aikens, and here Mr. Guy has been suc- cessfully engaged in general farming ever since. He has a comfortable home and his surroundings indicate thrift and prosper- ity.

Mr. Guy married Keziah Cunningham, who is a daughter of William Cunningham, and they have had the following children : Emma, who married Archie Graham; Laura, who married Edward Rohr, has two children, Clarence and Mabel; and Clara, Ernest, Susannah and Scott, all re- siding at home; and Lulu, Howard and Frederick, all deceased. Mr. Guy is a prominent citizen, active in church and educational affairs, and also a politician as far as good citizenship demands. He is identified with the Republican party and has served as township supervisor for sev- eral terms and also as Inspector of Elec- tions.

ELMER E. DOUGLAS, a progressive and prosperous agricultural resident of Mahoning Township, where he owns the old home place of fifty acres, was born here February 21, 1861, and is a son of William J. and Sarah E. (Moser) Doug- las.

The parents of Mr. Douglas were born in Ohio. The father was two years old when his parents moved to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and there he grew to man- hood. He learned the millwright trade and followed it more or less all his life although he also engaged in farming in Mahoning Township, Lawrence County. He fitted up numerous mills both in Ohio and Pennsyl- vania. In 1850 he purchased the farm which his son Elmer E. owns, and here he lived until his death, March 8, 1901. He never sought political honrs but lived the life of a good citizen, upholding the laws and

working to promote the general welfare. He married Sarah E. Moser, who was then a resident of Trumbull County, Ohio, and three of their children survive, namely : Al- fred J., who lives in Bellevue, Pennsyl- vania ; Meldon L., who lives in Manhattan, Kansas; and Elmer E.

Elmer E. Douglas obtained his education in the public schools of Edenburg. He has devoted himself almost altogether to agri- cultural pursuits and adopts modern meth- ods and uses first class machinery. On No- vember 18, 1891, Mr. Douglas was mar- ried to Lois I. Needler, who is a daughter of the late James K. Needler, formerly of Edenburg, and they have one son, Karl R., who was born August 19, 1897. Mr. Douglas is independent in his political views. He is a member of Shenango Lodge, No. 195, Odd Fellows, at New Cas- tle, and of Keystone Lodge, No. 76, Home Guards of America, of Edenburg. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas are members of the Disciples Church in the above place. They have a pleasant, comfortable home and their sur- rounding's are very attractive.

JOHN G. COBLER, cashier and a mem- ber of the board of directors of the Peo- ple's National Bank of Ellwood City, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1868, and is a son of George W. and Catherine (Feather) Cobler.

The great-grandparents of Mr. Cobler, on both sides, came to America from Ger- many and no families in Bedford County are better or more favorably known. The grandparents on the paternal side were Isaac and Sarah Cobler, the grandmother's people being among the thrifty early set- tlers of the community known as Dutch Corner. The grandparents had a family of twelve children, namely: George W .; Su- san; John, who served as a member of the Fifty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun- teer Infantry, during the Civil War and was wounded; Frank, who served as a sharp-shooter, in the same regiment ; Thad-

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

deus and Aaron, both of whom are de- ceased; Mary; David; Adam, deceased; and the others died in infancy.

The late George W. Cobler spent his whole life in Bedford County. He was born March 9, 1837, and died November 23, 1907. He served during the Civil War as a member of Company C, Two Hundred Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. For a number of years he worked . as a carpenter, being an expert at his trade, and then purchased a farm which he operated until he retired and moved to Everett, where his widow still resides. He married Catherine Feather, who is a daughter of Jacob Feather, who was an old and respected resident of Bedford County. There were five children born to George W. Cobler and wife, namely : Jacob Stanley, who died young; Samuel, who is a contractor residing at Everett; Minnie, who married a Mr. Steckman; William, who died young ; and John G.

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Century history of New Castle and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Part 79

Author: Hazen, Aaron L. (Aaron Lyle), 1837- comp. and ed. cn Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold publishing co. Number of Pages: 1058

Author: Hazen, Aaron L. (Aaron Lyle), 1837- comp. and ed. cn
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold publishing co.
Number of Pages: 1058