Century history of New Castle and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Part 97

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

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

locomotive for the Union Army during the Civil War, meeting with many interesting as well as exciting experiences while in the country of the enemy. He was united in marriage with Louisa J. Owen, who was born in Laurel, Md., October 27, 1837, and died in 1906. She was a daughter of George and Annie Owens, both of whom died at Laurel, Md., she living to reach the advanced age of ninety years. They were parents of the following children: E. E., Erastus, who resides at Norwalk, Ohio; Malvern Hill, of Ithaca, N. Y .; Catharine Elizabeth, of Washington, D. C .; Annie Sophia, wife of Frank M. Scott, of Los Angeles, and Louisa Owens, wife of James Sampson Owens, of Lake Harbor, N. J. Erastus L. Cleveland had one son by a former marriage, namely, George Wilbur.

E. E. Cleveland was about ten years of age when his parents moved to Pittsburg, and there he attended the public schools of the Seventeenth Ward. He played pro- fessional baseball for a period of twelve years, attained considerable prominence and commanded a good salary. He was then, for a period of seven years, engaged in the manufacture of high polished steel. He moved from Pittsburg to Nantigo, Cambria County, and eight months later to Boswell, where he erected a three-story brick hotel, which had sixty-eight rooms. This he successfully conducted three years, then conducted a similar business in Ohio Pyle, Pa., one season. His next move was to Johnstown, Pa., and from there he moved to Ellwood City, Pa. His success as a business man is well known to the peo- ple, among whom he is exceedingly popu- lar.

Mr. Cleveland was united in marriage with Caroline Elizabeth Brown, of Johns- town, Pa., a daughter of August Brown, her parents being of German extraction. They have no children, but with parental care are rearing a niece, Mary Elizabeth Cherry. Fraternally, Mr. Cleveland is a member of the Beaver Falls Lodge No. 348, B. P. O. E .; Star of the Valley Lodge,

K. P., of Pittsburg, and Saratoga Council, Jr. O. U. A. M., No. 262. Politically, he is a Republican.

CHARLES C. RIGBY, a member of the city council of New Castle, representing the Fifth Ward, has been almost a lifelong resident of this city. His is one of the old families of Lawrence County.

Eli Rigby, father of Charles C., was born at New Castle, Pa., in 1822, and died in this city in 1875. He was a son of James Rigby, who came to Lawrence County in pioneering days, and owned land among the earliest settlers. Eli Rigby followed the carpenter trade at New Castle, and was ever a respected citizen.

Charles C. Rigby was left fatherless in his boyhood, and thus he was deprived of many advantages which come to youths differently situated. After the death of his father he became self-supporting, en- tering the rolling mills at Sharon, and he continued to work in different mills until April, 1902. He learned the work in dif- ferent departments, including the heating, but the strain became too great for his health, and he was thus forced to retire from mill work. Since then he has been engaged in a real estate business, and has met with very satisfying success. In 1907 alone he had nineteen houses erected on lots he is handling.

In 1892 Mr. Rigby was married to Miss Alice Hayes, who was born and reared at New Castle, and is a daughter of Edward Hayes. They have two children, Charles Edward and Adelaide.

Mr. Rigby, as a citizen, has always shown himself solicitous for the general welfare of his place of residence, and has assisted in promoting many of her import- ant public enterprises. He is serving as a member of the council, and his duties are faithfully performed. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows and to the Maccabees, and he is also a member of the Business Men's Exchange.

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

LEWIS P. KIFER, a well known citi- zen and prosperous dairyman of Union Township, residing on his excellent farm of fifty-four acres, was born in what is now the Sixth Ward of New Castle, Pa., July 30, 1856, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Robinson) Kifer.

The father of Mr. Kifer was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1865, at New Castle. The mother was born May 10, 1810, in Union Town- ship, Lawrence County. Lewis P. Kifer was about nine years old when his father died. His whole life has been spent in his native county, and from the age of fifteen years he has been engaged in dairy- ing in connection with general farming. He conducts a profitable milk route in New Castle, attending to the wants of his cus- tomers himself.

Mr. Kifer married Matilda Dushane, who was born at New Castle. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He takes no very active interest in politics, but is always awake to the opportunities of advancing the welfare of his commu- nity. For a number of years the late James Robison, his maternal uncle, resided on the present farm, and is remembered well by the older generation. He was a son of John Robison, who was one of the earliest settlers in this part of Lawrence County.

DAVID WRIGHT is a prosperous farmer of Slippery Rock Township, Law- rence County, Pennsylvania, and is the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres, located about one and a half miles north of Rose Point. He was born in Beaver County, in April, 1853, and is a son of Mathew and Maria (Lindsey) Wright, and grandson of James Wright.

James Wright, the grandfather, was born in Ireland, and upon coming to America located in Pennsylvania. At the time of his death he resided in Beaver County, where he was the owner of a good farm.

Mathew Wright was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and after complet- ing his early educational training in the public schools, took up agricultural pur- suits. He worked on the home farm some years, then purchased a farm of his own in his native county. This he subsequently sold, and purchased fifty acres in Butler County, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the age of sixty-nine years. He married Maria Lindsey, who was born in Ireland, and was twelve years of age when brought to this country. She died at the age of fifty-two years, in But- ler County. The following were their off- spring: Mary Ann (White), of Butler County, and David.

David Wright was but three years of age when his mother died, and he was there- after reared in the home of Thomas Young. He has lived at his present home since six years of age. He received a good com- mon school education, and then turned his attention to farming, which he has fol- lowed with great success all his life. He inherited a part of the farm he now owns, and purchased the remainder, having in all 100 acres of well improved land. He fol- lows general farming, and makes a spe- cialty of raising Clydesdale horses.

Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Elizabeth Young, a daughter of Peter Young, of Lawrence County, and to them have been born four children : Calvin, who lives at the home place; William, who mar- ried Josephine White and has one daugh- ter, Lauretta Elizabeth; James; and Sarah Maria. They are members of the Coven- anter Church, at Rose Point.

A. E. KERR, one of the proprietors of the Mahoning Valley Lumber Company, which engages in the manufacture of builders' supplies and operates a planing mill, the plant being situated on the corner of Main Street and Swansea Avenue, New Castle, has been a continuous resident of this city for a quarter of a century. He

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

was born in Union Township, Lawrence County, July 14, 1864, and is a son of John I. Kerr.

John I. Kerr was born in Pennsylvania, in 1825, and came to New Castle when he was small. Later he engaged in farming in Union Township, where he still resides. In his political views he is a Republican, and his attitude on all public questions in his neighborhood and his general good cit- izenship through the course of a long life have made him one of the most respected residents of the county.

A. E. Kerr was reared on his father's farm and attended the local schools. In- stead of adopting agriculture as an occu- pation, he learned the carpenter trade, worked at it for some years, and later, for about thirteen years, was engaged in gen- eral contracting. In 1898, with D. G. Duff and E. Hogue, he established the Mahon- ing Valley Lumber Company, which has been his main business interest ever since. It is numbered with the prosperous con- cerns of New Castle.

In 1888 Mr. Kerr was married to Miss Susan Morrison, who was born and reared in Perry Township, Lawrence County, and is a daughter of the late Joseph Morrison. They have two sons and one daughter: Eugene, Fred and Ada. The family be- long to the Second United Presbyterian Church. He takes a moderate interest in local politics, and at present is serving as a member of the School Board from the Third Ward. He is a member of the order of the Woodmen of the World, and has been an officer of the same. Mr. Kerr is an excellent citizen and an honorable busi- ness man.

WATSON W. PATTISON, a well known agriculturist of Union Township and a prominent citizen of this section of Law- rence County, lives on his excellent farm of ninety acres, where he has been a resi- dent all his life. He was born in Union Township, Lawrence County, Pennsyl-

vania, February 25, 1840, and is a son of John and Margaret (Smith) Pattison.

The father of Mr. Pattison was born in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was subse- quently married to Margaret Smith, and in 1828 they emigrated to America and settled in Union Township, on a part of the farm now owned by Watson W. Pat- tison. He is the only survivor of their seven children. When the parents came to this section they found very few other set- tlers, and in developing their farm from its wild condition they had to endure many pioneer hardships. They were good, hon- est, hard-working people, who lived exem- plary lives, and when they passed away were remembered by many to whom they had extended kindness and charity.

Watson W. Pattison obtained his edu- cational training in the early schools of Union Township, and from boyhood has been accustomed to life on a farm. He owns the old family homestead, to which he has added, until now he possesses as much land as he can conveniently care for, and here he carries on a general line of agricultural work. He married Catherine Brown, who was born at Pittsburg, Pa., and is a daughter of John Brown, who once was a resident of Lawrence County. Mr. and Mrs. Pattison had seven children, the six survivors being: John W., Jea- nette, Catherine, James S., Margaret and Walter. In politics Mr. Pattison is a Re- publican. He is recognized as one of the useful, reliable and public-spirited men of his community.

JOHN DAVISON, late of North Bea- ver Township, Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, for many years was a highly re- spected citizen and substantial farmer in this section. He died on his valuable farm in North Beaver Township, August 17, 1889. He was born in Ireland, August 22, 1830, and is a son of William Davison.

The father of the late John Davison brought his family to North Beaver Town-

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

ship when the latter was a boy, and both lived out their entire lives here. John Davison was married in early manhood to Martha Chambers, who is a daughter of the late Samuel Chambers, and a grand- daughter of Capt. William Chambers. Her people were born in Ireland, and came to North Beaver Township, where they ac- quired wealth and standing. Captain Chambers was an officer in the Home Guards, a company of militia. He died on his farm on Hickory Creek. Samuel Cham- bers later moved to a farm near Covert's Station, which is now occupied by his grandson, Harry B. Chambers. In 1850 he built the large brick house which stands on that farm, and there he died.

Mrs. Davison and her three children, Mary Elizabeth, Samuel and John Scott, reside on the old John Davison farm, near Covert's Station, which now consists of about 100 acres. A part of the original farm has been sold to the High Explosive Company, and upon it this corporation has erected the dynamite and nitro-glyc- erine factory. Mr. Davison was an exem- plary citizen, quiet, industrious, honest and upright. His occupation through life was farming.

DAVID J. MULCAHY, proprietor of the City Hotel, at Ellwood City, may be numbered with the pioneers of the place, as well as with the representative and sub- stantial citizens. He was born in the city of New York, February 22, 1866, and is a son of James and Margaret (Lee) Mul- cahy.

The parents of Mr. Mulcahy were born in Ireland, and both came to America when they were about twenty years of age. After their marriage, they resided in the city of New York until 1868, when they came to Pennsylvania, and located at Emporium, the father entering the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Both par- ents died in 1908, separated by less than a week, the father passing away on March

30th and the mother on April 6th, both aged over seventy years.

David J. Mulcahy was the only child. He obtained his education in the schools of Emporium, and when fourteen years old learned the art of telegraphy, and fol- lowed telegraphing until he came to Ell- wood City, working in a number of offices. both in Pennsylvania and New York. In 1892 he was sent to Ellwood City as ticket and express agent for what was then the Pittsburg & Western, but is now the Balti- more & Ohio Railroad. He continued with that road for seven and one-half years, and later was cashier at this place for the Pittsburg & Lake Erie Railroad. On Sep- tember 1, 1905, Mr. Mulcahy took charge of the City Hotel, formerly known as Grier's Tavern. Mr. Mulcahy has made many improvements, has placed the house in first class condition, and has installed modern conveniences. He has twenty-eight rooms and handles a large commercial trade. He is widely and favorably known, and his patronage needs to come only from his friends to give him all he could accom- modate.

On November 9, 1881, Mr. Mulcahy was married to Miss Bessie Shull, who was reared at Rome, N. Y., and is a daughter of T. R. B. Shull, formerly of Costello, Potter County, Pennsylvania, but now of Hubbardsville, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Mul- cahy have five children, their ages ranging from fifteen to five years, four daughters and one son, to be proud of, namely: Mar- jorie, Mary, Gertrude, David and Florence. The family belong to St. Agatha's Roman Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Mulcahy is a Democrat. He is a member of the or- der of Elks, New Castle Lodge No. 69, and of the Eagles, No. 1246, Ellwood City.

Mr. Mulcahy has witnessed many won- derful changes since he first came to what bore the then pretentious name of Ellwood City. There was not a single sidewalk worthy of the name, and only two build- ings stood on the north side of Lawrence

JOSEPH H. KUHN.

MRS. SARAH C. KUHN.

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Avenue, that present beautiful boulevard. Perhaps there are not a dozen residents here who were then citizens, the place not being made a borough until some time later. In all the development that has taken place, Mr. Mulcahy has served with acknowledged public spirit. He is a mem- ber of the Ellwood City Board of Trade.

JOSEPH H. KUHN, residing on a fine farm of fifty-five acres in Pulaski Town- ship, located at Stop No. 78, on the Sharon and New Castle Electric Railway, has at- tained a high degree of success as a con- tractor and builder, in addition to his farm- ing operations. He was born in Mahoning Township, Lawrence County, Pennsyl- vania, January 13, 1858, and is a son of John G. and Catherine (Heisler) Kuhn, both natives of Germany.

John G. Kuhn, with his wife, emigrated to America early in the forties, and for a period of nearly fifty years was a re- spected resident of Mahoning Township, in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Of the issue of their union, five are now living, namely: Mary, who lives in Mahoning Township; Joseph H., John G., of Mahon- ing Township; Lydia, wife of Frank Cook, of Akron, Ohio, and Catherine, wife of Jacob Roofing, of Mahoning Township.

Joseph H. Kuhn was reared in his native township, and received his education in the district schools. While a young man he learned the trade of a carpenter and build- er, and worked at it in Youngstown for some time. He then returned to Mahoning Township and branched out as a contractor and builder, in addition to his farming operations. In 1896 he purchased his pres- ent farm in Pulaski Township, and has since carried on both branches of his work in a highly successful manner. He has erected many buildings in Lawrence Coun- ty, particularly in New Bedford, in recent years. He is looked upon as one of the substantial men of the community in which he lives, and has the respect and esteem of

his fellow citizens, among whom he is widely known.

Mr. Kuhn was united in marriage with Sarah C. Cover, who was born in Pulaski Township, Lawrence County, and is a daughter of Henry Cover, deceased, who was a well known agriculturist of that township. Two children have blessed their union, namely : Bernice C. and Francis J. The former married Walter Steele, of Union Township, who is a son of John B. and Lessa (Kariher) Steele. Politically, Mr. Kuhn is a Democrat in National af- fairs, but is inclined to be independent lo- cally, casting his ballot for the man he deems best fitted for the office at issue.

HENRY A. PALAND, who is the owner of a well cultivated farm of sixty acres, which is situated in Pulaski Township, is a thoroughly representative citizen of the section in which he lives. He was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, October 27, 1849, and is a son of August and Wilhel- mina (Elias) Paland.

Both parents of Mr. Paland were born in Hanover, Germany, the father on Oc- tober 1, 1819, and the mother on August 6, 1828. He came to the United States in December, 1847, and she in August, 1837. They were married January 11, 1849. They reared their family in Beaver Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, moving from there to Lawrence County about 1856, settling in Wayne Township. The father engaged in farming during his active years. He died April 21, 1903. The mother still survives, and resides at Ellwood City, in her eight- ieth year.

Henry A. Paland has lived in Lawrence County ever since he was about seven years of age. He went to school in Wayne Township, and there grew to manhood, spending his time assisting his father on the farm. When ready to make a home of his own, he was married to Amelia M. Pettit, who was born on the present site of Ellwood City, and is a daughter of Na-

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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY

thaniel Pettit, who at that time owned much valuable land, including that on which stands a large part of Ellwood City. The parents of Mrs. Paland are long since deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Paland have two highly educated daughters, Nellie M. and Myra L., both of whom are graduates of the Slippery Rock State Normal School, and both have been successful teachers.

Mr. Paland is a stanch Republican in his political views. He has served two terms as school director of Pulaski Township, an office that frequently requires the expendi- ture of much time and the exercise of judg- ment and discrimination, and during a part of this time he has served as secre- tary of the board. He takes an interest in advancing the welfare of his neighborhood and is held in high esteem by his fellow cit- izens.

SIMON HOFMEISTER, an undertaker of considerable prominence, located at Mount Jackson, Lawrence County, Penn- sylvania, has been a resident of North Bea- ver Township since May 14, 1877. He was born in Unity Township, Columbiana County, Ohio, January 15, 1855, and is a son of Gottlob and Mary (Crouse) Hof- meister.

Gottlob Hofmeister was born in Ger- many, and was fourteen when brought by his parents to America, locating in Colum- biana County, Ohio. There he followed farming throughout his active career, and is at the present living in the village of East Palestine, being now more than ninety years of age. His wife died in 1890. She was in maiden life Mary Crouse, and was born in Mahoning County, Ohio. They became parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living.

Simon Hofmeister was reared on the home farm, and received his education in the schools of that vicinity. At the age of twenty-two years he moved to Law- rence County, Pennsylvania, hiring out as a farm hand in North Beaver Township.

He remained there, engaged in agricul- tural pursuits, until he turned his atten- tion to the undertaking business. He is a graduate of the Champion College of Em- balming, and is favored with an extensive patronage throughout that section of the country. He is a man of enterprise and public spirit, and enjoys the confidence of the people to a marked degree.

Mr. Hofmeister was united in marriage with Minnie Henry, who was born and reared within a mile of Mount Jackson, and is a daughter of Logan Henry. One son has blessed their union, namely: Wil- bur. Religiously they are members of the Methodist Church.

M. LOUIS WALLACE, of Wallace Brothers Lumber Company, is a leading citizen of Mahoningtown, Lawrence Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1871, and is a son of William E. Wallace.

M. Louis Wallace obtained his educa- tional training in the public schools and at Grove City College, after which he en- tered into partnership with his father, in the lumber business, under the style of W. E. Wallace & Son, which continued until 1900, when W. E. Wallace retired, and Frank W. Wallace became a member of the firm. The present firm name was then adopted. The business is a representative one in this section. M. Louis Wallace has other interests, and is one of the directors of the Union National Bank.

- In 1895 Mr. Wallace was married to Miss Eva Brothers, and they have three children: Clorinda, Bessie and Robert. Mr. Wallace and family belong to the Pres- byterian Church. While his devotion to his business has been that of an energetic, thorough-going man, Mr. Wallace has not neglected civic duties, and has ever been ready to do his part in all that pertains to good citizenship. During 1902-3 he was a member of the common council of Ma- honingtown. He belongs to the fraternal order of Modern Woodmen.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

WILLIAM WILSON DAVIDSON, pro- prietor of a feed store at Ellwood City, has the distinction of owning, with one exception, the oldest store in the place, and located here in the spring that followed the laying out of the town. He was born June 3, 1859, in Big Beaver Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of James and Sarah (Davidson) Davidson.

James Davidson was born in Big Beaver Township, Lawrence County, in 1823, and died May 5, 1908, aged almost eighty-five years. His father, Andrew Davidson, came from Ireland and settled at an early day in Big Beaver Township, where twelve children were born to him. He married Sarah Davidson, who was born in Big Beaver Township and was one of a family of ten children born to her father, who was John Davidson. She still survives and has reached her eightieth year. James Davidson owned a farm on which he re- sided for forty-eight years. To James Da- vidson and wife were born four children, namely: Andrew, who is deceased; J. Wesley, who resides in Big Beaver Town- ship; R. J., who lives on the old homestead, and William Wilson. In early manhood, the late James Davidson worked at the blacksmith trade, but after his marriage devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He was a well informed man, took a deep interest in public matters despite his ad- vanced years, and up to the close of his life exercised his right of suffrage, voting the Republican ticket. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William W. Davidson was educated in the public schools and the Edinboro Nor- mal School, until he was twenty years of age. He assisted on the home farm until he decided to enter into business in the newly laid out town of Ellwood City. In April, 1891. he entered into the flour and feed business, which he has continuously and successfully conducted ever since. He built his present commodious store building and wareroom at No. 318 Seventh Street, on

the corner of Crescent, where he has ex- cellent facilities.

In October, 1879, Mr. Davidson was mar- ried to Matilda Carson, who is a daughter of Carlon and Martha (Phillips) Carson, and they have three children. Sarah Elva married William J. Baxter, and they have one daughter, Arline, and reside at Wells- ville, Ohio; Carlon C. is associated with his father in business, and Mabel married Lawrence E. Springer, and they reside at Ellwood City.

As there were only two or three houses in Ellwood City when Mr. Davidson pur- chased his property, he is certainly entitled to the veneration usually accorded pio- neers. In political sentiment he is a Re- publican, has always been pre-eminently public-spirited and enterprising, and all that pertains to the public welfare has ever received his hearty endorsement.

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Century history of New Castle and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Part 97

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