Genealogical and personal history of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 5

Author: Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921 ed
Publication date: 1914
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

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The activity and enterprise of any growing center of pop- KENNEDY ulation is perhaps as clearly indicated in the class of professional men who look after its legal interests as in any other respect, and it is with pleasure that we refer to the career of Charles Hugh Kennedy. He was the popular and efficient incumbent of the office of burgess of New Brighton from March 1, 1909, to January 5, 1914, and has gained a position of distinctive priority as one of the representative members of the bar of this section of the state, where he had a large legal practice and where he is financially interested in a number of important business enterprises.

Charles Hugh Kennedy was born at New Brighton, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1882, son of George F. and Ella B. (White) Kennedy, both of whom were born in Beaver county, this state, and both of whom are living, their home being at New Brighton. George F. Kennedy is of Scotch-Irish descent and he is associated with his brother, Thomas L., of whom further, in the cooperage manufacturing business, being a mem- ber of the well known M. T. & S. Kennedy Company, which concern was organized by Samuel Kennedy, a father of George F. and Thomas L. Kennedy. He is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in community affairs, having served for twenty years in the borough council and for twelve years as a member of the local school board. He and his family are zealous workers in the United Presbyterian Church and Sunday school, of which they are devout members.

To the public schools of New Brighton, Charles Hugh Kennedy is indebted for his preliminary educational training. He was graduated from high school in 1900 and then entered Geneva College, at Beaver Falls, in which excellent institution he was a student for three years. In 1903 he entered the office of Judge Hice at Beaver and there began to study law. He made rapid progress in his legal studies and was admitted to the Pennsylvania state bar in September, 1906. During the year 1907-08 he attended the University of Pennsylvania. He initiated the active practice of his profession at New Brighton in the fall of 1908 and he now has a large and lucrative clientage. He has figured prominently in a number of important litigations in the state and federal courts and he ranks as one of the most skilled attorneys in this part of the state. In connection with his professional work he is a member of the Beaver County Bar Association and in politics he is an uncompromising Republican. In the fall of 1908 he was elected burgess of New Brighton for a term of five years and he acquitted himself with all honor and distinction in dis- charging the duties of that position. Mr. Kennedy is interested in several business enterprises.

Mr. Kennedy has passed through the circle of York and Scottish Rite Masonry, being a member of the lodge, chapter, council and commandery of that organization, and he is likewise affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He is connected with the Beaver Valley Country Club, and is

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an advocate of good healthy athletics. He was reared in the faith of the United Presbyterian Church and is a member thereof.

Thomas L. Kennedy, actively identified with industrial and manufac- turing interests in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, makes his home at New Brighton. He is deeply interested in community affairs and his efforts have also been a potent element in the business progress of this section of the state. He has with ready recognition of opportunity directed his labors into various fields wherein he has achieved success, and at the same time has promoted a business enterprise that has proved of more than local value, largely promoting the commercial activity of the state. Most of his attention is devoted to the cooperage manufacturing business and in that connection he is vice-president of the M. T. and S. Kennedy Com- pany at New Brighton.

At Fallston, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1849, occurred the birth of Thomas L. Kennedy, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Livingston) Kennedy, the former of whom was born in Beaver county and the latter in Washington county, this state. Both parents were of Scotch-Irish descent. Samuel Kennedy was a manufacturer by occupation and as a young man learned the trade of wheelwright. He was engaged in various manufacturing en- terprises during the period of his active career, but he devoted special attention to developing the M. T. and S. Kennedy Company, the output of which concern was chiefly kegs and half barrels. He was a staunch Republican in his political allegiance and he participated actively in public affairs, having held various borough offices. In religious matter he was a United Presbyterian and both he and his wife were active church workers. He died February 22, 1886, and his wife passed away March 19, 1905. Samuel Kennedy was possessed of a strong character and he was a man of mark in all the relations of life.

Mr. Kennedy, of this notice, was reared to maturity at New Brighton, where he received his education in the public schools. As a youth he became interested, with his father, in the cooperage business and he and his brother, George F., still carry on the enterprise originally begun by the father. The M. T. and S. Kennedy Company is incorporated and its official corps is as follows: W. A. Kennedy, president; Thomas L. Ken- nedy, vice-president; Thomas Kennedy, secretary and treasurer, and G. F. Kennedy, general manager. This concern ranks as the largest plant of its kind in this section of the state and kegs and half barrels of all kinds are manufactured. Mr. Kennedy is also president of the Home Pro- tective Loan & Savings Association, and was president of the Fallston Fire Clay Company from 1891 to 1913, when the plant was sold, and is financially interested in a number of other business enterprises of local prominence. In his political convictions Mr. Kennedy is a stalwart Re- publican and he has been active in party affairs since his boyhood days. In 1900 he was elected to the state legislature from Beaver county and he served as a representative in the house for three consecutive terms,

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during which time he had membership on a number of important com- mittees and was chairman of the committee on forestry.

On June 17, 1874, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Kennedy to Annie Caldwell, daughter of William and Rose M. Caldwell, of Farm- ington, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are the parents of three children : William, married, and connected with the Crucible Steel Company of America at Pittsburgh; Samuel, in the newspaper business in the city of Pittsburgh; Katherine, supervisor of drawing in the public schools of New Brighton, remains at the paternal home. The Kennedy family are devout and liberal contributors to a number of charitable organizations. Mr. Kennedy is a man of prominence in his home community where he is ever ready to give his aid and influence in support of all measures and enterprises projected for progress and improvement. He is a man of unusual intelligence, is well read and is possessed of that innate kind- liness of spirit which makes him friends amongst all classes of people.

When the first petroleum discoveries were made around

SHUGERT Titusville, Pennsylvania, Dr. William B. Shugert was one of the early operators and producers of what was indeed a golden flow, enriching those fortunate enough to obtain leases in the oil belt.

(I) Dr. William B. Shugert was born in 1828. He obtained his professional education at the Medical School of the University of Penn- sylvania. Later he located in Titusville, where he was for many years a well known and highly regarded physician. He married and had children: Andrew; Richard; Ninian Irwin, of whom further; Jennie, married W. A. Harron, of Los Angeles, California, where they reside.

(II) Ninian Irwin Shugert, son of Dr. William B. Shugert, was born in 1850, died December 21, 1902. After suitable preparation in the schools of Titusville, he entered Allegheny College, whence he was graduated class of 1871. He became an oil producer of Titusville, controlling some valu- able wells. He was associated with the Standard Oil Company in Titusville until 1884, when he came to Beaver county as representative of the Stand- ard Oil Company and manager of the Bridgewater Gas Company, a po- sition he held until 1898. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics a Republican. Mr. Shugert married (first) in 1872, Lydia A. Scofield, born 1850, died 1879, daughter of Rev. John C. and Maria L. (Hartwell) Scofield. Rev. John C. Scofield was an eminent minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and presiding elder of the Erie, New- castle and Meadville districts, of the Erie Conference. By this marriage he had a son, Guy Scofield, of whom further. Mr. Shugert married (second) Mirs. Caroline A. D. Scott, of Rochester, Pennsylvania, who survives him without issue.

(III) Dr. Guy Scofield Shugert, only son of Ninian Irwin and Lydia

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A. (Scofield) Shugert, was born in Covington, Kentucky, June 27, 1876. He obtained his primary and preparatory education in the public schools, being a graduate of West Middlesex High School in 1890; Newcastle High School, 1892, and Erie High School in 1894. After the death of his mother in 1879, he being then but three years of age, he was taken by his grandfather, Rev. John C. Scofield, who, himself a scholarly man, gave the lad the best advantages the district afforded, chances that were well improved, as the foregoing graduations attest. He chose the profession of medicine, preparing therefor at the medical school of Western University of Pennsylvania, from whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1897. After one year spent as interne at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, he established a private practice in Rochester, Pennsylvania, where he is now located in successful and lucrative practice. He was a member of the board of directors of the Rochester General Hospital, and secretary of the board; is now chief of staff of the Rochester General Hospital at Rochester; surgeon to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Rochester, and in both private and public practice a thoroughly capable and skillful physician and surgeon. He is a fellow of the American Med- ical Association, a member of Pennsylvania State Medical Society, ex- president of the Beaver County Medical Society, and held in high esteem by his professional brethren. Dr. Shugert is a director of the Rochester Trust Company, a successful and stable financial institution; president of the Rochester Improvement Company, and has other varied interests. He is a Republican in politics, an attendant of the Congregational Church, and prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Rochester Lodge, No. 229, Free and Accepted Masons; Eureka Chapter, No. 167, Royal Arch Masons; Beaver Valley Commandery, No. 84, Knights Templar. He also affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and Knights of the Golden Eagle. In these orders Dr. Shugert takes active interest, and in all mat- ters affecting the welfare of Rochester he displays a public spirit and interest that is helpful and valuable. He is not only the skillful physician, successful business man and fraternal member, but a good citizen and neighbor, ever ready to lend a hand toward furthering any good cause.

Dr. Shugert married, in 1904, Margaret C., born 1884, daughter of Frank and Georgianna (Lindsay) Cunningham. Children : Margaret Louise, born October 8, 1905; Elizabeth Cunningham, August 7, 1907; Guy Scofield (2), June 21, 1911; N. Irwin, May 20, 1913.

RYAN Other men's services to the people and the state can be meas- ured by definite deeds, by dangers averted, by legislation se- cured, by institutions built, by commerce prompted. All these things effect the general welfare of mankind, but the work of a priest lies along entirely different channels and is devoted to the spiritual better- ment of the universe. The Rev. Michael J. Ryan, whose career is set

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forth in this review, is pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church at New Brighton, Pennsylvania, where he has resided since 1903 and where he has accomplished wonders in the way of advancing the doctrine of Cath- olicism.

Rev. Michael J. Ryan was born in county Tipperary, Ireland, the date of his nativity being September 22, 1871. He is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Brophy) Ryan, both of whom are now deceased. Father Ryan passed his boyhood and early youth in Ireland, where he completed his preliminary educational training with a course of study in Carlow College, in which he made preparations for the priesthood. He immigrated to America in the year 1895, at the age of twenty-four years, and was ordained a priest in St. Paul's Cathedral, in Pittsburgh, March 25, 1896, by Bishop Phelan. His first charge was as assistant to the Very Rev. Bush in St. Peter's Church at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. He remained incumbent of the above position for the ensuing seven years, at the expiration of which time, in November, 1903, he was called to assume the pastorate of St. Joseph's Church in New Brighton, where he has since maintained his home.

St. Joseph's Church, at New Brighton, was organized in the year 1862 by the Rev. E. J. Burnes, who was succeeded four years later by Rev. M. J. Michell, then by the Rev. J. C. Bigham, when his place was taken by Rev. John Burns, who was succeeded by Rev. F. P. Brady. The next pastor was Rev. E. P. Griffin, who assumed charge of St. Joseph's Church in 1898. He was succeeded by Father M. J. Ryan, of this notice, in 1903. The church was destroyed by fire in the fall of 19II, but was rebuilt in 1912, the present edifice being a beautiful brick structure of most impressive proportions. Parochial schools are maintained in connection with the church and some one hundred and thirty children are enrolled as pupils.

Father Ryan is a man of fine education and most liberal ideas. His influence is not confined to the congregation of his church alone, but extends to every corner of the community in which he resides and where he is honored for his sterling integrity of character and high moral worth. He exercises his franchise in favor of the Republican party, and his support is readily and generously given to many measures projected for the general progress and improvement. In every sense of the term he is a God-fearing man and he never hesitates to do the right as he interprets it. His citizenship is a valuable adjunct to New Brighton, where his innate kindliness of spirit and broad human sympathy have made an indelible impression on the hearts of his fellowmen.

Of the third generation of his family in the United States, BEITSCH Dr. William F. Beitsch, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania, is of the first American born. He descends from George

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Beitsch, born in German, who on coming to Pennsylvania settled at Cham- bersburg.

(II) George F. Beitsch, son of George Beitsch, was born in Ger- many, coming to the United States with his father when quite a young man. He resided for a time in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, then moved to Pittsburgh, finally settling in New Brighton, Beaver county, where he maintained a merchant tailoring establishment until his death. He mar- ried Catherine Klüh, also of German descent, who bore him seven children: Mollie, married Samuel Ruhe; William H .; George E .; Catherine, married Frank Kennedy; Albert H., deceased; Bertha, married Robert Braden; William F., of whom further.

(III) Dr. William F. Beitsch, youngest child of George F. and Cath- erine (Klüh) Beitsch, was born in New Brighton, Beaver county, Penn- sylvania, September 16, 1880. He obtained his early and preparatory education in the public schools, later entering the medical department of the University of Pittsburgh, whence he was graduated M. D., class of 1904. He then spent two years in Saint John's Hospital, Allegheny, Penn- sylvania, and Marshalsea Hospital, Pittsburgh, locating in New Brighton in 1908, where he is well established as a skillful, reliable and honorable physician. He is a member of the American Medical, Pennsylvania State Medical and Beaver County Medical societies, taking active interest in all, and thereby keeping in closest touch with all that is best in modern medical or surgical discovery, remedy or practice. He is a member of New Brighton Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and Newcastle Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Knights of the Maccabees and the Royal Arcanum. In religious faith he is a Lutheran, and in politics an Independent. Dr. Beitsch married, June 15, 1910, Mabel, daughter of Charles M. and Ida (Buckley) McDanel, of New Brighton.

The earliest record found in Pennsylvania of this branch of GREEN the Green family is in Fayette county, where resided William Green and sons, James, John and Samuel. In 1787 they settled in the southern part of Manor township, Armstrong county, taking up land above the mouth of Crooked Creek on what is now the site of Rosston. Food was very scarce, and for six months the flesh of wild animals was their main article of diet.

In 1789 William Green erected a small tub mill about sixty rods from the river on the stream still called Tub Mill Run. This was the only mill for grinding grain in that region until the erection of Alexander Walker's mill. The Indians were very numerous and after 1791 became troublesome and dangerous, so much so that Colonel Charles Campbell wrote Mr. Green to remain there ten days longer, assuring him that he would then send some soldiers to protect the settlement. This was done

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according to promise and a small fort erected, that on the historical map of Pennsylvania is marked "Fort Green." There was patented to William and Samuel Green in 1794 about four hundred and fifty acres on which they settled, William on the lower tract along Glade Run, where in 1802 he laid out the village of Williamsburg. He set aside about fifteen acres for the village, dividing it into half acre lots. This was prior to the establishment of the county seat at Kittanning, and it is said ground was staked out for the erection of county buildings at the new village of Williamsburg by the county commissioner who afterward listened to Gen- eral Armstrong's offers and chose Kittanning as the county seat. William Green in 1804 or 1805 erected a log grist mill, with one run of stone, on Glade Run about three-quarters of a mile above its mouth. In 1806 he was assessed on this mill, one horse and one cow $150. Later he built a saw mill. The grist mill, primitive as it was, served well its purpose, settlers bringing grain there from a distance of twenty miles. He operated the mill and worked his farm until July 2, 1816, when for a consideration of $1.00 he conveyed his farm of two hundred and twenty-four acres to John Green, but reserved the mill and the house in which he lived. The old mill changed hands in 1822, being assessed in that year to William Boney and William Kelly. The "Green Settlement," as it later came to be known, originally consisted of five tracts taken up by William Green and his sons, of whom he had five. William and Samuel Green conveyed two hundred and twenty-six acres of his tract on July 2, 1816, to James Green, son of William, who retained ownership during his lifetime. By his will, dated August 31, 1842, probated April 30, 1853, he gave eighty acres to his son Levi, one-quarter acre for a public school house site, and one hundred and twenty acres to his son, Robert, who dying intestate, this part passed out of the family name. Levi Green, by his will, probated October 24, 1874, devised the land willed him by his father to his sons, Miles J. and James Robert Green, the latter the father of Professor Clyde C. Green, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. In a few years after the settlement of the Greens in Armstrong county there was a sufficient number of children to demand the erection of a school house. This was built of logs on the James Green tract and was the first school house built within the bounds of what is now North Buffalo township, Armstrong county. Benjamin Briggs was the first teacher, the text books being Dillworth's spelling book and the Bible. The life of the Green Settlement constitutes an important item of the early history of Armstrong county, all the family having settled on their tracts and assisted in the development of the section.

(I) The ancestor of William Green came to Armstrong from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, having been a farmer of Whitely township, now Greene county. Whether he was a descendant of the Greens of Eastern Pennsylvania who date from the time of Penn, or came from the New England family of Greene cannot be definitely stated, as authorities differ. William Green married Rebecca La Rue and had five sons and three daugh-

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ters; one son Matthew remained in Greene county, the others are named as going with their father to Armstrong county, as did the fifth son, Daniel.

(II) James Green, son of William and Rebecca (La Rue) Green, was born in Lafayette county, Pennsylvania, and was one of the pioneers with his father in Armstrong county. He resided at the Green Settle- ment, five miles south of Kittanning, on the tract of two hundred and twenty-six acres conveyed to him July 2, 1816, by Samuel and William Green. This was his home from 1827 to 1830, the years he was a com- missioner to Armstrong county and for many years thereafter. His home was a favorite gathering place for the militia of the county on their "training days," especially of the battalion of which Andrew Arnold was major. He devised his farm by will probated April 30, 1853, to his sons, Levi and Robert; the latter dying intestate his share was later sold out of the family name, but that part devised to Levi Green is yet owned by his descendants. James Green was twice married and was the father of thirteen children.

(III) Levi Green, son of James Green, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, about 1810, his will probated October 24, 1874, showing the near date of his death. He was a farmer all his life and at his death devised the lands he had received from his father to his sons, Miles J. and James Robert.

(IV) James Robert Green, son of Levi Green, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania. He is now a merchant of Ford City, Pennsylvania, residing at his farm nearby, a part of the original "Green Settlement." He married Sarah Jane, daughter of James Morrison, a blacksmith, born in Armstrong county, as was his wife, a Miss Shrader; children: Clyde C., of whom further; Miles, died in infancy; Maud E .; Levi M .; Charles N. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and James R. Green, the father, a past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

(V) Professor Clyde C. Green, eldest son of James Robert and Sarah Jane (Morrison) Green, was born on the homestead farm in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, part of the original "Green Settlement," June 4, 1877. He attended the public schools of his township and of Allegheny City, Slate Lick Academy of Armstrong county and Slippery Rock State Normal School, being a graduate of the latter institution, class of 1896. He further prepared for the profession of an instructor by a course at Grove City College, whence he was graduated, class of 1902, subsequently pursu- ing a post-graduate course at Grove City College and Columbia University, obtaining the degree of A. M. from Grove City College. His career as an instructor has been one of continued success and advancement. He taught in South Buffalo township schools of Armstrong county, the Butler town- ship schools of Butler county, in Parker City and Kittanning in Armstrong county. He was then chosen principal of the high school of Irwin, West- moreland county, Pennsylvania, following this by filling the important po- sition of supervising principal of the Irwin school system. In August,

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1906, he was elected superintendent of the public school system of New Brighton, Beaver county. He occupied that position for five years, resign- ing in 1911, having been elected superintendent of the schools in Beaver Falls, which position he now most acceptably fills. During the summers of 1903-04-05-06 Professor Green conducted a summer normal for the instruc- tion of teachers. He has risen to a prominent position among the educators of his state and is an important figure in county, state and national edu- cational associations, of which he is a member, being president of the Department of City Superintendents of the State Educational Association, an office to which he was elected at the annual convention held in Phila- delphia in 1912. For several years he has been a member of the board of examiners for state normal schools; is trustee of Slippery Rock State Normal School and is a well known popular lecturer before college asso- ciations and teachers' institutes.

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Genealogical and personal history of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Volume I, Part 5

Author: Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921 ed Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: Jordan, John W. (John Woolf), 1840-1921 ed
Publication date: 1914
Publisher:
Number of Pages: