USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Genealogical and personal history of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 27
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Mr. Miller married, April 7, 1874, Emma Lee Davis, born in Port Washington, Ohio, daughter of Barney and Margaret (Cogan) Davis. They had children: Catherine, born at Port Washington, Ohio, February 22, 1875, unmarried ; Charles, born December 17, 1877, a boilermaker at Beaver Falls; Martha, born February 25, 1880, married Clinton Weikart, and lives in New Brighton, Beaver county; G. Alger, born February 19, 1882, also a boilermaker ; Josephine, born September 27, 1884, married P. J. Thompson, and lives at College Hill, Beaver county; Emma, born November 12, 1886, unmarried, and in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; Harry, born March 1, 1889, a structural steel worker, and lives in Beaver Falls; Joseph and Peter, twins, born February 1, 1891, died in infancy; Frederick, born March 24, 1892, a boilermaker in the employ of his father ; Sigismund Francis, born October 27, 1895.
Frank C. O'Rourke is numbered among the citizens of
O'ROURKE New Brighton who have ever been identified with the most important of the city's institutions, following the example of an honored father.
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(I) Christopher O'Rourke, father of Frank C. O'Rourke, was born at Milton, Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and although his death occurred thirty-two years ago he is still held in respectful and reverent remembrance by his many friends. Christopher O'Rourke's death was the result of an accident that occurs with appalling frequency and nearly always with fatal results. He was a passenger on the eastbound Pacific Express which was scheduled to stop at New Brighton, his home. The probabilities are that as the speed of the train decreased when entering the town, Mr. O'Rourke swung off the steps before it had come to a full stop and was hurled to the ground, receiving injuries that caused his death. At the time he was in full vigor of a useful existence, holding prominent place in the affairs of the town and wielding a great influence in the community. His absence from his unusually large circle of friends caused a void by no means easy to fill, their sincere grief constituting a perfect tribute to the lofty character they had come to love so well. His presence in a gathering seemed to bind the members thereof in sympathetic understanding, while his easy, ready flow of charming conversation provided topics of common interest. Without being in the least aggressive or dictatorial he appeared to dominate any enterprise or undertaking with which he was connected, his companions and colleagues always looking to him for direction and guidance. Nor was he so accustomed to rule that he became unused to the gentler arts. In his family relations he was the ideal husband and father, affectionate and thoughtful, and in all private connection was ever the considerate kindly gentleman. Generous to a fault, the need of a friend needed no explanation to receive his immediate assistance. His public charities were irrespective of color, race or creed, widely diversified and wisely bestowed. An admir- able character in every relation to his fellowmen and living a life beyond reproach by any man, he was called into the presence of his Maker with no preparation other than that of a soul pure and undefiled and an all embracing love for his final Judge. None who knew of his exemplary career could fear for the security of his eternal rest.
He married Emma, daughter of James Edgar, who married (second) Daniel C. Schofield. Children of Christopher and Emma (Edgar ) O'Rourke : Frank C., of whom further ; Louis E., drowned in 1880, aged thirteen years.
(II) Frank C. O'Rourke, son of Christopher and Emma (Edgar) O'Rourke, was born in New Brighton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, June 13, 1870. He obtained his preliminary education in the public schools of his birthplace, and upon the completion of his education he accepted a position in 1888 as bookkeeper for the firm of Martsolf Brothers, of New Brighton, remaining there until 1891. Two years later he returned to their employ in the capacity of clerk and bookkeeper and in 1906 the concern was incorporated as Martsolf Brothers Company when he was admitted to partnership in the firm, with the office of secretary in the company's organi- zation. Besides his connection with the business of Martsolf Brothers Com- pany, he is a director of the old National Bank of New Brighton, secretary
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and treasurer of the New Brighton Masonic Building Association, and secretary of the New Brighton Borough Council, and director of the Manu- facturers' Association of Beaver County. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and director of the New Brighton Young Men's Christian Association, and is also prominent fraternally, being past master of New Brighton Lodge, No. 259, Free and Accepted Masons; past high priest of Harmony Chapter, No. 206, Royal Arch Masons, of Beaver Falls; member of Pittsburgh Commandery, No. I, Knights Templar ; Hiram Council, Royal and Select Masters, of Newcastle, Pennsylvania; thrice potent master of Newcastle Lodge of Perfection, Fourteenth Degree, of Newcastle, Penn- sylvania; Pittsburgh Consistory, Thirty-second Degree, Sovereign Princes of the Royal Secret; Syria Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine; and a member of the Supreme Council, thirty-third degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and Royal Order of Scotland; district deputy grand master of the Thirty-seventh District of Pennsylvania. He also belongs to the New Brighton Lodge, Knights of Pythias; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Beaver Falls; and the New Brighton Knights of Maccabees.
Mr. O'Rourke married (first) Vesta S., daughter of Andrew and Mary Morrow, who died in 1901; (second) in 1905, Harriet F. Bradshaw, of New Brighton; children: Frank C. (2) and Mabel Elizabeth.
Mr. O'Rourke is firmly established in the high estimation and respect of his business associates, and plays an important part in the administration of its varied affairs. Well liked and universally popular, he is worthy of both, his genial and friendly characteristics being the means by which he retains a large number of firm friends.
The name of Bruce has been so intimately connected with the BRUCE history of Scotland that it is unnecessary here to enter into any of the details concerning the earlier life of this family. While the connection between the Bruce family of Beaver county, Penn- sylvania, and the beloved hero of Scottish history cannot be clearly estab- lished, it is but fair to assume that they had a common origin.
(I) Charles Bruce was born in Scotland, and in early years emigrated to the United States. He became one of the pioneer settlers of Raccoon Creek, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and bravely endured all the hardships with which the early settlers had to contend. He married Christina -, and reared a large family of boys, among them being: George, of further mention, and Rodgers, who was actively engaged in the Civil War and is supposed to have died in Andersonville Prison.
(II) George Bruce, son of Charles and Christina Bruce, was born on South Side, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and was educated in the district schools near Sheffield. His occupations were those connected with farm- ing and the butcher business, and he and his three brothers were the owners of the first separator in that section of the country, and operated it success- fully for a number of years. Later he opened a store in Beaver Falls, be-
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came the ticket agent at Geneva Station, and also conducted a grocery store. He and his wife were members of the Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church. He married Mary, born near Kittanning, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John Wilson. They had children: Ellen, who married - McClearly ; Lina Jane; Robert Clarence, of further mention; Charles W .; Amanda ; George.
(III) Robert Clarence Bruce, son of George and Mary (Wilson) Bruce, was born in Hopewell township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, December 27, 1854. He received a good education in the public schools of his native township, and was then apprenticed to learn the stone mason's trade and that of brick laying. Having mastered these callings, he followed them success- fully for a number of years. For a period of four years he then operated the ferry at South Heights, after which he resumed his former occupations, with which he is identified at the present time. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In former years he was very active in political affairs in the interests of the Republican party, and for a time served as a member of the Republican county committee. Mr. Bruce married, December 25, 1878, Mamie J. Davidson, born in New Scottsville, Hopewell township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. She was graduated with honor from the old Beaver Seminary, and was engaged in teaching during the two years prior to her marriage. Her parents were Ebenezer and Mary (Hamilton) David- son, the former born in Ireland, the latter born in Allegheny county, Penn- sylvania, of Scotch descent. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Bruce was Mary Snodgrass. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce: Oliver, of Webb City, Missouri; Mary, with her parents; Bertha, at Woodlawn; Homer, of Stutes- bury, Pennsylvania ; Mabel, deceased ; Jay, of Pankuska, Oklahoma ; Charles ; Grace; Vallie; Mabel.
MARKEY The life of James Markey is typical of the enterprise and energy which so strongly characterizes the men of this age and clime, and which seems largely the result of the inter- mixture of our American stock with the strong and healthy peoples who, lured by the promise of freedom and opportunity, continue to pour in upon us from across the seas. His maternal forebears were Americans, his grand- father having fought in the cause of freedom during the Revolution, and an uncle in the War of 1812. The revolutionary soldier and his father, a native of Ireland, were among the pioneers who settled Washington county, Penn- sylvania. Our subject's father, on the contrary, was a native of Ireland, born in that country in 1809, and coming thence, first to New York, then to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and finally to Beaver county in that state. He was by trade a tanner and currier and was regarded as among the best in western Pennsylvania. On his arrival in Beaver county, he worked for a time for a Mr. Stokes, of Beaver, but soon found employment in a tan- nery in Monaca, eventually buying out the owner, Avery Graham, and
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conducting so large a business that he was enabled to retire some time prior to his death in 1881.
James Markey was born in Monaca, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1845, a son of Peter and Nancy (Steward) Markey, Mrs. Markey being a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was one of three children, they being : Mary Jane, Elizabeth, James, all residents of Monaca. Mr. Markey has spent his life in his native town, and obtained his education in the public schools of the region. He was for a number of years proprietor of the Central Hotel, Monaca, but is now retired from active business. He has always been interested in real estate and owns considerable property in Beaver county. Mr. Markey is a Democrat in politics and has held a num- ber of local offices. He is a member of the Rochester Lodge, No. 229, Free and accepted Masons. Mr. Markey married a Miss Graham, of West Pittsburgh, their union being blessed with two children : Ettie, now the wife of John Pettit, of Monaca, and Edie, now the wife of David Berry, of the same place.
John Gordon, who was born in county Down, Ireland, emi-
GORDON grated to the United States at an early date, and spent the remainder of his life here. He was a good citizen, thor- oughly patriotic, and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He married and had children :
(II) William Gordon, son of John Gordon, was a pilot on the Ohio river, and died in 1845 in early manhood. He married Sarah, daughter of Levi Merriman, who lived between Rochester and Pittsburgh. They had children : John, married Rachel Nanna, and lived just below the residence of Major John Linton; Sarah ; Margaret ; James; George, died young; Thomas, died young ; Levi, died young ; Robert, married Catherine Marsh; Henry, of whom further. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Gordon removed with her family to Rochester, where she at first resided in the "Leaf House," and later in a small house which was located where Hoffman's store now stands. They lived there twelve years. The place was celebrated in all the country roundabout for the clearness and purity of a spring which was at the roadside there. Travelers came from far and near to enjoy its cool freshness, and the supply was a plentiful one until about 1899, when the digging of a well in the vicinity was the cause of the supply failing at the spring.
(III) Captain Henry Gordon, son of William and Sarah (Merriman) Gordon, was born in Freedom, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1838, died at Rochester, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1914. From the time he was nine years of age he was self-supporting, finding suitable occu- pation on the river. His first position was on the "Michigan," and he then passed through various grades until he was able to fill the position of engineer. He remained in active service on the river for a period of fifty years, then retired. He served as a park commissioner during a term
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of two years, and the beauty and general fine condition of the parks during his term of office is a sufficient testimony to his executive ability and artistic sense, and after this service he served as janitor in the Adams street school for a period of eight years. During the Civil War Mr. Gordon carried soldiers and provisions on the river for the government. At that time he was mate of the vessel on which he was employed, and later held the rank of captain. Mr. Gordon married, August 5, 1862, Anstis R. Davis, born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John M. Davis, who came to Rochester in the forties, when he was a young man, as a stage driver, and in 1853 settled in Phillipsburg, now Monaca. John Culp, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Gordon, was in Rochester in 1795, at which time there was a solitary dwelling there, which was occupied by the ferry- man at the point. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon resided on Adams street, Rochester. Children of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon : 1. Mary Emma. 2. Millard Fillmore, who was for many years employed at glass manufacturing, is at present (1914) with the H. C. Fry Glass Company, and is an expert glass worker ; married Elizabeth, daughter of James Coulter, of Rochester township. 3. John Henry, who was employed for some time in the Point Bottle Works; at present with the H. C. Fry Glass Company, and is now a member of the town council of Rochester; married Mary Kaufman, whose mother resides in Butler, Pennsylvania. 4. William T., of whom further. Henry Gordon died July 5, 1914. Mrs. Gordon resides at the home place.
(IV) William T. Gordon, son of Henry and Anstis R. (Davis) Gor- don, was born in Rochester, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1870. His elementary and college preparatory education were acquired in the public schools of Rochester and at Peirsol's Academy, and he took a full course at the College of Pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh, being graduated from that institution in the class of 1894 with the degree of Ph. G. Prior to taking up the study of pharmacy at the college theoretically, he had been engaged in the practical study of it since 1886. At first he was in the employ of James R. Lloyd, a druggist in Rochester, at the same time delivering the Pittsburgh morning papers, 1884 to 1888, then was employed with H. L. Schweppe, druggist, of New Brighton, 1889, until the opening of a drug store with John F. Gordon. In 1892 he entered college, but re- tained his interest in this business, and after his graduation he purchased the interest of his business associate and became the sole proprietor of this enterprise. Since then he has managed it personally, making it a very successful business, and in 1903 removed to his present location at the corner of Adams street and New York avenue. Mr. Gordon has executive ability of an unusually high order, and was one of the organizers, and is now a director of the Rochester Trust Company.
In political matters Mr. Gordon was formerly a Democrat, but he has been a staunch Republican since 1896. He served for twelve years as a school director, is now (1914) serving another six-year term in the same office, and has been honored by election to the presidency of this honorable
Hilliam & Gordon,
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body. As borough auditor he served in 1892-93-94, and he was at one time Republican candidate for the assembly, and made a brave fight for the office, declining the endorsement of the liquor interests. He was elected a member of the state convention held in Harrisburgh in 1908. His fraternal affiliations are also of an important nature. He is a member of Rochester Lodge, No. 229, Free and Accepted Masons; Eureka Chapter, No. 167, Royal Arch Masons ; Beaver Valley Commandery, No. 84, Knights Templar ; Gourgas Lodge of Perfection, thirty-second degree, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Independent Order of Ameri- cans, but perhaps his most important work in fraternal circles has been done in connection with the Woodmen of the World. For a period of sixteen years he served as clerk of the local camp of this order, and also clerk of the head camp in Jurisdiction G, comprising the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, four years, and later was elected to the chair of head coun- cil and served on the law committee of the Sovereign Camp, 1909 to 1911. He has passed nearly all the state chairs. Under his leadership the local camp grew from a membership of one hundred and thirty-two to five hundred and fifty, this now being one of the largest camps in the state. He is now district manager of Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Gordon is a member of the Pennsylvania State Pharmaceutical Association.
Mr. Gordon married, in 1890, Emma E. Pregenzer, of New Brighton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. Children : Walter A. and Sarah A. Walter A. is assistant to his father; he is a graduate of the University of Pitts- burgh, department of pharmacy, class of 1914; he is a noted athlete and holds several medals, winning second place in the Great Marathon held in the Exposition Building in Pittsburgh, 1908. Mr. Gordon and his family are members of Grace Lutheran Church, he serving as a member of the church council.
MAGAW Scotch-Irish ancestry is attributed to the Magaw family of Pennsylvania, founded in that state upon the arrival of the father of James Magaw from Ireland, his home, who died in Pennsylvania at an age considerably more than four score years.
(II) James Magaw was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and was the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in North Sewickley township, which he cultivated until his death. He married Eunice Dye, born in North Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, died there aged seventy-nine years. Children of James and Eunice (Dye) Magaw : I. Samuel, for many years a well-known attorney of Beaver, Pennsyl- vania. 2. David, of whom further. 3. Daniel, a stone mason in early life, later a farmer. 4. James, a farmer. 5. John, deceased, a farmer. 6. Enoch, a farmer, moved to Indiana and located on a farm near Indian- polis. 7. Eunice, married Lucien Fombelle and lived in North Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. 8. Delilah, married Alexander Fombelle.
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(III) David Magaw, son of James and Eunice (Dye) Magaw, was born in North Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1820, died in Beaver Falls, same county, April 28, 1893. His boyhood was spent on the home farm in North Sewickley township, and he obtained an excellent education, partly through instruction in the public schools, mainly through solitary reading and study, both of which he was very fond. Discovering that he possessed remarkable aptness in communicating his knowledge and ideas to others he began teaching, and was rewarded by such excellent results that he continued as a school teacher for fourteen years. In 1850 he entered the mercantile business in New Brighton, general merchandise being his line, and in this he continued for three years, for the six following years being proprietor of a saw mill and owner of a lumber yard. Retiring from the last named business he was for two years rail- road division superintendent, then became proprietor of the Park Hotel, of New Brighton, which he established, in 1890 selling this property and be- coming owner of the Central Hotel of Beaver Falls, which he conducted until his death. He was a farmer for three years, from 1884 until 1887, having purchased a farm of vast acreage in Macon county, near Decatur, Illinois. During the last few months of the Civil War he was a member of a regiment of volunteers, but his regiment was never pressed into active service. With his wife, he held membership in the Baptist church, and although never an office holder he was a sturdy champion of the Republican party. He was a man of cheery, genial nature, and as a hotel proprietor was famous for the entertainment he afforded his guests and the high plane upon which his house was maintained. He married, May 21, 1856, Elvira Dicky Braden, born in the locality now known as College Hill, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 17, 1834, died July 17, 1861, daughter of John and Catherine (McEntyre) Braden. Children of David and Elvira Dicky (Braden) Magaw: I. James A., born March 17, 1857, died unmar- ried, January 24, 1885. 2. John McEntyre, of whom further. 3. Davis, born December 9, 1859, died February 4, 1861.
(IV) John McEntyre Magaw, second of the three sons and children of David and Elvira Dicky (Braden) Magaw, was born in New Brighton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1858. In that place he spent his youth, attending the public schools until his entrance into Beaver College. During the three years that the family residence was in Macon county, Illinois, he assisted his father in discharging the duties of the management of their large estate, and he also employed himself in various ways in the hotel at New Brighton. In 1890, when his father became owner of the Central Hotel of Beaver Falls, John M. Magaw was admitted into partnership, and since the death of his parent in 1893 he has been sole proprietor and mana- ger of the hotel, which is located at the intersection of Sixth avenue, Third avenue, and Sixth street. The hotel is of red brick, four stories, and its rooms are commodious, tastefully furnished, and comfortable. Mr. Magaw has inherited his father's genius for pleasing and satisfying the guests of his
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house, and the hotel has gained rather than lost prestige among establish- ments of a similar nature in Beaver Falls. In or outside of business rela- tions Mr. Magaw is a kindly, courteous gentleman, whose services are always at the disposal of his many friends, and a fair, honest, straightforward method of procedure is a marked characteristic in all that he does, in business or in private life. Political office has never been one of his desires or aspirations and the support he has given the Republican party has been without thought or hope of return. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Mr. Magaw married, in February, 1895, Margaret Smith, daughter of Pym Kuhn, her father having been at one time a prominent attorney of Beaver, Pennsylvania, a position her brother now holds. Mr. and Mrs. Magaw are the parents of one daughter, Eunice Gray, born December 18, 1897, a student in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, high school.
MALONEY The Maloney family, numerous in the British Isles, has in its adopted home, the United States, also gained a strong footing, branches thereof being found in nearly all sec- tions of the country. The branch of those who are herein recorded is not numerous in this land, the latter half of the nineteenth century seeing the first member come to the United States. This was James Maloney, born in the northern part of England in 1849, who came to Pennsylvania as a young man, immediately identifying himself with the steel industry of that state. He was an employee in the steel mills at Homestead, Pennsylvania, before they became the property of the United States Steel Company, and there continued after the Carnegie interests had assumed control. He now lives retired, making his home near the scene of his earlier labors, his residence being in Munhall, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. His faith is the Roman Catholic, and his political sympathies are with the Democratic party. He married Mary Foley, born in the northern part of England in 1853. Chil- dren : Hannah, John F., of whom further, James, Thomas, Catherine, Wil- liam, Joseph, Edward.
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