USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Genealogical and personal history of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Volume II > Part 46
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(II) Lewis, son of Philip Brown, was born in Germany, February 4, 1826. He acquired his education in the schools of his native country, and came to this country with his parents when he was about thirty years of age. He had learned the trade of printing but, upon his arrival here, found that he was heavily handicapped by his lack of knowledge, so he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits. For a time he conducted his operations in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, then removed to Moore- field, West Virginia. His political affiliations were with the Democratic party, and he was a devout member of the Presbyterian church. He mar- ried, in 1850, Ottelia E. Ernst, born February 4, 1826, a daughter of George Ernst. Children: Matilda, born in 1851, married William Miller, and lives in Ney, Defiance county, Ohio; George A., born August 12, 1853, a soldier in the United States army, who fell with Custer at his last stand; Reinhart, born August 2, 1855, married Lucy King, and is living in Temple, Texas; Lena, born July 13, 1859, married Millard Harwood, and lives at Moorefield, West Virginia; Lewis, born October 3, 1861 ; Adam Lee, born January 5, 1864; Ernest W., see forward.
(III) Ernest W., son of Lewis and Ottelia E. (Ernst) Brown, was born in Moorefield, West Virginia, April 10, 1866, and he removed to Penn- sylvania, in 1890. Mr. Brown was of a very ambitious and energetic nature, and possessed of an unusual amount of executive ability. He es- tablished himself in business independently at the remarkably early age of eighteen years, operating a photographic studio in Texas. He established himself in business in Beaver, Pennsylvania, October 1, 1890, opening a studio on Third street. His business was conducted along progressive lines and he was very successful in his undertaking. He erected the present building in 1896, and had it remodeled in 1902. His photographic work has earned high commendation, not alone from his patrons, but from artists in many sections. Mr. Brown is connected with a number of im- portant business enterprises, and is a director of the Fort McIntosh Bank, of Beaver, Pennsylvania; vice-president of the Beaver Realty Company, and vice-president of the Hindman Realty Company. He is Independent in his political opinions, and has been a member of the Beaver borough council for a period of nine years. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist church. He is an ex-president of the Photographers' Association of Pennsylvania; is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a past grand master of the Masonic order; and is a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias.
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Mr. Brown married Martha, a daughter of Dr. U. S. Strouss, wio was born June 5, 1848, and Esther M. (Hartford) Strouss, who was born December 2, 1850, and died August 10, 1913. Dr. Strouss is one of the prominent physicians of Beaver, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have no children.
Patrick Burns, born in Ireland, married in his native land, BURNS and emigrated to America, but the precise date is not on record. His wife's name was Tucker, and she was also a native of Ireland. They located their homestead just north of Unionville, New Sewickley township, Beaver county, and were highly respected in the community. They were of the Methodist denomination, and in church he was a class leader, and people who heard him were frequently amused by the quaint Irish expressions it was his custom to use. He had children : Samuel, a farmer in Unionville, Pennsylvania; William, lived in Butler county ; James, died young; Abel, see forward; Mary, married William Miller; Lydia, also married.
(II) Abel, son of Patrick and - (Tucker) Burns, was born in New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and died December 25, 1861. He was educated in the district schools of that day, and at a proper age was apprenticed to learn the stone mason's trade. Later he purchased a farm in Marion township, and after a few years bought the farm which afterwards went to his son Albert, in New Sewick- ley township. This consisted of one hundred acres. His death was caused by typhoid fever. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. He married Mary Bourne, born in New Sewickley township, in 1822, died December 28, 1875, daughter of James Bourne, of Irish descent, but it is not known with certainty whether he was born in Ireland or America. He was the owner of a farm of one hundred acres north of Unionville, and he was married four times. Children of the first marriage were: John; Stephen; Elizabeth, married Thomas Miller, and lived in New Brighton; Margaret, married James Boggs, also lived in New Brigh- ton; Mary, mentioned above. Abel and Mary (Bourne) Burns had chil- dren: Miriam, married James Reader, and lives in Rochester, Penn- sylvania ; Susanna, married Henry Bonzo, lived in New Sewickley town- ship, both deceased; Ellen, now deceased, married (first) John Dunn, (second) Jesse Fisher ; Alice, married Henry Bolland, and lives in Beaver, Pennsylvania; Amos, now deceased, was a butcher in Kansas for sixteen years, and died in Rochester, Pennsylvania; Albert, see forward.
(III) Albert, son of Abel and Mary (Bourne) Burns, was born on the farm on which he is living at the present time, in New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1856. For a time he attended the Mellen district school, but as his father died when he was still young, he and his brother were obliged to take charge of the farm, and manage it to the best of their ability. They were successful in this,
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and it has been kept up to date. The dwelling house was erected in 1859 and is in fine condition. Mr. Burns long since purchased the interests of the other heirs to the property, and worked the farm independently. He cultivates all kinds of orchard and small fruits for the market and makes it a very profitable venture. He and his wife affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the Prohibition party. Mr. Burns married, August 12, 1875, Emma Amanda Schuberth, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, a daughter of William Schuberth. Both of her parents were born in Germany, where her four brothers were also born. William Schuberth was a cabinet maker by trade, and when he arrived in this country with his wife and four sons, he had but a very small amount of money left. He settled in Rochester, Pennsylvania, for a short time, then went to Bridgewater, and from there to Cincinnati, where he com- menced making flagstaffs. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he re- ceived many large orders, and made a small fortune. He bought a farm in Allegheny county, south of the Allegheny river, selling this later and re- turning to Cincinnati, and finally to Unionville, Pennsylvania. He and his wife were Methodists. They had children: Henry, a tobacco manufact- urer in Ohio; Charles, owner of a steam laundry in Lancaster, Pennsyl- vania; Augustus, in the tobacco business in Covington, Kentucky; Emma Amanda, mentioned above; Mary, married John Snyder, and lives in Roanoke, Virginia. Albert and Emma Amanda (Schuberth) Burns had children : William H., a physician in Alliance, Ohio, was born May 30, 1876, graduated from the Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College, married Madeleine Smith; Charles Norman, see forward; Edwin, born 1893, died aged three months; Evelyn Claire, born November 26, 1895, is an employee on the Pennsylvania railroad, and lives at Conway, Pennsylvania.
(IV) Charles Norman, son of Albert and Emma Amanda (Schuberth) Burns, was born in New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1880. He was educated in the Mellen's district school, and then attended the Pittsburgh Business College. Until he was twenty-four years of age he worked for his father, then for a period of two years farmed for himself on rented ground. In 1906 he purchased the old Barret farm in Daugherty township, Beaver county, this consisting of twenty-seven acres, to which he has since added five acres. It is provided with a modern dwell- ing house and barn, and everything is kept in excellent condition. He raises general produce and orchard fruits which he sells in the market in a profitable manner. He has been active in the interests of the Democratic party, and has served as the township auditor. He and his wife are mem- bers of St. John's German Reformed Church. Mr. Burns married, Novem- ber 9, 1904, Mary, born in New Sewickley township, February 25, 1885, a daughter of George Louis and Anna (Zaner) Teets, both born and now living in New Sewickley township. Beaver county. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have one child: Helen Gertrude, born January 27, 1906.
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The name of Brown occurs in both English and German BROWN speaking countries, differing slightly, however, in form, the German name being Braun. This was probably the spelling of the family name of the branch treated of in this review, but years of residence in America changed the spelling to Brown.
(I) Charles Brown was born in Baden-Baden, Duchy of Baden, Ger- many, at that time the boundary line of France being only three miles distant. He was a gardener and the owner of a small farm which he utilized chiefly for the cultivation of a fine vineyard. With the exception of the time he spent in military service, his life was passed in this place. He served in the cavalry regiment under Napoleon, and took part in the famous retreat from Moscow. His death occurred at the age of fifty-nine years. He had brothers and sisters: Joseph, Thomas, George and Eliza, all belonging to the class of small, prosperous farmers, and George was the owner of a wine-press. Charles Brown and his family were members of the Roman Catholic Church. He married Catherine Dietrich, who died at the age of seventy-six years. They had children: Charles Jr., died in Germany, where he was a farmer; Fedora, Rosanna, Josephine, Detlieb, Ludwig, John, Conrad, see forward.
(II) Conrad Brown, son of Charles and Catherine (Dietrich) Brown, was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, February 19, 1834. He attended the public schools of his native province for a period of three or four years, and was then sent to a boarding school in Belgium, where he re- mained until he was sixteen years of age. The Revolution then broke out, and Mr. Brown was appointed a second lieutenant in the army. The force with which he was identified was overpowered by the Prussians, and Mr. Brown, then eighteen years of age, emigrated to America. He stayed but a short time in New York City, the port of his arrival, and went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he found employment in a woolen mill. At the end of one year he removed to Cannelton, Beaver county, Penn- sylvania, where he obtained a position in the coal mines, and has been con- nected with this line of industry since that time. For twenty-seven years he was pit boss in the mines, and since 1906 has lived in retirement. He and his wife are Roman Catholics. Mr. Brown married Caroline Kline- haus, born in Ambeil, Navarre, Germany, August 29, 1833, died in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1882, who came to this country when she was four years of age with her parents who also settled in Beaver county. They had children: John, see forward; Catherine, who died in September, 1912, married Frank Kane, and lived in College Hill; Brid- get, married James Kenny, and lives with her father; Michael, a coal miner, unmarried.
(III) John Brown, eldest child of Conrad and Caroline (Klinehaus) Brown, was born in that part of Pittsburgh called Burlington, June 26, 1854. He was eighteen months of age when his parents removed to Can- nelton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and attended the schools at the latter
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place. At the age of fourteen years he commenced the serious business of life by working in the coal mines, and has been engaged in them in various capacities up to the present time. At one time he was boss driver. In 1903 he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty-three acres, and two of his sons cultivate this while he continues with his mine labors. Like his forebears he is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church. In political matters he is a Republican. Mr. Brown married, December 25, 1875, Anna Kennedy, born in Llanerckshire, Scotland, September 18, 1852, a daughter of Thomas and Bridget ( Mann) Kennedy, both born in county Clare, Ireland. He was a coal miner, and was employed in this capacity in Scotland when Mrs. Brown was born. In March, 1873, he emigrated to America with his family, where Mrs. Bridget Kennedy is now living in Sebring, Ohio, at the age of eighty years. John and Anna ( Kennedy ) Brown have had children: 1. Michael, a coal miner at Cannelton ; married Kate Lynch; six children: Leonard, Marie, Ernestine, Elizabeth, Jerome, Oscar. 2. Raymond J., a railway conductor ; married Delia Connelly ; three children : Gertrude, Mary, Annie. 3. William A., of Cannelton ; married Pearl McCowin; two children: Vincent and Grace. 4. Margaret. 5. Thomas F., 6. Albert Leo. 7. Edward J. 8. Ellen E.
ANDERSON The middle of the eighteenth century saw the Anderson family of Pennsylvania resident in Beaver county, whither William Anderson had come from his native land, Ireland. To recount the hardships and sufferings endured by him and his family, as well as by other pioneers, would be to retell a story already old, but a posterity that delights to honor the memory of its founder will hold ever fresh the memory of his bravery and fortitude in the midst of threatening dangers as he manfully played his part in the founding of a nation. There was one incident in his life that is worthy of special men- tion, although it is but one of a hundred. A band of Indian marauders at one time attacked his home, a bullet from one of their rifles wounding him severely. Warning of the approach of the savages had been received and his wife and youngest child had been carefully concealed in the shelt- ering woods that extended almost up to the cabin. Although his wound was bleeding freely and despite the fact that his exhaustion was almost deadly, Mr. Anderson rode with a strength born of desperation and man- aged to reach Fort Dillow, his wife and child joining him there under cover of night. When the enjoyment of more peaceful pursuits fell to his lot, he proved himself a man of industrious energy, and cleared a farm of between four and five hundred acres, a part of which is still in the posses- sion of his descendants, who now till the acres wrested from the depths of the forest by his strong arm and sharp axe. He married, and was the father of these children: William, Alexander, Thomas, of whom further, David, a daughter, married Robert Calvin, and John.
(II) Thomas, son of William Anderson, was born in Hanover town-
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ship, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1782, died in 1857. He was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in the cultivation of part of the land that had been comprised in his father's farm. He was a skillful far- mer, prospered in his chosen calling, and stood high in the estimation of his friends and neighbors. He was twice married, his second wife being Jane Patten, who bore him three children, of whom Alexander H., of whom further, was the youngest.
(III) Alexander H., youngest of the three children of Thomas and Jane (Patten) Anderson, was born in Hanover township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1833, died April 8, 1898. He was educated in the public schools of the township, living on the home farm until 1860, in which year he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Darling- ton township, where he spent his remaining years. His youth having been passed on a farm, he was exceptionally well versed in all agricultural lore, and in his operations was remarkably favored, success attending the majority of his undertakings. He was a Republican in politics, never holding office other than that of school director, only accepting a position that brought him so much in the public eye because of his interest in and knowledge of matters educational. As a trustee of Greersburg Academy he did much toward placing that institution upon the high plane it occupied. Beyond these public services he steadfastly refused to go, preferring, in his modest and unassuming manner, that others should reap the fruits of popu- lar praise and approval. His church was the Presbyterian, to which his wife also belonged. He married, in 1862, Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Reed. Children of Alexander H. and Rebecca (Reed) Anderson: William T., of whom further; Jennie E. (Mrs. Dr. W. S. Cook, of Beaver Falls) ; Madge F. (Mrs. J. L. Biggerstaff, of New Castle) ; Martie M. (Mrs. W. S. Chatley, of Darlington) ; Laura L., deceased; and Frank R., of Sharon.
(IV) William Thomas, son of Alexander H. and Rebecca (Reed) Anderson, was born in Darlington township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the Anderson homestead now the property of Ira B. Duncan, Septem- ber 4, 1863. On that farm he grew to manhood, attending the Douthitt district school, a mile distant from his residence. He remained on the home farm until the death of his father, at first assisting his parent and later assuming the management of the entire property. He then moved to South Sharon, now known as Farrell, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where in partnership with his brother Frank R. he established in the retail coal business, also handling all manner of builders' supplies. This connection was dissolved after a three years continuation, and Mr. Ander- son remained in the same line independently. He conducted this business until 1910, when he disposed of his establishment and purchased the old McKean farm in Darlington township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he has since resided.
Mr. Anderson was at one time the most enthusiastic and loyal of Re- publican followers, but is now entirely independent in his political action,
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party being taken into but small account in the casting of his ballot. In Mercer county he filled the office of school director, and is now auditor of Darlington township, Beaver county. With his wife he is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Enon Valley, Pennsylvania, and in the organ- ization of that church is an elder. His fraternal and social affiliations are with the Masonic order and the Patrons of Husbandry.
Mr. Anderson married, September 18, 1901, Jane McElwee, born near Harbor, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, August 27, 1869, daughter of William and Emeline (Cooper) McElwee. William Lawrence was a son of William and Mary ( Mills) McElwee, both natives of county Down, Ireland, where they were married about 1812. Fifteen years later William and Mary McElwee left Ireland, the boat on which they took passage landing in Philadelphia. In that city the father of the family bought a horse and wagon, in which the children could ride, and started on the trip to Lawrence county, he and his wife walking by the side of the vehicle, the younger members of the family riding. When they arrived in Law- rence, then a part of Mercer county, William McElwee purchased a sixty- acre tract of virgin forest, which in due time he cleared, erecting thereon a cabin. He and his wife were Seceders. Children of William and Mary (Mills) McElwee: I. Andrew, a farmer of Crawford county, Pennsyl- vania, until his death. 2. Mary, married Thomas Johnson, and lived in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. 3. Martha, died unmarried. 4. Isabelle, married Isaac Lockhart, and lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. William, of further mention.
William, son of William McElwee, was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, in 1828, died in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, August 4, 1907. He grew to manhood in Lawrence county, inheriting the home farm, and there lived until 1883, when he retired from active participation in business and made his home at New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. He was a Democrat in politics and with his wife a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Emeline Cooper, daugh- ter of George and Hannah (Cassidy) Cooper, born at Perrysville (now incorporated in the city of Pittsburgh), Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, died March 15, 1906. George Cooper, son of Irish parents, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as was his wife, her ancestors also being Irish. He was a farmer and miller, the owner of a large grist mill, which ground the grain of the farmers for miles around. This has long since fallen into decay and has disappeared, but the old stone house in which he and his family lived is still standing, visible from the Perrysville Pike. Children of William and Emeline (Cooper) McElwee: 1. Mary, unmarried, lives in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. 2. Ermina, deceased ; married Rev. H. D. Gordon. 3. Martha, married George J. Davidson, and lives in Elwood City, Pennsylvania. 4. Jane, of previous mention, married William Thomas Anderson. 5. William Jr., an attorney of Newcastle, Pennsylvania.
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Children of William Thomas and Jane (McElwee) Anderson : I. Thomas McElwee, born October 28, 1903. 2. Martha Cooper, born No- vember 22, 1904. 3. Rebecca Cook, born March 31, 1906. 4. Ralph Gor- don, born July 5, 1909. 5. Harold Alexander, born December 18, 1912.
Cowan is a name of frequent occurrence in America at the COWAN present time, and it can be traced to England, Ireland and Germany, the particular family under discussion in this re- view having come from the last mentioned land. They have been resident in the state of Pennsylvania for a number of generations, and have proved themselves worthy citizens.
(I) Samuel Cowan, of German descent, was probably born in Blair county, Pennsylvania, the family living near Johnstown. He was a farmer, and he and his wife lived to an advanced age, spending the last years of their lives with their children in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. They were of the Lutheran faith. Mr. Cowan married Elizabeth Adams, and they had children: Frederick A., of further mention; a boy, who died in infancy ; Elizabeth, married Jacob Lafferty, and lived in Funnelton, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania; Susanna, who married Uriah Heacock, of Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Lucinda, married Uriah Wilson also of Latrobe; Mary, who married John Henry, of Homer City, Indiana county, Pennsylvania ; Henrietta, married John Taylor, of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.
(II) Frederick A., son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Adams) Cowan, was born at Morrisons Cove, Blair county, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1843, and died in October, 1899. He remained on the paternal farm until lie had attained young manhood, then made his home in Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the lumber business. In con- nection with this he did general contracting work but failed in business during the panic of 1872-73. In 1886 he removed to Beaver Falls, Penn- sylvania, and there found employment in the rolling mills until 1889, when he removed to Allentown, Lehigh county, and was engaged in similar work until his death. He and his wife attended the Methodist church, and in political matters he was a Republican. During the Civil War he served nine months. Mr. Cowan married Pamelia L. Oaks, born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, in August, 1841, now living in Allentown, Pennsyl- vania. They had children: Margaret, unmarried, lives with her mother at No. 239 North Eleventh street, Allentown; William H., of further men- tion; Samuel, a teamster in Beaver Falls; Lula, married John Sagers, a farmer, lives at Macungie, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania ; Electa, unmar- ried, is a stenographer in Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Cowan was a daughter of Samuel Oaks and his first wife, the latter dying when her daughter was a very young child. They were of Irish descent, and lived near Blairsville, Indiana county, Pennsylvania. He was a prosperous farmer, and owned a quantity of land near the foot of the mountain. They were members of the Methodist church. The
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brothers and sisters of Mrs. Cowan were: Peter R., now deceased, be- came the owner of his father's farms, and also conducted a drug store; Sevilla, married Samuel Guffy, both now deceased; a daughter, married - Briney; Mary, married - Butler, and lives in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania ; Lucy, married William Ford, a machinist, and lives in Latrobe, Pennsylvania; a girl, married - Beard, and lived in the west; Scott, a prospector and operator, who lived in Butler county, Penn- sylvania.
(III) William H., son of Frederick A. and Pamelia L. (Oaks) Cowan, was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, August 14, 1866. He acquired a good, practical education in the public schools near his home, and in 1886 removed with the family to Beaver Falls, Beaver county, and at once commenced working in the rolling mills in that town. He was oc- cupied as a heater at the furnaces until the year 1900, then joined the police force, with which he has since been identified, greatly to the ad- vantage of the community. During the first four years he served as a patrolman, then became a traffic policeman, holding this position until 1910. In that year he was appointed chief of police of Beaver Falls, and was the incumbent of that office until March 1, 1914. During his ad- ministration he displayed executive ability of a remarkably high order, and the safety of the citizens was assured since he took office. Upon his retirement he was appointed captain of night police. Mr. Cowan is a man who prefers to form his opinions independently, and he has the courage of his convictions. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In political matters he is a Republican.
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