USA > Pennsylvania > Westmoreland County > History of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 21
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Mr. Shumaker has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty-five years, twenty years of which time he has served as president of the board of trustees at Latrobe He was on the building committee when the church was erected there in 1881, and generously donated towards its building expense. He is a member of a quarter of a century standing in both the R. A. and A. O. of U. W. lodges, at Latrobe and belongs to the G. A. R., W. P. Will- iams Post No. 1, in which order he has passed all the chairs and was a delegate to the state encampment in 1886. No citizen of the county stands higher in the estimation of the people than Mr. Shumaker. He has ever been loyal to his country, his native state and county ; been prompt in all his dealings, with his
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fellow men by the true christian spirit : is a thoroughgoing business man and an exemplary father and husband. Notwithstanding he was for twenty-one years a "knight of the road," mingling with all classes of men, subject to tempta- tions on every hand and saw the rough side of army life in time of the rebellion, yet always maintained a manly character and continues to enjoy the respect of all about him. He is now enabled to be surrounded with the blessings of a well reared family and enjoy the fruits of his labors.
THE BRUNOT FAMILY is one of the old families of France, which first came into national prominence during the period of the religious wars in that country in the sixteenth century. Major Sanson Brunot (great-great- grandfather) was a distinguished officer in the French army and has a coat of arms ( still in possession of the Brunot family ), which was bestowed on him for meritorious conduct on the field of battle. His son. Dr. Felix Brunot (great- grandfather), was born in Parish Morey, France, January 9. 1752, and was a foster brother of General LaFayette. He was originally intended for "orders" by his uncle, a Catholic bishop, but experiencing an aversion for that calling he was permitted to enter upon the study of medicine. After graduation from one of the first medical schools of France he joined General LaFayette in his espousal of the patriotic cause in America. He came to this country in 1777. was appointed surgeon in the Continental army under Washington, and ren- dered invaluable service at the battle of Brandywine and on many other battle fields during the revolutionary war. At the close of that great struggle he was recognized as one of the most successful physicians and skillful surgeons in the new-risen Republic, in whose cause he had patriotically risked his life, and with whose destiny had unhesitatingly cast in his fortunes. No warmer hearted and more earnest friend of freedom than Dr. Brunot ever came to this continent, and no man's service was ever rendered in the cause of American indpendence more devotedly than his. After the declaration of peace between Great Britain and the "Thirteen Colonies." Dr. Brunot located at Annapolis, Maryland, but soon removed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed a large prac- tice and remained until 1797. In that year he came to Pittsburg and selected his place of residence on a beautiful island ( now known as "Brunot's Island") in the Ohio river. a short distance below that city. At his island home he entertained his foster brother and comrades in arms, General LaFayette, and George Rogers Clarke and Herman Blennerhasset and many other prominent characters of American history. He subsequently removed to Liberty street, Pittsburg, where he died May 23, 1838. He was a public-spirited citizen, and after coming to Pittsburg always took a great interest in the growth and pros- perity of that city. Dr. Brunot was twice married. His first wife was a lady of Annapolis, by whom he had one daughter, who married but died without issue. His second wife, Elizabeth Kreider, of Philadelphia, whom he married December 17. 1789. bore him six sons and one daughter. Of these sons, Breton and Casper were physicians : Sanson was a prominent minister in the Episcopal church and at one time was in charge of the church at Greensburg : Hilary served as a lieutenant in the United States army, and the other two. Felix and James M., became lawyers and settled in the southern states. James M. Bru- not was the father of Hilary B. Brunot, now practicing law in Brevard, North Carolina. Susan Louisa was the only daughter.
Lieutenant Hilary Brunot (grandfather) was the fourth son and was born July 14. 1795. in a house that is still standing in Philadelphia, on the bank of the Schuylkill river. When quite young he entered the United States Military
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Academy at West Point, and was a member of one of the early classes which was graduated from that institution. After graduation he was commissioned as lieutenant in the United States regular army, and was wounded in the sortie at Fort Erie during the war of 1812, and was promoted to first lieutenant for gallantry in this battle. After the close of that struggle he was stationed re- spectively at Fort Snelling, Mackinaw, Green Bay and Newport. From the lat- ter place, Kentucky, he was stationed at the Allegheny arsenal in Pittsburg. In 1825 resigned his command in the army and was engaged in the manufacture of white lead for many years. His works occupied the entire square upon which the Union depot in Pittsburg now stands. Lieutenant Brunot retired from ac- tive business in 1850, and died March 26, 1872. He was an earnest Christian, a man of great force of character, and was very active in politics. He was a Whig and later a Republican, and served for many years as a member of the city councils of Pittsburg. He married, May 6, 1819, Ann Tankard Reville, a daughter of Randell and Margaret Reville, of Newport, Kentucky. The Revilles were early settlers of Somerset county, Maryland. To Lieutenant and Mrs. Brunot were born nine children, of whom none are living. Felix R. Brunot, of Pittsburg, one of the children, was one of the most noted philan- thropists of his day.
Hilary J. Brunot ( father) was educated in Sewickley Academy and West- ern University of Pittsburg. Leaving school he was engaged for a short time in the white lead business. In 1845 he engaged in civil engineering and assisted Nathan McDowell to make test surveys for slackwater navigation on the Mo- nongahela river. In 1849 he went with a Pittsburg company to California, where he remained two years. In 1851 he returned to Pennsylvania and helped locate and survey the Allegheny Valley Railroad. In 1854 he resigned from the engineer corps and went to Indiana, where he married and then purchased a stock farm in Rock Island county, Illinois, upon which he resided for five years. In 1859 he removed to Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where he was en- gaged in farming and speculation in coal lands until 1873, when he came to Greensburg. Since then he has been dealing in coal, oil and gas lands. He was one of the pioneers of the natural gas business, and with the Haymaker brothers put down the first well at Murrysville. In 1883 he started the Daily and Weekly Press, one of the leading papers of the country, which now has far more than a local circulation. During the late war Mr. Brunot was mus- tered into the service of the United States at Camp Howell, July 2, 1863, and served until August 16, 1863, when the regiment, the fifty-fourth, Pennsylvania Volunteers, was disbanded and he was discharged. Hilary J. Brunot married, at Boone Grove, Indiana, July 12, 1855, Mary Bissell. Their children were : Ann Elizabeth, wife of Hilary B. Brunot, Brevard, North Carolina ; Mary Car- oline, widow of Dr. I. P. Klingensmith, of Blairsville, Pennsylvania ; Hilary Sanson, United States consul at St. Etienne, France ; Sarah Louisa : William B., died at the age of nineteen years ; Felix R., a broken of Greensburg, Penn- sylvania : Melusina B., wife of Joseph K. Barclay, of Greensburg, Pennsylvania : James Thompson, died in 1902, and was survived by his wife, Rose Latta Bru- not, and an infant son, James T. Brunot : Indiana Traner, died in infancy ; John Breton, of whom later. Hilary J. Brunot died June 9. 1900.
John Breton Brunot, son of Hilary J. and Mary ( Bissell) Brunot, was born at Greensburg, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1878, and received his educa- tion at the high school, Grove City College and University of Michigan. At the last named institution he took a three year law course, graduating June 19, 1902. He was admitted to the practice of his chosen profession in Westmore-
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land county, May, 1904. Shortly thereafter he became associated with.J. R. Spiegel, under the firm name of Spiegel & Brunot, whose office is in the Press building at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Politically Mr. Brunot is a supporter of the Republican party, and in church affiliations is an Episcopalian. He mar- ried, August 26, 1903, Alice E. Turner, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, daughter of John B. and Mary B. Turner. The father was an carly settler and prominent business man of Cedar Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Brunot have one son, John B. Brunot, Jr., born in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1904.
JOHN J. HOUSER, a leading business man of Ruffsdale, whose honorable and straightforward methods have brought to him a large degree of prosperity and success, is a native of New Stanton, Pennsylvania, born Decem- ber 13, 1866.
John G. Houser, father of John J. Houser, was born in Germany. When sixteen years old he left his native land for a home in the new world, locating at what is now known as New Stanton, Pennsylvania, where for a few years he was engaged in boiling salt. Later he turned his attention to farming in South Huntingdon township, which he continued until 1904, since which time he has lived in the village of Ruffsdale. He has held the office of school direc- tor for five or six terms, rendering efficient service in that capacity. He is a member and deacon in the Lutheran church, a Democrat in politics, and a mem- ber of the Patrons of Husbandry, and a director in the Mendon Grange Fire In- surance Company for several years. He married Rebecca Bare, daughter of Joseph Bare, and eight children were the issue, one of whom died in infancy. The surviving members are: John J., of whom later ; Ida, wife of J. C. Hus- band, of Greensburg : Mary, unmarried ; Martha, wife of Alfred N. Miller ; Sarah, wife of Frank Leighty ; William P., a clerk in the employ of his brother, John J., and Lula, unmarried.
The common schools of South Huntingdon township and the Greensburg Seminary, which he attended one term, afforded John J. Houser the oppor- tunity of acquiring a practical education during his boyhood days. His first occupation was that of teacher, in which capacity he served for seven years in the schools of East and South Huntingdon townships. He engaged as clerk with J. H. Ruff, at Ruffsdale, in 1892, and at the expiration of one year he purchased the business which consists of a general line of merchandise, and has successfully conducted the same up to the present time ( 1905). He takes a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he resides. especially along educational lines, and for one term held the office of school director. He was a delegate to the state convention of school directors which convened at Harrisburg, in 1903. He was instrumental in the organi- zation of the Lutheran church of Ruffsdale, in which he serves as deacon and to the support of which he is a liberal contributor. He is a Democrat in poli- tics. He is a charter member of the Knights of Malta, Lodge No. 350, Beacon Commandery of Ruffsdale. Mr. Houser married Cora M. Leighty, daughter of M. J. and Eliza Leighty, and their children are : Grover, born June 27, 1894 : Mildred. May 7. 1897 : and Corinne, December 4, 1901.
JOSEPH P. LOVE, a resident of Alverton, Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, and a man prominent and active in community affairs, was born in South Huntingdon township, August 23, 1844. son of Benjamin and Mary (Tintsman) Love.
Beniamin Love, father, was a native of Ireland, who emigrated to this country in company with his father, Benjamin Love, settling in Pennsylvania.
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He was twelve years of age at the time of his arrival in this country, and spent the remainder of his life in South Huntingdon township, being engaged in the butcher business and farming. He and his wife, Mary Tintsman, had sixteen children : Margaret, deceased, wife of Frederick Spielman ; Robert, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased; Nancy, wife of James Hough; Benjamin, deceased ; Abram, a farmer : Sarah ; John, deceased ; Martha ; James, a carpenter of Scott- dale : Julia, deceased ; Jane, died in infancy ; David, a farmer ; Joseph P., of whom later ; Catherine, wife of Joseph Ruth, and Benjamin, deceased. Benja- min Love, the father of these children, died in 1862.
Joseph P. Love received a common school education, and in early life learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for some years. When the cloud of war overspread the country in 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Six- teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served for a term of three years. Since his return to civil life he has been engaged in various avocations, giving most par- ticular attention, however, to the butcher business. In his political relations Mr. Love is a strong Republican, and served as justice of the peace for eleven years, assessor, collector, and, in short, in every township office with the single exception of school director. Mr. Love is deeply interested in all community affairs, and in all the positions of trust and responsibility to which he has been elected, he has discharged his duties most acceptably. He was appointed, July 6, 1904, a rural mail carrier by the government, on No. 3 delivery from Mount Pleasant. He is a charter member of the Knights of Malta lodge in Scottdale. He married, October 31, 1871, Emma Tarr, daughter of Daniel and Frances (Teller) Tarr, and their children were: Jessie Frances, wife of Dr. G. C. Kneedler, of Allegheny City; Edwin M., a resident of Pittsburg, and Mazie Viola, a graduate of the East Huntingdon high school, the Mount Pleasant Institute, and for three terms a teacher in the Alverton public school.
WILLIAM L. STONER, deceased, for many years a representative citizen of Scottdale, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Novem- ber 10, 1848, a son of Joseph and Ann ( Lane) Stoner.
In early life, after acquiring a common school education, he learned the trade of carpenter, becoming an expert mechanic as the result of close appli- cation to his work during his term of apprenticeship, and later became a con- tractor and builder, many of the finest buildings in the county standing as monuments to his skill and ability along these lines. Failing health forced him to abandon his work and in order to recuperate he started for Colorado, May 15, 1888, but died at Wood River, Nebraska, June 5, 1888, passing away while yet in the prime of life. He was a consistent member of the United Brethren church, and a man of exemplary habits, honored and respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Stoner married Lucy A. Null, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Seanor) Null, and granddaughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Paul) Null. Their children are : Maud M., born November 12, 1873, a grad- uate of the Curry Business College, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, wife of J. Sheri- dan Bradley, a merchant of Scottdale. Harry Null, born March 2, 1876, an agent of Scottdale, also a graduate of the Curry Business College. He mar- ried Malinda A. Brothers, who bore him one child, Vernon Null, born De- cember 16, 1901 ; he married ( second) Erma L. Gessner, who bore him one child, Frances Catharine, born July 29, 1904. Edna S., born January 6, 1880, wife of Lloyd Hough, a machinist of Scottdale. Nellie O., born August 9, 1885, a graduate of the East Huntingdon high school, now serving in the capacity of teacher in the schools of East Huntingdon township.
John Hébreu,
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HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
EDWIN RUTHVEN KISSELL. The grandfather of Edwin Ruth- ven Kissell, of Ligonier township, was William Kissell, who was born and. reared at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and was a stonemason by trade. He moved to Westmoreland county and settled in the Ligonier valley, where he followed his trade during the remainder of his life. William Kissell married Sarah Witter, and their children were : George, deceased ; Frederick, deceased ; Denial C., mentioned herafter : Franklin ; John Wesley, deceased ; Matilda, de- ceased ; Lucinda, who became the wife of Solomon Grisword, and is deceased ; Jerome : and William Albert; both of whom are deceased. The father of the family died in 1858.
Daniel C. Kissell, son of William and Sarah ( Witter) Kissell, was born March 28, 1838, in Lancaster City, and when a child was brought to West- moreland county by his parents. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for some years in Pittsburg. For seven years he was car inspec- tor at Irwin for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. In 1871 he purchased the property where he now makes his home and which is known as the Kissell, Spring Hotel. It was opened by him about 1877 and continuously conducted by him until 1899, when he resigned the management to his son Edwin Ruth- ven. Mr. Kissell married Mary Ann, daughter of Frederick Snyder, and their children are: DeWitt Clinton, Edwin Ruthven, mentioned hereafter; John Wesley, William S., Mildred D., married a Mr. Jack, of Pittsburg; Luella Montrose, married Robert Gilligan ; Ralph, Ray B., and Kenneth Kingsley. Mrs. Kissell died in 1898.
Edwin Ruthven Kissell, son of Daniel C. and Mary Ann (Snyder ) Kissell, was born September 15, 1866, at Irwin, Pennsylvania, and when about fourteen years old started for Scotland, but decided to go west, where he spent five years as a cow boy. At the end of that time he returned to Pennsylvania and worked as a carpenter and builder until after the death of his mother. About a year after that event he succeeded his father as proprietor of the Kissell Spring Hotel, a position which he has since successfully filled. The hotel is situated five miles northeast of Ligonier and is one of the best-known summer resorts in western Pennsylvania. Mr. Kissell is a member of the West Fair- field church. He is a Republican in politics. He married Annie Esther, daugh- ter of Noah H. and Mary Jane ( Ross) Clarke.
JOHN McCREARY, who was for many years a prominent and suc- cessful horse dealer in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was born in Alle- gheny township, November 28, 1845, the son of George and Sarah (Kline) McCreary.
John McCreary (great-grandfather) emigrated to this country from Ire- land in 1775, settling in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. There were three sons in the family, John, William and Henry. Having settled in a community in which the German language was spoken and taught in the parochial and subscription schools, they learned to speak this language, and it formed the basis of their education. About 1780 the three sons left their homes for the west, as it was then called. William and Henry went to Kentucky, where they prospered.
John McCreary (grandfather) settled in Salem township in the village of New Salem, now Delmont. later removing from there to Allegheny township. His children were: John, Elizabeth, Mary, Samuel, Henry and George. John was a successful business man and was extensively engaged in farming and droving. He owned a fine farm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which he after-
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ward made his home. He was a man of sterling character, a Whig in politics, and a member of the Methodist church. He died in 1865. The death of John McCreary, Sr. occurred in 1844.
George McCreary, the youngest son of John McCreary, and father of John McCreary, was born on the old homestead, August 8, 1808. He acquired a common school education, was a farmer, an uncompromising Democrat in poli- tics, and a member of the Lutheran church. He was rugged in sincerity and emphatic expression and act. He married Sarah Kline, a woman of amiable disposition, who was universally loved. Their children were: Levi, John, Hiram, Henry, Jane, Susan, Mary and Adda.
There were no startling epochs in the life of John McCreary. In the busi- ness he chose, that of dealing in horses, he was successful, because he was painstaking, energetic and honest. 1Je had thousands of patrons in western Pennsylvania, with whom he dealt for more than a quarter of a century, with ever-increasing confidence. He had none of the wiles so often practiced by members of his profession. The magnitude of his operations was remarkable, and for years he maintained a large sales stable in Brooklyn, New York. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and always an active Democrat. In 1884 he was the Democratic candidate for treasurer of Westmoreland county. He made a most gallant fight, but with all his colleagues on the ticket met de- feat. He never faltered in his devotion to Democracy. John McCreary mar- ried, January II, 1886, Bethelda Cresswell, daughter of Samuel Stuart Cress- well, whose wife was Rachel Hylver. Samuel Stuart Cresswell was a son of Samuel Cresswell and his wife, Elizabeth Stuart, a great-granddaughter of Charles Stuart, who was defeated in a battle for the British crown and com- pelled to fly to Spain. His wife and two children, a boy and a girl, were carried to the British colonies in America and sold for their passage money. They de- scended from the Scottish Highlands and participated in quelling the Irish re- bellion during the reign of King William. Samuel Stewart Cresswell was born near McCarricksburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania, November II, 1822, and died at Homer City, Indiana county, May 29, 1902. Mr. McCreary's devotion to his father and mother never wavered. He saw that they were comfortable during their lives. His business triumphs only increased his care and concern for those he loved. To his widow he left a handsome fortune as an evidence of his devotion. His last illness found him in the midst of his well-established and hopeful enterprises, and on the second day of November, 1903, death stopped the swift running current of a useful and successful life.
J. LLOYD KALP. One of Mount Pleasant's enterprising business men of the younger generation is T. Lloyd Kalp. He is a grandson of William K. and Margaret (Wadsworth) Kalp, the former a farmer of Donegal town- ship.
William Andrew Kalp, son of William K. and Margaret (Wadsworth) Kalp, was born May 15, 1857, in Donegal township, was bred to farm life and educated in the public and normal schools. At the age of seventeen he began to teach, and for fourteen terms was an instructor in the country districts of Westmoreland county. He taught for two terms in Mount Pleasant, and at the age of twenty engaged in farming in connection with his work as a teacher. In 1890 he gave 11D his farm and settled in Mount Pleasant, where he spent the remainder of his life. He again became a teacher and also engaged for a time in the insurance business. Later he formed a partnership and entered the hardware business, the firm being known as Kalp, Mechling & Company. Sub- sequently it became Kalp & Mechling, remaining so until 1901 when Mr. Kalp
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withdrew his interest in the business and turned his attention to real estate and fire insurance. He carried on an extensive business in both insurance and realty, and was one of the founders of the Citizens' Building & Loan Associa- tion, in which from its inception until his death, he held the office of secretary. In connection with C. E. Mullen he purchased and laid out in building lots the "James Neel farm" in the borough of Mount Pleasant. He was one of the promoters of the Mount Pleasant Creamery Company and also of the Mount Pleasant Tool Company in both of which he was a stockholder, and of the latter was secretary of board of directors. He was secretary of the Berlin Electric Light Company, of Berlin, Pennsyl- vania, and also of the Berlin Water Company, being part owner of both cor- porations. As secretary and treasurer he was connected with the Cedar Ridge Mines & Tunnel Company, of Idaho Springs, Colorado. Mr. Kalp was a benev- olent and public-spirited citizen as well as a successful business man, and was one of the promoters of the Mount Pleasant Hospital and the free dispensary, acting as secretary of both. In Donegal township he held the office of justice of the peace, and in Mount Pleasant borough served as chief burgess and as a member of the school board. He was also a delegate to the Erie convention. He was first member of Marion Lodge, No. 562, F. and A. M., and also be- longed to Urania Chapter, No. 192, R. A. M., Kedron Commandery, No. 18. K. T., Valley Consistory of Pittsburg, A. A. S. R., Gaurgas Lodge of Perfec- tion, Moss Rose Lodge, No. 350, I. O. O. F., the Royal Arcanum, and the- Loyal Association. He was one of the founders and one of the trustees of Lodge No. 868, B. P. O. E.
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