USA > Pennsylvania > Westmoreland County > History of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 40
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Major John Hitchman, eldest son of William Hitchman, was born in Westmoreland county in 1789, and died in 1846. He was a man of great ability, and was a leading figure in military affairs. When troops were called out for the war with Great Britain in 1812, he enlisted in. a company com- manded by Captain Reynolds, under whom he became first lieutenant. He accompanied his regiment to Baltimore, and was among the defending forces there until peace was declared. In 1828 he was elected brigade inspector with the rank of major in the Pennsylvania militia, and served in that capacity until 1836. For several years he was engaged in a mercantile business. He married Mary Thompson, a descendant of an old and highly respected family of the Cumberland Valley. She was a woman of strong character and christian worth, with intelligence and culture far beyond her time in the region in which she resided. She was born in Mercersburgh, Pennsylvania, February 18. 1799, and died March 30, 1870, having long survived her husband, who died in March, 1846, at the age of fifty-seven years. Their remains rest side by side in the Mount Pleasant cemetery.
William J. Hitchman, only child of Major John and Mary (Thompson) Hitchman, was born at Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania July 8, 1838. He was only eight years old when his father died, and in straightened circumstances. Mr. Hitchman has always felt that he owed to his revered mother much of the better part of his manhood, and that substantial foundation upon which was built his honorable career and its attendant suc- cess. She carefully guarded his youth, instructing him in those true and noble lines of thought and action which distinctly characterized his mature man- hood. Educational advantages were meagre, and from her he derived much of the knowledge which there were not schools to adequately provide. He was also brought up to habits of thrift and industry. In his boyhood at Laurel- ville, a small village at the foot of Chestnut Ridge, he was actively employed
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and carefully trained to labor and business in the mill, the shop and the store, meanwhile constantly adding to his fund of general information, absorbing all that stood in the place of school room instruction, and thus laying the foundations for a useful and honorable future. Before he was seventeen years old, he was so well advanced that he acquitted himself creditably as a teacher. following that occupation for several years, and always taking an active part in teachers' institutes and in whatever effort arose for the advancement of educational interests. Meanwhile, and after entering the school room as a teacher, he continued to be a student, and completed an academic course in his native town.
At the threshold of his mature career, he was tempted to enter the field of law and politics, for both of which inviting domains he possessed a strong predilection and considerable qualifications. His judgment, however, moved him to turn away from their allurements, with their promise of early promi- nence and success, to enter upon a business life. From the beginning, he steadily progressed, through no fortuitous circumstances or adventitious aid, but by diligent labor and the exercise of sound judgment. He saw his com- mercial undertakings constantly widening, though at times distressing circum- stances arose that would have led into questionable conduct one of less moral fibre. In all he held fast to the loftiest standards of honor, and preserved an unimpeachable integrity. As his means increased he extended his activities into fields which ever broadened before him, and came to be regarded as one of the leaders of his section of the state, in all relating to financial and real estate affairs. For many years he had been interested largely in the banking houses of Mount Pleasant, and had accumulated important landed interests, besides investing largely in other enterprises, financial, commercial and industrial. It is to be said, in order to arrive at a just estimate of his character, that at the outset he did not expect nor covet wealth. He entered upon his effort with modest ambitions, born of his necessities, and his larger success followed as a natural outgrowth of well directed effort. Nor when his wealth was accumu- lated did he prostitute it to ignoble purposes. He used it as he did his mental attributes and traits of character, devoting it to the highest purposes, making it useful to others in providing avenues of employment, and contributing liber- ally to all those beneficent agencies which make for the better life of the com- munity-the church, the school, and those material benefits which make for healthful and happy homes and surroundings.
Mr. Hitchman was identified with the Republican party from the years of its formation. He was not old enough to vote for its first presidential candi- date, John C. Fremont, in 1856, but his sympathies were with "the Pathfinder" and the principles of which he was the representative, and he took such part in that stirring campaign as a non-voter could. His first vote was cast for the immortal Lincoln, in 1860, and from that time he was numbered among the most intelligent and devoted supporters of the party, and recognized as a leader of commanding ability and wide influence, yet, withal, in no manner a political aspirant or self-seeking, but shaping his political conduct as he did his personal life-its mainsprings honor, and its end the betterment of society at large, and upholding of high moral principles and practices by the nation at large as well as by the individual. In his personal life, he was held in honor not alone for his well rounded character, but for his intellectual attainments. He had con- stantly enlarged the boundaries of his knowledge, and in every direction. He was liberally informed in history, biography and general literature, and had long been recognized as an indisputable authority upon banking and finance.
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He married, January 2, 1861, Elizabeth Shields, daughter of James Shields. With her his domestic life proved most fortunate and peculiarly happy. Mrs. Hitchman has ever been a real helpmeet to her husband, in the broadest mean- ing of the word, sympathizing with him and affording her counsel and encour- agement in whatever commanded his interest. To them were born six sons and two daughters : James S., Edward T., Arthur, John D., Walton M., Wil- liam M., Mary and Alice E. Hitchman.
CHARLES M. SLOAN, M. D., was born May 9, 1867, in Saleh. township, Westmoreland county, son of Jolin and Prudence ( Buchanan) Sloan ; he is one of seven children, the others being: Alexander M., an attorney of Greensburg : Melissa M., wife of John A. Steele, of Goff, Pennsylvania ; Nan- nie J., living at home ; James W., of Nebraska; Robert H., of Pueblo, Colo- rado: David E., M. D., of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. John Sloan, father of Dr. Sloan, was born and reared in Washington township, this county, but while yet a young man bought a farm in Salem township and resided there until about 1888, when he retired from active pursuits and removed to Greensburg where he is now residing. In politics he is a Democrat, and was a candidate for the office of county treasurer against J. J. Kappenberger, but was defeated. He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Greensburg, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the borough.
Charles M. Sloan received his early education in the public schools and Greensburg Seminary. He began to teach school when about eighteen years of age and taught for four years, then accepted a position as manifest clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad, continuing in that capacity for some eighteen months. In 1893 he began reading medicine with his brother, David E., who was then located at Pittsburg, and in the fall of the year 1894 entered the medical department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, whence ne graduated in the spring of 1897. In the following June he took the state board examination, and in August of the same year began practice at Madison. where he has since continued and has built up a remunerative practice. In politics he is a Democrat but holds liberal views ; he served for six years as a member of the school board. He is a member of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518. F. and A. M., of Greensburg: Urania Chapter, No. 192, R. A. M., of Greensburg ; Kedron Commandery, No. 18, K. T., of Greensburg; Greensburg Lodge B. P. O. E. : and the Westmoreland County Medical Society. Dr. Sloan married in 1898. Tillie L. Wilson, a daughter of Harrison Wilson, a prominent citizen of Hempfield township, and for several years a member of the school board. One child has been born to them, Elizabeth. They are members of the Pres- byterian church, and one of the most prominent families of the county.
JOHN H. CREIGHTON, proprietor of the Hotel Creighton, was born at Mckeesport, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1861. son of William and Isabelle ( Hay) Creighton. He is one of two children surviving of six, the other being Jeannette, wife of Jonathan Watson, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania.
The paternal grandparents were Peter and Jennie (Telford) Creighton, or Crichton, as it was spelled in Scotland, of which country they were natives. Peter Crichton was a contractor and railroad builder, at which business he acquired a fortune. He died in Scotland at the age of seventy-seven. William Creighton, his son, and the father of John H. Creighton. was born in Lanack- shire, Scotland, June 8. 1832. He was reared in Scotland and acquired his
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education in the common schools of that country. In 1856 he emigrated to the United States and located at Port Perery, where he was connected with the river traffic, running on the coal boats for eight or ten years. In 1868 he re- moved to Larimore and for a few years worked in the coal mines there, later engaging in farming. He was ever active in works for the public good, and for many years served as supervisor of Larimore. He also served for many years as a member of the school board. Politically he is a Democrat, and in his religions faith is a member of the Presbyterian church. His first wife died about 1868, and he later contracted a second marriage with Catherine Barnes, by whom he has seven children : William, a resident of Larimore ; Richard. deceased ; Robert and Daniel, twins, both residents of Larimore ; Belle, wife of Joseph Lontzenheiser ; Catherine, wife of Robert Watson; Johan, wife of A. Burtuer.
John H. Creighton was brought up in the place of his birth, and attended the common schools of that town until he reached the age of sixteen, when he began to work in the mines; for twelve or more years he was connected with that line of industry. During the years 1888-89 he was tax collector of his township. In 1889 he accepted a position at Irwin as a bartender, and in 1892 purchased, in company with Alexander Pool. Hotel Pool, and was located at Manor until May 1. 1394. He sold his interest in the enterprise and went to Europe. Upon his return to this country he built his widely-known hostelry in Hermanie, where he has since continued and managed the hotel with great success. In addition to this he is a director and stockholder in the First Na- tional Bank of Suterville. He is a member of Greensburg Lodge, No. 511. B. P. O. E., and of Westmoreland Lodge, No. 415, K. of P. In politics he votes with the Democratic party. Mr. Creighton married, November 25, 1894. Jennie Greenawalt, of Madison, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Simon Greena- walt. now of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. Their children are: John H., Jr., Lucien D., William, Maud, and Mary. They are members of the Presbyterian church, and hold a prominent social position in Sewickley township.
WILLIAM JAMES LATIMORE, M. D. The grandfather of Dr William J. Latimore, of Herminie, was John Latimore, a native of Ireland. He married Mary Armstrong, and they were the parents of a son, James Latimore, who was born in Ireland in 1848. The family were led to come to the United States through the example of Charles Armstrong, a brother of Mrs. Latimore, who was the first to seek a home across the sea. James Lati- more married Elizabeth Blackburn, and five children were born to them, two of whom are now living: William James, of whom later ; and Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Pippert. of West Newton.
William James Latimore, son of James and Elizabeth ( Blackhurn) Lati- more, was born April 28, 1874, in Armstrong, the town having received its name in honor of Charles Armstrong, mentioned above. The foundation of Dr. Latimore's education was laid in the public schools of West Newton, whence he proceeded to the State Normal school at California, Pennsylvani? and from that institution advanced to Westminster College, Lawrence county. Pennsylvania. In 1893 he began reading medicine under the guidance of Dr. L. V. Sutton. of West Newton, and in the autumn of 1895 entered the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in the spring of 1807 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He then returned to West Newton, and for several months was associated in practice with his former preceptor. Dr. Sutton, after which he went to Shaners Station where he remained until De-
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cember, 1902. He then moved to Herminie where he has ever since been in active practice. Dr. Latimore belongs to Youghiogheny Valley Lodge, No. 555, I. O. O. F., and Greensburg Lodge, No. 511, B. P. O. E. He is a staunch Republican, and during the last year has been chairman of the township. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church. Dr. Latimore married, Feb- ruary 2, 1905, Bertha Huber, of Steubenville, Ohio. They have one child, William J., Jr., born November 26, 1905.
CLAYTON O. SLATER, now serving his third term under presi- dential appointment as postmaster at Latrobe, Pennsylvania, is a native of the state, born in Ligonier, August 29, 1861, son of Samuel and Drucilla (Lowrey) Slater.
Samuel Slater was born in the Ligonier Valley in 1819. During his entire life he followed his trade as a carpenter and builder. He was a Presby- terian, and a Republican in politics. He married Drucilla Lowrey, born in Ligonier Valley, a daughter of Jacob Lowrey, a farmer there. Mr. Lowrey died 1886, and his wife died 1883. They were the parents of cleven children : R. A. deceased; Mary, wife of J. H. Bair, and residing in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania ; John L., deceased ; Albert C., residing in Pittsburg ; Charles A., residing in Latrobe; Nettie J., widow of Max Bach; Mattie, deceased ; Clayton O., of whom further ; Harry, deceased ; and two other children who died in infancy.
Clayton O. Slater was but three years of age when his parents removed from Ligonier to Latrobe, where he was reared and educated. He attended the public schools until he was fifteen years old, when he entered the Latrobe post- office in the capacity of clerk, and subsequently became assistant to Colonel Oursler, postmaster, and conducted the office for him during his entire term. Shortly after the inauguration of President Cleveland the appointment as post- master of a Democrat necessitated the retirement of Mr. Slater, who entered the employ of the H. C. Frick Company at Mount Pleasant. He subsequently opened a notion store in Latrobe, on the site of the present postoffice, and con- ducted the business for about twelve years, discontinuing his connection with it when he entered upon his duties as postmaster, under appointment by Presi- dent Mckinley, October 1, 1897. He proved a most efficient officer, and has been continued in the office to the present time, under two successive reappoint- ments, both by President Roosevelt, the last in January of 1905. Mr. Slater well earned this recognition of his ability and signally meritorious service. When he first entered upon the duties of postmaster he brought to them ample experience, acquired in a subordinate position, though several years before. He was, moreover, thoroughly aware of the opportunities and necessity for improv- ing local postal facilities, and he at once set himself to the work of instituting various reforms and improvements. As a result of his effort was the establish- ment of free delivery in Latrobe, the securing of additional clerical assistance in the office, and the creation of three important rural delivery routes, to the great advantage of a large rural population. The extent to which the busines of the office has been developed under the new conditions is more clearly to be apprehended when the fact is stated that when Mr. Slater entered upon the duties of postmaster, a little more than eight years ago, the aggregate receipts of the office were about $6,200, and the allowance for clerk hire was $300: while in 1904 the receipts had been nearly trebled, reaching a sum exceeding $16,000, while the amount paid out to clerks and carriers amounted to $7,000. Five postoffice clerks are employed, four city letter carriers, and three rural delivery carriers, who cover a distance of seventy-five miles. Mr. Slater is a
Codlate.
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progressive citizen, and has constantly borne a full share in the advancement of community interests. During two terms he rendered efficient service as burgess. He is affiliated with Lodge No. 275, F. and A. M. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Slater married, March 31, 1886, Sadie Shadle, of latrobe. daughter of Amos Shadle, a scion of one of the old Westmoreland county families, and a skillful photographer. Mr. and Mrs. Slater are member. of the Presbyterian church. They have no children.
COLONEL GEORGE C. ANDERSON. How rapidly time is thin- ning the ranks of the brave "boys in blue" who went forth in defense of the nation's integrity during the dark and stormy'epoch of the civil war is evident to even the superficial observer, and the silvered heads of those who appear in the ranks of the veterans at the various encampments of the Grand Army of the Republic show whither the line of march is tending. The younger genera- tion may well look with admiration and honor upon these valiant sons of the republic who saved to the world a grand and united country, and though time has thrown its beneficent influence over the story of the great conflict and the animosities of the past have been softened and chastened, yet never can there be aught but appreciation of the services of the men who followed the stars and stripes over the sanguinary battle fields of the south. One of the honored veterans of the war of the rebellion is Colonel Anderson, to whom this brief tribute is dedicated and who has long been numbered among the prominent business men and influential citizens of Latrobe, Westmoreland county, where he has maintained his home for nearly two score of years.
Colonel Anderson was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Septem- ber 8. 1836, a son of Thomas and Mary ( Rutherford) Anderson, both of whom continued to reside in the old Keystone state until their death. The father was born and reared in England, whence he came to the United States in 1820, settling in what is now the city of Pittsburg, and having been for many years identified with the mining industry in that section of the state. George C. Anderson received limited educational advantages in his youth, his privileges having been those afforded in the common schools of the locality in which he was born, while he early initiated his services as one of the world's workers. At the age of fifteen years entered upon an apprenticeship at the trade of brick laying, in which he became a thoroughly competent artisan, having re- ceived his instructions under the direction of Thomas Simmons, of Pittsburg. with whom he worked five years, after which he found employment as a jour- nevinan at his trade, traveling throughout the south and west, and gaining val- uable experience and knowledge in the connection. He thus continued until there came the call to higher duty, as the unity of the nation was thrown into jeopardy through armed rebellion. Colonel Anderson was among those who responded to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers, and it was his privi- lege also to go forth as a representative of his native state. He enlisted, April 20. 1861, as a private in Company K. Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, for a term of three months, his regiment being commanded by Colonel Jarrett. In July, 1861, at the expiration of his term, he received his honorable discharge, but immediately re-enlisted in the same company, of which he was made orderly sergeant at that time, while in September, 1861, he was elected second lieutenant of this company, which was then known as Company K. Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Colonel John R. Brooke. The regiment left Camp Curtin and proceeded to the front, November 7. 1861, and it was the fortune of the command to thereafter participate in many
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of the memorable engagements which marked the progress of the great conflict. December 22, 1862, while in the field, Colonel Anderson re-enlisted, his second term having expired, and this time he tendered his services for three years 01 during the entire period of the war. He was promoted first lieutenant, Septem- ber 17, 1862, and recognition of his faithful and valiant service was thereafter accorded in his further promotion, as follows : Captain, April 23, 1864 ; major. September 1, 1864; and lieutenant-colonel, November 10, 1864. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, ( Second Army Corps) with which he served during the greater portion of his time, which covered practically the entire period of the war. In the engagement at Spottsylvania Court House, Colonel Anderson received wounds in the right side of the head and in the left breast, but aside from these injuries his fortune was so propitious as to enable him to remain constantly at the point of duty in the various official positions of which he was in turn incumbent. He was present at the surrender of General Lee, and also took part in the Grand Review in the city of Washington, while he was mustered out June 30, 1865, receiving his pay and his honorable discharge, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1865.
After the close of his long and faithful service as a loyal soldier of the Re- public. Colonel Anderson returned to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to which section of the state he had moved in 1855-56. He did not resume his trade, but engaged in contracting and building. He followed general con- struction for about a third of a century. During these years he operated a lumber and planing mill at Latrobe. As he advanced in age he wished to lead a more retired life, so in January, 1902, he chartered his extensive business into a company, retaining a controlling interest in the stock himself, and dividing the balance among his three sons, who have since then been the active operators. with their father as president of the company. The firm is styled George C. Anderson & Sons. They do an immense business, amounting at this date ( 1905 ) to about one thousand dollars per day, in the erection of scores of residences and office buildings throughout the state. The sons who are connected with the business are William R., Thomas B. (general manager), and George E., secre- tary and treasurer. Colonel Anderson is one of the best known and most hon- ored citizens of Latrobe, and has ever been prominent in the furtherance of en- terprises and undertakings for the general good of the community, his public spirit being exemplified in no uncertain way, while to him has been given the unequivocal confidence and regard of the community in which he has so long made his home. In politics he is an uncompromising advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, with which he has been identified from practically the time of its inception, and fraternally he is a valued member of the Grand Army of the Republic. The following tribute to him is found on page 59 of the "Soldiers' Register." kept in the register's office of Westmoreland county : "George C. Anderson, Lieutenant-Colonel. Fifty-third regiment, Vet- eran Volunteer Infantry, enrolled September 9, 1861 : discharged June 22, 1865." "NOTE: Colonel George C. Anderson was one of the bravest and best officers of the regiment. There was no battle in which he bore a part in which he did not distinguish himself."
(Signed)
JOHN R. BROOKE, Brigadier-General.
Colonel Anderson married, October 16, 1867, Eliza J. Belford, born in 1845, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, reared in Youngstown, Pennsylvania, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Belford. Their children are . William R .. born July 26, 1868 : Thomas B., August 26, 1870; Charles S., April 14, 1873 ; James
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HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
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