USA > Pennsylvania > Westmoreland County > History of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Vol. II > Part 59
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95
FRANK W. ZILLMER. Carl \. Zillmer, father of Frank W. Zill- mer, of New Kensington, was born in 1846, in Germany, and in 1873 emigrated to the United States, settling in Pittsburg, where for a few years he worked as a tailor. In 1893 he moved to New Kensington, where he purchased land on which he erected a fine residence and place of business, both of which he now occupies, being the head of a tailoring establishment. Mr. Zillmer married, before leaving his native land. Wilhelmina Butt, and their children were : Frank W .. mentioned hereinafter : Charles, died at the age of twenty-two : Bertha, died at the age of fifteen : Emil, of New Kensington : William, died at the age of five years : Edward, also died in childhood : and Annie, died at the age of sixteen.
Frank W. Zillmer, son of Carl A. and Wilhelmina ( Butt) Zillmer, was born September 19, 1867. in Germany, and celebrated his sixth birthday on the ocean, the family being then on their way to this country. He was educated
.396
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
in the common schools of Pittsburg and at Duff College, whence he graduated in October, 1886. He learned the tailor's trade under the instruction of his father, who in 1892 formed a partnership with him under the firm name of C. A. Zillmer & Son. They conducted business in Pittsburg until January, 1893, when they moved to New Kensington and there carried on the business until 1903. In that year Mr. Zillmer and his brother Emil established themselves in business on Tenth street as dealers in newspapers, cigars and tobacco, but at the end of a year dissolved the connection. Mr. Zillmer then purchased the Hotel Lloyd, changed the name to the Hotel Franklin, and is now the proprietor of a flourishing establishment. From 1899 to 1902 he was a member of the common council, has served several terms on the county committee, and for eight or nine years has been a member of the fire department. He affiliates with Lodge No. 533, F. O. E., of New Kensington, and supports with his vote and influence the Republican party. Mr. Zillmer married Emilia Schweis, and they have two children : Wilhelmina M., born October 22, 1902 ; and Lydia J., born March 23, 1904.
D. B. SULLIVAN. The grandfather of D. B. Sullivan, of New Kensington, was Timothy Sullivan, a native of county Kerry, Ireland, where his sons were born: T. Dempsey, mentioned hereafter ; Daniel, who emigrated to the United States and settled in Virginia, where his sons are now promi- nent in the councils of the Republican party ; and Patrick, who was wounded while serving in the artillery during the Civil war.
T. Dempsey Sullivan, son of Timothy Sullivan, came to this country about 1850, and settled in Washington, District of Columbia, where he was employed in the navy department. He served throughout the Civil war as a soldier in the marine service. Subsequently he went to Virginia, where he purchased a plantation and became a dealer in stock. He was a Republican and a member of the Roman Catholic church. His wife, Ellen Foley, was brought to the United States by her brother when but six years of age.
D. B. Sullivan, son of T. Dempsey and Ellen ( Foley) Sullivan, was born September 2, 1861, in the Shenandoah valley, Shenandoah county, Virginia, and received his education in the public schools of his native state and at the Wood- stock (Virginia) high school. After serving an apprenticeship for four years to the carpenter's trade, he was for two years special agent for the Mutual Life Insurance Company, and during part of that time was engaged in contracting. August 19, 1888, he arrived in Jeannette, being one of the pioneers, and finished many houses erected by the Land and Improvement Company. For twenty years he conducted a large business under the firm name of Sullivan & Roth. In April, 1902, he moved to New Kensington and engaged in the real estate and insurance business, building and improving several properties which have proved very valuable and extremely profitable. In February, 1898, when war with Spain seemed imminent, he offered his services to Captain Hunt, of Bat- tery B, Pennsylvania Volunteer Light Artillery, being the first volunteer from New Kensington. He served through the campaign in the West Indies until regularly mustered out at the close of the war. He served six years in the common council, during which time the city was sewered, paved. lighted, and in many ways rendered one of the prettiest cities of its size in Pennsylvania. For twelve years he served in the volunteer fire department as chief, and is now serving his fourth term. The department is composed of one hundred and seventy-three men who are divided into three companies. He has been chief of the Citizens' Volunteer Fire Department for four years, and January 1, 1006, was presented with a very handsome gold medal by the Citizens' Volunteer Fire
D. B. Sullivan
THE
397
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
Company in recognition of his services. Mr. Sullivan, for prompt and regu- lar attendance, was awarded a medal by Company C, Second National Regi- ment of state militia, of which he was for five years a member. He is president of the Hampton Battery Association, of Pittsburg, composed of veterans of Battery F of the Civil war, and Battery B of the Spanish war. He is an active Republican, and a member of the Roman Catholic church. Although possessed of no mining experience, Mr. Sullivan, with a few others, answered the first call for help in the rescue of the victims of the Harwick mine disaster, in which one hundred and seventy-eight men lost their lives.
Mr. Sullivan married, September 11, 1890, Mary A., daughter of the late Joseph R. Grafton, of Penn Station, who served through the Civil war in Col- onel Richard Coulter's regiment, and their family consists of four children : Helen, Grafton, Clare, and D. B., Jr. During Mr. Sullivan's term of military service Mrs. Sullivan took his place in the office and successfully conducted the business.
R. W. DAVIES. The name of R. W. Davies, of Avonmore, would seem to indicate a Welsh ancestry. Mr. Davies is the son of Rev. J. M. and Sarah A. (Leech) Davies, and was born November 17, 1864, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
He is now president of the West Pennsylvania Foundry & Machine Com- pany, situated at Avonmore. This plant was built in 1894, as the Avonmore Foundry & Machine Company, and in 1898 was re-organized under the name of the West Pennsylvania Foundry & Machine Company. In 1901 it was again re-organized, but without change of name, with the following board of officers : R. W. Davies, president and manager ; Charles A. Hill, vice-president ; H. F. Banfield, secretary and treasurer ; and R. L. Davies, superintendent. Board of directors : R. W. Davies, C. A. Hill, William Banfield, H. F. Banfield and R. L. Davies. Since that time the plant has, under the present management, been improved and enlarged, and its capacity doubled. The grounds have an area of ten acres, more than three of which are covered by the buildings. At this plant are manufactured machinery for tin-plate mills, and sheet-mills, as well as plate-glass machinery, blast-furnace machinery, and chill and sand rolls, a general foundry business being carried on. This immense establishment gives constant employment to an average of one hundred and sixty men. A business of six thousand tons annually is carried on at this plant, and shipments are made. from coast to coast, its field of action extending across the entire continent.
WILMER GRANT DUGAN, an honored citizen of Parnassus, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, who has worked long and faithfully in. the causes of education and religion, is descended from Irish-Welsh-German ancestry.
George Dugan, the first of the family of whom we have any record, and probably the founder of the family in America, was born in 1783, had an Irish father and a Welsh mother, and came to Puckety creek in 1795. He took up farming as a means of livelihood, but his education had fitted him for more learned duties. He was a well-educated man, was justice of the peace for twenty years, having been appointed by the governor. He served as major and captain in the militia, and was in service in the War of 1812. He was a Pres- byterian, and was a leading man in the community in religious as well as educa- tional matters. His counsel and advice were sought by all in trouble, and they were freely imparted. He married Nancy Alter, born 1799, whose parents were Germans, who settled on Puckety creek about 1800. She had received a
398
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
liberal education for those days, was a Presbyterian, and was a fitting com- panion for her husband in every way. They had a number of children, most of whom died before maturity, and among them was a son-John W.
John Westley Dugan, son of George and Nancy ( Alter) Dugan, was born on Puckety creek, one mile east of Parnassus, Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- vania, December 5, 1820. His education was as liberal a one as the schools of those days were able to furnish, and he was an earnest student and profited by his instruction in them. He followed farming as an occupation, but found time for a great number of other duties. He was an exceptionally fine musi- cian, and this brought him in connection with many churches, in all of which he held offices of honor. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church of Parnas- sus for fifty years. He was a man of faithful, self-sacrificing disposition, and had earned for himself the title of "The peacemaker." In politics he was a Re- publican, and took an active interest in the affairs of the community. He died January 8, 1901. He married Margaret McElrow, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth ( McMillian) McElrow. Mrs. McElrow was a niece of Dr. McMil- lian, of western Pennsylvania fame, and a relative of Judge McMillian. Mrs. Dugan died May 1, 1875. Among the children of Mr. and Mrs. Dugan was a son, Wilmer Grant, see forward.
Wilmer Grant Dugan, son of John Westley and Margaret (McElrow) Dugan, was born in Parnassus, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December 25. 1865. He enjoyed the advantages of an excellent education, first in the public schools of Westmoreland county, then one year in the Oakdale Academy, one year in the Pittsburg Academy, and finally, three years in Grove City Col- lege. Upon leaving college he commenced teaching, and made this his life work. He has been the principal of the Delmont Academy, of the Green Tree schools, and for the last nine years of the Parnassus public schools. He is de- voted, heart and soul, to his calling, and has met with unvaried success. His pupils have always looked upon him as a friend as well as an instructor, nd this pleasant feeling has remained undistrubed up to the present time. His work has been highly complimented, and he has been enabled to make life happy for others as well as for himself. In politics he is a Republican, but his views are liberal, and he is ever ready to lend his assistance to any measure furthering the public good, irrespective of the party which introduced it. He is a member of the Parnassus Presbyterian church, and at the age of twenty years was made superintendent of the Sabbath school. He has been an elder in the church for the past ten years. He has held many positions of honor in the churches of the county, and was county president of the Westmoreland County Christian Endeavor for two years, being the only layman who had ever held that position. He was the first president of the New Kensington Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. Dugan married, at Harmarville, July 6, 1905. Luella Wills, datighter of David Scott and Rachael (Hutchman ) Wills, both leaders in the United Presbyterian church. Mrs. Dugan was educated in the Parnassus public schools and in the Pittsburg Academy, and taught school for four years.
VALENTINE KOFFLER. Milton Koffler, father of Valentine Koffler, of Arnold, was born in 1836, in Germany, and at the age of nineteen emigrated to the United States, settling in Pittsburg, where for a short time he worked at his trade of shoemaker. He was then emploved for two years by his brother-in-law, Charles Opperman. He next moved to McKees Rocks, where he made his home on the old McKees property and engaged in business for himself as a dealer in garden truck, continuing in this branch of industry
399
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
for about fifteen years. He then moved to the old Jacob Flowers farm, where for the remainder of his life he gave his entire attention to agriculture. Mr. Koffler married Annie Opperman, and their children were: Elizabeth, wife of David Flowers; Charles, drowned at the age of eleven years; Mary, wife of Henry Trannhauser; George, gardner in Bethel township, Allegheny county; Valentine, mentioned hereinafter ; Joseph, gardener on the old homestead ; Margaret, wife of George Englert : Frances, died at the age of nineteen ; Cath- arine, wife of Peter Bower ; Nicholas, butcher ; and one who died in infancy. The death of Mr. Koffler, the father, occurred December, 1901.
Valentine Koffler, son of Milton and Annie (Opperman) Koffler, was born October 8, 1857. in Pittsburg, where he was educated in the common schools. He remained at home on the farm until his twenty-fifth year and then served an apprenticeship of five years to the butcher's business, after which he estab- lished himself in business on Mount Oliver street, Pittsburg, where he remained two years. After spending two months in Knoxville, he purchased property in Biltzhoover and there conducted his business for about six years. He then moved back to Pittsburg and for two years was proprietor of a meat market at Arlington and Locke avenues. From Pittsburg he went to Mt. Oliver, San- them avenue, remaining two years, after which he returned to South Side and there, for about two years, conducted a wholesale meat business. Determined to enter a new field of endeavor he engaged in the hotel business at Mckees Rocks, and at the end of eight months sold out and moved to Arnold. He there purchased the Commercial Hotel, of which he has since been the successful proprietor. Mr. Koffler married Jennie Beck, who bore him three children : Cecilia, at home ; Annie, who was drowned Christmas day, 1905 ; and Milton, died in infancy. After the death of his wife Mr. Koffler married Barbara, ‹laughter of Joseph and Mary Mayer, and they have the following children, all of whom are at home: Viola, Elenora, Mary, Edward, Joseph and Milton.
Cecilia Koffler, the eldest of Mr. Koffler's children, graduated at the age of fourteen as a stenographer and typewriter from Professor Sayers' Business College, and also took a course in bookkeeping. Since her graduation she has held the position as stenographer and typewriter in the Allegheny Glass Works, in Allegheny county, having proved herself, notwithstanding her extreme youth, fully competent for her responsible duties.
FRANK J. McALLISTER. James McAllister, grandfather of Frank J. McAllister, of New Kensington, was born in Scotland, and emigrated to the United States, settling in Sayer, Pennsylvania. After a brief sojourn there he moved to Elmira, New York, where during the remainder of his life he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He and his family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His children were: Alfred, Owen and James, mentioned hereinafter.
James McAllister, son of James McAllister, the emigrant, was born in New York state, and for a number of years after reaching manhood remained in his native state, engaging. like his father, in the manufacture of boots and shoes. He spent three years in Michigan, during which time he was in business as a lumber dealer, and then returned to the state of New York, where he is still engaged in the shoe business. Mr. McAllister married Belle, daughter of Lewis Marvin, of old Revolutionary stock, and four children were born to them. one of whom died in infancy, the survivors being: Nellie, wife of L. C. Gault. of New York state : Anna, wife of F. L .. Stunrod, also of New York state ; and Frank J., mentioned hereinafter.
Frank J. McAllister, son of James and Belle (Marvin) McAllister, was
400
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
born September 23, 1864, in Portville, New York, and received his education in the common schools of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Randolph, New York, and at Chamberlain Institute. In 1880 he became clerk in the general store of S. W. Thompson, of Randolph, New York, where he remained eight months. He then went to Salamanca, New York, where he was employed in the department store of Havner Brothers for a period of eleven years. For two years he was employed as general travelling salesman by Thomas E. Gresham, of New York City, after which he formed a partnership with C. D. Sibley and for eighteen months conducted business at Kinzua, Pennsylvania. In September, 1892, they moved to New Kensington, where they now have the largest clothing busi- ness in the Allegheny valley. He affiliates with Lodge No. 512, B. P. O. E., of New Kensington, in which he holds the office of district deputy grand exalted ruler. Mr. McAllister married Mary L., daughter of James O'Donnell, of an old Pittsburg family, and a connection of the Lees. Mr. and Mrs. McAllister have two children : Helen Mary and George F., aged, respectively, thirteen and eleven years.
FRANK HOUSEMAN. The father of Frank Houseman, of Arnold, was John Houseman, who lived and died in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, where he dealt in horses and stock. He married Catharine Smith, and their children were: George, died at the age of twenty-five years ; Frank, mentioned hereinafter ; and Effie, wife of William Brinley, of Mercer county.
Frank Houseman, son of John and Catharine ( Smith ) Houseman, was born November 10, 1861, at Newcastle, and received his education in the com- mon schools. At twelve years of age he began working at different occupa- tions, and in 1887 went into business for himself in Petrolia, where he remained until 1893. He then moved to Arnold, where he has since been engaged in business as a grocer and butcher, having built up a large and flourishing trade. He affiliates with Lodge No. 512, B. P. O. E., of New Kensington, Lodge No. 95, K. O. T. M., and Durer Lodge, No. 498, K. P., both of Petrolia. In politics he is a staunch Republican, but has never sought office. Mr. Houseman mar- ried Jessie C., daughter of Thomas M. and Mary Guthrie, and they have two children, both of whom are at home: Floyd G., and Frances E.
JOHN H. TURNER. John Turner, grandfather of John H. Turner, of New Kensington, was born in 1785, in Westmoreland county, and when a young man moved to Butler county, where he became a very successful farmer, acquiring some four hundred acres of land, which at his death was divided among his heirs. Mr. Turner married Martha Crawford, who bore him three children : Ruth, died unmarried ; Jane, married Robert Downey ; and William, mentioned hereinafter. After the death of the mother of these children, Mr. Turner married Peggy McClachey, and their children were : Charles, Betsey, Sarah Bell, wife of Stephen Fennessey ; Mary Ann, died unmarried ; Margaret,, wife of David Alexander ; John M. ; Turner : Fannie, died young ; and Samuel, died single. The death of the father of the family occurred in 1843. William Turner, son of John and Martha (Crawford) Turner, was born March 21, 1817, in Allegheny township, Butler county, and inherited a portion of the old homestead, on which he resided, giving his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Turner mar- ried Mary, daughter of Samuel and Louise Gibson, and their children were: John H., mentioned hereinafter ; Sarah J., married William Lambert ; William Finley, deceased ; Samuel P., contractor in Toledo, Ohio; Mancel E., con-
40I
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
tractor in Texas ; and Newton Howard, contractor in Allegheny county, Penn- sylvania. Mr. Turner, the father, died in 1893.
John H. Turner, son of William and Mary ( Gibson) Turner, was born January 11, 1841, on the homestead, in Butler county, and was educated in the common schools. August 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, for a term of three years, receiving his discharge November 8, 1864. at Kittanning, Pennsylvania. After his return home he worked for about twenty years as a contractor in the oil fields, and then went to Butler county, and engaged in the dairy business until 1892, when he removed to New Kensington. He was one of the pioneers of the place and established himself in the business on the farm of W. K. Stewart, situated on the edge of the borough. On this land he operated a dairy for eight years, and then went into the mercantile business, which he has successfully conducted down to the present time. He is a member of the Presbyterian church of New Kensington. Mr. Turner married Mrs. Mary C. Sloan, daughter of David and Elizabeth Eakin, and three children were born to them, all of whom died in infancy.
DANIEL T. MARSH. The grandfather of Daniel T. Marsh, of Cowansburg, was William Marsh, who lived and died in Sewickley township. His wife was Dinah Manus, and they were the parents of a son, James Marsh, who was born in 1814. and was one of several children.
James Marsh was engaged in various enterprises, being at different times in his life a farmer and a butcher, and also, in partnership with his brothers. building and running a steamboat, plying it for a number of years between West Newton and Pittsburg. He was bred in the faith of the Society of Friends, to which, though not taking an active part in the affairs of the organi- zation he steadily adhered. Mr. Marsh married Lovina Cort, and five children were born to them, two of whom survive: Daniel T., mentioned hereinafter ; and Thomas, who lives in Indian Territory. Mrs. Marsh died in 1856, in com- paratively early life, and the death of Mr. Marsh occurred when he was but forty-nine years old, in his native township of Sewickley, where he had passed his entire life.
Daniel T. Marsh, son of James and Lovina (Cort) Marsh, was born May 22, 1845. in North Huntingdon township, and being the oldest son remained at home after his father's death and took care of the family, managing the home farm. In 1870 he left the homestead and settled on a small farm of his own near Cowansburg, where he remained some ten years. In 1880 he engaged in the general merchandise business in Cowansburg and for twenty-five years has been identified with the commerce of the place, of which he is now serving his third year as postmaster. Mr. Marsh is one of those who. during the trying days of the Civil war, rallied to the defense of the Union. In 1864 he enlisted in Company H. "Knap's Battery." Light Artillery, and was subsequently transferred to Company F. Fifth Regiment. Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. serving eleven months. Mr. Marsh has held the township offices of auditor, collector and assessor, and for the last twelve years has been a member of the school board. In 1901 he was a candidate for the office of county treasurer. but failed to receive the nomination. He is a member of J. W. Greenawalt Post, No. 399. G. A. R., of Cowansburg, Westmoreland Lodge, No. 518, F. and A. M .. of Greensburg, and Cowansburg Council, No. 165, J. O. U. A. M. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Marsh married in 1869, Deborah, daughter of Isaac Dewees, of Sewickley township.
2-26
402
HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY.
BENJAMIN C. SHAFFER, county commissioner for Westmoreland county, was born in Brookville, Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, January I, 1867, a son of Solomon and Elizabeth ( Wonderlinge) Shaffer, and grandson of Isaac Shaffer, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania.
Solomon Shaffer ( father ) was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, 1822, re- ceived a common school education, and was a farmer by occupation, from which line of work he derived a comfortable livelihood. He gave his support to the candidates of the Republican party. His wife, Elizabeth ( Wonderlinge) Shaf- fer, born in Easton, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Henry Wonderlinge, who came to this country from Switzerland, bore him thirteen children, eight of whom are living at the present time ( 1906). Solomon Shaffer died Septem- ber 19, 1905, survived by his wife, who has attained the venerable age of eighty- two years. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer hell membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
Benjamin C. Shaffer was educated in the schools of Brookville, and after completing his studies removed to Jeannette, Westmoreland county, and en- gaged in the real estate business, continuing the same for two years. He then became one of the organizers of the now thriving town of New Kensington, and there followed the same line of business. He purchased the Gambrinus brew- ery, which he conducted for a number of years, and in 1905 sold to the trust. He is now ( 1906) engaged in various financial enterprises, from which he de- rives a goodly income. He has served as justice of the peace and mayor of New Kensington, and in 1905 was elected to the office of county commissioner for Westmoreland county on the Republican ticket. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. P. and F. O. E. He is a man of strict integrity, careful, indus- trions, shrewd, and an agreeable companion and stands high in the esteem of his fellowmen. Mr. Shaffer married, November 20, 1889, Rena MeQuiston. of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Nicholson and Margretta ( Fin- ley ) MeQuiston, the former having been one of the operators of the old canal on the Kiskiminetas. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer have two sons: Frank W. and Joseph M. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.