History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 221

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century > Part 221

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Andrew A. Gedeon attended the common schools of Cleveland and Pittsburg, after leaving which he entered glass works in the latter city and, learning the trade of glass blowing, followed that as an occupation for fif- teen years. The following five years he spent in the newspaper business in Pittsburg, after which he con- tinued in the same line at Wilkinsburg for one year. He then became a solicitor for different companies in Pitts- burg until engaging in a restaurant business at Alle- gheny. After one and one-half years in the latter busi- ness, he located in McDonald, in February, 1907, and here he has built up an excellent trade in the line of newspapers and stationery, and carries a full stock of high-class periodicals and standard stationery articles. Mr. Gedeon is a Democrat, and he and his family attend the United Presbyterian Church at McDonald.

In 1887 Mr. Gedeon was married to Amelia Schmotzer, daughter of George and Mary Schmotzer. Her father is deceased, but her mother is still living in Germany. Mrs. Gedeon has two sisters, Mary and Anna, and one brother, Anthony. To Mr. and Mrs. Gedeon there have been born seven children: Lena, Mary, Amelia, George, Catherine, Peter and John.

THEODORE J. ECKBRETH,* who is the genial pro- prietor of the Monongahela House at Monongahela City, Pa., was born February 15, 1867, on a farm in Baldwin Township, Allegheny County, Pa., and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Miller) Eckbreth.

Henry Eckbreth was born in Germany and at the age of ten years came to America alone and located near Pittsburg, where at an early age he began working in the mines. He later engaged in farming in Baldwin Township, Allegheny County, and was united in marriage with Elizabeth Miller, who was born in that township and who died at the age of sixty-five years. Henry Eck- breth, who lives with our subject, is seventy-seven years of age and is the father of twelve cildren, namely : Henry, deceased; Mary, wife of Otto Wolfe; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Sweney; William C .; Theodore J., sub- ject of this sketch; Melinda, who married George Eck-

man; Hallie, wife of W. H. Myers; Anna; John; Sadie, wife of John Lutz; Julia and Walter.

Theodore J. Eckbreth was reared on his father's farm in Allegheny County and attended the district schools of Baldwin Township, after which he worked some time in the mines, and in 1899 went to Belle Vernon, where he opened the Central Hotel, containing twenty-five rooms, for which he was granted license five times. In 1905 he came to Monongahela City and purchased from J. P. Mulvihill the Monongahela House, which is located on Second street and contains thirty rooms.

On May 6, 1895, Mr. Eckbreth was united in marriage with Mayme Tunney, a native of England, and a daugh- ter of J. W. and Mary (Patterson) Tunney. They have one son, Walter M.

Mr. Eckbreth holds membership with the B. P. O. E. of Charleroi and the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias of Hope Church. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.

HARRY J. REPMAN, M. D.,* of Charleroi, Pa., whose offices are located in the building of the Bank of Char- leroi, has been identified with the medical profession of this city since September, 1901. He was born October 6, 1870, at Wampum, Lawrence County, Pa., and is a son of Levi and Elizabeth (McCollum) Repman, the latter of whom passed out of this life in 1873.

Dr. Harry J. Repman was reared at Wampum, where he attended the common schools, then entered Geneva College at Beaver, Falls, Pa. After his graduation in 1893, he taught two years in the high school at Wam- pum, Pa. In 1896 he entered the Jefferson Medical Col -- lege of Philadelphia, from which he graduated May 15, 1900, and the following year was spent as resident phy- sician of the Mckeesport Hospital at Mckeesport, Pa. Since September, 1901, he has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession at Charleroi, where he has made many professional and personal friends.

Dr. Repman was united in marriage with Eleanore McNaughton. He is a member of the county and State medical societies, and is prominently identified with the Masonic order, holding membership with Charleroi Lodge No. 615, F. & A. M .; the Monongahela Chapter No. 249, R. A. M .; the McKean Commandery No. 80, K. T .; the Pittsburg Consistory, A. A. S. R., and Syria Temple of Pittsburg.

WILLIAM H. HANNA,“ a resident of Washington of ten years' standing, belongs to the younger order of business men of this city and has made a success of his work in the oil industry. He was born in Greene Coun- ty, Ohio, in 1881, and is a son of the late Edgar Hanna, - formerly a farmer in Washington County, Pa.

The parents of Mr. Hanna moved to Washington Coun-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

ty in his infancy and settled on a farm near Van Buren, on which he grew to manhood. After his school attend- ance was over he assisted his father and then went into the oil fields as tool dresser and has been identified with the oil industry ever since.

Mr. Hanna was married in March, 1903, to Miss Sarah Belle Roach, who was born in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County, and is a daughter of Marion Roach, a substantial farmer there. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna have had two children, James Everett and Thelma Violet. The daughter died when seven months old. They are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. He is identified with the fraternal order of Eagles.

GEORGE WIES,* owner of one of the leading meat markets of Monongahela City, Pa., was born in Ger- many, a son of John and Margarita (Schmidt) Wies, and has been a resident of this city since 1892. His parents were both born in Germany, where for many years they were engaged in agricultural pursuits. Their two children were born in Germany, namely: George, the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, who married Jacob Kyle. In 1883 the family came to America, locating for a short time at Pittsburg, Pa., and later removing to Mckeesport, where our subject and Jacob Kyle, his brother-in-law, for three years conducted a meat market with much success. Mr. Wies then disposed of his in- terest in the business to Mr. Kyle, after which he came to. Mononganela City, and in partnership with Jacob Snyder, opened a shop across the river. They shortly afterwards dissolved partnership and Mr. Wies rented a small shop, where his business rapidly increased. In 1893 he erected his present shop, which is located at No. 145 East Main street on the island, and he also pur- chased his residence property. Here Mr. Wies has estab- lished an extensive and lucrative patronage, and also runs two wagons through the country.

October 8, 1890, Mr. Wies was joined in the bonds of wedlock with Josephine Cain, a daughter of Robert and Catherine Cain, and of their union have been born two children, Anna, and William. Mr. Wies is fraternally affiliated with the Maccabees of Monongahela City, the F. O. E. of this city, and his religious connection is with the Lutheran Church. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.

HENRY H. PLANCE,* a prominent citizen of Mc- Donald, who has served for twelve years as a member of the borough Council, was born on the top of Cove Hill, in West Virginia, December 16, 1847. He is a son of George and Ellen (Rolston) Plance, and a grandson of . Joseph and Betsey Plance, and of Joseph and Grace Rol- ston.

Henry H. Plance was young when his parents came to

Washington County, Pa., and he was the second born in the following family of children: Andrew, who is de- ceased; Mary, deceased, who was the wife of David Jones, a veteran of the Civil War; Margaret, deceased, who was the wife of William Baxter; Nannie, deceased; and George B., who is living. The father of Mr. Plance died January 22, 1859, and after some years of widowhood, Mrs. Plance married John Smith, and they had three children : Calvin, Elizabeth, wife of George Fulton; and Hettie, wife of William Ross. Mrs. Smith died in 1903.

Until he was about twelve years of age, Henry H. Plance was permitted to attend school, but after that had hard work to perform on the home farm. His father had been a miller but he had no opportunity to go to work at that trade, had he been so inclined, and so as soon as old enough he went to work on the railroad. While performing his duties as brakeman he met with an accident that caused the loss of an arm and this neces- sitated a long period of rest. When able to resume work he was given the position of pumper for the railroad company by which he had been employed, and he has held this place for the last twenty-two years, being a faithful and efficient employe. He has taken an active part in public matters in Robinson Township, served three years as school director and has been a very useful member of the borough Council, as mentioned above. In politics he is a Democrat.

On October 14, 1874, Mr. Plance was married to Miss Margaret Mehaffey, a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Couch) Mehaffey, well known people in Allegheny Coun- ty. Mrs. Plance has an older sister, Anna, who is the wife of Benjamin Hesen, and a younger brother, Lo- renzo. After her mother died, her father married Sarah Roll, of Westmoreland County, and to that marriage the following children were born: Mollie, deceased, who was the wife of Robert Conway; John, William, Robert, Hen- ry, Lilly, widow of John Taylor, and Joseph.

To Mr. and Mrs. Plance the following children have been born: Margaret, who married Charles Rowen, and has a daughter, Mildred; George; Mary Elvira, who mar- ried James Watson, and has a son and daughter-John and Margaret; Della, who married John Talbot, and has one son, George Henry; Leonard Car, who is deceased; and Edna, Leonard Alexander, and Charles Wade. Mr. Plance and family are members of the First Presbyterian Church at McDonald.

JOSEPH P. MORRIS,* who is a well known business. man at Hickory, Washington County, Pa., where he con- ducts a blacksmith and general repair shop, was born at Hickory, June 19, 1838, and is a son of John and Linda (Brown) Morris.

The father of Mr. Morris was born in England, April 26, 1789. When he came to America he settled near

RICHARD FORREST

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Hickory, Pa., as a farmer, and lived there until his death, March 1, 1865, his burial being in the Hickory Cemetery. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. In 1834 he married Linda Brown, who survived her hus- band for twenty years, dying July 11, 1885. They had the following children: Hannah K., born March 31, 1836; Joseph P .; Mary Ann, born November 4, 1839; William, born April 25, 1841, who married Susan Mitch- ell and died August 20, 1898; John B., born March 28, 1844, who is in partnership with Joseph P .; Rachel Jane, born April 16, 1846, who died September 23, 1857; Myra Louise, born August 20, 1848, who died February 2, 1849; and Nancy, who was born April 19, 1850, and died December 19, 1884.

With his brothers and sisters, Mr. Morris attended the public schools at Hickory. He was about sixteen years of age when he learned the blacksmith's trade and has worked at it ever since, in point of years being one of the oldest active business men in the place. During his long and busy life he has witnessed many changes in Hickory, seeing it develop from a village into a prosper- ous business center, and there has never been a time when he was not employed or when he has not been able to at- tend to his bellows and forge. Many noted horsemen have brought their valuable animals to him for attention.

In politics, Mr. Morris is a Republican, as was his father prior to his death, having been a Democrat before the Civil War. Mr. Morris has served as auditor of Mt. Pleasant Township. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

RICHARD FORREST, who operates one of the largest and finest florist plants in Washington, Pa., was for many years one of the leading building contractors of this locality. He is a veteran of the Civil War and was born in 1844, in Allegheny County, Pa., coming with his parents to Washington County when quite young. They first located in Canonsburg, where they remained but a short time, then came to Washington, where our subject was reared and educated. He attended the Union schools and afterwards took charge of a news department in an old frame building near where the First National Bank is now located. He subsequently learned carriage building with S. B. and C. Hays, of Washington, remaining in their employ four years, after which he spent one year in the wagon shops of John Hallam, who was located on East Wheeling street, and in 1864 enlisted in Co. F, Pa. Heavy Art., under Col. Gallup. He served until the close of the .war, his first battle being in the Shenandoah Valley, going then on to Fairfax Hill, where the company wintered, and from there to the battlefield of Bull Run, and back again to Vienna, and was mustered out in July, 1865. Upon his return home he re-entered the wagon shops of John

Hallam and worked on the first stage coach that was built west of the mountains. He and his brother shortly afterwards established the House Coach Factory, which they conducted with much success for two years, during which time the building on East Wheeling street was erected. His next work was that of building fifty-two wind-mills for the cleaning of all kinds of grain; then built for Hays & Wilson, fifty machine wagons; and upon the completion of this work, he and his brother Robert Forrest, erected what is now known as the For- rest Building on North Main street, our subject, being the contractor in charge of same, after which he was for many years engaged in contract building, erecting many of the fine residences in Washington. He then bought his present property, consisting of eleven and a half acres, upon which he has established one of the finest florist plants in Washington, having about 40,000 square feet of glass. Here he raises for the general market all kinds of cut flowers, budding plants and garden truck.

Mr. Forrest was married in 1873 to Theresa Mills, who was born in Monongahela City, Pa., and is a sis- ter of James Mills, who was for thirty-five years editor of the Pittsburg Post. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Forrest, all of whom died in infancy. They have one adopted daughter, Alice Mills Forrest, who married Lloyd Swarthout, and resides in Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Forrest was previously married to Mary Buckley, who died of consumption.

Mr. Forrest has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was eighteen years of age, and is at present a member of the First Methodist Epis- copal Church of Washington. For a time he was identi- fied with the Methodist Protestant Church. He belongs to the Masonic order.

GEORGE T. WILKINSON, secretary and treasurer of the California Provision Company, which was established at California, Pa., in the fall of 1908, was born May 7, 1865, in what is now Glassport, Allegheny County, Pa., and is the son of John Wilkinson, who was a coal mine superintendent.

George T. Wilkinson was reared in Allegheny County, Pa., where he learned the butcher's trade, and in the fall of 1897 went to Seattle, Wash., with the intention of sailing for the gold fields of Alaska. Upon reaching that city he was informed that it was a waste of time to make the trip there during the winter months and returned to California, Pa., having about abandoned the idea alto- gether, but his uncle, Charles Phillips, and Henry B. Hays, both of Glassport, Pa., persuaded him to make the trip with them. After spending one year in Alaska he returned to California, Pa., about financially even on the trip. In 1900 in partnership with W. A. Roberts, Mr.

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Wilkinson purchased the meat market conducted by Harry Mills and carried on the business under the firm name of Wilkinson & Roberts until 1908, when they joined Mr. Mills in organizing the California Provision Company; in addition to their plant at Philipsburg, Pa., this company operates three retail markets, one in Cali- fornia, one in Philippsburg, and one in Daisytown, the latter being located near the Jones & Laughlin Works. Mr. Mills is president of the California Provision Com- pany, of which our subject is secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Wilkinson was first married to Hannah Aston, who died leaving one child, Gertrude, and he subsequent- ly married Nannie South, a daughter of Enoch South of Greene County, Pa. Mr. Wilkinson is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. and the Royal Arcanum.

WILLIAM A. LOCKHART,* who occupies the impor- tant position of division superintendent of the Pittsburg Coal Company, has been a resident of Houston, Pa., for the past ten years and he has under his supervision Mid- land Mines Nos. 1, 2 and 3 and also the Alison Mine, employing in all 1,000 men. Mr. Lockhart was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, at Hickory, Washington County, Pa., and is a son of Kelso and Margaret M. (Savage) Lockhart.

The parents of Mr. Lockhart, who were also both na- tives of Washington County, died in their home near McDonald. They had three children, two sons and one daughter. Of these William A. was the eldest. George resides at Washington, while Agnes died young.

William A. Lockhart attended the public schools until old enough to enter the coal mines and his training in this line was very thorough. He worked with Mr. Saul- ters for twenty-two years, at Willow Grove and Brier Hill, and became outside foreman. In 1900 he came to Houston to assume the duties of his present responsible position, an experience of forty years making him thor- oughly acquainted with every department of this industry. The Midland and Alison mines of the Pittsburg Coal Com- pany have a combined output of 6,600 tons daily and in the near future it will be increased. The vein of coal has an average thickness of five and one-half feet. The company owns 240 houses at Midland No. 2 and No. 3 and 150 houses at Midland No. 1, and also 150 at the Alison Mine, these all being for the use of the employes. The mines are equipped with all modern conveniences and safety devices and are situated in Chartiers Township, with shipping facilities on the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Mr. Lockhart was married, first, to Miss Agnes Couch, of McDonald, Pa., and seven children were born to them, namely : Veronica, who is the wife of Thomas Purdy, of Washington County; Margaret Ann, who is deceased; Sarah, who is the wife of George Clark, an oil operator in West Virginia; Anna, who is the wife of William

Nolder, who is engaged in the oil business in Ohio; Will- iam, employed in the county clerk's office at Washington, who married Maud Forester; Blanche, now deceased, who was the wife of Delemont Phillips; and Mary, who re- sides at McDonald. Mr. Lockhart married, secondly, Miss Carrie Crawford and they have two daugh- ters, Caroline and Violet, both of whom live at home. Mr. Lockhart is a Republican. He is prominent in Masonry, belonging to the Blue Lodge at McDonald and to the. higher branches at Pittsburg.

J. M. FLEMING,* who conducts a plumbing, gas fit- ting and heating business at Charleroi, Washington County, Pa., has been a resident of this place since the fall of 1894. He was born near Saxonburg, Butler Coun- ty, Pa., May 12, 1871, and is a son of G. S. and Mary (Moore) Fleming.

J. M. Fleming was reared to the age of eighteen years on his father's farm, which he then left in order to learn the plumbing and gas fitting trade, for which purpose he went to Allegheny and entered the employ of D. Has- tings. He was so apt a pupil and learned to be so thor- ough in his workmanship that Mr. Hastings made him his manager at Charleroi. He served in that position for four years and in that way became well acquainted with the citizens and they came to have confidence in his skill. In 1898 he bought Mr. Hastings' business and carries on his shop on the site of the one in which Mr. Hastings began business. He understands all systems of heating and every possible problem that could come up in plumb- ing and gas fitting. There is a large amount of legiti- mate profit in this business and each year as buildings are erected on a more and more elaborate scale, there arises more and more demand for a competent, reliable and honest plumber. Mr. Fleming also conducts a branch store at Donora, Washington County.

Mr. Fleming married Miss Della McFeely, a daughter of W. S. McFeely. She was born and reared in Washing- ton County. They have two daughters: Helen and Grace. Mr. Fleming is a member of the Elks.

LUCIAN TROY CLAYBAUGH,* who has been a resi- dent and postmaster of Donora, Pa., since the organiza- tion of that borough in 1900, was born February 3, 1856, in Ironton, Ohio, and is a son of Moses B. and Rebecca (Troy) Claybaugh.

Moses Claybaugh was born in western Pennsylvania, where his father, Michael Claybaugh, a native of Ger- many, settled at an early period. Michael was a black- smith by trade, as were also his five sons. Moses learned the blacksmith's trade when a young man, and with the exception of a few years spent in Ohio, always lived in western Pennsylvania. He was a soldier in the Civil War, and died in 1864, while on his way home from the

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

war. He married Rebecca Troy, who died in 1900, and to them were born three children-Loretta, died aged ten years, in Ohio; Lucian Troy, the subject of this sketch ; and Eva, who is the wife of John F. Furlong.

Lucian T. Claybaugh was seven years of age when his parents removed from Ironton, Ohio to California, Pa., where he was reared and learned the carpenter's and builder's trade. He began working at his trade when fifteen years of age, and so continued for a period of thirty years at California and vicinity. Mr. Claybaugh is a Republican in politics, and has been postmaster of Donora, since 1900, when the town was organized. He served as a member of the Council at California, Pa., and has served as a member of the Donora school board twice, having served on the first school board of that borough. He is fraternally a member of the Royal Ar- canum.

Mr. Claybaugh was united in marriage in California, Pa., with Anna Coatsworth, a daughter of Joseph Coats- worth, and they have reared five children, namely: John W., a resident of Denver, Col., who married Mary Duffy; Eva, who married Fred C. Van Pelt, assistant postmaster of Donora, and has one child, Virginia; Ruth, who mar- ried John A. Byers, who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Donora; Lucian T., Jr., and Beryl.

ADRIEN DUSSERE,* who is a successful farmer in Jefferson Township, Washington County, Pa., owns 14434 acres of excellent land, about 130 acres of it being till- able. Mr. Dussere was born in France, October 13, 1853. His father's name was Jean and his parents never came to America.

Adrien Dussere went to school until he was old enough to enter the coal mines in his province, that being the occupation of many people in the region where he was reared. He worked as a coal miner in his own land until coming to America, in September, 1885. He settled in McDonald, Pa., working for seven years in the mines at that place, and for three years more at Sturgeon, and then left that dangerous work forever. Through his in- dustry and good management he had accumulated enough capital to invest in farming land and bought his tract of almost 145 acres in Jefferson Township, on which he has resided ever since, this property formerly belonging to W. E. Steen. Mr. Dussere has made improvements and built several of the farm structures now standing. He keeps cows for butter purposes, raises stock for his own use, and devotes special attention to sheep, keeping about seventy-five head on the farm over winter. He may find his property rich in coal, oil and gas but has never tested for either nor leased his probable coal de- posits. He has proved himself an excellent business man and as a neighbor is respected and esteemed ..

Mr. Dussere was married in France, October 15, 1882,

to Rosine Roqueplot, who also, when she came to America, left her parents in their native land. Mr. and Mrs. Dus- sere have four children: Louise, who married Amiel Robert, lives at Donora, Pa., and has one son, Amiel; and Adrien M., Rosa and Louis, all of whom reside at home. The family belongs to the Roman Catholic Church at McDonald. Mr. Dussere is a citizen and casts his vote with the Republican party.

JOHN W. CARROLL,* a druggist and one of the lead- ing business citizens of Charleroi, Pa., who has been a resident here since 1904, was born March 17, 1872, at Boston, Mass., and is a son of James and Celia (Her- ron) Carroll, the former of whom was a tailor by trade.

John W. Carroll was an infant when his parents re- moved to Philadelphia, but was reared at Parker's Land- ing, Armstrong County, Pa., where they located in 1877. He subsequently went to Kane, Mckean County, Pa., where he spent five years learning the bottle blowing trade, after which he spent one year at Marion, Ind., and two years at McDonald, where he was also engaged in glass blowing. In 1904 he came to Charleroi, where he has since been engaged in conducting a drug store, locating first at No. 621 Fallowfield avenue. In that year he erected a fine two story brick business block on Fallow- field avenue, and where he since has been located, having established a lucrative trade.

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History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 221

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1474