USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Memoirs of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, personal and genealogical with portraits, Volume I > Part 21
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JOHN McNALLY, member of the common council of Allegheny city, Pa., from the ninth ward, is a native of- tlie ward he so ably represents in the munic- ipal legislature. His father, Thomas McNally, represented the ward for twelve years in both the common and select councils, and the son seems to have in- herited his faculty for readily grasping municipal problems and dealing with them. John McNally was born in 1876. His elementary education was obtained in the public schools of Allegheny city, after which he attended, for a short time, the Holy Ghost college, and finished his education at St. Vincent's college, located at Latrobe, Pa. Upon leaving school, he became associated with his father in the liquor business in Allegheny city, and continued in that vocation until the death of his father, in 1902, when he suc- ceeded to the business. His mother, Mary McNally, passed to her final rest in 1891. In February, 1903, Mr. McNally was chosen by a handsome majority to represent the ward in the common council, and is now serving in that capacity. He is regarded as one of the solid business men of the city, and is an influential member of St. Andrew's Catholic church.
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WILLIAM E. KIMBERLIN, who represents the second ward of Allegheny city, Pa., in the common council, was born in Allegheny city, in 1861, and at the age of three months became a resident of the second ward, where he has lived ever since. His entire education was acquired in the public schools of the ward, for at the age of fifteen years he went into business for himself, starting a meat market on Beaver avenue. Five years later he went into partnership with his father in the same line of business. This partnership lasted until 1898, when he sold out his interest to his father and associated himself with the Pittsburg provision and packing company, located on Hare's island, as a buyer of small stock, assuming charge of that department, for which his long
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experience gave him the essential qualifications. Mr. Kimberlin was married in 1882 to Miss Ella Bourne, of Allegheny city, and three sons have been born to the marriage. The eldest son, Oliver J., is now a page of the Allegheny city common council; the second son, Frank B., is connected with the Pittsburg packing company as weighmaster, and the third son, Howard S., is in the high school. Politically, Mr. Kimberlin is a republican, and takes an active interest in political affairs, particularly those affecting the local interests. In 1895 he was elected to the common council, and has been re-elected at each succeeding election, now serving his fourth term. He is chairman of the council committee on public safety, and a member of the committees on corporations, public works and finance. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, holding membership in the following Masonic bodies: Allegheny lodge, No. 223; Allegheny chapter, No. 217; Allegheny commandery, No. 35; the Pittsburg consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and Syria temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a mem- ber of Allegheny lodge, No. 339, B. P. O. Elks. He and his family are members of the Emanuel Episcopal church.
JOSIAH. S. DUFF, one of the leading physicians of Allegheny city, Pa., and representative of the first ward in the common council, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1855. His parents, Thomas and Margaret Duff, have both joined the silent majority, the former passing away in 1875, and the latter in 1888. As a boy, Dr. Duff attended the public schools of his native township, and later the high school in the town of Saint Clairsville. After graduating from this high school, he entered Franklin college, at New Athens, Ohio, but did not complete the course, changing off to the medical college there. He then prosecuted his medical studies under Dr. Coleman, a prominent physician of Columbus, Ohio, and graduated from the Columbus medical college in 1881. Soon after receiving his degree, he located in the town of Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio, and began the general practice of medicine. He remained at Cadiz about eight years, during which time he took the medical course in the University of New York, graduating from that institution in 1888. In 1886 he was elected coroner of
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Harrison county, Ohio, for a term of four years, and at the expiration of that time, he removed to Allegheny city, Pa., set- tling in the first ward, where he soon built up a lucrative practice. He formed the acquaintance of the leading local politicians, and being an active republican, was admitted to the councils of that party's leaders. In February, 1903, he was elected to repre- sent the first ward in the common council, where he has been honored by appointment on the finance, library and public safety committees. But Dr. Duff's activity in political matters has never been permitted to interfere with his professional duties. He is, first of all, a physician, and the wants of his patients receive his first consideration. He is a member of Allegheny county medical society, American medical association and of Allegheny lodge, No. 339, B. P. O. Elks. He is also a member of the United Presby- terian church. In his church, his lodges, the city council and his private practice, Dr. Duff is held in high regard because of his scholarly attainments, his gentlemanly bearing, and above all, his sterling character.
JOSEPH WEIS, third-ward member of the common council of Allegheny city, Pa., was born in Baden, Germany, in 1850. His parents were Joseph and Akoda Weis, the former of whom died in 1878. Joseph was educated in the schools of Baden, after which he learned the trade of brewer, and at the age of eighteen came to America. Locating in Allegheny city, he obtained employment with the Heckelman brewery, in the third ward, until 1873, when he started in business for himself, opening what was called the Hoffman brewery. He continued in the business until 1877, when he converted his brewery into a malt house. In 1890 he started the hotel and café at No. 717 Chestnut St., of which he is still the proprietor and manager. The malt house was remodeled into a flat in 1894, and since that time he has devoted himself exclusively to his hotel and his official duties as councilman. Mr. Weis is a democrat in politics, and it was as a representative of that party he was elected to the council in February, 1903. In the council he is a member of the committees on public works, library and water supply. Mr. Weis is a member of the Turnverein, sev-
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eral German clubs, the Catholic mutual benefit association, No. 79, and the Catholic church. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Josephine Hoffman, of Allegheny, Pa. She died in 1880, and the following year he was married to Theresa Grapp, of Allegheny city. By this second marriage he has three children, named Joseph, Jr., Mary and Helen. Mrs. Weis died in 1891. Mr. Weis is regarded as one of the substantial business men and representa- tive citizens of the third ward, and his place of entertainment is one of the popular resorts of the city.
HERMAN KAPPELER, member of the Allegheny city common council from the fourth ward, was born in Germany in 1860 Until he was about fourteen years of age he attended the schools of his native town. The family then emigrated to America and settled in Butler county, Pa, where Herman found employment in Stehle's furnishing store. His par- ents, Gregory and Ottilea Kappeler, both died in the year 1896. About 1878 Her- man went to Braddock, Pa., and entered the metal department of the Carnegie steel works, remaining there for two years. He then went to Pittsburg, and for the next two years was employed in a grocery. In 1883 he went to the Lake Chautauqua company, of Pittsburg, as a helper, but gradually rose to the position of assistant superin- tendent, in which he continued for several years. In 1898 he started the Anti-trust ice company, of Allegheny city, with offices at No. 919 Ohio St. For some time Mr. Kappeler had a hard fight to establish his business, as all the large ice dealers combined against him. He finally overcame all the difficulties, putting his company on a sure footing, where it still continues, with himself as manager and principal owner. Politically, Mr. Kappeler is a republican, and, in February, 1903, he was elected to the common council from the fourth ward. He is a member of the council committees on water supply, library and corporations. In 1884 he was married to Miss Mary R. Dietz, of Allegheny city. He and his wife are regular attendants at St. Mary's Catholic church. and he is a member of Allegheny lodge, No. 339, B. P. O Elks. Mr. Kappeler deserves great credit for the victory he achieved over the opposition of the combined ice interests of the city, and in a
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way he is a benefactor to the people of Allegheny city, in that he made it possible for them to secure their ice supply at reasonable prices, thus deserving all the success that has come to him.
ELLIOT McCALL, senior partner of the firm of McCall, Rowlan & Newburn, live-stock brokers, is a native of Franklin county, Pa., having been born in the city of Chambersburg, Dec. 13, 1842. While he was still in his early boyhood, his par- ents removed to Mt. Carroll, Ill. Here Mr. McCall attended a private school and afterwards graduated from the Mt. Car- roll academy. For several years he assisted his father, Henry McCall, in the management of his farms, and in buying and shipping cattle. In 1864 he enlisted as a private in Company A, 145th Illinois infantry. The regiment was assigned to detail duty until the following summer, when the men were honorably discharged at Springfield, Il1. While serving with his regiment, Mr. McCall was one of the 100 men detailed to guard the remains of President Lincoln in the Springfield ceme- tery. After the war he returned to Mt. Carroll, where he again became associated with his father in farming and live-stock opera- tions. About this time he also taught school a few terms. At Fairhaven, Ill., was a school that had trouble to retain a teacher on account of unruly boys. Mr. McCall held a high-grade certifi- cate and was given the principalship at Fairhaven. He soon dis- covered that heroic treatment was the only thing that would be of any avail in the management of the school, so he called up three of the ringleaders in mischief and gave them a severe drubbing. His determined methods won the respect of the young ruffians, and the school afterwards became one of the best in the county. In 1868 Mr. McCall came to Pittsburg with a carload of horses. After disposing of them he decided to remain in Pittsburg, and became associated with the firm of Saddly, Havens & Co., at the central stockyards. Later the firm was known as Saddly & McCall, and still later as McCall & Co. For the last twelve years he has been at the head of the firm of McCall, Rowlan & Newburn, doing a general live-stock brokerage business, and is one of the best-known houses of its kind in the east. Mr. McCall is a repub- lican, and although he takes a lively interest in political contests.
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he could never be persuaded to become a candidate for public office, preferring to devote his time and talents to his live-stock business, for which he is peculiarly adapted. His brother, Samuel W. McCall, has for many years represented the eighth Massachusetts district in congress.
COURSIN L. MOHNEY, who repre- sents the tenth ward of Allegheny city, Pa., in the common council, is a native of Clarion county, Pa., where he was born in 1860, his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth Mohney. Until he was sixteen years of age, Mr. Mohney attended the public schools. After leaving school, he taught for about three years in Jefferson county, Pa., and then came to Pittsburg, where he took a commercial course in Duff's college. Shortly after finishing his education, he began contracting and building, operating throughout the country. He followed this business until 1901, when he became one of the firm of Langenheim, Cochran & Co., with offices and works located at Nos. 1221 to 1225 Penn Ave., Allegheny city. Mr. Mohney is a member of Alle- gheny lodge, No. 1057, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Lodge No. 157, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and Alle- gheny lodge, No. 214, Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politi- cally, he is a stanch democrat, and has always taken a keen inter- est in questions of public policy. In February, 1903, he was elected to the common council from the tenth ward, and upon the organi- zation of the new council, he was appointed on the committees on surveys and public works-committees for which his long expe- rience as a contractor and builder gave him a peculiar fitness, as his colleagues have learned. In 1883 Miss Annie Degroff, an esti- mable young lady of Verona, Pa., became Mrs. Mohney, and four children were born to this union. Two of these children, Eva and Clyde, are still living, Clare and Paul being deceased. Although not an old man, Mr. Mohney's life has been one of unusual activity, and he has accomplished as much as many men who are his senior by several years. Some of the largest and finest buildings in Pitts- burg, Allegheny city and the surrounding country have been erected under his personal supervision, and few contractors are better known or sustain a higher reputation.
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SIMON O'DONNELL, general man- ager of the Pittsburg union stockyards, and one of the principal stockholders in the Pittsburg packing company, is a notable example of a self-made man. He was born in Ireland in 1847, but at an early age came with his parents to Amer- ica. Circumstances prevented his receiv- ing more than a common-school educa- tion, and even while attending the New York public schools, he drove cattle at the markets, on Saturdays and during vacation time, to assist his parents. There was something about the cattle business that had an irresist- ible attraction for the little Irish lad, and at the age of twelve years he went to Champaign county, Ill., with a large stock-dealer, named B. F Harris. This was the beginning of Mr. O'Donnell's career as a stockman. Five years later he was at the Fort Wayne yards in Chicago, superintending the shipment of cattle bought by the United States government for army supplies. Shortly after the war, in 1867, he went to Jersey City and took charge of the stockyards which had just been established there. While in charge of the Jersey City yards, Mr. O'Donnell formed the acquaintance of Samuel W. Allerton, of Chicago, who is said to be the largest cattle-raiser in the world. Mr. Allerton saw in the young Irish- man a stockman of more than ordinary ability and judgment, and took him to Chicago, where he was placed in charge of the buying and selling departments of Mr. Allerton's immense business. For more than thirty years Mr. O'Donnell was associated with Mr. Allerton, and the acquaintance thus formed ripened into a friend- ship that remains unbroken. It was largely through Mr. Allerton's influence that the Pennsylvania railroad company selected Mr. O'Donnell as manager of the central stockyards at Pittsburg, and, on Jan. 1, 1898, placed him in full control of the yards. Although the yards were finely equipped, they had never done a satisfactory business until after Mr. O'Donnell was placed in charge. As an advertising measure, he inaugurated the "annual fat-stock show." The first exhibition of this kind was given in 1899, and the experi- ment has been repeated every year since with increasing interest in the undertaking. According to one of the Pittsburg papers, over 60,000 visitors attended the fat-stock show on one day, during the exhibition of 1901, and at the close of the show some of the
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prize winners sold at auction for more than twenty-one cents per pound, gross, the highest price ever paid for cattle in this country. Mr. O'Donnell received hundreds of congratulatory telegrams from stockmen and railroad magnates all over the country, on his successful conduct of the enterprise. It is said that Mr. O'Donnell knows more men in the live-stock trade than any other man in the United States. Besides being manager of the new union stock- yards, he is a director in the Pittsburg packing company, and a member of the firm of Smith, Carey & Co., at the Chicago union stockyards. On Nov. 7, 1867, he was married to Miss Margaret Pearson, of New Jersey, who died April 23, 1903, and to this union two daughters and one son have been born. One of the daughters recently died. Mr. O'Donnell is a member of Pittsburg lodge, No. 11, B. P. O. Elks; the Order of Foresters, and other fraternal and benevolent organizations, but generally prefers the society of his own family circle. Starting in life with no capital except intel- ligence, strict honesty, steadfast devotion to duty, a high order of executive ability, and, above all, a determination to succeed, he has risen, step by step, to be one of the leading stockmen of the country. Known and trusted by millionaires and railroad presi- dents, he has never become unduly impressed with his own importance, but to his friends he is always the same genial, great- hearted Simon O'Donnell.
JESSE H. SHEASLEY, first-ward member of the common council of Alle- gheny city, Pa., and one of the principal stockholders in the Specialty paint com- pany, was born in Armstrong county, in 1868, and is the son of William T. and Sarah Jane (Williams) Sheasley, highly respected citizens of Kittanning. The father is now living a quiet, retired life after years in the lumber business. Mr. Sheasley received the major part of his education in the district schools of Armstrong county, and started in at an early age to learn the ship-building trade, in the yards at Brown's station. At the age of nineteen he went to Pittsburg, where he obtained employment with the Pittsburg & Western railroad com- pany as a depot carpenter. After one year with the railroad com- pany, he went to the Manchester steamboat docks, where he 1-16
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remained or three years, when he formed a partnership with W. S. Lyons' in the grocery business, at No. 728 Rebecca St., Allegheny city. This partnership lasted for seven years, when Mr. Sheasley bought his partner's interest and continued the business by himself until 1900, when he sold out, and took an active part in the organizing of the Penn oil and paint company, and a little later became the treasurer of the Specialty paint company, of Pittsburg. Mr. Sheasley takes an active interest in . political matters and is one of the republican leaders in the first ward. In February, 1903, he was elected to represent the ward in the com- mon council, and his record there has shown that the people of the ward made no mistake in entrusting their interests to his keeping.
JOHN G. ALLMAN, junior member of the firm of Hilldorfer & Allman, is a native of Allegheny city, Pa., where he was born in 1872. He is a son of George and Amelia Allman, the latter of whom passed away in 1873, leaving him without the tender care of a mother when he was but one year old. Until he was eleven years of age he attended the Etna public school, and from that time until he was fourteen he was in attendance at the third ward public schools in Allegheny city. He then started to work in the rope store of Gerwig & Sons, on Penn avenue, but after three years with this firm, he went with Zoller & Co. to learn the trade of a butcher. For three years he remained with this firm at their establishment in Spring Garden borough, and then entered the employ of John S. Wilson & Co. at the Diamond market. Since 1899 he has been in partnership with Joseph P. Hilldorfer at the same market where both members of the firm served several years as journeymen. From the first, the business of the firm has been eminently satis- factory. The two young and active butchers, filled with a desire to please, and handling nothing but the best the market afforded, drew to their counters some of the best patrons of the market. Having once secured them, it was not difficult to hold their trade, for the motto of Hilldorfer & Allman is: "Good goods and full weight." No difference of political opinion is ever likely to dis- rupt the harmony of the partnership, for Mr. Allinan, like his partner, is an unswerving republican, and a resident of the tenth
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ward. He is a member of Etna Borough council, No,- )61, Royal Arcanum; Allegheny lodge, No. 339, B. P. O. Elks; Pittsburg lodge, No. 50, Knights of Pythias, and Iron City lodge, No. 182, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In 1897 he was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary Brinker, of Etna borough, and two little sons, Roy and William, have come to brighten their home.
SIMON SCHLEICH, member of the common council from the fourth ward of Allegheny city, Pa., is a native of the eighth ward of the same city, where he was born in 1854, his parents being John and Agnes Schleich. Both parents have passed away, the father dying in 1879, and the mother in 1892. Simon attended the St. Mary's Catholic school until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to work with the Crawford manufacturing company, of Allegheny city, to learn the trade of brass and iron molder. He stayed with the Crawford company for eight years, and since that time he has been connected with some of the leading firms in that line of work in both Allegheny city and Pittsburg, being at present with the McKenna Bros. Mr. Schleich and family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church, where he attended school as a boy. He is also a member of Lodge No. 79, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association ; Bailey & Farrell manufacturing company's beneficial association, of Pittsburg, and Pittsburg lodge, No. 184, Iron and Brass Molders' association. In the last-named organization he has been both recording and corresponding secretary, treasurer, trustee and delegate to several of the national conventions of the Iron and Brass Molders' union. In political matters he is a demo- crat, and is generally an active participant in political movements. In February, 1903, he was elected to represent the fourth ward in the common council, where he is a member of the committees on water and public safety. In 1880 he was married to Miss Katherine Scheigg, of Allegheny city, and nine children have been born to them. Of these, Agnes and Bertha are married; Katherine, Flora and Simon are deceased, and Laura, Stella, Hilda and Edna are living at home with their parents. Through hard work and econ- omy, Mr. Schleich has succeeded in obtaining a comfortable home for himself and family.
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SAMUEL J. GRENET, one of the youngest and most prominent and respected citizens of Allegheny city, whose efficient services as deputy sheriff form a part of the history of Allegheny county, Pa., was born in the sixth ward, in 1869. His parents, Capt. James H. and Matilda (Faulkner) Grenet, have both passed away. When a boy, Samuel attended the public schools of the fifth and sixth wards for a short time only. At the age of twelve, he secured employ- ment with a milk dealer. From here he entered the brickyards of his maternal grandfather, Henry Faulk- ner, where he remained until his sixteenth year. About this time he entered the iron mills of the Oliver iron and steel company, in the lower part of Allegheny, and continued in their employ until 1896, when the firm closed down its plant. He then accepted a position in the department of highways and sewers of Allegheny city under Robert McAffee, banking commissioner of Pennsylvania, who was at this time the director of the department of public works. In January, 1899, William C. Mckinley was elected sheriff of Allegheny county, and upon assuming the duties of his elective office, he appointed Mr. Grenet one of his deputies, which position he held until September, 1902, when he resigned. In February, 1902, 'he was elected alderman in the eleventh ward, and remained in this office until April 10, 1903, when he resigned as alderman and re-entered the sheriff's office. On Jan. 4, 1904, James W. Dickson, sheriff of Allegheny county, appointed Mr. Grenet his chief deputy for a term of three years, which position he now holds. Mr. Grenet has been for many years an active participant in political affairs, being a close adherent to the plat- form of the republican party. He is now chairman of the eleventh ward republican executive committee, and is a recognized party leader of this city. He is a member and one of the organizers of the Union League club of Allegheny city, where he is held in high esteem. He is also identified with the Young Men's republican tariff club of Pittsburg, and a member of Allegheny lodge, No. 339, B. P. O. Elks, and the Knights of Maccabees. In 1897, Mr. Grenet married Miss Bessie D. Workman, of Allegheny city, and they have one son, Oliver J. Mr. Grenet rarely forgets an acquaintance, and usually greets every one with a smile and a kind
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