USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Memoirs of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, personal and genealogical with portraits, Volume II > Part 19
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
1
ذ.
E-
213
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
CHARLES BIEHL, the leading cloth- ing merchant in Tarentum, has been in business in that place continuously for the past twenty years. In 1902 he built a fine two-story brick store building 26 feet wide and 132 feet long, where he keeps an excellent assortment of men's and boys' clothing and does a prosperous and stead- ily increasing business. Mr. Biehl was born in Armstrong county, Pa., May 17, 1864, son of Louis Biehl, a native of Ger- many and an early settler of Armstrong county, where he spent his last days. He was reared and educated in Kittanning, Pa., and came to Tarentum in 1883. Besides his clothing business, Mr. Biehl is a stockholder in the People's National bank, the Fidelity glass company of Tar- entum, and the Duster contracting company, of that place. In politics he is a republican, and was formerly a member of the coun- cil of Tarentum. He is a member of the Heptasophs and of Lodge No. 644, B. P. O. E. Mr. Biehl is liberal in his religious views, contributing generously to all denominations. He married Christiana Ellerman, of Tarentum, and has two children, Theodore and Clifford C.
JOHN G. WELLINGER, president of the Anchor brewing company, Tarentum, has held that position since the company was organized in 1896. Associated with him in the business are three sons: John C. Wellinger, treasurer of the company; Frederick Wellinger, secretary, and Charles H. Wellinger, superintendent of the bottling department. The company is now in a prosperous condition and is doing a flourishing business. John G. Wellinger was born in Germany, in 1838, educated in the schools of his native country, and came to Pittsburg in 1855. Shortly afterwards he located at Natrona, spent four years in the salt works there, a year in the oil works, and then went to Pittsburg, where he was engaged in various occupations until 1873. In that year he went into the ice business, admitted a partner in 1876, and
25.4
.. .
£
.
.
16:
214
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
the firm was then for ten years known as the Monongahela ice company. In 1886 it was merged with the Chautauqua ice company, and the name was changed to the Chautauqua Lake ice company, Mr. Wellinger continuing with the concern until 1896, when he began his career as a brewer. John G. Wel- linger began life a poor boy, with no resources, and in early life met with many misfortunes. Over all of these, however, he has triumphed, and is now one of the well-to-do men in Tarentum. He is a stockholder in the J. H. Baker manufacturing company. In politics he has been a republican since he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860; was for two years township commis- sioner, and is a member of the council of Brackenridge borough, having been a member of the first council of the borough. He was also at one time member of the school board of what is now twenty-fourth ward, Pittsburg. He is a member of Germania lodge, No. 509, F. and A. M., of South Side, Pittsburg, and, since 1862, has been a member of Peter Fritz lodge, No. 486, I. O. O. F. In 1860 Mr. Wellinger married Miss Margaret Langheinrich, a native of Germany, and is the father of ten children, viz. : Mary, Louisa, Margaret, John C., George H., Elizabeth, Frederick, Charles H., and William F. and Katie, the last two both now deceased.
MICHAEL HAMMER, a wealthy re- tired hotel keeper and proprietor of the Harrison house in Brackenridge borough, was born in Allegheny city, Feb. 7, 1850. His father, George Hammer, a native of Wittenburg, Germany, came to America about 1847, and was married in Allegheny city to Frances Ott, also a native of Ger- many. They had seven children, four of whom are living. George Hammer learned the stone-cutters' trade in Ger- many, followed it in Allegheny city and in Pittsburg, and died in Allegheny city, in 1867. In politics he was a democrat. Michael Hammer, whose name begins this article, was reared in Pittsburg, received some education there, and then worked for a number of years in the roll- ing mills in Pittsburg. In 1884 he came to Brackenridge borough, where, in company with Mr. John Felter, he engaged in the hotel business. In 1891 he bought out Mr. Felter's interest, managed
1
1.
(s), the end anigod wit or lo modmunarib
215
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
the business for himself for two years, and, in 1893, retired from active life. He owns the Harrison house, two store buildings and a handsome residence in Tarentum, on East Sixth avenue, which he built in 1893. Mr. Hammer has, by his own thrift and native ability, won for himself a competence and spends a great portion of his time traveling for pleasure throughout the United States. He is a stockholder in the Fidelity glass company, the Tarentum glass company, J. H. Baker manufacturing company and the Tarentum National bank. In politics he is an independent. He is a member of B. P. O. Elks, of Tarentum. Mr. Hammer was mar- ried, in October, 1878, to Miss Margaret Heilman, of Cambria county, Pa.
1
JOHN KERR, deceased, for many years one of the best-known and most highly-respected citizens of O'Hara town- ship, Allegheny Co., Pa., was born in St. Clair township of the same county, near Mount Lebanon United Presbyterian church, and was the oldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Stitt) Kerr. His father was one of the pioneer farmers of Alle- gheny county. John Kerr was educated by his parents, before the introduction of the common-school system in Allegheny county, and, after growing to manhood, entered the droving business and prospered in that vocation until 1842, when he purchased the farm known as "Solitude," in O'Hara, then Indiana, township. This farm is located one and one- half miles north of Sharpsburg, adjoining the Greenwood cemetery, on what is now known as the Sharpsburg and Kittanning county road. He remained on this farm until his death, which occurred on Jan. 24, 1891, after he had reached the advanced age of ninety- nine years, six months and twenty-four days. His widow still lives on the farm. On March 22, 1860, John Kerr was married to Matilda Ellen Neff, the youngest daughter of Peter and Jane (Ream) Neff, living near Dorseyville, Allegheny Co., Pa. Peter Neff was born in York county, Pa., and his wife was born in Cum- berland county, Pa. In 1818 they purchased the farm near Dorsey- ville, where they lived the remainder of their lives, Peter Neff dying in his eighty-third year and his wife dying in her sixty-ninth year. Robert P. Kerr, a grand-nephew of John Kerr, and a great-
i
..
.1%
Has to i En un edt had vedi stedw sifie
216
.
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
grandson of Samuel and Elizabeth Kerr, was adopted by John Kerr and his wife soon after their marriage, and he has lived with them ever since 1863, though he owns a farm in West Deer township. He was married, in 1884, to Jennie M. Shaw, a niece of Mrs. John Kerr, and they have four children, viz. : Charles W., Helen M., Harriet N., and Florence J., all of school age and attending the public schools. Robert Kerr and his family are all members of the First United Presbyterian church of Etna. John Kerr was a United Presbyterian from his youth, except for a few years, when he was out of reach of a United Presbyterian church. In that time he attended a Presbyterian church, but about 1869 he united with the Etna church and remained a member of it until his death. In all his church work he had the moral and material support of his wife. Matilda (Neff) Kerr was brought up a Presbyterian, uniting with the church when she was seventeen years of age, and from that time to the present she has been a consistent member. After her marriage with John Kerr she was always associated with him in church work. She became a member of Etna church at the same time he did, and she still remains with that congregation, steadfast in the faith, and confident that beyond the grave she and her beloved husband will again be united.
JOHN JAY CRAWFORD, M. D., of Coraopolis, Pa., a distinguished physician and surgeon, was born in Mount Pleasant township, Washington Co., Pa., Jan. 22, 1860, son of Robert M. and Sarah Ann (Elder) Crawford. They were the par- ents of six children: W. O. Crawford, an attorney, of Pittsburg; Nancy M. ; E. D. Crawford, a farmer, of Washington county; Cassie J. McNall; Robert O. Crawford, and Dr. J. J. His maternal ancestors were from eastern Pennsylvania, his grandfather having come from Easton, Pa., and his paternal ancestors from the north of Ireland. His paternal grandfather was a disciple of the old Covenanter faith, and Dr. Crawford's father, who died before his son was born, was one of the leading abolitionists. Dr. Crawford secured his ele- mentary education in the public schools of Washington county, and when sixteen years of age entered the academy at Sewickley, Pa., where he was under Prof. James Dixon for two years. He spent
:
().
:
:
217
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
two years at the Western university, of Pittsburg, and later entered Jefferson medical college, where he was graduated at the end of a three-year term. He matriculated at the Hahnemann homœopathic medical college, of Chicago, and was graduated with the highest honors in the class of 1884. Dr. Crawford began the practice of his profession at Imperial, Pa., in 1882, and for nine- teen years was one of the leading physicians of that section, remov- ing to Coraopolis, where he now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Crawford was married, in 1886, to Atlanta S. Burns, of Imperial, Pa., and their home life is an ideal one. He is one of the leading physicians of western Pennsylvania, being president of the third board of examining surgeons of Pittsburg and otherwise identified with the best interests of his profession. His political affiliations are with the republican party, and he attends the Pres- byterian church.
PAUL R. HOLLAND, cashier of the Turtle Creek First National bank, was born in Braddock, Pa., March 7, 1877, son of William A. and Ellen (Gordon) Holland. William A. Holland was born . in Carroll county, Ohio, and has been for many years in the insurance business in Braddock. He is a son of William and Nancy (Thompson) Holland, of Starke county, Ohio, and grandson of Robert and Sarah Thompson, pioneer residents of Washington county, Pa. The mother of William Holland, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of the Gettys family for whom Gettys- burg was named. Ellen (Gordon) Holland, the mother of Paul R. Holland, is the daughter of John and Martha Gordon, who came from London. Paul R. Holland graduated from the Braddock high school in 1892, and spent the following four years in the real estate business in Braddock. When the Citizens' bank of Turtle Creek was organized, in 1896, he became bookkeeper and, in 1899, was made cashier of that institution. This position he held until April, 1902, when he opened a real estate and insurance office at No. 117 Penn Ave., where he had an extensive business in real estate, having represented several leading fire insurance com- panies. When the First National bank of Turtle Creek opened its doors for business in January, 1903, Mr. Holland was elected its
٢٠٠٠٠
218
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
cashier and one of the directors. The bank started with a capital of $50,000, and so popular has it become and so successful in every way, that the officers are contemplating the erection of a large and modern banking room on Penn avenue. Mr. Holland is a member of Turtle Creek castle, K. G. E. and Braddock lodge, No. 180, A. O. U. W. He is a member of the First Christian church of Braddock. Mr. Holland was married, Jan. 30, 1900, to Miss Sarah Jacobs, daughter of Calvin B. and Sarah Jacobs, of Hollidays- burg, Pa.
JOSEPH G. HOLZHEIMER, of Sharpsburg, Pa., a leading funeral director and liveryman, was born in the city where he now resides, Oct. 9, 1867, and is the son of Joseph and Regina (Winschell) Holzheimer. His father was a native of Baden, Germany, and, when . nine years of age, accompanied his par- ents to America, settling in Pittsburg, where, later, he learned ornamental painting and followed that trade for some years. He started a chair factory in Pitts- burg, which was subsequently destroyed by fire; then he engaged in the furniture business in Pittsburg, where he prospered until 1868, when he removed his furniture busi- ness to Sharpsburg, and there added an undertaking department. He continued in these lines until 1875, when the livery business was substituted for the furniture feature, and he successfully con. ducted both until his death, when he was succeeded by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Holzheimer was a pupil of the public schools of Sharpsburg until his fifteenth year, when he attended Duff's college and was graduated in a commercial course from that insti- tution in 1883. On leaving school, he went into his father's busi- ness as assistant, and, in 1893, on the death of his father, assumed control of the business and organized a company composed of him- self, H. W. Bock and John Holzheimer, under the firm name of Holzheimer & Bock, now one of the largest undertaking establish- ments of Allegheny county. His father was one of the oldest funeral directors of the county, and his business is one of the first established in Allegheny county. Mr. Holzheimer was happily married, on May 5, 1902, to Eva May, daughter of M. J. Connelly, an oil operator in West Virginia, but a resident of Allegheny city.
1.
219
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Mr. Holzheimer is a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the Y. M. I. and the democratic party. His father was a great worker for the democratic party, and served as president of the school board for ten years, and bur- gess and member of the council for several years. He is a director of the Mutual oil and gas company, of West Virginia, and is secre- tary of the Ben's Run oil company, operating in West Virginia, both of which concerns have their headquarters in Pittsburg. Mr. Holzheimer has devoted his leisure to travel, having made two trips to Europe, visiting most of the countries of importance, and has been to the West Indies and the Hawaiian islands.
DAVID S. BOYD, coal dealer and banker, of Turtle Creek, was born in Alle- gheny county, Nov. 1, 1865, son of E. W. and Sarah (Shaw) Boyd. E. W. Boyd was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., near Irwin station, Oct. 17, 1837, being a son of Thomas and Sarah (Wilson) Boyd. On Nov. 1, 1859, he married Sarah, daughter of David and Lydia (Stewart) Shaw, of Westmoreland county. Mrs. Boyd was born April 6, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Boyd were the parents of the following children: Lydia (deceased), for- merly Mrs. J. S. McIntosh; Sarah (also deceased), who married G. E. F. Gray, of Braddock; David Shaw, the subject of this article; Margaret, now Mrs. J. F. Lewis, of Braddock ; James Kelso, a civil engineer in the Edgar Thompson works, and Martha G., at home. Mr. E. W. Boyd was reared on a farm in Westmoreland county, and removing to Allegheny county after his marriage, lived on a farm in Patton township until 1883, and then came to Turtle Creek, where he resided until his death, which occurred May 18, 1900. He was for many years a prominent farmer and coal dealer, and was widely and favorably known in the community. He organized the Citizens' bank of Turtle Creek, was its president up to the time of his death, and was a director of the Duquesne National bank. He took an active interest in public affairs and served for some years as school director. He was a member of the Order of Americus club, and, with his wife, belonged to the United Presbyterian church. David S. Boyd, whose name heads this sketch, was educated in the schools of Patton township and Pitts-
NI Buted moc est buy be lantall ent to
1.3.00
1
220
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
burg, and worked on his father's farm until 1884. He went into the gas works, later became engineer in the coal mines, and was from this position advanced to assistant superintendent, and, after his father's death, became superintendent. Mr. Boyd is one of the most progressive and respected citizens of Turtle Creek, has been for four years a member of the Turtle Creek council, and is a director of the Turtle Creek savings and trust company and the East Pittsburg building and loan association.
JOHN T. ANDERSON, of the firm of J. T. Anderson & Co., of Oakmont, was born in Allegheny city, Pa., Jan. 11, 1862. His father, Matthew Anderson, and his mother, Sarah (Robinson) Anderson, were both natives of Ireland. Matthew Anderson came to Allegheny city in 1844, and was for thirty years foreman for J. C. Patterson & Co., of Allegheny. He moved to Oakmont in 1871, and was for a time engaged as a contractor and builder, and, in 1881, established the firm of J. T. Anderson & Co. At his death, in 1887, his son took his interest in the firm and now owns the business. The plant was moved to Verona in 1889. The firm runs a planing mill, and makes a specialty of the manufacture of fine mantels. It has had a prosperous existence from the first, and is now a flourish- ing concern, employing forty-two men. J. T. Anderson, the sub- ject of this sketch, was educated in the ward schools of Allegheny city, afterwards engaging in various lines of business. He was for six years foreman for L. Benz Bros., large contractors, in Pitts- burg, before going into business for himself. Mr. Anderson was also the organizer of the J. W. Hodie company, builders, of Oakmont, and is now president and general manager of the concern. He has other extensive business interests, is director of the Interior lum- ber company, of Pittsburg, and the Hazelwood savings and trust company, of Hazelwood. He resides in Oakmont, is a prominent republican of that city, and has served three years on the Oakmont council, two years as president of that body and a year as chair- man of the street committee. Mr. Anderson was married, in 1884, to Miss Annie Glover, of Pittsburg, daughter of Robert Glover, who was formerly connected with Thomas Coffin & Co., now the Dixon-Wood company. He was the first man to make glass house
:*: 1 01:
..
٠٫٠٠
19T
221
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
pots, and held the secret of their manufacture up to about the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have had six children, of whom all, except one, died in infancy-W. Presley, born May 11, 1892. Mr. Anderson and wife are members of the United Presby- terian church of Oakmont. He was for nine years a member of the board of trustees of the Ninth Presbyterian church of Pittsburg, and for five years president of the board.
THOMASWARREN ROSENSTEEL, a well-known and universally popular pastor of Sharpsburg, was born near Loretto, Pa., Aug. 20, 1859. His pre- paratory studies were made at St. Francis college, Loretto, his classical course taken at Mt. St. Mary's, Emmetsburg, and phi- losophy and theology at the Grand semi- nary at Quebec, Canada, where, on June 13, 1886, he was ordained to the priest- hood by his eminence, Cardinal Tashe- reau, archbishop of Quebec. On his return to his native diocese, Father Rosensteel was appointed assistant at St. John Gualberts, Johns- town, and after two successful years there, was transferred as assistant at St. Agnes City, where he remained fourteen months, and was then' made first resident pastor at Ashville, Cambria county, attending at the same time to the missions at Frugality and Baker mines. Here Father Rosensteel encountered many difficulties, which he overcame one by one, building churches and pastoral residences at Ashville and Frugality, and improving wonderfully the conditions at Baker mines. After six years of hard work in this rough mountain district, he was appointed pastor of St. Matthews at Tyrone, where he built a handsome church. In the summer of 1900 he was chosen to fill a vacancy at St. Joseph's, Sharpsburg, caused by the death of Father Brady. The parochial school in connection with this church is now in process of building. and will be, when completed, one of the finest schools in the dio- cese of Pittsburg. This parish has for many years been struggling under financial difficulties, and now, since Father Rosensteel has taken charge, much of the old debt has been paid and many needed improvements made. Father Rosensteel is much beloved by all denominations. Father Rosensteel has one brother, also in the ministry, Rev. C. D. Rosensteel, of the Baltimore diocese.
.
00 10
1-
:
ز
1
.19
222
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
WILLIAM H. PATTERSON, all his life a farmer in Patton township, was born in that township April 16, 1859, son of John and Margaret (Hughey) Patter- son. John Patterson, in his day a well- known Allegheny county farmer, was born in 1830, and died Sept. 16, 1860. He had, besides the subject of this sketch, another son, Joseph, who died in infancy. - William H. Patterson was educated in the common schools of Patton township, then settled down there, where he has since followed the vocation of a farmer. He has been married twice, the first time, in 1884, to Margaret Katz, and the second time to Jennie Norman. The present Mrs. Patter- son, born Oct. 6, 1870, is a daughter of Samuel and Margaret Norman, of Allegheny county. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have two children: Clarence Sylvester, born July 18, 1893, now attending school, and Gladys Marie, born Feb. 20, 1902. In political belief Mr. Patterson is a republican, although not actively interested in party matters. He and his wife are members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian church.
S. C. McCORMICK, of Coraopolis, Pa., a successful business man, was born in Jefferson county, Pa., on April 22, 1861, son of John L. and Nancy (McFarland) McCormick. His paternal ancestors were Scotch, and his maternal, Irish. His father was a lumberman during the greater part of his business career, an old-time democrat, and both of his par- ents were members of the Baptist church. He is the youngest of ten children, eight of whom are now living, and, exclusive of himself, are: R. M., J. E., W. W., F. I., Mrs. S. C. Snyder, Mrs. Maude Bell and Mrs. Emma Lewis. S. C. McCormick secured his early education in the schools of Clarion county, Pa., and when seventeen years of age left school and became engaged in the lumber business, which he followed till 1891, and for several years ran a large general store in Beaver county, Pa. Selling his stock in 1902, he came to Coraopolis and
il se
1
(
223
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
commenced the grocery business, where he has built one of the largest and best business blocks in the town, and has a well-stocked store that occupies the entire first floor of the structure. He is also a half owner of the Curry & McCormick company, which con- ducts a large livery and undertaking business. That firm have a very complete outfit, owning thirteen horses and other appurte- nances, and have recently expended $9, 000 in fitting up their place. Mr. McCormick was married, in 1881, to Mary Elizabeth Bruder, of Danville, Montour Co., Pa., and they have five children. His political affiliations are with the democratic party. Mr. McCormick is a highly successful business man, has made a great success of his commercial career, and owes not a little of his present prosperity to the aid and counsel of his wife, in whom he has an active coad- jutor and assistant.
FRANK WOLFF, of Natrona, Pa., proprietor of the Washington hotel and a substantial citizen, was born in Allegheny city, Pa., Oct. 14, 1853, son of Frank and Mary (Seifert) Wolff, both natives of Ger- many, the former coming to Allegheny city in 1845, and the latter accompanying her parents to that city in 1848. Frank Wolff conducted an emigrant house, or hotel, in Pittsburg, and for many years in Allegheny city, and met with much suc- cess in that vocation, being possessed of a fine property at the time of his death. He and his wife were members of the Catholic church, and had seven children, five of whom are now living. His wife died in 1865, and later he was married to Louisa Mower, who bore him one child. The elder Wolff died in 1890, after a long and useful life extending through sixty-five years. Frank Wolff, the son, was reared and educated in Allegheny city, and in 1886 came to Natrona and purchased the property on which his hotel now stands. He erected the Washington hotel on this property, and since has conducted it with unusual success. Mr. Wolff is a prosperous busi- ness man, being a stockholder in the James H. Baker manufactur- ing company and owning property in Natrona and Allegheny city. He is a republican in politics, has been a delegate to several county conventions, and is an active member of that party. He is a mem- ber of U. R., Knights of Pythias, and Frankford lodge, No. 391, of
٠٫٠١
1.1.
:
224
MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Natrona. He was married, in 1881, to Clara E., daughter of William and Catherine Bauer, of Butler county, Pa., and they have two children: Clara C., a graduate of the schools of Natrona and Grove City and of the Iron City college, and a bookkeeper for Bauman & Co., of Pittsburg, and Frank W., a graduate of the Natrona high school and a student of Grove City. Mr. Wolff is well and favorably known in Natrona, and is closely identified with the progress and development of the city.
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.