USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Memoirs of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, personal and genealogical with portraits, Volume II > Part 39
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by steady application to this occupation, was soon on the high-road to success. In 1885 he located at Tarentum, and for eighteen years has devoted his time to the business of contracting and build- ing. He has achieved commendable success, and now owns prop- erty in Tarentum, besides being a stockholder and director in the People's National bank at that place. He served as a republican member of the council for one term, and is connected with the Order of Heptasophs. On July 8, 1875, Mr. Dick was united in marriage with Miss Eleanor, daughter of the late Elias Anderson, of West Deer township, Allegheny county. Their only son, James W. Dick, was well educated at Tarentum and at the Grove City college, learned the brick-layers' trade, and is a young man of promise. Mr. and Mrs. Dick are members of the Reformed Pres- byterian church at Tarentum.
WILLIAM MCCULLOUGH is a well-to-do and much-esteemed farmer of West Deer township, where he owns twenty acres of land and is comfortably situated. His parents, Andrew and Isabella Mccullough, were natives of Ireland, who emigrated to this country in 1838 and located in Butler county, Pa. Soon after- wards they changed their residence to Allegheny county, where the father engaged in agricultural operations until he eventually owned a good farm in West Deer township. A whig and republi- can in politics, he worked industriously, wronged no man, and lived a blameless life until in April, 1880, he was called to render his final account in the world beyond the grave. On Sept. 5, 1883, or about three years later, his good wife bade farewell to earthly cares, and joined her husband in the sleep that knows no waking. They had six sons and two daughters, and all but two of the chil- dren are still living. William McCullough was born in November, 1850, during the brief residence of his parents in Butler county, Pa. He was brought up on the farm and learned all the details of the business, while also acquiring those habits of industry and economy essential to success in cultivating the soil. Mr. Mccullough has always been a hard-working man, and enjoys cordial esteem among his neighbors. As previously remarked, he owns a neat little farm in West Deer township, which he manages with skill and good judgment. He is a democrat in politics, and has held the office of constable, besides serving on the board of elections. Like his father and mother before him, Mr. Mccullough is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, and he is guided by the best religious precepts in the treatment of his fellow-men.
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ADAM VOGEL, of Tarentum, Pa., well known as a successful farmer, was born in Germany, Feb. 13, 1855, son of Frederick and Caroline (Weaver) Vogel, natives and life-residents of the Father- land. Frederick Vogel was a prosperous stone-mason, and was the father of three children, two of whom are now living. Adam Vogel was reared in Germany, and educated in the thorough schools of that country. He came to the United States in 1881, settled in Allegheny county, and for twelve years was employed in the caustic shop of the Pennsylvania salt manufacturing company. In 1894 he purchased a farm of 130 acres in Fawn township, and since has prospered as a general farmer. He was married, in May, 1870, to Catharine, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Weaver) Scherrer, both natives of Germany, where they passed their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Vogel are the parents of seven children, namely: Caroline (deceased), Annie E., Adam (deceased), Willie, Rosa, Frederick (deceased) and Adam. Mr. Vogel is closely identified with the republican party, and is an active worker for its advancement and success. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, and they are prominent in the social and religious circles of Tarentum. Mr. Vogel, by the exercise of industry, economy and thrift, has accumulated a competency, and is recognized as one of the solid and substantial citizens of the city in which he resides.
HENRY E. LEE, of Tarentum, Pa., a successful farmer and a well-known citizen, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., June 18, 1847, son of James and Charlotte (Barker) Lee, the former a native of New Jersey, and a son of John and Jane (Davidson) Lee, natives of Scotland, who settled in New Jersey in 1811, subsequently removed to Pittsburg, and there lived and died. James Lee was reared and educated in Pittsburg, learned the trade of a glass-blower, and, in 1851, settled in Fawn township, where he resided until his death, which occurred while in Allegheny city in 1889. He was a repub- lican in politics, a school director for several terms, and also assess- or. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church, and were the parents of eleven children, four of whom are now living. Mrs. Lee was the daughter of Thomas and Anna (Lincoln) Barker, and was a poetess of considerable ability, having written a number of poems which are highly prized by her family. Henry E. Lee was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and has been quite successful as a general farmer. He is prominently identified with the republican party, has been a school director for
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twelve years, assessor several terms, and for seven years tax col- lector of Fawn township. He is a member of Freeport lodge, No. 444, Knights of Pythias, and he and his family are mem- bers of the Methodist church. He was married, in 1873, to Ida M. Beale, a native of Freeport, and a daughter of Thomas Beale, prominently identified with the steamboat traffic of the early days. They have four children : Laura J., formerly a well-known teacher of music, and now the wife of John Bricker, of Buffalo township, Butler county ; Olive C., Howard J. and Jessie A. Mr. Lee always takes an active interest in politics, and is a leader in all movements for the advancement and betterment of his community.
JOSEPH C. DUNN, a retired business man, politician, and at present assessor of Tarentum, was born in Fawn township, Alle- gheny Co., Pa., Oct. 19, 1837. His father, Robert Dunn, was born in Ireland, came to America in early manhood and located in Tarentum, where he died in 1859. He was a lawyer and physician, but gave most of his time to medicine, practicing successfully in Tarentum for many years. His wife, Margaret (Coe) Dunn, mother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Allegheny county, daughter of Daniel Coe, an early settler, whose brother, Benjamin Coe, is mentioned elsewhere in this book. Mrs. Dunn died Nov. 19, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dunn were members of the United Presbyterian church. They had three sons, who are all now living. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Tarentum, where he afterwards engaged in business for many years. He was at first a clerk, and then formed a partnership with George M. Morrison, which lasted until the latter's death. After this Mr. Dunn ran the business alone until 1883, when he retired. He now owns considerable property in Tarentum. He is an ardent republican, is active in politics, and had served several terms as councilman before he obtained the position of assessor, which he has held for some years. He is an Ancient Odd Fellow. Mr. Dunn was married, Nov. 23, 1865, to Miss Mary A. Neel, a native of Louisville, Ky. Her parents, James C. and Jane Neel, spent their last days in Allegheny county. Mr. Dunn enlisted, in 1861, in Company C, 9th Pennsylvania reserves, and served in the Union army about two years, fighting with distinction before Richmond, at the second battle of Bull Run, and in a number of other engage- ments. Mr. Dunn and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
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JOHN HARDT, a worthy farmer of Richland township, who is well and favorably known in the community where he lives, is a son of the gentleman of the same name who is mentioned in another part of this work. Mr. Hardt was born in Germany, July 6, 1853, and first attended school in his native country, and later in Allegheny county, Pa., after coming to the United States. He was reared on a farm, and throughout his life has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns 115 acres of land, devoted to general farming, which is kept in a good state of cultiva- tion. Though not an office-seeker, and preferring to attend strictly to his own business, Mr. Hardt is in accord with the general policies of the republican party and always votes that ticket. In 1882 Mr. Hardt was united in marriage with Miss Maggie, daugh- ter of George Haverline, who receives mention elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Hardt have had six children: George (deceased), Annie M., Emma B., Dora T., Walter D. and Henry E. (deceased). The parents are members of the Lutheran church.
JOHN A. HUGHES, fruit-grower and general farmer of West Deer township, is one of the many thrifty agriculturists whose labors have done so much for the development and enrichment of Allegheny county. He is a grandson of Jonathan Hughes, who is mentioned in another part of this work. His father, Alexander Hughes, was born in East End, Pittsburg, Dec. 15, 1827, and after growing up, became owner of the farm in West Deer township at present owned by his son. He held the office of school director several years, and was one of the originators of the Presbyterian church at Bakerstown, and for about twenty years was one of the elders. He married Anna, daughter of William and Mary (Henry) Wilson, natives of County Monaghan, Ireland, who settled in Butler county, Pa., in 1850. The father spent his life on a farm in Middlesex township, now owned by his son, James Wilson. He died June 7, 1857, and his widow passed away Dec. 15, 1896, at the home of the grandson, aged ninety-three years. Her daughter, Anna J., was born in Ireland in 1842, and was eight years old when her parents reached Pennsylvania. Alexander and Anna J. (Wilson) Hughes had five children: James Wilson (deceased), unnamed infant (deceased), Anna Mary, Lida Martha and John A. Anna Mary, the third child, is the wife of Charles Fortenbacher, an employe of Feich Bros., No. 414 Wood St., Pittsburg. Lida Martha is the wife of Robert Whiteside, a farmer of Butler county.
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The father died May 21, 1902. John A. Hughes, the youngest of his children, was born in West Deer township, Allegheny Co., Pa., July 22, 1881. At the death of his father he inherited the old homestead of 120 acres, which he devotes to general farming, pay- ing especial attention to the raising of fruits and potatoes. He is a popular young man in his neighborhood, and looked on as a rising agriculturist of promise. On Oct. 8, 1902, he was married to Miss Anna M. Stewart, of Oakland, East End, Pittsburg. Mr. Hughes affiliates with the democratic party, and he and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church at Bakerstown.
J. A. CROFT, for many years engaged in the milling business at Bakerstown, was formerly equally well known as a farmer, and is still the owner of considerable land in western Pennsylvania. His grandparents, Joseph and Mary (Humphrey) Croft, were natives of England, who came to Pennsylvania and subsequently settled on a farm where Allegheny city now stands. Both spent the remainder of their lives in Allegheny county, where they eventually died. Their son, Lewis Croft, after reaching man- hood's estate, acquired a farm in Butler county, and achieved success in agricultural pursuits. He held the office of school director for fifteen years, and for thirty years was a steward of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which himself and wife have been almost lifelong members. At the present time this worthy couple, now well advanced in years, are living in retirement in Butler county with Mrs. M. E. Jack, one of their daughters. All of their three children, consisting of two daughters and one son, are still living. J. A. Croft, the only son in the family above described, was born on his father's farm in Butler county, Pa., Oct. 22, 1850. After growing up he followed farming many years, but eventually learned the milling trade, and has spent the latter part of his life in that business. He built the mill at Bakers- town, with which he is now connected, and also purchased and con- ducted the Fayette City mill until its destruction by fire in 1902. Mr. D. Logan is his partner in the Bakerstown mill, which has a capacity of sixty barrels, and the firm has met success in their operations. Mr. Croft owns a farm of 122 acres in Butler county, and one of ninety-two acres in Crawford county, Pa. He has never aspired to public office, but has held the positions of school director and inspector of elections. His fraternal connections are with the Saxonburg lodge, No. 496, of the Odd Fellows; the Encampment at the same place, the K. O. T. M. and Grange. In
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1875 Mr. Croft married Miss Mary A. Henry, of Butler county, who died Dec. 23, 1891, after becoming the mother of six children. Three of these died in infancy. A daughter named Blanche, in her seventh year, and two sons survive. Joseph Marion, the eldest of these, is a railroad engineer, and Albert Chester, the younger brother, is in the office of the Pittsburg & Lake Erie rail- road company. Both are young men of promise.
F. F. HALLAM, city engineer of Mckeesport, was born in Washington, Pa., in 1861, and lived there until he reached the age of sixteen, attending the public schools. He then entered Wash- ington and Jefferson college, where he completed his education, studying at that institution until he reached his senior year. Upon leaving school, he spent four years in construction work for the Pennsylvania railroad company; then was employed for a time by the Milwaukee Northern, and after that by the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic, with headquarters at Marquette, Mich. In 1889 he became superintendent of construction at Johnstown, Pa. ; spent two years at that work, and then was employed for two years as locating engineer for the Adirondack & St. Lawrence company. Coming to Mckeesport in 1893, he opened an office as civil engineer, was for several years engaged in attending to private business, and then, in 1897, was elected city engineer, in which capacity he has since been employed, and proved himself a capable . and energetic official. Mr. Hallam is a republican in politics. He is a member of McKeesport lodge, No. 136, B. P. O. Elks.
L. O. BARR, widely known throughout the Allegheny valley as a contractor and man of affairs, comes of a long line of mechani- cal ancestry. The family was founded in Pennsylvania by Samuel Barr, who came from Ireland many generations ago and took up his residence in Indiana county, where he spent the remainder of his days. His son, James Barr, who was a shoemaker by trade, married Mary Long and reared a family, but he and his wife have long since joined the great majority. Their son, James, after growing up in his native county of Indiana, Pa., became a car- penter and millwright, met with success, and rose to be a promi- nent man in his community. His political affiliations have always been with the republican party, and he is a member of the Order of Odd Fellows. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of John and Susan (Ashbaugh) Hill, the former a carpenter by trade, and both long residents of Armstrong county, where they ended their days.
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Mr. and Mrs. James Barr now reside at Freeport, Pa. Of their twelve children, eight are living, and L. O. Barr, the subject of this sketch, is the seventh son. His birth occurred in Indiana county, Pa., March 31, 1868, and when nine years old he was apprenticed to learn the trade of carriage-painting. After he acquired the details of this business, he also learned house-paint- ing, and of late years has been engaged in the last-mentioned occu- pation in connection with paper-hanging. Aug. 4, 1890, he came to Tarentum and opened up as a contractor, since which time his business increased by degrees until it extends over a wide section of the surrounding communities, and necessitates the employment of from fifteen to twenty men. Mr. Barr is independent in politics, with republican leanings, and has fraternal connection with Natrona lodge, No. 743, I. O. O. F. ; A. O. K. of M. C., No. 39, of Tarentum, and the P. O. S. of A., of Tarentum. On May 20, 1891, Mr. Barr married Miss Lottie, daughter of Henry Bergman, an early settler of Brackenridge borough. The latter was a native of Germany, and there married Elizabeth Gliezengcamp before emigrating to Pennsylvania, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have had four children: Nora, William (deceased), Beulah and Clara (deceased). The parents are members of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church at Tarentumn.
CONGAL ALLOYSIUS MCDERMOTT, pastor of St. Peter's Roman Catholic church, Mckeesport, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1854, and came to America with his parents, in infancy. The family settled first in Schuylkill county, Pa., where Father McDermott attended the public schools until 1864. He then. attended public school at Hazleton, Pa., until 1867, and after that went to St. Charles' college, in Maryland. Completing his studies there in 1872, he spent three years at St. Mary's academy, in Balti- more, finishing the course there in 1875, and then studied a year at St. Michael's seminary, in Mckeesport. He was ordained to the priesthood, Dec. 5, 1876, and became assistant at Freeport, Pa. After a short time in Freeport, he went to Collinsville, and from there to St. John's church, South Side, Pittsburg. His health failing, Father McDermott next spent a year at St. Augustine's church, in Cambria county, and then returned to Pittsburg and became assistant at St. Patrick's church. A short time after this, in 1880, he was given his first independent charge, the control of the Catholic church and missions at Brownsville, Pa. Here he remained thirteen months, and then took charge of a new parish at
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Uniontown, Pa. Leaving Uniontown in 1885, he was sent to Collins- ville, where, through his efforts, a church and school were built. He remained there until 1890, and was then, until 1895, rector of St. Paul's cathedral, in Pittsburg. His health again failing, Father McDermott came to Mckeesport, where, as pastor of St. Peter's church, he has endeared himself to his parishioners and proved himself a faithful and competent priest.
WILLIAM HARDY, chief of the Mckeesport fire department, was born in Mckeesport in 1863, and received a limited education there. He went into the rolling mills at an early age and worked for a number of years in the mills, first at Mckeesport, and after- wards at Wheeling. Returning to Mckeesport in 1889, he went into the fire department as a regular fireman, and subsequently rose to be captain. He then spent two years as city water inspector, and became chief of the fire department in August, 1901. He has made an excellent record as head of the fire department. In 1902 the fire loss was less in Mckeesport than it had been in years. There were 192 alarms turned in, but the total damage from fire amounted to only $1, 300, covered by $9,000 insurance. The total amount of fire insurance in Mckeesport is $242,000. Chief Hardy is a member of Mckeesport lodge, No. 136, B. P. O. Elks, and of the Knights of Pythias.
GEORGE J. F. FALKENSTEIN, paymaster for the W. Deweese-Wood company, of Mckeesport, and a prominent politician of that place, was born in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Pa., Aug. 14, 1863. When a year old, he moved with his parents to Baltimore, Md., and attended the Zion school there until he reached the age of seventeen. Then, while still living with his parents, he worked for a year and a half in the Baltimore post- office. Coming to Mckeesport in 1883, Mr. Falkenstein entered the employ of the W. Deweese-Wood company as bill clerk, and rose from this position to become pay-roll clerk and finally pay- master, the place which he now holds. He is a republican in politics and prominent in local party affairs. He has served in the select council of Mckeesport since 1895, and has been for the past four years president of that body. His political career has been fair and honest, untainted by any hint of corrupt methods. He was defeated in February, 1900, as republican candidate for mayor, but in 1903 he met with no opposition at the primaries, and in the succeeding election he was elected by a plurality of 261
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votes. He was a charter member of the local lodge of the B. P. O. Elks, which was started in 1889, is secretary of that organization and past exalted ruler. He has been a member of the grand lodge of the order since 1890, has acted on various important committees, and was district deputy one term. During this time he organized seven lodges, a record equaled by only one other deputy. He is a member of the auditing committee of the grand lodge. Mr. Falkenstein was a member of the committee which had charge of the erection of the Mckeesport library, and is now one of the directors thereof. He is a member of the German Evangelical church.
FRANK M. EVERETT, city treasurer of Mckeesport, was born in West Newton, Pa., in 1864, but came to Mckeesport with his parents in 1866, and has since resided there. He was educated in the public schools and at Mckeesport academy, leaving the academy at fourteen to accept a position in a tube works. After this he was for ten years puddler for the W. Deweese- Wood com- pany. Mr. Everett's long career in the public service began in 1892, when he was appointed delinquent tax collector for the fifth ward. In December, 1893, upon the death of his father, who was city treasurer, Mr. Everett was appointed to fill the unexpired term, was elected to the office in the following election, and has held the position ever since. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Everett was married, Dec. 6, 1900, to Miss Sarah Seddon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Seddon, of Mckeesport, and has one son, Frank M., Jr. The family reside in the fifth ward, Mckeesport.
R. L. BLACK, who for many years has been farming in a quiet and modest way in West Deer township, owns and resides upon the farm which was settled nearly a century ago by his grandpar- ents. The latter came from Ireland in the earlier years of the nineteenth century, located on the above-mentioned land in Alle- gheny county, and farmed it until the close of their lives. The estate was then inherited by their son, Benjamin, who married Rachael Love, a daughter of West Deer township pioneers, and he spent his whole life in the cultivation of his ancestral acres. He was a republican in politics, a member, with his wife, of the United Presbyterian church, and both led blameless and unevent. ful lives in the quiet of the countryside until called to render their last account for deeds done in the flesh. Of their six children, only two are living, one of these being R. L. Black, the subject of
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this sketch. £ His birth occurred at the old homestead in West Deer township, Allegheny Co., Pa., Feb. 6, 1853, and he grew up on the farm without incident or accident worthy of special mention. From early childhood he was trained to farm work, and when in due time he was called on to assume the management, he was well qualified for the duties. He owns and successfully cultivates eighty-eight acres of land, paying special attention to hay and potatoes, for which products his land is well adapted and for which a ready market is found in the nearby metropolis of Pittsburg. Mr. Black affiliates with the republican party, and has held the offices of register and assessor. On Oct. 16, 1891, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Gibson) Swaney, early settlers of Allegheny county, the former now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Black have four children: Edward Chester, Wilda Margaret, Mary Olive and Lida Laura.
CLYDE F. YOUNG, assistant accountant at the National tube works, Mckeesport, was born in Turtle Creek, Pa., in 1876, son of Rev. A. I. Young, a prominent Pennsylvania minister. He was educated first in the public schools, graduating from the high school, and then attended Monmouth college, at Monmouth, Ill., from which he was graduated with the degree of A. B. Upon leav- ing college, he entered the employ of the National tube company, going at first into the shipping department, and in the service of this company rose to his present responsible position as assistant to the chief accountant. Mr. Young is a republican in political belief and takes an active interest in local party affairs. He resides in Mckeesport, in the sixth ward, and is a member of the First Presbyterian church of that city.
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