Biography

1770 - 1823

Was born in Northumberland County, in the year 1770; his parents having come from Belfast some years before.  In 1801, he married Isabella Nichol, of Jersey Shore, and removed the same year to Meadville where he engaged in mercantile business, and until his death, was one of the most influential men of the town.  Possessed of the noblest traits of character, he enjoyed the respect and confidence of all who knew him, filling many important public positions, as well as private trusts. In 1806, he was elected Sheriff of Crawford County and four years later, was re-elected.  In the same year (1812), he was appointed Postmaster of Meadville. In 1813, he served as aid de-camp on the staff of Gen. David Mead, at the time of the threatened descent of the British forces upon Erie, Pa. for the purpose of burning the fleet of Commodore Perry.  In 1814, he was one of the organizers of the Northwestern Bank, the first banking institution in northwestern Penna.  In this year, he was also appointed Brig. Gen. of the 2nd. Brigade of the 16th Division, Pennsylvania Militia.  In 1816, he was elected to the State Senate from the district composed of the Counties of Crawford, Erie, Venango and Mercer; and in 1817 was reelected for a full term. He died in 1823, at the comparatively early age of 53.