My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE HARRISON DEEDS, contractor, Allegheny, was born in the Quaker settlement, Westmoreland county, Pa., Oct. 10, 1840. His ancestors were German, and his parents, George and Drusilla, and his grandfather, John Deeds (a son of Jacob Deeds), were born in Pennsylvania. George Kesler, father of Drusilla Deeds, was also of German extraction. His wife, nee Elizabeth McMillen, came of a Scotch-Irish family that settled in Donegal, Pa., about the close of the Revolution. George Deeds was killed in 1846 by the kick of a horse. George H. is the fourth of seven children, was reared on a farm by Enoch Stahl, and when eighteen years old began the carpenter’s trade. In 1861 he joined Company B, 28th P. V. I., serving over three years. Previous to the battle of Gettysburg, this body was with the Army of the Potomac, and then joined the Western army. Mr. Deeds was in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, Lookout Mountain, and many minor engagements. Returning to Pittsburgh, he finished his trade at McKeesport. In 1871 he came to Wilkinsburg and began contracting. Since 1880 he has operated in Pittsburgh in partnership with his brother, James A. Mr. Deeds erected his present residence at Edgewood in 1876; also built the following: McCandless building, Wood street; Duquesne Bank building, Smithfield street; Singer building, Fourth avenue; Hofstott building, Liberty street; J. E. Schwartz’s residence, Pennsylvania avenue; John Caldwell’s residence, Edgewood, Pennsylvania Railroad; Safe Deposit building, Fourth avenue, and many other fine buildings. Mr. Deeds is a member of the Veteran Legion, G. A. R., and I. O. O. F. in August, 1873, he married Minnie Borland, a native of Port Perry, Pa., daughter of Henry and Jane (Kier) Borland, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and to this union have been born five children: Jennie May, William Henry, Thomas A., Martha Iantha, and an infant, died unnamed.