My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE W. DEAN, insurance agent, Pittsburgh, is a native of Pittsburgh, Pa., the second son of William Dean, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1811. William Dean first came to Pittsburgh in 1825, and found employment on a steamboat, continuing on the river till 1858, and rising to the position of pilot, commander and owner of different steamers. In 1859 he became general agent of the Allegheny Insurance company, having charge of its marine business. In this capacity he remained till 1884, when he retired from active business. In November, 1837, he married Aurelia, daughter of James Butler; both are now enjoying a hale old age. The names of their children are William B., George W., John D., James B. (killed by accident while a child), Clara E. (wife of Wiliam I. Miller, of Beaver, Pa.), and Jennie D. (wife of J. P. Gribben), of whom William B., John D. and Jennie D. reside in St. Paul, Minn. George W. Dean was educated at Bolmers Academy, Westchester, Pa. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the 9th P. R., Co. A, serving in the Army of the Potomac till the battle of Fredericksburg, when he was discharged to enter the naval service, with rank of acting ensign; was ordered to the Mississippi, and subsequently to the West Gulf squadron. He served on the gunboats Argosy, Key West, and iron clad Cincinnati, and was of the party detailed to receive the surrender of the confederate gunboat Morgan, at Mobile, Ala. He resigned in May, 1865, and returned to Pittsburgh, where he entered the office of the internal revenue collector, as cashier. In 1868 he engaged in the fire and marine insurance business. Mr. Dean married, December, 1876, Mary C. Robertson, of Delaware City, Del., who died of consumption in 1884, and three years later he wedded Miss Jeanette A. Laird, of Beaver, Pa.