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Below is a family biography included in the History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania published in 1889 by A. Warner & Co. These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary. Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more. There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.
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JOHN F. DAVITT, secretary and treasurer McKeesport Gas company, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., February 2, 1845, a son of John C. and Mary C. (Carothers) Davitt. His grandparents, James Davitt and Mary (Carnahan) Davitt, natives, respectively, of Ireland and of Westmoreland county, Pa., were among the pioneers of Mercer county, Pa. John C. Davitt was a native of Mercer, Pa., where he was reared and educated; in early life he settled in Pittsburgh, and for many years engaged in the furniture business, from which he retired in 1858. He was treasurer of Pittsburgh two terms. He reared a family of five children: James W., Thomas C., Alfred B., John F. and Elizabeth H. (Mrs. Samuel S. Holland). His three youngest sons participated in the rebellion, and Thomas C. died of starvation in the rebel prison at Millen, Ga.
Our subject was reared and educated in Pittsburgh; located in McKeesport in 1866, and entered the employ of W. D. Wood & Co., as shipping-clerk; in 1869 was appointed chief clerk, and has held that position to the present time. He was one of the projectors of the McKeesport Gas company, organized in 1871, and since 1872 has been its efficient secretary and treasurer. In 1878 he married Emma, daughter of Rev. Edward Small, of Mercer. Pa. Mr. Davitt is a member of the First Presbyterian Church; was borough treasurer one year, and member of council one year. He is a prominent Knight Templar; in politics he is a stanch republican.
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This family biography is one of 2,156 biographies included in the History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania published in 1889 by A. Warner & Co.
View additional Allegheny County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Biographies
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