A. A. MEALY, an old and well-known resident of Claysville, a
native of Washington county, Penn., born in Donegal township
March 15, 1815. His early life was passed with his grandfather,
George Mealy, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and was
reared to manhood on the home farm. George Mealy was united in
marriage with Mary Horn, a resident of the same county, and
their children were as follows: John, Samuel, David, Margaret,
Sarah, Maria, Elizabeth, George and William. In 1812 Mr. Mealy
and his family started for Washington county, Penn., and after
a long and tedious journey by emigrant wagons they arrived in
Donegal township, and settled on the farm of 100 acres, which
Mr. Mealy had previously purchased. It was partially cleared,
and had some buildings on it. He was an energetic and
progressive man, taking an active part in public enterprises.
Politically he was a staunch Democrat, and a most ardent worker
in his party. In religion he was a member and hearty supporter
of the Presbyterian Church.
A. A. Mealy (grandson of the above pioneer) passed his early
youth in attending to the farm duties on his grandfathers
place, and during the winter season went to the neighboring
schools. The school-house was like others of that day, a rude
affair, but within those humble little cabins many of our most
intelligent citizens received their first instruction in
literature. When fifteen years of age Mr. Mealy was apprenticed
to James Shannon, a shoemaker, and has since been engaged in
that vocation, always recognized as one of the best workmen of
Claysville. When twenty-two years of age he began a business
for himself, and opened a shop. On July 2, 1835, he was married
to Jane, daughter of Hugh McCaskey, a native of Ireland, who in
youth came with two brothers to America. Mr. McCaskey settled
in Lancaster county, Penn., remaining there several years, and
was married to Julia Haggerty, who bore him the following
children; Mary ( Mrs. Charles Knight). Sarah (Mrs. William
Moore). Jane (wife of A. A. Mealy) and Margaret. When a young
man Mr. McCaskey learned the tanners trade, which he followed
several years. He then conducted a general store at Pittsburgh
for some time, but finally moved to Canonsburg, Washington
county, and resumed his trade. In politics he is a Whig, and in
religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. After his
marriage, Mr. Mealy settled on his present home in Claysville,
this county, and reared the following children: Margaret, wife
of William Warrill; Julia A., wife of John Short; John, George
and Anthony A. The mother of these passed away December 5,
1891, after a happy married life of fifty-four years duration.
Mr. and Mrs. Mealy celebrated their golden wedding July 2,
1885, when they had all their children present with them to
participate in a most delightful family reunion. Mr. Mealy was
appointed postmaster of Claysville in 1845, by the
administration of James K. Polk, which position he occupied
sixteen years. He has always taken an active interest in the
welfare of the community, and in politics is an active member
of the Democratic party. From early youth he has been a zealous
member of the Presbyterian Church. The following is a record of
his sons:
John Mealy was born in Claysville, this county, and received
his elementary education in the town schools, which schools he
afterward taught for several terms with the great acceptance to
the people. He graduated at Washington and Jefferson College,
and then entered the Western Theological Seminary. After his
graduation he was called to the Presbyterian Church of New
Wilmington, Penn., of which he is now the pastor. "The church
of Neshanock," New Wilmington, has been Mr. Mealys only
charge, covering a pastorate of twenty-five years. He has had
in the meantime calls from a number of churches in the largest
cities in the Union, but pastor and people being bound together
by so many endearing ties, together with the accomplishment of
a great a good work, have thus far made a separation
impossible. He is an earnest preacher, and has ever been a
power in Sabbath-school work. His pleasant and kindly
disposition and cordiality of manner have always made him a
favorite with the old and young. Mr. Mealy was united in
marriage with Ida Willmouth, and they had three children;
Florence, Lavina and George. Mrs. Mealy died February 8, 1874,
and for his second wife Mr. Mealy was married to Augusta
Pomery, who has borne him one daughter, Jane.
George Mealy obtained his early education by self-study, and at
the schools of Claysville, which he afterward taught. He then
attended medical lectures at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, and Western Reserve, at Cleveland, Ohio, and
graduated. He is now practicing his profession in New
Wilmington, Penn. His wife was formerly Mary McEnall, and they
have three children: Harry, John and Mary.
Anthony A. Mealy was also born in Claysville, and was educated
at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Penn. He then entered
the Western Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1877. He is
now pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh,
Penn. He was married June 22, 1882, to Bird Dalzell, and they
have two daughters: Ellen and Lydia.
Text taken from page 368 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of
Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co.,
1893).
Transcribed May 1997 by Dawna Trainor of Baltimore, MD as part
of the Beers Project.
Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages
at http://www.chartiers.com/.