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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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WILLIAM SMEATON, farmer, post office Harmarville, was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1821, a son of Edward and Ann (Brown) Smeaton, who came to America in 1840. His father was a carpenter and a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Smeaton received his schooling in Scotland, and, on coming to America, stopped in Bedford county, Pa., about seven years, and learned the miller’s trade. In 1852 he went to California and dug gold for five years. He then returned to Harmarville, and located on his present farm. He married, in 1865, Mary Jane Wilson, of Pittsburgh. Five children have blessed this, union: Anna Brown, Jessie Ellis, Mary James Alexander, William Graham, all at home. The family belong to the U. P. Church. Mr. Smeaton is a republican, and was school director three terms, also assessor. Mrs. Smeaton’s parents were William and Mary (Alexander) Wilson, natives of Scotland. Mr. Smeaton has a fine fruit farm on the highest bluff overlooking Verona borough and the Allegheny river, making a beautiful sight. In his travels in the gold regions of California he has ascended many high and rugged peaks, and the high, commanding site of his home suits his tastes.
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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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