My Genealogy Hound

JOSEPH PIERCE NEVIN (deceased), who for many years was one of the leading merchants of Shippensburg, was born March 30, 1813, in the borough of Shippensburg, son of David and Mary (Pierce) Nevin.

The records of the family have not been carefully preserved, but it is known that the great-grandfather was one Daniel Nevin, who married Mrs. Margaret (Williamson) Reynolds. On the maternal side, the family resided near Carlisle, in Cumberland county.

David Nevin, father of Joseph P., was a prominent merchant in this city, and was extensively interested in real estate, the owner of several good farms and a couple of mills, which he operated in connection with his other business enterprises.

The late Joseph Pierce Nevin was reared in Shippensburg where he secured a good, common school education, and assisted his father at home until his maturity. That he was a young man of parts and character, may be inferred when it is known that, although so young, he was entrusted by his father with the task of looking after his large business interests in the South. This mission he successfully performed, and upon his return to Shippensburg, took the superintendency of his father’s business, continuing with him as such until the latter’s death, when he settled up the extensive estate. Mr. Nevin then entered into a dry goods business on his own account, and built up a large trade, also, in the meantime, superintending several farms.

Mr. Nevin was twice married, first to Miranda Kellogg, of Shippensburg, formerly of Connecticut, who died in 1844. To this union three children were born, the only survivor being Miss Josephine E. The second marriage was to another estimable lady, Miss Jane Craig, of Welsh Run, Pa., who died in 1902. Both wives were interred in Spring Hill cemetery.

The late Mr. Nevin was a stanch Democrat, and held a number of the minor township offices. For a number of years he was trustee in the Presbyterian Church, and one of its most liberal supporters. In business he was honorable and upright; in the domestic circle, a kind and affectionate husband and a careful and indulgent father. He built the handsome family mansion known as Waverly,” a commodious stone structure, with attractive surroundings, and here he spent his last days. His death took place July 15, 1859.