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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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J. W. GREAVES, merchant, Wilkinsburg, was. born Oct. 14, 1863, near Oldham, England, to Cornelius and Ann (Butterworth) Greaves. When he was six years old his parents immigrated to America, and his father was employed in the coal mines above McKeesport. At the public schools of that region our subject acquired the first rudiments of an English education, and when twelve years old he began work in the mines. By attending night schools he fitted himself for the transaction of business, and in 1880 was employed as salesman in a store at Dravosburg. In this and other general or “company” stores — being for three years employed by W. M. Scott & Co. — he acquired that practical mercantile knowledge which has made his own business a success. A trip to Europe in 1885 gave him a glimpse of the world, broadened his ideas, and made him acquainted with his native place. In March, 1888, he purchased a grocery business near Brushton, to which he is adding a dry-goods stock. Mr. Greaves is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Wilkinsburg; he is a 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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