My Genealogy Hound

MATTHEW B. EYSTER, machinist, Emsworth, was born in 1836 in Pittsburgh, Pa., a son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Robinson) Eyster. The father was born at Shippensburg, Pa., where he was reared and educated; he came to Pittsburgh about 1830, and was foreman in the hat manufactory of McCord & King until his death, which occurred in 1845. The mother was born in County Derry, Ireland, and died in 1885. Matthew Eyster’s paternal grandfather was born in Germany, and settled at Shippensburg, Pa.; his maternal grandparents came from County Derry, Ireland. The subject of this memoir attended school at the old Green Tree tavern in Reserve township, this county, afterward at Butcher’s Run until the age of eleven years, when, owing to the sudden death of his father, he was compelled to leave school and begin work. He began life as cabin-boy on Allegheny river, and in 1854 commenced learning engine making. A few years later he went to the Pennsylvania railroad shops, where he remained until the war opened, when he enlisted, in 1862, in Co. E, 123d P. V. I. He was in the battles of second Bull run, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and was discharged in 1863. Before the battle of Fredericksburg he was appointed bugler to Maj.-Gen. Humphrey, of the U. S. regular army. Returning to Pittsburgh, he followed his trade with different firms until 1882, when he took charge of the plumbing department of the Lucky Manufacturing company, which was succeeded by the Standard Manufacturing company. Mr. Eyster was married, April 7, 1864, to Emma Graham, a native of Allegheny, Pa., daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth Graham, who were born and lived in Chambersburg, Pa., until 1845, when they settled in Allegheny county. Four sons and two daughters have blessed this union: William (a bookkeeper), Nathan G. (a bookkeeper), John R. (a salesman), Charles, Elizabeth and Etta May, at home. Mr. Eyster moved to Emsworth in 1869, and in 1887 erected his present fine home. He was brought up in the M. E. Church, and his family are Presbyterians. He is a member of McKinley Lodge, F. & A. M.