My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE ORMROD, Secretary and Treasurer of the Donaldson Iron Company, has a large establishment in Allentown, where are manufactured cast-iron gas and steam pipes. The company employ two hundred and sixty men, to whom they have grven constant work for seven years, and the employes have never been laid off for a single day, with the exception of legal holidays. The factory has in connection with the department already mentioned a large pattern-shop, where are employed six expert pattern-makers. They manufacture goods of a very superior quality, which find a ready market in Philadelphia, New York City, and indeed throughout the East.

George Ormrod, the father of our subject, died when his son George was an infant. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Donaldson, still resides in England, and has attained the advanced age of eighty-seven years. George Ormrod, of this sketch, was born in July, 1839, in Preston, Lancashire, England, where he was reared and remained until the year 1859. Then, determining to come to America, he crossed the Atlantic, and on landing on American shores made his way to the home of his uncle, William Donaldson, in Schuylkill County, this state. His relative was the owner of a colliery in the above county, and our subject remained working for him for some time.

In 1861 he formed a partnership with his father-in-law, John Johnson, and the firm, which operated under the style of Ormrod & Co., built and carried on a large colliery at Raven Run. In addition to this enterprise, in company with other parties, they helped to operate another large mine, the firm being called the St. Michael Coal Company. The firm of George Ormrod & Co. owned a mine at Raven Run, of which bur subject was the President for several years.

In 1880 he of whom we write became engaged in the iron business at Emaus, conducting business in company with John Donaldson and H. H. Fisher. The firm was styled Ormrod, Fisher & Co., and manufactured pig iron, in which business they were engaged until 1883. In that year was built the present plant, which is the largest of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. Our subject, who has led a very busy life, was instrumental in the organization of the Whittaker Cement Works, located on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, three miles from Phillipsburg, N. J., in which he is a large stockholder and Director.

The lady whom, in 1861, our subject chose as his wife was Miss Permills, daughter of John and Catherine Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Ormrod have become the parents of four daughters and one son, namely: Margaret, who is married and is a resident of Easton, this state; Catherine, the wife of Thomas D. Whittaker, also residing in the above place, her husband being President and Treasurer of the Whittaker Cement Works in that city; Mary A., who resides at home; Fannie; and John D., assistant superintendent of the pipe works in this city.

While his private affairs naturally receive the major part of his time and attention, our subject is also prominent in matters of public interest, and takes a leading part in local affairs. The Republican party finds in him one of its stanchest adherents. With his wife he is a devoted member of the Episcopal Church, and, being progressive, fearless and honest, he is well known for his sturdy championship of every measure calculated to benefit the community. The family occupy a beautiful residence at No. 135 South Fourth Street, and enjoy the esteem and confidence of many friends.