BIOS: George J. BLACK, Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Vol. XXXII, Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of 
Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. Boston, Biographical Review 
Publishing Company: 1899, ppg 72-73.

  George J. Black, of Meyersdale, Associate Judge of Somerset County, was born 
in Somerfield, Pa., June 6, 1828, son of James and Catharine (Johnson) Black.  
His grandfather, James Black, Sr., who was a farmer and resided near Berlin, 
this county, reared a large family of children, among whom were: Henry, James, 
Matthew, John, and David.
  James Black, the younger, was a lifelong resident of this county.  He followed 
the tanner's trade from early manhood until his death which occurred when he was 
seventy-one years old.  He was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church.  Catharine Johnson Black, his wife, who was a daughter of George 
Johnson, of Berlin, became the mother of nine children, three of whom are 
living, namely: George J., the subject of this sketch; Albert, a resident of 
Confluence, Pa.; and James, who lives in Allegheny City.  The others were: 
Ellen; Susan; Harriet; Jane; Newton; and Milton Black, who was promoted Captain 
of his company in the Eighty-fifth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was 
killed at the battle of Fair Oaks during the Civil War.
  George J. Black began his education in the public schools of his native town.  
After completion of his studies he learned the potter's trade, and later engaged 
in the pottery business under the firm name of G. & A. Black.  That concern 
transacted quite an extensive business for a number of years, and also carried 
on a store.  Coming to Meyersdale in the spring of 1873, he was engaged in the 
same business here until 1886.  He was elected County Treasurer in 1888, and 
served in that capacity with marked efficiency for three years.  The office of 
Associate Judge he has held since his election in 1896, and his fellow-townsmen 
have every reason to be proud of the ability he has displayed in that 
responsible position.
  In 1851 Judge Black was joined in marriage with Sarah Margaret Bradfield, 
daughter of John and Ann (Nichols) Bradfield, of Somerfield, and the descendant 
of an old Virginia family.  Seven children have been born of this union, namely:  
Alverda, wife of George Hopwood, of Uniontown, Pa.; Mary C., who died in 18891, 
the wife of R. H. Koontz, of Greensburg, Pa.; Annie, who resides at home; Susan, 
who married W. T. Hobletzel, of Meyersdale; James H., who is engaged in the 
insurance business here; Franklin B., a brick and tile dealer in Meyersdale; and 
John Milton Black, who keeps a gentlemen's furnishing store in Somerset.
  Judge Black and his family occupy a handsome residence, which he erected some 
six or seven years ago.  Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as 
School Director for eight years.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church.