BIOGRAPHY: Frank J. CHRISTY, Cambria County, PA
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From Wiley, Samuel T., ed. Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria
County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Union Publishing Co., 1896, p. 361-2
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FRANK J. CHRISTY, a man who has taken an active part in the development of
Gallitzin, Pennsylvania, is a son of Francis X. and Susan (McConnell) Christy,
and was born in Allegheny township, Cambria county, May 17, 1838. His
grandfather, Archibald Christy, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, emigrated to
this country when quite a young man, and was one of the pioneer settlers of
western Pennsylvania. He located first in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and later
removed to a farm in Allegheny township, which, at that time, was a wilderness.
But Mr. Christy was one of those sturdy Scotchmen who recognized no
insurmountable difficulties, and he set to work with an energy characteristic of
his race to clear his farm, and establish a comfortable home for himself and
family. He served in the second war for Independence in 1812-14, and died in
Allegheny township. His maternal grandfather, Francis McConnell, was a native of
Maryland, but early in life removed to Blair county, Pennsylvania, where he
lived the remainder of his life.
Francis Christy, father, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, but his
parents removed to Cambria county when he was but a boy. In 1818 he located in
Gallitzin township, this county, where he was engaged as a farmer and lumber
merchant. He took quite an active part in local politics, and filled several of
the township offices. Both he and his wife were devout members of the Roman
Catholic church. He died September 6, 1876.
Frank J. Christy was reared in Gallitzin township, and received a liberal
education at St. Francis college at Loretto, Pennsylvania. On leaving school he
located at Gallitzin, and for twenty-three years was successfully engaged in the
general mercantile business. In 1887 he disposed of his business, since which
time he has lived a comparatively retired life. At present he is connected with
a life insurance agency at that place. In 1888 he was one of the organizers of
the Gallitzin Water company, and at present serves as secretary and
superintendent of that company. He is a devout and influential member of the
Roman Catholic church.
In 1865 Mr. Christy and Miss Margaret Dawson were united in marriage, and
to them has been born one daughter, Mary F.