[p. 587] clerk of the board of county commissioners of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, is one of the most progressive young business men of New Castle, where his family has long been prominently identified with affairs. He was born in that city in 1857, and is a son of Edwin I. Agnew.
Edwin I. Agnew, who was a native of Pennsylvania, located in New Castle in 1852, and immediately became very active in the business life of the city. He was elected county treasurer, serving during 1862 and 1863, and was made cashier of the First National Bank upon its organization. He continued in that capacity until 1874, and from that date until the time of his death in 1885 acted as agent for Phillips Brothers, oil operators. Under appointment of President Garfield, he served as postmaster of New Castle from 1881 to 1885. He was a very prosperous man, and ranked among the most substantial men of the city in his day.
William E. Agnew was reared in New Castle and received a good public school training. In his younger days he spent some time in the oil regions, and upon the appointment of his father as postmaster of New Castle became his assistant. He continued until the end of the term, then went to Florida, where he was for four years in the employ of a mining company. His health failing, he returned to his native city and was identified with the Lawrence Glass Company until 1897. He then became clerk of the board of commissioners, and has most efficiently discharged the duties of that office to the present time. A man of marked ability, conscientious in the performance of his duties, he was the popular choice of the Republican party for the office of county treasurer, in April, 1908, receiving nomination in the primaries. He has been very active in the affairs of the Republican party, has the good will and confidence of the people, and has every assurance of success in the approaching election.
Fraternally, Mr. Agnew is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In religious attachment, he is a member of the First Christian Church, being regular in his attendance and a liberal supporter of the church.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 13 Nov 2001