[p. 492] a prominent citizen of New Castle and a member of the firm of Emery & Gaston, engaged in a furnace business, enjoys the distinction of having built the largest mint in the world, this great achievement being done for the Chinese Empire. Mr. Emery is one of New Castle's own sons, and was born here January 10, 1858. His parents were N. James and Margaret (Gaston) Emery.
The late N. James Emery was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania, in 1817, and came to Lawrence County in 1835. He was one of the pioneer builders and contractors at New Castle, a man of sturdy character and sound judgment. He married Margaret Gaston, who was born at New Castle, in 1820, and was a daughter of Robert Gaston. The Gastons came from Westmoreland County to Lawrence County, as pioneers.
Lyle G. Emery remained at home until he was nineteen years of age, in the meanwhile securing a good, public school education. For several years he traveled in different sections of the country, both east and west. Circumstances led to his locating in New Orleans and there he was employed on Government works, for six years, being in the mint department, and becoming so much of an expert that he was sent to China, by the Government, to build two mints, along modern lines, in that far-off land. Both mints were built at Tientsin, one for the direct use of the Government, which is the largest mint in the world, having a capacity of minting 650,000 pieces of money a year. The second mint was built for the Government of Shantung at Tsinan Fu. Mr. Emery not only built the mints, but instructed the natives in the art of minting. After three years spent in China, Mr. Emery returned to America and reached, New Castle in February, 1906. Shortly afterward he went into the furnace business under the firm name of Emery & Gaston. He is one of the stockholders in the Union National Bank.
In politics Mr. Emery is a stanch Republican and he takes a lively interest in public matters. He is a Mason of high degree and belongs to the Blue Lodge and Council at New Castle, and the Chapter, Commandery and Shrine, at New Orleans. While sojourning in China he organized a Masonic lodge at Tientsin, under the Massachusetts jurisdiction.
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: 29 Oct 2001