[p. 837] postmaster and general merchant at Moravia, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, has been a life long resident of North Beaver Township, where he was born on a farm, May 4, 1856. He is a son of James and Catherine (Leslie) Gwin, and a grandson of Arthur Gwin, who was a native of County Down, Ireland, and came to this country at an early age.
James Gwin, the father, was born near Mt. Jackson, North Beaver Township, where his father had located on a farm. He followed the trade of a carpenter, which he learned in early manhood, and in addition carried on farming. He died in December, 1906, at an advanced age, his wife preceding him to the grave many years, dying in September, 1888.
Edwin A. Gwin was reared on the farm and attended the district schools. In addition to working on the farm he learned the carpenter trade, and has been engaged in carpenter work since 1877, making a success of it, as he has of everything to which he has turned his attention. He established a general store in the building he now occupies, in January, 1900, and carries a complete stock of general merchandise, dry goods, groceries, and such articles of hardware for which there is a demand in a small town. In May, 1906, he was appointed postmaster of Moravia, in which capacity he now serves.
Mr. Gwin was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hill and they have had three children, as follows: Wilfred, Edwin Lee, and David Chester. Until June 14, 1908, this little family was undivided, but on that date occurred one of those sad tragedies that bring grief both to a home and a community. David Chester Gwin, the youngest son, a bright, promising youth of fifteen years, five months and sixteen days, was drowned while swimming in Beaver River, not far from his home. His whole happy life had been spent at Moravia, where he was well known and universally esteemed.
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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