[p. 443] is the owner of a fine farm of 110 acres in North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, located on the Mount Jackson-Springfield road, about three miles west of the former village. He was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, May 10, 1845, and is a son of Robert and Jane (Donnelly) McWilliams.
Robert McWilliams was a tinner by trade and conducted a tin shop in Pittsburg for many years. He later moved to North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, in the vicinity of Westfield Church, and there passed the remainder of his life, engaged in farming. He was three times married, his first wife being the mother of Joseph S.
Joseph S. McWilliams was four years of age when his mother died and he was reared by a step-mother. He attended the public schools for some years, and at an early age became identified with the furnace and tank manufacturing business. He later learned iron structural work, and for a period of eleven years was foreman for James M. Riter, of Pittsburg. He gave up that line of work in 1873, and lived on his father's place four years, then for eleven years engaged in farming in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, being located on the farm of his father-in-law. In 1890 he moved to his present farm of 110 acres in North Beaver Township, which he purchased of Samuel Martin, and there he has since engaged in general farming with satisfying results. He has one of the best improved places in his vicinity. In 1906 he erected a large and substantial barn, the main part being 40x60 feet, and the T extension 40x50 feet in dimensions. They have a commodious two-story home.
Mr. McWilliams was joined in marriage with Rebecca Rose, who was born and reared in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of John Rose. They are parents of the following children: William H., who is a motorman in the street railway service at New Castle; Jane Rose, who is the wife of John Wallace, of New Castle, by whom she has a daughter, Helen; John R., who attends school at Grove City and is preparing for the Presbyterian ministry, and W. Howard, who lives at the home place. Religiously, the family belongs to the Westfield Presbyterian Church.
Mr. McWilliams is a man of estimable qualities, and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.
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: 23 Oct 2001