[p. 554] who for many years was engaged in business at New Castle, was born on the old family homestead in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, July 8, 1814. His parents were James and Catherine (Henderson) Morehead.
Of English ancestry originally, the Morehead family has been loyal American for a number of generations. It was established in Lawrence County by the grandfather of the late Hugh H. Morehead, who left Westmoreland County and settled on land not far distant from the present city of New Castle. His son, James Morehead, inherited the family estate and lived on it until his death. He married Catherine Henderson, who also was of Pennsylvania birth, and they had the following children: William, Joseph, Samuel, John, Hugh H., Salinda, James, Elizabeth and Harvey.
The family had been mainly an agricultural one until the late Hugh H. Morehead attained manhood, when he turned to other lines, becoming a bricklayer and plasterer. Later, in partnership with his brother, Samuel Morehead, he engaged in merchandising, and the leather store of the Morehead brothers was well known and largely patronized by the older residents.
In 1864, on account of some changes coming about in the general leather trade, the old, conservative merchants closed out their business. From that time on until his death Mr. Morehead was not actively concerned in business affairs, but he continued to take part in all public movements which agitated his community, and he extended liberal assistance in support of numerous benevolent subjects.
In 1841 Mr. Morehead married Rachel Falls, of New Castle, and they had the following children: Mrs. Maria M. Harbison, Mrs. Sarah C. Cunningham, Mrs. Ellen B. Bard, Mrs. Eva F. Long, Mrs. Mary White, Fannie S., Lizzie D. and Thomas F.
Thomas F. Morehead, the only son of the late Hugh H. Morehead, is a prominent citizen of New Castle and is a member of the firm of Knox & Morehead, leading insurance men and also sales agents for the Rochester and Pittsburg Coal & Iron Company. In 1903 the New Castle Portland Cement Company was organized. They built the first cement works in New Castle and this company is now building their third large mill. Mr. Morehead was one of the organizers of this enterprise, is one of the directors and has been one of the enterprising spirits in carrying it forward to success.
Since completing his education in the New Castle High School, Mr. Morehead has been identified with the insurance and real estate business almost exclusively. Politically, like his late father, he is an active factor in Republican politics, but he has always refused to accept the offices he has shown himself ready to help his friends secure. His family includes his wife and two children.
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: 6 Nov 2001