[p. 975] a prosperous truck gardener and grower of small fruits, is a well known resident of Neshannock Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He is a native of that township, was born November 20, 1868, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Stinson) Nesbitt. The Nesbitts came from Scotland, and at a later period were established in Ireland.
Thomas Nesbitt, great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Scotland, as was also his wife, who in maiden life was Jennie McDowell. He moved to County Antrim, Ireland, where he became a prosperous farmer and the owner of considerable land. Among their children was one, Robert, who was born in County Antrim, Ireland, and died in that county in March, 1873, aged sixty-two years. He was in his younger days a linen weaver, and later turned his attention to farming, becoming the owner of a small farm. He was united in marriage with Nancy Rankin, who was born in Dundee, Scotland, and was a daughter of Robert Rankin, a manufacturer of hosiery, who moved to Ireland during the reign of Queen Mary, in order to gain religious freedom. Nancy was about ten years of age at the time of their removal, and was married at the early age of sixteen years. Her death occurred September 1, 1905, at the advanced age of ninety-two. Robert and Nancy Nesbitt became parents of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. Religiously they were members of what is known as the United Presbyterian Church in this country.
Thomas Nesbitt, fourth child and oldest son of Robert and Nancy Nesbitt, was born in the same house as his father, in County Antrim, Ireland, September 15, 1843. He was reared and educated in that country, and at the age of twenty-two years learned the trade of linen weaver. He emigrated to America in 1866, late in the year, and spent the first winter in Allegheny, Pa. He was then located at Clinton Station, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, until the fall of 1867, at the end of which time he located in Neshannock Township. He worked at coal shipping some time, and became owner of ten acres of woods near the Painter schoolhouse about 1871. This he cleared and set out an orchard, and erected a house and stable. He lived in this house a period of fifteen years, during which time he worked by the day. He sold that property in 1886, and purchased his present farm of seventy-eight acres, which he devotes to general farming. His first marriage was with Nancy Stinson, in 1868, she also being a native of County Antrim, Ireland, but their acquaintance was begun in America. Her father was John Stinson. Three children were born to them, of whom two grew to maturity, namely: Robert H., and Nancy, wife of George Falls, of New Castle. Mrs. Nesbitt died in 1871, and Thomas later formed a second union with Mrs. Margaret McKee, nee Hanna, daughter of Alexander Hanna, of New Castle. As a result of her first marriage she had three children, as follows: W. E. McKee, of New Castle; Alexander McKee, deceased; and Robert McKee, of New Castle. Thomas and Margaret (Hanna) Nesbitt became parents of eight children, five of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Thomas, of Neshannock Township; Margaret, wife of Hugh Jamison, of New Castle; Minnie. David, of New Castle, and Nathaniel. Religiously, all are members of the United Presbyterian Church.
Robert H. Nesbitt was reared in Neshannock Township, and attended the public schools. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, then rented a farm for some years. About 1902 he purchased his present farm of forty-six acres, and has been successfully engaged in the culture of small fruits and the growing of potatoes and table vegetables. He is a man of great energy and industry, and by capable management has won a high degree of success.
Mr. Nesbitt was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Pearl Smith, a daughter of George S. Smith of Neshannock Township. She died August 26, 1904, at the early age of twenty-eight years, leaving three children: George Vernon, Elmer David, and Charles Robert. Religiously Mrs. Nesbitt was a devout member of the Free Methodist Church. Mr. Nesbitt attends the United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a liberal supporter. He is a Republican in politics.
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: 12 Feb 2002