Cassius M. and Maggie Lea

Compiled by Ann Simmons Eldredge Cassius M. Lea (1846-1925), pictured to the right, was the third of four children born to William Lea and Mary Verner Lea, and the grandson of Major William Lea. Major Lea was one of the first settlers in the area, coming here in the late 1770s. Leasdale Station, on the banks… Continue reading Cassius M. and Maggie Lea

The Samuel Kerr Family

Samuel Kerr, a pioneer of this area, was born in 1776 and died in 1853. He was a farmer and married to Elizabeth Stitt (1773-1833). They had eight or nine children, including Thomas (1805-1889), who married a woman named Sarah; Elisabeth (1793-1862); Juliet Ann (1812-1844); and Sarah (1796-1861). Samuel died of “general decline” at the age of 86. We could establish no connection between… Continue reading The Samuel Kerr Family

The Joseph Kerr Family

Because the Kerr family’s white obelisk is badly worn, it is difficult to determine who is buried here. There is a chance that Joseph Kerr, MLEPC’s first minister, is here with his wife and brother, but that has not been verified. Joseph Kerr (1778-1829) was born in County Derry, Ireland; graduated from Glasgow University in 1798… Continue reading The Joseph Kerr Family

The George Kennedy Family

Around 1836, George Kennedy came to Western Pennsylvania with his wife, Elizabeth, their three sons, daughter Mary (died 1883), and two unmarried aunts. They traveled to their new home on the National Pike from Philadelphia in a Conestoga wagon. In 1836, George built a log cabin on 114 acres in what is now the North Meadowcroft Road… Continue reading The George Kennedy Family

The Kelso Family

Mark Kelso was born January 12, 1803, to John N. Kelso of Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and Mary McCormick Kelso of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. John and Mary must have moved to Allegheny County before 1788, as their first child, George, was born that year in that county. Mark Kelso is reported working as a farmer in Upper St. Clair… Continue reading The Kelso Family

The Jacksons

Compiled with the help of Karen Jackson John Jackson was born in 1843 in Holywell, Northumberland, England, and came to Allegheny County in 1868 with his parents, Richard and Jane, and seven of his ten siblings. While living in England, Richard had been a colliery owner. After arriving in the states, both Richard and his son… Continue reading The Jacksons

The John A. Martin Family and the Irwin Family

John A. Martin (1824-1892) was born a year after his parents, John and Mary (Chambers) Martin, emigrated to America from County Down, Ireland. In 1823, the elder John purchased David Kennedy’s farm of 50 acres and later expanded it by another 50-“The History of Allegheny County” lists him as an early settler with sons Samuel, James and John.… Continue reading The John A. Martin Family and the Irwin Family

Daniel Hunter

Daniel Hunter (1771-1847), who was elected as one of Pittsburgh’s first city councilmen in 1816, lived on Water Street in Pittsburgh. Daniel was married first to Sophia (1780-1820) and later Jane (1793-1880). Daniel and Jane’s son David (1830-1920) was a longtime member of the church and, according to church history, known for his “worldwide philanthropy.” He lived at 2519 Pioneer Avenue with… Continue reading Daniel Hunter

Ettie Hultz

Ettie Hultz (1852-1933) was the daughter of Henry and Margaret (McFarlane) Hultz. Descendants believe Henry was the son of Issac Webster Hultz and Jennie Jane McCully (and grandson of Henry Hultz Jr.. Margaret was the granddaughter of Andrew and Margaret McFarlane who sold some of their land to MLEPC for its first church. Ettie’s parents married Christmas… Continue reading Ettie Hultz

The Hultz Family

Compiled with the help of Sam Couch Richard Hultz (1760-1840) was about 26 years old when he and his brother Henry came to this area from Virginia with their father, Henry Sr. (Henry Sr. served in the Revolutionary War and is buried in Peter’s Creek Cemetery). Richard purchased 300 acres, patented April 25, 1788, called “Hulse’s… Continue reading The Hultz Family