A. A. MEALY, an old and well-known resident of Claysville, a native of Washington county, Penn., born in Donegal township March 15, 1815. His early life was passed with his grandfather, George Mealy, who was born in Lancaster County, Penn., and was reared to manhood on the home farm. George Mealy was united in marriage with Mary Horn, a resident of the same county, and their children were as follows: John, Samuel, David, Margaret, Sarah, Maria, Elizabeth, George and William. In 1812 Mr. Mealy and his family started for Washington county, Penn., and after a long and tedious journey by emigrant wagons they arrived in Donegal township, and settled on the farm of 100 acres, which Mr. Mealy had previously purchased. It was partially cleared, and had some buildings on it. He was an energetic and progressive man, taking an active part in public enterprises. Politically he was a staunch Democrat, and a most ardent worker in his party. In religion he was a member and hearty supporter of the Presbyterian Church. A. A. Mealy (grandson of the above pioneer) passed his early youth in attending to the farm duties on his grandfather’s place, and during the winter season went to the neighboring schools. The school-house was like others of that day, a rude affair, but within those humble little cabins many of our most intelligent citizens received their first instruction in literature. When fifteen years of age Mr. Mealy was apprenticed to James Shannon, a shoemaker, and has since been engaged in that vocation, always recognized as one of the best workmen of Claysville. When twenty-two years of age he began a business for himself, and opened a shop. On July 2, 1835, he was married to Jane, daughter of Hugh McCaskey, a native of Ireland, who in youth came with two brothers to America. Mr. McCaskey settled in Lancaster county, Penn., remaining there several years, and was married to Julia Haggerty, who bore him the following children; Mary ( Mrs. Charles Knight). Sarah (Mrs. William Moore). Jane (wife of A. A. Mealy) and Margaret. When a young man Mr. McCaskey learned the tanners trade, which he followed several years. He then conducted a general store at Pittsburgh for some time, but finally moved to Canonsburg, Washington county, and resumed his trade. In politics he is a Whig, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. After his marriage, Mr. Mealy settled on his present home in Claysville, this county, and reared the following children: Margaret, wife of William Warrill; Julia A., wife of John Short; John, George and Anthony A. The mother of these passed away December 5, 1891, after a happy married life of fifty-four years’ duration. Mr. and Mrs. Mealy celebrated their golden wedding July 2, 1885, when they had all their children present with them to participate in a most delightful family reunion. Mr. Mealy was appointed postmaster of Claysville in 1845, by the administration of James K. Polk, which position he occupied sixteen years. He has always taken an active interest in the welfare of the community, and in politics is an active member of the Democratic party. From early youth he has been a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church. The following is a record of his sons: John Mealy was born in Claysville, this county, and received his elementary education in the town schools, which schools he afterward taught for several terms with the great acceptance to the people. He graduated at Washington and Jefferson College, and then entered the Western Theological Seminary. After his graduation he was called to the Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington, Penn., of which he is now the pastor. “The church of Neshanock,” New Wilmington, has been Mr. Mealys’ only charge, covering a pastorate of twenty-five years. He has had in the meantime calls from a number of churches in the largest cities in the Union, but pastor and people being bound together by so many endearing ties, together with the accomplishment of a great a good work, have thus far made a separation impossible. He is an earnest preacher, and has ever been a power in Sabbath-school work. His pleasant and kindly disposition and cordiality of manner have always made him a favorite with the old and young. Mr. Mealy was united in marriage with Ida Willmouth, and they had three children; Florence, Lavina and George. Mrs. Mealy died February 8, 1874, and for his second wife Mr. Mealy was married to Augusta Pomery, who has borne him one daughter, Jane. George Mealy obtained his early education by self-study, and at the schools of Claysville, which he afterward taught. He then attended medical lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and Western Reserve, at Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated. He is now practicing his profession in New Wilmington, Penn. His wife was formerly Mary McEnall, and they have three children: Harry, John and Mary. Anthony A. Mealy was also born in Claysville, and was educated at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Penn. He then entered the Western Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1877. He is now pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh, Penn. He was married June 22, 1882, to Bird Dalzell, and they have two daughters: Ellen and Lydia.

Text taken from page 368 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed May 1997 by Dawna Trainor of Baltimore, MD as part of the Beers Project. Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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