JOHN FISHER WHITE possesses a reputation for business integrity and sterling worth which many a man, apparently more successful, would give much to obtain. He is a representative of a pioneer family. His grandfather, James White, was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and with two brothers crossed the mountains in early life to seek his fortune in the West. He located on, and patented, a large tract of land near Canonsburg, this county, where his life was passed. He possessed a taste for mechanical work, and, it is said, was able to make anything that could be made out of wood. He learned the wagon-making trade, to which most of his life was devoted. He was a consistent, faithful follower of the Master, and an active, liberal member of the United Presbyterian Church. He died at an advanced age, leaving seven children, viz.: James, John, David, Moses, Patterson, Margaret and Elizabeth. David White was born on his father's farm near Canonsburg, Washington county, where his youth was passed. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some years, then moved to Holmes county, Ohio, where he was married to Lucretia, daughter of John Fisher, a prominent farmer of Holmes county, who was killed while rolling logs. Mr. and Mrs. White had six children, viz.: James, John, Alexander, William, David and Thomas. Some time after his marriage the father returned to Pennsylvania, and resided in Pittsburgh, where his wife died in 1846. The family were then scattered, and each of the sons, choosing a vocation, began life for themselves. John Fisher White was born September 21, 1831, in Pittsburgh, Penn., and when fourteen years of age went to live upon a farm, attending school during the winter months. In 1852 he entered the milling business with Capt. Thomas Esby, of Allegheny county, Penn., where he remained twenty years. He was united in marriage with Sarah Jane, daughter of Isaac Rankin, of Peterson, Allegheny county, Penn. Isaac Rankin is a representative of a prominent Irish family, who were closely identified with the early history of Allegheny county. The following children have been born to the union of John and Sarah Jane (Rankin) White: Elizabeth (Mrs. Stevens), Anna Belle, Clarinda, Emma, Ella Huffman, Thomas Esby, Nora May and Oliver. Mr. White votes the Republican ticket, and is now serving his third term as school director of Somerset township, having been elected as president of the board. He and his family are members of the Methodist Church. His noble character is well illustrated in the following incident: A rival mill was established near that of Mr. White several years ago, and the proprietor was suddenly taken ill. He was a poor man, dependent on his daily earnings for the support of himself and family, but no one in the neighborhood understood the business well enough to supply his place even for a short time. He dared not hope to retain his patrons, but what could be done? Sick and helpless he lay, while the business which had provided the necessaries of life was in immediate danger of being utterly destroyed. But help was near; John White heard of his unfortunate rival's situation, and, leaving his own mill in the hands of trusted employees, donned his floury hat, and, taking charge of his neighbor's mill, conducted the business until the proprietor had regained his usual health. The reader will easily understand why Mr. White is so popular and respected a citizen.

Text taken from page 1407 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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