Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens
Lawrence County Pennsylvania 1897
[p. 226] is an esteemed citizen of Mahoningtown, residing on Liberty Street; for many years past he has taken the lead in all brick and stone-masonry work in the borough and its environs. His parents, James and Margaret (Warwick) Chambers, were both natives of County Down, Ireland, the mother a daughter of William and Jane (Brennan) Warwick. William Warwick with his wife and family then born came to America in 1848, settling in North Beaver township, this county, where he engaged in farming, and lived to the age of seventy-five years; his wife survived his departure many years, and lived to fill out ninety years, replete with many happy memories, and adorned with many deeds of kindness. James Chambers was two years old, when his parents, William and Mary (Hazlet) Chambers, immigrated to the United States; they were natives of County Down. William Chambers took part in the Irish Rebellion in 1798, and had to make his escape to this country; in Ireland he was a stonemason, but on coming to America he bought a farm in North Beaver township, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death. James Chambers, the father of our subject, learned the cooper's trade and folloaed it in his earlier years, but latterly followed farming, continuing in that occupation until his death. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and thoroughly believed in the political principles advocated by the Democratic party.
William H. Chambers was born in North Beaver township, Lawrence County, on his father's homestead, Feb. 10, 1852, and remained at home until he was twenty years old, assisting in the farm work, and attending the district schools whenever he found opportunity. He then, at the age mentioned above, went to Youngstown, Ohio, and learned the trade of a mason both in brick and stone work, and as a journeyman mason worked three years in Youngstown and New Castle. In the spring of 1877, he began taking contracts for masonry work, and in 1880 came to Mahoningtown, where he has ever since been the leading contractor in his line of work. Among the largest contracts which he has taken and executed in a superior manner are the M. E. Church edifice, the new schoolhouse, and the bank building, all creditable examples of the mason's art. Mr. Chambers bears an excellent reputation for good, honest work, and he prides himself on the general satisfaction which has attended all his efforts. He is popular and well liked among his neighbors and fellow-citizens, respected as a man of sterling worth and excellent judgment, and honored for his many services to the borough and to the community at large in the interest of law, order and a sound morality.
Mr. Chambers was joined in marriage Oct. 22, 1879, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Ella Megown, who was born in Enon Valley, Lawrence County, a daughter of Samuel R. and Anna (Andrews) Megown, both of Scotch descent. Our subject's family is composed of four children, namely: Anna; Clifford; and the twins, Margaret and Elida. Both our subject and his excellent wife are members in good standing of the Presbyterian Church of Mahoningtown. Mr. Chambers is a loyal and earnest Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace four years, finally resigning from that position because of pressing work of a private nature, and has been a member of the school board for twelve years. He has a good standing in Masonic circles, and is a member of Lodge of the Craft, No. 433 of New Castle; and Delta Chapter, No. 170, R. A. M. of New Castle.
Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens Lawrence County Pennsylvania
Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo, N.Y., 1897
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Updated: 13 May 2001