Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens
Lawrence County Pennsylvania 1897
[p. 341] dealer in lumber and owner of a prosperous blacksmithing business, is a resident of Plain Grove township, who, though not yet past the meridian of life, has by his methods of business built up a heavy and profitable mercantile enterprise, and has at the same time reached a position of leadership and of prominnce [sic] in Lawrence County.
Mr. Hartsell entered upon this life July 7, 1853, In Clarion Co., Pa. His education was received in Clarion and Lawrence Counties, and his first labor was performed upon a farm, where he worked until he was twenty-two years of age. In 1876, he began learning blacksmithing in Fayette, Lawrence County, a trade in which he became very proficient in two years time. In 1878, he came to Plain Grove township, and commenced working at his vocation. Success following his efforts, and being alive to every opportunity, he embarked in the lumber business, but still continued blacksmithing. The year 1886 found him extensively engaged in the wholesale hardwood trade, and also dealing in car stock and railroad ties. He has followed his two leading lines of business with uniform success since that time and at present is a heavv shipper of the lumber which goes to the Buffalo Car Works, and to the plant of Wheeler & Holden. He also sends large orders to Berwick, Pa. As a side line to the blacksmithing business, he handles a complete stock of carriages, and keeps himself in close touch with the best sources of supply.
Mr. Hartsell's parents were Henry and Cerina (Hartsell) Hartsell, the former a native of the Keystone State, and the latter also a native of the same State, her birth having occurred in Clarion Co., Pa. Henry Hartsell was in his day a lumber dealer and a raftsman, at one time having a business that was second to none in this section. The most of his life was spent in Clarion Co., Pa., where he raised a large family that was a credit and honor to him. He was always an important factor in the sections where he resided. An ardent Republican, he worked hard for the welfare of his party, but never sought any public position. He was ever a good tactician and a man whose counsel could be acted upon with safety. He marricd Cerina Hartsell, a distant relative, and to them were born three children—McClure, the subject of our sketch; John, who married Lucia Mager of Elk City, Pa.; and Richard, also happily married. This family were carefully brought up in the fold of the M. E. Church. Mr. Hartsell, the father, died in 1867, but his widow is still living at an honored old age.
McClure Hartsell, our subject, was raised under Republican influences, but he is a man who has sound reasons of his own for belonging to that party. Like his father, he has extremely good judgment as to men and affairs, and his influence is thoroughly appreciated by those who are his associates in locally directing the interests of the Republican party. During his active business life, he has not often been able to serve his fellow-citizens in official capacities, but in the year 1895 he accepted an appointment as paster and folder for the House of Representatives at Harrisburg.
Mr. Hartsell was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Stuart in 1879. She is a daughter of John Stuart of Harlansburg, this county. The family with which they have surrounded themselves consists of the following four members: Orpha R.; Axie S.; Matilda M.; and John M. Mr. Hartsell and his family are regular attendants of the United Presbyterian Church. In social life, our subject is very active. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and other societies, some purely fraternal and social, and others beneficial in their character. His business relations are of the pleasantest. He has had to work for all he possesses, and his present leading position in the lines of trade in which he is intimately interested, comes as a direct result of the system and care with which he watches every detail. The lumber business which he handles demands the strictest integrity, for he caters to a trade whose wants are of the most exacting nature, and must be filled to the letter. The hold Mr. Hartsell has upon those large consumers is the best commentary upon his business ability and extreme fidelity. In the community no one is better liked than he or held in higher esteem, and every whit of the respect, accorded Mr. Hartsell, is his due and thoroughly deserved.
Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens Lawrence County Pennsylvania
Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo, N.Y., 1897
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Updated: 26 May 2001