[p. 625] a well-known blacksmith of Enon Valley, comes of a prominent old family of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He was born in Wayne Township, July 16, 1858, and is a son of Peter and Charlotte C. (Roberman) Guy.
Moses Guy, paternal grandfather of Philip, came from east of the Allegheny Mountains, in Pennsylvania, and located in Wayne Township at an early date. The country was wild and undeveloped at that time, and it was necessary for him to make a clearing for a cabin. One of his brothers, while assisting in making a clearing for Slippery Rock Cemetery, was killed by a falling tree, and his burial was one of the first in that burying ground. Moses and his wife Elizabeth were also buried there, but both lived to a ripe old age. They had seven children, Peter being among the oldest.
Peter Guy was born in Wayne Township, and assisted in clearing the home farm. He learned the trade of blacksmith with a Mr. Funkhauser, and soon became owner of a shop of his own, being considered one of the best blacksmiths of his day. His death occurred at the age of seventy years. He was united in marriage with Charlotte C. Roberman, who was born in Germany, her mother dying at her birth. Mrs. Guy attended the schools of her native country until she was fourteen years of age, then accompanied her father, Henry Roberman, to America. She died at Chewton in 1905, at the age of eighty-three years. Nine children were the offspring of their marriage: Joseph Kirk, Henry Wallace, Moses Lorenzo, deceased; Albert Crayton; Frank A., deceased; Philip Newton; Charles Lewis; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Sponsler, of Chewton, and William Peter.
Philip N. Guy spent his boyhood days on the home farm and received his educational training in the district schools. When quite young he began to assist his father in the shop, even when so small he had to stand on a box while at work. He later went to Henry County, Illinois, and served an apprenticeship at his trade during the years 1879, 1880 and 1881. He then worked at his trade at various places throughout the West and South, going as far as the Pacific Coast, but he always claimed his residence in Lawrence County. In August, 1892, he moved to Enon Valley, and for a time rented a shop, then purchased his present establishment. He is a natural mechanic and a first-class workman in every respect, and enjoys a liberal patronage at the hands of the people of the community. He is an active Republican in politics, and has served capably six years as member of the Village Council, and two terms as school director.
Mr. Guy was first married in 1881 to Ellen Guildo, of Lawrence County, and she died leaving three children, namely: Josie May, widow of Lee Forney, by whom she has a son, Charles Watson; Earl W., who is employed on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Ada Naomi. His second marriage was with Miss Kate Bennehoof, of Lawrence County, who died in 1902, leaving one daughter, Marjory Ella. Mr. Guy was again married in December, 1906, to Mrs. Susan Crane, widow of Thomas Crane. Religiously they are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In fraternal affiliation he has been a member of Enon Lodge No. 916, I.O.O.F., since 1883, and has passed through all the chairs, and a member of the Knights of the Maccabees at Enon since 1902.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 17 Nov 2001