William A. Rodehaver

WILLIAM A. RODEHAVER, one of the enterprising businessmen of Westmoreland county, was born in Preston county, West Virginia, March 14, 1867, and was the son of George and Sevilla (Kelly) Rodehaver, one of nine children, five of whom survive: William A. Freeman, Greensburg; Amanda, wife of Rufus Kisner, of West Virginia; John, in the lumber business in West Virginia; and Emma, wife of Floyd Ringer, of West Virginia. William A. Rodehaver's father was born in Preston county, West Virginia, in November, 1840. He is of German descent, and was reared on the home farm. During his young manhood he learned the trade of a miller, and worked as a journeyman miller for a number of years, later purchasing a mill which he still owns. He served three years and six months in the Civil war as a bugler, and is a member of the G.A.R. His wife, Sevilla (Kelly) Rodehaver, was born in Preston county, West Virginia, and was of German descent. She died in the early eighties, and Mr. Rodehaver married Clara Watson, by whom four children were born, three of whom are still living: Etta, Ada and Earl. 

William A. Rodehaver was reared at home and educated in the common schools of his native place. When about eighteen years of age he commenced work at the carpenter trade with his father. About two years later he entered into the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for several years. In January 1889, he removed to Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, where he entered into the employ of the firm of Kelly & Jones, and while there learned the trade of moulder. He retained his connection with this firm until 1896, and for the four succeeding years he was variously engaged. Since 1900 he has followed carpentering and building, in which occupation he has been very successful. Mr. Rodehaver is an excellent citizen, industrious and energetic, and is one of South Greensburg’s representative men. In political affairs he helps support the Republican party. He has served one year as street commissioner, one year as assessor, and is at present a member of the borough council. He is a member of Greensburg lodge, No.366, K.G.E. He married, March 19, 1890, Minnie Blackson, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Shirey) Blackson, both of whom are still living and reside in Unity, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Rodehaver, Ethel May, born January. 9, 1891, and died October 11, 1891. 

Source: Page(s) 103 - 104, History of Westmoreland County, Volume 2, Pennsylvania by John N Boucher. New York, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1906. 
Transcribed June 2001 by Nathan Zipfel for the Westmoreland County History Project 
Contributed for use by the Westmoreland County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/westmoreland/)

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