THOMAS FORSYTH. Among the leading business men of Canonsburg this gentleman is a prominent figure. His grandparents were natives of Ireland, and their children immigrated to America in an early day, location in Independence and Cross Creek townships, Washington Co., Penn. Thomas Forsyth, one of the children of the above mentioned family, was born in County Down, Ireland, and was about eighteen years of age when he came with the rest of the family to America, having previously learned the tailor’s trade. He first located in Independence township, this county, some years afterward moved to Venice, then purchased a farm in Cecil township, this county, where most of his life was padded. He was married to Margaret, daughter of William Crawford, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and their children were William C., John, Thomas, Nancy (wife of James Quinn), George and Oliver. The father was a Whig and Republican. In church relations he was formerly connected with the Covenanter Society, then united with the Seceder Church. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth were buried in Clinton, Allegheny county, whither they had removed a few years before their death. Thomas Forsyth, son of Thomas and Margaret (Crawford) Forsyth, was born April 25, 1825, in Independence township, this county and attended the subscription schools of the neighborhood during his boyhood, which afforded but meager advantages. At the age for fourteen years, he entered the employ of his father in the tailor business, serving an apprenticeship of six years. In 1845 he opened a tailor establishment in Hickory, this county, which he conducted for many years. On September 7, 1847, he was married to Jane A. McNary, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, daughter of Samuel McNary. In 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth moved to Steubenville, Ohio. While a resident of Steubenville Mr. Forsyth invented Forsyth’s system of actual measurement, whereby an impress of the body transferred to the cloth, which system is still in practical use. In 1876 he came to Canonsburg, this county, where he conducted an extensive business until 1888. His son, A. M. Forsyth, being a practical tailor, is continuing the business at the old stand. He is married to Miss M. M. Smith, of Canonsburg. Thomas Forsyth is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and is now serving as director of the public schools. In religious faith he is a member and elder of the Central Presbyterian Church. The following children have been born to this marriage: McNary (who was educated in Washington and Jefferson College, is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary, and was a Presbyterian minister; he married Miss Annie Birchfield, of Allegheny City, Penn; was placed at Millvale Church); Mary Margaret (Mrs. George Ralston); Samuel T.; Alvin M.; C. J. (attended Washington and Jefferson College, then attended the Western Theological Seminary and is now a Presbyterian clergyman; he married Miss Anna McGahey, of Hubbard, Ohio; he is situated at West Elizabeth, Penn.); and James W. Of these children, McNary, M.M. Ralston, Samuel T. and James W. are deceased.

Text taken from page 547 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed May 1997 by LuShelle Fletcher of Grand Island, NE as part of the Beers Project. Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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