HARRISON LEYDA, butcher, was born November 15, 1843, in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn. He is a son of Henry Leyda, whose parents were natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Washington county with the earliest pioneer settlers, part of the journey having been made on horseback. The country was then wild and full of danger to the inexperienced traveler, but with undaunted courage Mr. and Mrs. Leyda began their humble home in Washington county, and success finally rewarded their patient toil. In their pioneer cabin the following children were born and reared: James, George, Henry and Jacob. The father affiliated with the Whig party, and in religious faith was one of the earliest members of the Presbyterian Church. He died on the farm where he first settled. Henry Leyda was born in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn., and was early taught the fundamental principles of business success, "constant toil and close economy." By following this rule he eventually became a most successful agriculturist, dealing very extensively in stock. He gave especial attention to raising sheep and cattle, shipping large numbers to eastern markets. In political matters he voted first with the Whig party and afterward with the Republican. When a young man he was married to Catherine Myers, of Somerset township, who bore him children as follows: one deceased in infancy, Harriet (wife of Harvey Wilson), Hannah (married to Albert Harris), Amanda, Emma (wife of Anderson Whitman), Lizzie (wife of Thomas Collins), Harrison, William and James.
Harrison Leyda passed his youth in assisting with the duties of the farm, and October 10, 1867, he married Easther A., daughter of Daniel Swickard. Her father, who is a prosperous shoe merchant of Monongahela City, was born November 26, 1816, in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn., a son of John Swickard and grandson of Martin Swickard, who was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania. The last named came to Washington county among the early settlers, and, locating in a log cabin in Somerset township, assisted in clearing up and improving the land. He was twice married, and to the first union were born the following children: Matthias, Daniel, Samuel, John, Lucy and Sarah. Mr. Swickard, in 1805, moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained until his death. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church.
John Swickard was born in 1783, in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home place. When a young man he married Mary, daughter of John Smith, and the young couple continued to reside on the home place, where children were born to them as follows: Catherine, John, Samuel, Daniel, Mary, Barbara, Susan and Margaret. The father was a lifelong agriculturist, and a noted hunter and sportsman; in politics he voted with the Democratic party. The clothing for the family was made from wool carded by hand and woven by his wife; she died several years ago, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, where her husband has been laid to rest. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Swickard was educated at the subscription schools of Somerset township, his text books being limited to the Testament and United States Speller, while the log schoolhouse was furnished in the usual primitive fashion of the day. In 1840 he was married to Harriet, daughter of Abram Leyda (a native of Nottingham township), who has borne him the following children: John, living in Colorado; Mary E., wife of Daniel Berry; Easther A., Mrs. Harrison Leyda; Daniel, deceased; James L., living in Meadville, Penn.; A. Y. and David M. Mr. and Mrs. Swickard resided on the home place for twenty years after their marriage, when he purchased the Leyda mill in Nottingham township, conducting that enterprise for thirteen years, but continuing to own the home place. In 1865 he opened a grocery store in Monongahela City, but five years afterward sold out, purchasing a furniture and undertaking establishment, which he kept for thirteen years. At the expiration of that time he opened the shoe store, where he is now carrying on a profitable business. He is a representative citizen, and a stanch supporter of the Democratic party; he has served in numerous capacities, and in 1855 was elected a county commissioner, which office he held three years. In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
After their marriage Harrison and Easther A. (Swickard) Leyda resided in Somerset township for a few years, then came to Monongahela City, where he opened his present butchering establishment. He conducts an extensive business, yielding a large annual profit. In politics he is a leading member of the Republican party. His children are Addie, Frank, Fannie, Bert, Edgar J., Annie and Harry.
Text taken from page 1076 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]