BIOS: James McKELVEY, Somerset, Somerset County, PA

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Vol. XXXII, Containing Life Sketches of Leading Citizens of 
Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. Boston, Biographical Review 
Publishing Company: 1899, pp 221-222.

  James McKelvey, an active and prosperous business man of Somerset, Pa., here 
extensively engaged as a charcoal and lumber dealer, was born in Indiana County, 
this State, July 25, 1851.  A son of Ephraim McKelvey, he comes of sturdy Irish 
stock, his grandfather, Samuel McKelvey, and his earlier ancestors, having been 
born in Ireland.  Samuel's father immigrated with his family to America, and 
became a resident of Pennsylvania, living for a while in Lancaster County, 
afterward removing to Indiana County, where he spent his remaining days.
  Samuel McKelvey, having grown to manhood, settled on a farm in Indiana County, 
and was there engaged in tilling the soil throughout his years of activity.  He 
married, and was the father of five children, of whom but one survives; namely, 
Margaret, widow of the late George Hopkins, of Ohio.
  Ephraim McKelvey was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1808, but 
spent the larger part of his live in Indiana County, where he carried on general 
farming with good results, remaining there until his demise, in 1871.  He was a 
strong supporter of the Republican party, and was a man who in every way 
endeavored to do his duty as a faithful and loyal citizen.  His first wife bore 
him two children, neither of whom is now living.  His second wife, Esther 
McCartney, daughter of George McCartney, of Indiana County, died at the age of 
fifty years.  She bore him eight children; namely, Samuel S., George M., James 
and Mary (twins), John S., Jennie, Alvin W., and Elmer E.  Samuel S. married 
Priscilla Krammer, of Indiana County, and has five children.  George M., who 
married Lillie Brownley, of Ohio, also has five children.  Mary died at the age 
of thirteen years.  Jennie is the wife of Barron Price, and has two children - 
Lillian and Marjory.  Alvin W. married Lavina Hornicle, and Elmer E. married 
Carrie Momire.
  James McKelvey was educated in the public schools of Indiana County, and until 
he was seventeen years old he assisted his father in farming and lumbering.  
Leaving home at that time, he worked the ensuing five years in the rolling-mill 
in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and was afterward similarly employed at 
McKeesport in this State for a short time.  In 1878 Mr. McKelvey came to 
Somerset to live, and for a while worked in the charcoal pits in Somerset 
County.  On becoming familiar with the process of charcoal burning, he 
established himself in the business on his own account.  He has also been 
extensively engaged in manufacturing lumber since coming here, and has a very 
large and prosperous trade in both articles.  He has carved his own fortune by 
persevering industry, foresight, and excellent management, and holds a 
deservedly high place among the prominent businessmen of this borough.  In 1895 
he built his present commodious residence, one of the most attractive in this 
vicinity.  He is a stanch Republican in politics, and though not an aspirant for 
public office is influential in the management of local affairs.  Fraternally, 
he is a member of Somerset Lodge No. 358, F. & A. M., and of the Royal Arcanum.
  Mr. McKelvey married, August 25, 1874, Annie, daughter of David R. and Jane 
(Lamberson) Hess, of Coopersdale, Cambria County, Pa.  They have seven children; 
namely, Jennie B., Esther, Eugene, Frank R., Clara, Dewese, and Salome.