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biography
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Stevenson, Andrew B., residing at the corner of Lytle Street and Hazlewood Avenue in Pittsburg, is one
of the oldest surviving natives of the city. He was born in the part of Pittsburg then called Squirrel Hill on December 30, 1817. In this long life he has witnessed the changes that have
transformed Pittsburg from a village estate to one of the most flourishing and important cities of the country, contributing his share to the development and promotion of its various interests.
His parents, James and Elizabeth Jane (Erskine) Stevenson, were born, reared, and married in Ireland, whence in 1817 they came to America, landing in Baltimore. From there they soon came
to Pittsburg, where they spent their remaining years, the father dying June 15, 1836, while yet in the prime of life, and the mother, February 22, 1864, at a good old age. They had nine
children, namely: Andrew B., the subject of this sketch; William E., a member of the convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln as President, and one of the "fathers" of West Virginia,
who died in 1884, soon after the expiration of his term as Governor of West Virginia; John A., who was first a tanner and later a farmer, and is now living retired at Iowa City, IA.; Elizabeth J.,
who is the widow of Alexander Cummings, and resides in New Brighton, Pa.; Thomas Jefferson, of the firm A. M. Beyers & Co., of Pittsburg; James S., who died when young; Ruth, the widow of
Francis Beattie, late of Chicago, Ill.; Margaret, who died in 1876; and James Hammell, also deceased.
Andrew B. Stevenson began work when a young lad as bobbin winder for a weaver, receiving for his weekly wages twenty-five cents. His next employment was stripping tobacco, for which he received
fifty cents a week. His income was subsequently doubled as a grinder of snuff. However, not satisfied with the work, he told his mother that his services were no longer needed, and was then
apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, with whom he remained seven years. After serving his time, Mr. Stevenson worked at the trade for six weeks, and then began pattern-making for the engine shops,
an occupation in which he was successfully engaged for several years. One of the original stockholders of the First National Bank of Birmingham, he was elected a director in 1866 and the
president in 1875. The latter office he retained until 1882, when he resigned. He was Justice of the Peace for some time and Burgess and Treasurer of Birmingham during the late war. In
politics he has been a steadfast Republican since the formation of that party, and he is a Royal Arch Mason.
On May 10, 1842, Mr. Stevenson married Miss Catherine Cameron, who died May 17, 1884, having borne him seven children. Of the latter, three died in infancy. The others are: John C, who
resides with his father, and is the president of the Manufacturers' Bank; Elizabeth C, the wife of Daniel C. Ripley; Ruth Emma, the wife of George Barker; and Matilda Ann, living at home.
Mr. Stevenson subsequently married Miss Cynthia A. Douglas.
Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Pittsburg and the vicinity, Pennsylvania. Boston: Biographical Review Pub. Co., 1897, Author: Anonymous, Submitted by C. Anthony.
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