Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, 1912


Whyel Family Biography

This family was founded in Pennsylvania by Matthew and Christina Whyel, both of whom were born in Germany and came to the United States in 1852, shortly after their marriage, settling in Allegheny county near Pittsburgh, Matthew was a miner and worked in the coal mines in and near Mount Washington. He died in 1890. His wife still survives, now aged eighty-nine years. Children: Adolph, deceased; John A., of whom further; George and Harry, twins, now engaged in business with John A. Whyel; Elizabeth, married John Link, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

(II) John A., son of Matthew and Christina Whyel, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1853. He attended the public schools but at the age of twelve years began working in the coal mines with his father, doing at first a boy's work, but continuing until he became a fully paid miner. With little interruption he followed mining until he was forty years of age. In 1884 he came to Uniontown, and in 1885 began business as a "jobber" in coal. In 1903 the Whyel Company was organized, and is now in successful operation. This company operates mines, ships coal, and furnishes it to the large local buyers. Mr. Whyel has other business interests and is one of the substantial men of his town. In 1902 he purchased a tract of thirty-four acres which he platted into building lots and erected several houses and this is known as the "Whyel Addition." Upon this Addition the township built a public school and is called the "Whyel School" in Mr. Whyel 's honor. He is a Republican in politics, has held several local offices, and is always an interested voter and helpful in the cause of good government. He and his family are members and active in the work of the Lutheran church.

He married, March 28, 1874, Catherine, daughter of William Isenhart, who was born in Germany, and came to the United States, settling in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Children now living: 1. John, born August 16, 1875; married Fannie Gibson; five children: Florence, Edna, Harry, Robert, and an infant daughter. 2. William, born June 7, 1877 (single). 3. Elizabeth, born April 18, 1879; married Albert Fisher, of Pittsburgh; two children: Mabel and Ruth. 4. Mary, born July 10, 1881 (single). 5. Edward, born January 20, 1885 (single). 6. Charles, born January 7, 1887. 7. James, born February 17, 1889; married Elsie Ware; two children: Mabel and Elmer. 8. Paul, born January 18, 1899. 9. Sadie, born August 18, 1901.

Source: Genealogical and Personal History of Fayette County, John W. Jordan, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1912.





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