TOBIAS HAINES, a highly esteemed citizen of Greensburg, in which town he has made his home for many years, was born in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, July 21, 1854, a son of Henry and Sarah (Henry) Haines, natives of the same township, the former having been a painter by trade.
The common schools of Westmoreland county afforded Tobias Haines the means of obtaining a practical education, and by improving his opportunities he became well versed in the rudimentary branches. At the early age of twelve years he began to earn his own livelihood, securing employment in a brick yard and remaining there for seven years. He then learned the trade of plastering, and after his term of apprenticeship had ended became an employee of the Greensburg Coal Company, with which corporation he has been connected for the past twenty-one years, and in whose service he is at the present time (1905). As a citizen he is active and alert, ever watchful for the interests of his town, and for a number of years he served as councilman, having been elected from the fifth ward of Greensburg. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle, of Greensburg.
On February 14, 1878, Mr. Haines was united in marriage to Amanda Bender, who was born in Hempfield township, Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, October 3, 1859, a daughter of Solomon and Hannah (Henry) Bender. Their children are: John, Harold, Agnes, Emma, Sarah, Edward, Charles, and Elizabeth. Mr. Haines and his family are members of the Lutheran church. They reside in a fine, commodious house on Spring street, Greensburg, which he erected for his own use in the year 1904, and which is noted for the hospitality dispensed therein.16 |