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ROBERT H. MEGRAW
ROBERT H. MEGRAW, for several years successfully engaged as an
architect at Kittanning, was born in Allegheny City, Pa., May 1, 1858, son of
Richard B. and Jane (Hughey) Megraw.Richard B. Megraw was one of the leading contractors and builders of
Allegheny City and Pittsburgh, and well and favorably known throughout western
Pennsylvania as a highly respected citizen and public-spirited man. His death
occurred in 1871.Robert H. Megraw was educated in the public schools of Allegheny City and
Belle View, Pa. In young manhood he learned the trade of stonecutting, and for
about two years worked at that trade, after which he was an apprentice to that
of a carpenter for four years. He was then engaged at carpentry and building
for about fifteen years, and in the meantime developed his natural talent for
architecture by study, until sufficiently familiar with the profession to
adopt it. When he first branched out as an architect he became superintendent
of the original car shop building at Swissvale, now the Union switch and
signal works. From 1892 he has given all his attention to architecture, and
for a time was located at Jeannette, Pa., but later moved to New Kensington,
Westmoreland Co., Pa., after two years there returning to Allegheny City for a
year. In 1905 he opened his place of business in Kittanning, settling in the
county in 1906, and for a time he was associated in a business way with the
Philadelphia Gas Company. Among the plans he has furnished are those for the
Stein hotel, the Colwell & Arnold office building, and several modern
residences of Kittanning. He is thoroughly abreast of the times in his work,
and is a recognized expert in his profession.A prominent Republican, Mr. Megraw was in 1905 elected to represent his
district in the State Assembly, his victory at the polls being a surprise to
many, as he was opposed by the powerful local organization, but his personal
popularity and high moral standing brought him ahead of his ticket. His
legislative record proves that the confidence the people had in him was not
misplaced, and stands to his credit. Mr. Megraw was nominated for a second
term, but his enemies prevented his reelection.In 1907 Mr. Megraw was married to Martha Banks, daughter of John Banks, of
Armstrong county. Mr. Megraw is a member of the United Presbyterian Church,
which he serves as an elder.Source: Pages 788, Armstrong County, Pa., Her People, Past and
Present, J.H. Beers & Co., 1914
Transcribed September 2001 by Lisa Strobel
for the Armstrong County Beers Project
Contributed for use by the Armstrong County Genealogy Project (http://www.pa-roots.com/armstrong/)Armstrong County Genealogy Project Notice:
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