OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.

61

are dead except nine -- five boys and four girls.     S. C. Ream, our subject, was born in Richland township, now Adams township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1853.     His entire education was received in public schools which he attended during the winter months. At an early age he entered the blacksmith shop of his father, where he learned the trade; he followed that trade for ten years, when he abandoned it to accept a position as clerk in the store of the Swank Hardware company, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He remained in their employ about one year, when he formed a co-partnership and engaged in the meal and feed business. This he followed but a short time under this partnership, when he purchased the interest of his partner and ran it about three months, when he sold out, and shortly afterwards engaged in a general mercantile business, starting on a very small scale in a bulding on Bedford street, Johnstown. By strict attention to business he soon built up a good trade, and as his business increased he added to his stock and soon found his quarters too small to accommodate his growing business; so in 1892 he erected his present large and spacious store at the corner of Fronheiser and Cedar streets, his store proper being thirty by eighty feet, it being one of the largest general stores in the city of Johnstown, and his stock comprises everything found in general mercantile house. In connection with the general store he has a warehouse where he carries grain, feed and hay.     He has been universally successful and enjoys a large trade. While Mr. Ream's time is principally occupied in managing his store, he is also identified as director in the Morrell-

ville Water company and interested in the Johnstown Telephone company.     Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and always takes an interest in the success of the same. In 1895 he was elected to represent the Seventh ward in common council for a term of two years, which office he now holds. Mr. Ream is a member of the United Evangelical church, and takes great interest in the work of the same. He has served at different times in nearly all the offices pertaining to it, and at present is one of the trustees and the superintendent of the Sunday-school.     In 1876 Mr. Ream was united in marriage to Mary J. Granling, daugter of George Granling, of Richland township, then Adams township, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, who died March 23, 1896. This union was blessed by the birth of twins, Clara Belle and Ida May, born June 10, 1877, both of whom are at home with their father.     Mr. Ream's career has been one of continued success, notwithstanding the many obstacles he has had to overcome in early life. By his thrift, perseverance and honesty he has succeeded in climbing the business ladder until he stands high in his particular line in the county of Cambria.     His life's work is another illustration of what can be obtained by perseveringly keeping alive and up to the times. BLAIR ALEXANDER, a leading citizen and business man of Conemaugh, Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and a son of William and Clarissa J. (Lee) Alexander, was born January 1, 1857, at Duncansville, Blair county, Pennsylvania. His ancestors were among the distinguished people of early colonial times.     James Alexander, his grandfather, was a

Title Page

Contents

Image

Index