From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 297-298.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


P. J. GILLIGAN

P. J. Gilligin, a prominent contractor in masonry, of Wheeling, is a 
native of Ireland, and son of Thomas and Sarah (Whyte) Gilligin, of 
that land.  He was born at Sligo, in the county of the same name, 
March 17, 1847, and was there reared and received his education.  He 
served an apprenticeship, of five years as a mason and brick-layer in 
England and Scotland, and then, in June, 1869, came to America.  He 
made his home at Wheeling, but worked during the winter in the 
Washington Iron works, and in 1870 worked upon the Baltimore & Ohio 
railroad bridge over the Ohio.  In 1872 he began business as a 
contractor in brick and stone construction, at which he has met with 
notable success.  In 1875 he was occupied as foreman of masonry in 
the construction of the Wheeling & Pittsburgh & St. Louis railroad 
and held that position six months.  Then locating at Pittsburgh he 
worked as a journeyman on the house of refuge at Morganza, and built 
the bridge across the Chartiers creek.  He was subsequently employed 
as under boss in the Pittsburgh water works, and after finishing that 
engagement took charge as foreman of the construction of the 
Brownsville avenue wall, South Pittsburgh, and remained there until 
the work was completed. In 1877 he returned to Wheeling and resumed 
his business as contractor.  He has been engaged in many important 
buildings, and is highly esteemed not only as proficient in his 
business, but as a valuable citizen.  Mr. Gilligin was married in 
1877, to Catherine, daughter of Peter Riley, of Wheeling, and they 
have the following children: Thomas P., Margaret F., Sarah M., 
Charles P., William, Mary S. and Francis D.  Mr. Gilligin is a member 
of the Catholic church, and in politics is independent. 


(Linda Fluharty)