From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, page 659.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


HUGH McMAHAN

The firm of McMahan, Porter & Co. is one of the principal ones in 
this region interested in the manufacture of fire-brick and sewer 
pipe.  The firm is chartered as an incorporation with a paid up 
capital of $100,000.  The works produce in addition to the main 
product named, terra-cotta articles of all kinds, drain tile, etc.  
Hugh McMahan, senir member of this firm, was born in Westmoreland 
county, Penn., October 3, 1845.  He is a son of Robert McMahan, who 
was born in Ireland in 1811, and was brought by his parents to 
America in 1816.  He owns and tills a farm in Allegheny county, Penn.  
His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1811, died there in 1886.  
Hugh McMahan worked upon the farm with his father until about twenty-
two vears old, in the meantime, after graduating at Monongahela City 
Normal school, teaching school for several winters.  He next engaged 
with a lumber and boat-building firm on the Monongahela river as 
book-keeper for two years, and afterward was employed by R. C. 
Schmertz & Co., of Belle Vernon, in the same capacity for a short 
time.  Then he purchased an interest in the firm of Smith, Porter & 
Co., now known as McMahan, Porter & Co., and came to New Cumberland 
in January, 1874 and took charge of the works.  In 1875 Mr. McMahan 
was married to Roxie, daughter of Capt. William Stewart and they have 
two children, Bessie and Robert Emmet.  Mrs. McMahan is a member of 
the Presbyterian church. 


(Linda Fluharty)