Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-12-19
HIS BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
A Complete Introduction 60 the Newly APP
pointed Postmaster.

Complete Introduction 60 the Newly Ap-
pointed Postmaster.
James Stitt Mexican opened his mild blue
ewes upon this world on the 2Sth day of JAM
ary ls5Oat hesNew Abbey, Dumfriesshire, Scot
land, within short distance of the birth place
of Bobby Burns. Across the street was the
house in which Colonel James P. Andrews, the
eminent engineer. was born. Within 20 miles
of Mr.. MeKean's home Andrew Carnegie was
born. A few miles away Charles Lockhart of
the Standard Oil Company came into this
world. A Leggate and Alex Dempster were
natives Of the same village as Mr.. Mexican.
Messrs. Campbell and Dick were from the same
shire. Altogether it was quite nest of Draw
laddles, who have since made their mark IN
more ways than one.
In June, 1850 the Mexican family crossed the
ocean and landed in New York. Their first
home in America was at Newburg-on-the- h I'D
son. In 1851 they removed to Mansfield, Pa
where a farm was purchased and rural life
pleasantly initiated. In 1856 Robert Mexican
sold the Mansfield property, and after some in
spectiOn. purchased 260 acres near Lock No 4
paying therefor S22,O0O in cash. The Pirrsburg.
Virginia and Charleston Railroad subseQ uently
was run through the farm, and Mexican Station
became the central point of the Lock No.
basin.
James. as the oldest boy of the family
sturdy entered into farm life, and, by his hard
work and energy, improved the naturally arabic
property 70 such pitch Of cultivation that the
Mexican farms became noted throughout the
valley. A portion OF the original 260 acres was
recently sold 70 the Charleroi Land Improve
ment Company for 500, 600 in cash.
In 1876 the subject OF the sketch came to
Pittsburg and entered into the firm of Duff
Mexican & Co. a firm which has since been
typical for conservative methods, business en-
-efprise and the enjoyment of financial con-
fidence of the community. The traoe enjoyed
by the firm extends over the greater portions
Of I've States. The senior partner of the firm
is MI. W. G. Duff. who was Mr.. McKeanis first
Echo0lmaster. History is silent as to whether
the seuior partner ever welded the birch to
The detriment Of the junior partners corporeal
comfort Mr.. Mexican is unmarried, but
there's no telling when the record will have 70
be amended.
He has been in the Masonic fraternity inst
ten years, having risen as rapidly and credita-
IN as in politics He became a member of
Ionic Lodge SIS z. & A M, Allegheny and by
an odd chapter of accidents was thrust into the
chair of the W. Master within six months after
taking his initiatory degree. Sent to the Grand
Lodge Of Pennsylvania he attracted attention
and came back with a subordinate position
therein. In quick succession be became Past
High Priest of Allegheny Chapter No. 2l7
Past Thrice ulustrious Grand Master of ALE
gheny Council At present Eminent Com
man0er Of Pirtsburg Commsndery No. l,
Knights TemplaT, Junior Grand Deacon of the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, District Deputy
Grand Master for the Thirty-second District OF
Pennsylvania, member Of the Scottish Rites
bodies. and member of Assyria Temple An
cent AIaDlc OtoeL OF TIE NoDles OF the Mystic
Shrine. He is also a charter member and
second vice president of the Americus Club.
vice president of the State Agricultural So
ciety. and member of its Executive Board.
He is one of the Waverly Scots Society.
member of Morris Lodge l. o. o. F., member
of the Royal Arcanum, and member of Pitts
burg Council Independent Order of Hepta-
sOphs
Mr. Mexican is of medium height. SQUARE
shouldered aud compactly built, and his weight
inclines toward the comfortable line. His
handgrasp is always fervent and his cordiality
precludes the possibility of his having ought
but warm personal friendship. In any assem-.
blage Mr.. Mexican would be called handsome
man. he has the faculty of making friend
ship with marvellous ease, and those he meets
never forget him. OF simple tastes always
quietly dressed and unassumlng to the last de-
gree. the new postmaster is a man of whom il
might be aptly said: HE stands without
hitching.n