Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-06-15

have been an attractive place to him, and here
he settled In 1852 he entered into partnership
with G. Hanson Love, who then kept the Bee
Hive dry goods store on Market street. In
1854 he parted with his interest there and went
to Allegheny, where he started a small dry
goods store for himself on Federal street, near
the site of the magnificent building which his
stores now occupy. In the same year he found
it necessary to go back on salary to Love &
Co., and left his Allegheny store in charge of
his wife, who turned it into a milinary shop.
He returned, however, and continued the dry
goods business, which prospered from that
time on.
At this period the rising merchant COM
menced to advertise very generously in the
daily newspapers. He was one of the first to
appreciate the value of advertisements on a
grand scale, and for many years he was one of
the most extensive advertisers in the two cities,
continuing as such always. In 1869 he erected
the immense building on Federal street, and
for years it was regarded as a marvel of busi-
ness success. There were then few single store
buildings as large as that in Pittsburg. He
built up large trade, and was respected by all
who were ever brought in business contact
with him. At the time of the building of the
Pittsburg and Western Railroad Mr.. Semple
took an active interest in the enterprise, be-
lieving, as he did, that it was for the benefit
of Allegheny City, and at the time of his death
was a director in that company. He was the
President of the Cleveland and Western road.
President of the Foxburg Bridge Company,
and a director in the City Savings Bank.
There was no more loyal or patriotic man in
this community during the War of the Rebel
lion, and gave lavishly of his money and time
in the cause of the Union. He gave
the late Colonel w. H. Moody of the
One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment, the
means to enlist full battalion, and not only
supplied the money to defray the recruiting
expenses but also equipped the men and sub
sisted them until they were mustered into the
service. He also presented the officers with
swords and uniforms, and gave to each cOmpa-
ny a stand of colors, and when the regiment
was organized gave regimental flag. His
care for the members of the regiment con-
tinued during the time they remained in the
field, and he frequently visited them to find
out what he could do for them. Many families
of members of the regiment were also recip-
tents of his bounty during the dark days of the
Rebellion
Mr.. Semple was man of strict integrity
and a consistent member Of the Presbyterian
church. He married Miss Marion Main, of
Hamilton. Scotland, a few years after his ar.
rival here. She now survives her husband.
Seven grown children are also living The two
daughters are married, one TO Rev. Mr.. Gard
ner, of Edlnboro. Scotland, who is at present
in the city on visit to the family, the other to
James S. Spiegel, of Detroit, Mich. OF his
sons, David NJ, is in Boston, James, in Toledo,
William, Robert s. and Francis NJ, being at
home. The hour for the funeral services has
been fixed at 10 o'clock, Monday morning next.
The inte1ment will be private at later hour.