McQuiston, Chris L.

Chris L. McQuiston. A lawyer of exceptional ability and well matured powers and experience, Mr. McQuiston has been a member of the Butler County bar since 1901 and has built up an extensive practice. His offices are at 10 West Diamond Street, Butler, Pennsylvania. He was born in this city, February 24, 1876, the son of Lev and Sue (Beam) McQuiston.

Lev McQuiston, deceased, was a son of William and Mary McQuiston, born in Butler, Pennsylvania, May 16, 1849. He read law in the office of L. Z. Mitchell, after his graduation from Witherspoon Institute. He was admitted to the bar on June 10, 1870, and in 1874 was elected district attorney. Mr. McQuiston took an active part in politics and was one of the most prominent Democrats of Western Pennsylvania. He was nominated twice for congress and once for president judge by the Democratic party. In 1880 he was a delegate to the National Democratic convention, which nominated General Hancock for the presidency.

Lev McQuiston was married in January, 1874, to Miss Sue Beam, a daughter of George Beam of Harmony, a member of an old and prominent family of Butler County. Mr. McQuiston died May 10, 1910, and his widow died September 3, 1924. Both are buried in North Cemetery, Butler, Pennsylvania. Mr. McQuiston was affiliated with Butler Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 272 ; Butler Chapter R. A. M. No. 273 ; Lorain Commandery, K. T. No. 87 ; B. P. O. Elks, No. 170, and the Knights of Pythias. He was a member of the Butler County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

Chris L. McQuiston received his preliminary education in the public schools of Butler, later attending Kiskinimetas School and West Point Military Academy, and from there entered Bucknell University, from which he received his A. B. degree in 1899. He then returned to Butler and read law with his father, Lev McQuiston, and J. C. Vanderlin, the firm later being Wilson, McQuiston & Vanderlin. Mr. McQuiston was admitted to the bar in 1910, and was associated in practice with his father until the latter's death, when he took over his practice also.

In 1905 Mr. McQuiston was married to Myrtle Galbreath, a daughter of Milton L. and Viola M. Galbreath. Mr. Galbreath, who was a druggist, is now deceased and is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Woodland, California.

Mr. McQuiston is a Democrat and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the B. P. 0. Elks No. 170, past exalted ruler; Butler Lodge F. and A. M. No. 272; New Castle Consistory, 32nd degree; Syria Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; and Syria Caravan, of Butler, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Butler Country Club, the Butler County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Mr. McQuiston ranks high as a citizen and is held in high repute by his brethren of the bar associations as a lawyer of learning and ability.

History of Butler County, PA, 1927