Fennell, Floyd R.

Floyd R. Fennell, the manager of the Keystone Grocery & Tea Company, at Butler, Pennsylvania, is a member of a pioneer family that has been connected with the history of Butler County since 1830. He was born in Fenelton, Butler County, August 28, 1899, a son of Philip S. and Sarah E. (Rieger) Fennell.

Philip S. Fennell was born in Clearfield Township, Butler County, February 22, 1867, and was a son of Peter and Lydia (Shawl) Fennell. Peter Fennell was a farmer and the founder of the town of Fenelton. Through his influence a post office was established at that point and he served as the first postmaster. He also established a general merchandise store in the town which he conducted until his death. He died September 5, 1907. His wife died in 1918, and they are both buried at Worthington, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Philip S. Fennell was reared and educated in Clearfield Township, and in addition to the mercantile business operated a valuable farm of fifty-three acres. Upon the death of his father he carried on the business, taking James Coyle, Jr., as a partner. He later sold this business to Mr. Coyle and retired. He is now superintendent of the Butler-Kittanning State Highway. He married Sarah E. Rieger, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Eysler) Rieger. She was born in Clearfield Township, Butler County, July 20, 1868. Mr. Rieger was a prominent farmer of that township and took a leading part in local affairs, both politically and socially. He was a Republican and served as postmaster of Fenelton for over eighteen years, and was an ardent supporter of his party. He is a member of the Methodist Church, in which he is Sunday School superintendent and a member of the board of stewards. To Mr. and Mrs. Fennell two children were born: Floyd R., the subject of this sketch ; and Edith Joy, who died October 2, 1922.

Floyd R. Fennell was educated in the public schools of Clearfield. Township, and graduated from Butler High School in 1919. During the World War he served in the Students Army Training Corps at Westminster College. After leaving school he worked in his father's store as a clerk, and later as manager of the Fenelton Supply Company. He came to Butler in 1923 and for one year served as manager of the Newark Shoe Company. In 1924 he became manager of the Keystone Grocery & Tea Company.
Mr. Fennell is a Republican and a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He is an enterprising young man and is widely known in Butler County.