Forrester, James H.

James H. Forrester, the popular proprietor of the Forrester Garage at Butler, is a native of this county. He was born in Prospect, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1897, a son of Ford B. and Blanche (Moore) Forrester.

Ford B. Forrester was born in Prospect, Butler County, in 1869. He was educated in the public schools and then taught school for twenty-five years in Butler County. He also engaged in farming. He lives on the old homestead, which consists of ninety acres of well improved land, and he has a dairy business in connection with his farming. Mr. Forrester is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has held the office of trustee. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has served several years on the boro council. He is a man of energy, vision and ambition and an asset to the community. Politically, he is a Republican. To Ford B. and Blanche (Moore) Forrester six children were born: Ruth, deceased, is buried in Prospect, Pennsylvania ; Nellie, the widow of H. E. Bish, Butler; James H., the subject of this sketch ; Lewis K., Prospect; Bernice, married N. Snow, Prospect; and one child died in infancy.

Ford B. Forrester was a son of James N. and Agnes (Garvey) Forrester, natives of Butler County, now deceased. Mr. Forrester, a Civil War veteran, was a member of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded at the Battle of Antietam. Blanche (Moore) Forrester was the daughter of Eli and Rachael (Schaffer) Moore, and was born in Muddy Creek Township, Butler County, in 1875. Mr. Moore was engaged in agriculture and stockraising for many years and is now deceased. He is buried at Prospect, Pennsylvania. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. His widow now resides at Prospect, Pennsylvania.
James H. Forrester was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools of Prospect. He graduated from the Prospect High School in 1914, and then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed until 1922 with Stone & Webster, contractors. In 1922 Mr. Forrester, in partnership with H. Bish, opened an automobile salesroom and garage. They built the first auto wrecker in Butler County. The partnership was discontinued in 1926, when Mr. Forrester took over the service end of the business and Mr. Bish the sales division, handling the Hupmobile. Mr. Bish died as the result of an automobile accident in February, 1927. Mr. Forrester does all kinds of repair work and in connection has a wrecking service. He has built up an excellent business in this field.In 1922 Mr. Forrester was married to Miss Blanche M. Allen, a daughter of William and Charlotte (Van Horne) Allen. Mr. Allen, a native of New York State, was a coal miner and farmer. His wife was born in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. They are both deceased and are buried in Grove City, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. Forrester have been born three children: Betty Jane, Evelyn May, and Jean Louise.

Mr. Forrester is a Republican and belongs to the United Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Knights of Khorassan, D. 0. K. K. He is a member of the American Automobile Association, and is vice president of the Butler County Automobile Club. He is a capable and progressive young man and has many friends in Butler County.