James M. Doutt

Submitted by Robert Kingrey

Source: Robert Walker Smith, Esq.

A native of Westmoreland County, Pa., born November 10, 1832, now a resident of Armstrong County, oldest known son of Abaslom and Elizabeth Doutt, thrown upon his own resources at the early age of 14 years with no capital save industry, finds himself in the prime of his manhood enjoying a well earned independency.

His first work was performed for Reynolds and Ritchie, furnace proprietors. He was engaged for 5 years in this county, and has since followed the furnace business until the year 1875.

In April 1854, he married Miss Hannah Shall, who was born in Armstrong County, May 18, 1835. Soon after their marriage this young couple removed to Ironton, Ohio, where they remained until 1870, when they went to Greenup County, KY.

When Mr. Doutt located in Ironton, Ohio, he had but $7.00 in cash, but securing employment at once in a furnace owned by a certain Robert Hamilton, he succeeded by hard work and frugality in acquiring and saving sufficient means to enable him to begin housekeeping. While in Ohio and Ky. He accumulated by his labor so much more money than was necessary to support his family that he found himself able to purchase his mother's estate from their heirs. He returned to Armstrong County in 1875 and settled upon this property - a farm of 137 acres of as good a land and well improved as can be found in Cowanshannock Township.

Mr. Doutt is a Republican in politics, a man of sterling character and a respected citizen.