Biographical Profile: Pvt. Robert L. McNabb, Company B, Pennsylvania Volunteers, 100th Regiment
Transcribed by Tami McConahy, 2nd great-grandniece of Corp. Thomas John Martin, Co. F. from "History of Lawrence County, Aaron L. Hazen, 1908.
History of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania by Aaron L. Hazen, 1908
Page 561
R.L. McNabb, treasurer and manager of the New Castle Pulp Plaster Company, has been a resident of this city for the past twenty years, and is a substantial and representative citizen. He was born in 1850, at Pulaski, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Robert L. McNabb.
The father of Mr. McNabb was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, and established his home in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, in 1848. He engaged there in a blacksmith business for many years, and died in his home there, on August 1, 1880. In 1860 he enlisted in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the famous "Roundhead" Regiment, in which he served nearly two years. He was seriously wounded at the battle of Bull Run, and was not afterward physically able to rejoin his regiment. He was honorably discharged, and the remainder of his life was spent in Pulaski. R.L. McNabb attended school through his boyhood, and then learned his father's trade in the latter's shop, afterward working at Pulaski, for fifteen years. In 1881 he visited Illinois, where he bought 750 acres of land, which he cut and converted into lumber, during the two and one-half years he remained in that State. When he returned to Lawrence County he settled at New Wilmington, buying the leading hardware business in the place, which he conducted for two and one-half years, and then came to New Castle. Here, in association with his brother, John W. McNabb, he bought a two-thirds interest in the William Becker hardware business, and continued to be interested in the same for five years. After selling out his interest he established a hardware business, locating on the corner of the leading streets, and continued there for some time. Subsequently Mr. McNabb and his son, Percy P., became interested in the New Castle Elastic Pulp Plaster Company, of which Mr. McNabb is treasurer and general manager, and also the owner of the largest amount of stock, and Percy P. McNabb with a capital stock of $100,000.
For a number of years Mr. McNabb has been active in politics, and he served as county commissioner during 1900, 1901 and 1902. His administration met with popular approval. Mr. McNabb owns real estate in New Castle and is interested in improving it.
In 1877 Mr. McNabb was married to Jessie F. Porter, of Pulaski, Pa., and they have three children: Percy P., Ruby and Florence. Mr. McNabb takes a deep interest in the First Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon and also as an official in the Sunday-school.