Remembering Pappy
Everyone knew him as “Pappy,” this intimidating-looking watchman seen here holding a shotgun at the front gate to the Westinghouse Foundry in Trafford. John “Pappy” Hursh (1882-1957), one of Trafford’s earliest citizens, moved into the newly formed borough with his family in 1903 at the age of 21. As threatening as he could look wielding his shotgun, John was loved by his community. He gave 45 years of service to the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, company news reporting that every day, the children would bring their daddy’s or brother’s dinner and wait outside the gate. If the weather was bad, John would allow them into his office. It was said that John took good care of the children to see that no harm came to them, and in turn, the children took good care of John.
John was one of the first Trafford firemen, becoming a member of the Trafford Fire Department in 1904, and remained an active member in the company for 50 years, 25 years of which he served as Fire Chief. The Fire Company records show that he was actively involved in promoting fire safety consciousness throughout the borough, and when he retired from the Fire Company, he was appointed Chief Emeritus.
John never married. He was adopted by Carr Hursh and Anna Bickerstaff, the couple also having five children of their own. John was a member of the Westmoreland County Firemen Association, the Western Pennsylvania Firemen's Association, and the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics of Irwin. He lived on Short Street until his passing in 1957.
As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Westmoreland County, it is for former residents like John Hursh that we can also celebrate, remembering him for his many years of service to our community.
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