BIO: Robert W. NASH, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
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Donehoo, George P., Editor-in-Chief.  Pennsylvania, A History, 
Vol. 3, Biography.  New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc., 
1926, page 15.
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  ROBERT W. NASH - Strict attention to business, but withal a never failing 
interest in his fellow-citizens, their needs and welfare, has been 
instrumental in enabling Robert W. Nash not only to arrive at a place of 
business pre-eminence in his community, but to number his friends by the 
legion.
  Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1870, Robert W. Nash was 
given a grammar and high school education at Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania, 
and then began to earn his way in the world.  He is the son of Edmund M. and 
Susan L. (Green) Nash.  Edmund M. Nash was born at Huntington Furnace, and 
on reaching man's estate became identified with the Pennsylvania Railroad 
System, a company which he served long and capably.  During the Civil War he 
gave all of his time and his best efforts to his country, serving honorably 
with the Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company C, 13th Regiment.  He kept alive his 
memories of wartime days after peace had been declared, by being active in 
the affairs of the Grand Army of the Republic.  He died in 1894, his decease 
following that of his wife, who was a native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, by 
four years.
  Robert W. Nash joined the forces of the Pennsylvania Railroad after he had 
left school, and gave the company thirteen years of capable and exemplary 
service.  His business acumen, however, told him that he could serve his 
interests to better advantage by going into business for himself, and seeing 
an opportunity to build up a profitable grocery trade he became a grocer.  
His retail business prospered under his watchful guidance, and his thorough 
integrity gained for him a longer list of customers than most grocers could 
boast.  He remained a retailer for eighteen years, but realizing the greater 
opportunities that accrue to the wholesale business, he turned his attention 
to that branch of affairs.  In 1913 he organized the Altoona Wholesale 
Grocery Company, with himself as president, and associated with him other 
men of sterling character and ability.  In 1916 the company was incorporated 
with Mr. Nash still holding the executive chair, and with George H. Nugent 
as secretary-treasurer, and J. A. Donahue as manager.  The business has 
grown constantly and is considered one of the most stable organizations in 
the surrounding country.  It is the largest wholesale grocery house in 
Altoona, and its business covers all of the central part of Pennsylvania.  
The organization covers about 35,000 square feet of floor space, and gives 
employment to thirty persons.
  Mr. Nash is active in the affairs of the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.  He is a member of The 
Road Drivers of Blair County, and the Retail Grocers' Association of 
Pennsylvania.  He is a director of the Lincoln Trust Company, and treasurer 
of the Altoona Baking Company.
  Mr. Nash married, in 1910, Mary L. Green, of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.