[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13712]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE RICH HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF MONESSEN, PENNSYLVANIA

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                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2014

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the rich 
heritage of Monessen, Pennsylvania, and to remember two important 
events which took place 150 years ago and ultimately helped shape the 
town's history.
  This year marks the sesquicentennial of the birth of one of the key 
figures in Monessen's founding, William Henry Donner. Donner was 
instrumental in the development of the town, using a cash bonus of 
$10,000 to turn twenty acres of land on the banks of the Monongahela 
River into Monessen's first factory, the National Tin Plate Company. In 
doing so he created the town's initial industry, one that went on to 
grow and thrive. He was a member of Monessen's first school board and 
spearheaded efforts to build the Monessen Water Company, as well as 
Monessen's first school building. His work was crucial to the emergence 
of Monongahela as a vibrant community, and he played a major part in 
spurring its growth.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize another great 
figure in the history of Southwestern Pennsylvania who also was a 
founder of Monessen, James M. Schoonmaker. Schoonmaker was born in 
Peebles Township in 1842, and was a student at Western University of 
Pennsylvania when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the army and 
was assigned to the 1st Maryland Calvary, where he quickly established 
himself as a competent leader. In 1862, Schoonmaker was given the 
authority by Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to raise the 14th 
Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, of which he was made colonel. His 
actions in leading soldiers during the Third Battle of Winchester in 
1864 were crucial in helping the Union achieve victory, and for his 
heroic efforts he was awarded the Medal of Honor. This September marks 
the 150th anniversary of that famous cavalry charge.
  On August 16th, The Greater Monessen Historical Society in 
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania will celebrate the City of Monessen's 
annual Founders Day at Monessen City Park, commemorating these two 
events. I wish to thank the Society and its President Dan Zyglowicz for 
keeping alive the memory of these important leaders, and preserving our 
region's history for the next generation. We must never forget the 
lessons of the past, and their work is a crucial way to make sure these 
Pennsylvania leaders continue to be a part of our heritage for decades 
to come.

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