DAVID R. HORMELL. The record of David R. Hormell is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a place of independence and influence in his community and in the business world. His life has been characterized by unceasing industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens of Charleroi, where he has long been recognized as one of the representative men of his community.
Mr. Hormell was born on a farm in East Pike Run township, Washington county, on the 12th of February, 1877, and is the son of Robert L. and Ella A. (Hannen) Hormell. His father was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, and was for thirty years in the employ of the Tri-City Water Company, of Charleroi, as engineer. Politically he was a republican and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His father, Jacob Hormell, was one of a party of Quaker pioneers who settled in Washington county at an early date. Ella A. Hannen was born near Centerville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John Hannen, who was an early settler of that locality.
David R. Hormell received a good, practical education in the public schools of Charleroi and then entered the employ of J. M. Fleming, at Charleroi, with whom he remained for about four years. In 1902 he purchased the plumbing and heating business of John F. Laird, at No. 518 McKean avenue, and formed a partnership with John F. Regan, under the firm name of Regan & Hormell, and they have continued to conduct a prosperous business to the present time. They have also established a branch store at Monessen. They make a specialty of installing hot water heating plants, though they also carry on a general plumbing business. Through the years of their business career here they have established a widespread reputation for reliability and trustworthiness and have enjoyed a large and constantly increasing trade throughout this section of the country.
Mr. Hormell has from young manhood been deeply interested in public affairs and has been an earnest supporter of the republican party. He has served as a member of the city council and is at this time a member of the city planning commission. He is a member of Charleroi Lodge No. 494, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and also belongs to the Nemacolin Country Club of Beallsville, the Rotary Club of Charleroi, and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Charleroi Mountain Club of Elk county, Pennsylvania. His religious affiliation is with the Methodist Episcopal church of Charleroi. Mr. Hormell was married at Charleroi to Miss Amelia Sacher, who was born in July, 1877, in Pittsburgh, in the public schools of which city she received her education. She is a member of St. Jerome's Roman Catholic church. To Mr. and Mrs. Hormell were born two children: Ruth, deceased; and Mildred S., who was born June 27, 1904, and died November 4, 1925. Personally Mr. Hormell is a man of pleasing address and kindly relations with all with whom he comes in contact. Whole-souled, high-minded and public-spirited, he has by his splendid business record, his clean character and his friendly manner gained a high place in the confidence and good will of the entire community in which he lives.