The following obit appeared in one of the two Uniontown, PA newspapers, probably on April 1 or 2, 1896. The copy that I have does not identify which paper or the correct date. Robert Gaddis died at his home on Mount Vernon Avenue, Uniontown [PA] on Sunday morning, March 29, 1896, at 7 o'clock. He was born in 1809 on the farm now owned by James Smith, on Jenning's Run, not far from Uppermiddletown. His whole life was spent within a radius of a few miles from the place of his birth. In 1826 he came to Uniontown to the fulling[sic] and carding mill owned by Jesse Beeson and standing near the site of the present ice factory. From Uniontown he went to Dunbar, thence to West Newton, engaging in the same business. Returning to Uniontown he married Sarah Carter in 1837. With the exception of three years at New Salem, all the remainder of his life was spent on the farm in Franklin township, 48 years in all, until five years ago, when he returned to Uniontown for the third time and lived with his sister, Mrs. Thomas Dickson on Mount Vernon Ave., where he died. Robert Gaddis was descended from one of the oldest families in Fayette County. The family figured conspicuously in the Indian Wars, in the Whiskey Rebellion, and in the early settlement of the county. The came originally from Scotland to Ireland, thence to Virginia and from Applepie Ridge, Virginia to Western Pennsylvania. Robert's father was familiarly called "Muddy Run John", so-called from Muddy Run in Bedford county. His grand uncle Thomas was identified with the Whiskey Rebellion and his grand uncle[sic] John and Alexander McLean and James Finley, were the first men appointed justices of the peace in Fayette county, about the year 1784. Robert Gaddis, though not demonstrative in his manner, inherited many of the traits of his sturdy Scotch-Irish ancestors. He was frugal, economical and industrious; thoughtful and studious; was elected school director in 1848 and 1854; justice of the peace in 1855 and 1860. Being in his 87th year, his life parallels the century, beginning in 1809 in the first decade and closing in 1895 , the last decade of this most wonderful of centuries. He had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since early boyhood. For 51 years his membership had been with the church of that denomination in Uppermiddletown. He was always earnest, zealous and very pronounced and particular in his religious habits and duties. His home was always the stopping place for the itinerant preachers of the old historic Redstone Circuit. Fond of reading, he early began and always continued the habit of reading aloud to his family from seven until nine every evening. The Pittsburg Christian Advocate and its predecessor, the Pittsburg Conference Journal, were always in his home. He was an official member and class leader of the church for many years. The death of Mr. Gaddis removes a landmark in the history of Fayette County. His life was not a brilliant one, but moved along in a steady, upward course to a glorious close. He leaves a good name and a noble life as a legacy to his family and friends. His wife, Sarah Carter Gaddis, died in 1879 and his second daughter Alice a few years later. Four children survive him.- Mrs. Hannah G. Mansell, wife of Rev. Josiah Mansell of Uppermiddletown; William, who lives on a farm adjacent to the old homestead; Albert of the firm of Gaddis & Co., of Uniontown, and Allen of Baltimore, Md. The funeral services were held in the Methodist Episcopal church of Uniontown, on Tuesday, March 31st, at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. William Wallace Youngson, pastor of the deceased, assisted by Rev. Dr. T. N. Boyle, Rev. Josiah Mansell and Rev. Dr. A. S. Milholland. The pall bearers were: Joseph Strickler, William H. Binns, George W. Cameron, B. V. Jones, J. R. Ritenour, Samuel Mosser. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.501 / Virus Database: 299 - Release Date: 07/14/2003