WILLIAM SIDES, of Pine township, Indiana county, at present a member of the school board of that township, is a representative of a very early family of this section, founded here by his grandfather, who was a native of Germany.
Adam Sides, father of William Sides, was born in West Wheatfield township, Indiana county, and was a lifelong farmer. Many years ago he settled in Green township, where he bought land which he cleared and cultivated. He followed farming there for some years, on the farm now occupied by his son Adam, living there until his death, May 12, 1884. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Dickey, was also born in Indiana county, in Brushvalley township, and died in Green township, Feb. 28, 1897. They were the parents of these children: Elias, who died while in the Union service during the Civil war; John, who is living in Green town ship; William, living in Pine township; Uriah, now a resident of Barnesboro, Cambria Co., Pa.; Alonzo, living at Pineflats, Indiana county; one that died in infancy; Jane, wife of William Wilson, of Johnstown, Pa.; Emma, wife of William Hahn, of Johnstown; Elizabeth, wife of William H. Strauss, of Johns town, Cambria Co., Pa., wholesale and retail dealer in tobacco and cigars; one that died in infancy; and Adam, the youngest, who lives in Green township on the old homestead.
William Sides, son of Adam and Mary (Dickey) Sides, was born in Pine township Feb. 5, 1847, and there grew to manhood, at tending school at Pineflats. He has followed farming all his life, and moved to his present home in Pine township forty years ago. He is one of the most esteemed residents of his locality, where he is regarded as a progressive and valuable citizen, one whose influence and substantial worth are factors in the general welfare. For nine years he held the position of township overseer, and he is at present serving his seventh year in the office of school director. In politics he has been associated with the Republican party.
In 1866 Mr. Sides married Rebecca Graham, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Brown) Graham; her father is a native of Indiana county and one of its oldest residents. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sides: Louie is the wife of
Simon Johns and lives at Pineflats; Maggie is the wife of Samuel R. Williams, who has a general store at Vintondale, Pa.; Lona is the wife of Samuel Long, of Barnesboro, Pa.; Stephen, who is deceased, married Rebecca Kelley.