John Weakley Chalfant (1827-1898)

John Weakley Chalfant was born on December 13, 1827. He married Ellen Quiqley. The Chalfants had five children: Mary L., Isabella C., Henry, Elanor, and Annie.

He graduated from Jefferson College, now Washington & Jefferson College, in 1850.

Chalfant began his iron career with Zug and Painter Iron Manufacturer of Pittsburgh, and stayed until 1856, when he purchased an interest in Spang and Company and became a partner. It was with Spang, Chalfant and Co. that he made his fortune, although he had many other business ventures. He was the promoter and organizer of the Pittsburgh and Western and the Pittsburgh Junction railroads. He helped to organize the People's National Bank, in which he was President of the bank. He was also president of the Manufacturers and Merchants Insurance Company and director of the People's Savings Bank, the Isabella Furnace Company and the Pittsburgh Locomotive Works.

He was also considered a pioneer in the natural gas field, in which he utilized natural gas to be used in his manufacturing and assembly factories.

John Weakley Chalfant died on December 28, 1898.