Generations 2 and 3. The Thomas Harper Ambrose family.

Thomas Harper Ambrose (1858-1925), Olive Blanche (Gourley) Ambrose (1863-1921), Roscoe Clyde Ambrose (1887-1935) and Torrence Ambrose (abt 1885-1938). This photo is undated and its photographer's mark is Shadle of Kittanning, PA.

Thomas Harper Ambrose, oldest son of Rit and Margaret (Dougherty) Ambrose, was born in East Franklin Twp., a little before Rit and Margaret bought their farm there. He preferred to use his middle name, so he will be referred to as Harper in this narrative.

In 1874, when Harper was about sixteen, the family moved to their farm in Cowanshannock. He joined the Rural Valley Methodist Church in 1876. Harper is identified as a farmer, living on his parents' farm, in the 1880 census. He married Olive Blanche Gourley in 1884; they had two sons, Torrence and Roscoe Clyde. Olive died in 1921 and Harper passed away in 1925.

Torrence, the oldest son, married but I have not yet discovered his wife's name. They had two children: Chester, who died as a baby in 1909; and Barbara, born in the early 1920's. Torrence was living in Pittsburgh when he died.

Roscoe served in World War I. The family story (which I have not verified) says that he married a woman named Ruth and that they had a son and a daughter.

Harper, Olive and Roscoe are buried in the Rural Valley Cemetery. Torrance's obituary states that he is buried there too, but I have not located his grave.