Joseph Best

     Joseph Best was born on 29 December 1840 at Pennsylvania.^2,3 He was the son of James B. Best and Margaret Wadsworth.¹ Joseph, age 10, appeared on the US Census of 1850 living at Derry, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,in the household of his parents, James B. and Margaret Best.⁴ Joseph, age 19, appeared on the US Census of 1860 living at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,in the household of his parents, James B. and Margaret Best. He was working as a nail cutter.⁵

Joseph Best married Catherine Anne Brindle, daughter of John W. Brindle and Mary Anne Hanlin, in 1864.



Joseph, age 29 years, and Catherine Best, age 32 years, appeared on the US Census of 1870 at North Versailles Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.⁶ According to the Federal Census in 1870, Joseph was a laborer.⁶ Joseph, age 39 years, and Catherine Best, age 42 years, appeared on the US Census of 1880 at Wilkins Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.⁷ According to the Federal Census in 1880, Joseph was a stone quarryer.⁷ Joseph, age 59 years, and Catherine Best, age 62 years, appeared on the US Census of 1900 at Jefferson, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Catherine is listed as "Hannah" on the census register.⁸ Joseph, age 69 years, and Catherine, age 72 years, appeared on the US Census of 1910 on West Elizabeth and Finleyville, Jefferson, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.⁹ Joseph, age 79 years, appeared on the US Census of 1920 on Ridge Road, Jefferson, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, living with his daughter, Blanche and her family.¹⁰ Joseph died on 7 January 1929 at home on 357 Mitchell Street, Clairton, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, at age 88 from influenza.^2,3 Joseph was buried on 9 January 1929 at James Chapel Cemetery, Gastonville, Washington County, Pennsylvania.^2,3