Critchlow, Thomas

From The Gray Clan p.24-25 - "Sophia''s son Thomas b. 1813 lived to be 77. He had the ideal qualities of the merchant. Had started a store or trading post, as they were called at that time, at Powder Mill near the head of the Run Creek. The exact location of this post being unknown, but it is known that there were several dwellings on the land that lies to the East of the old powder mill, which was established by the Grays, McKinneys and Purviances, as described elsewhere.

This post must have been started about 1829-30, from existing records, was removed to the newly planned Village of Peterstown (Conoquenessing) in a building which stands now (1951) on the Northeast corner of Main and Renfrew St. The Store was open for business two days a week, he also was the first Post Master in this same building since 1852.

In the 1860s the Critchlows sold out and removed to Prospect, PA. establishing a mercantile business there, still owned and operated by his descendants.

The mother spent her life with her son Thomas, living to 1871. Thomas died in 1889 well known and respected by a host of friends. It is told that he was rather gruff spoken. Little Birdie Nicklas came into his store, the old fashioned counters were high and sloped inward to the floor, she was tiny and the overshoot hid her. She piped up, "Please Mr. Critchlow, Twant ti get"------- At this he leaned over the high counter and demanded, "What do you want?" He sounded so gruff that she was badly frightened and ran crying home."