James Scott Negley

Born in East Liberty to the prominent Negley family, James Scott Negley earned local acclaim as a war hero and politician. Before graduating from the Western University of Pennsylvania (now University of Pittsburgh,) Negley enlisted in the Duquesne Grays. As a member of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, he participated in the Mexican War battles of Cerro Gordo, La Perote, and Las Vegas, among others. Returning to Pittsburgh after the war, Negley pursued farming. With the onset of the Civil War, Negley again volunteered for service, mustering in as a brigadier-general in charge of volunteers at the state encampment in Lancaster. Negley featured prominently in the battle at Falling Waters, Virginia, and later the Tennessee campaign, for which he was awarded the rank of Major General. After resigning his command, Negley returned home to Pittsburgh, this time entering politics. Elected to five terms of the U.S. Congress, Negley retired in 1887. Twice married, with six children, he is buried in Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Cemetery.