William Franklin Gongaware, son of Josiah and Abigail F. (Long) Gongaware, was born at Harrison City, Pennsylvania. He received a common school education, and at the age of fifteen began learning the trade of painter. He went to Wilkinsburg. Pennsylvania, in 1898, and was there nearly six years working at his trade, when he returned to Irwin. On February 15, 1905, he removed to Rillton, Pennsylvania, and opened a grocery store which was totally destroyed by fire April 7. 1905. He then returned to Irwin and resumed his trade of painter. He is a member of the Reformed church, and a Democrat in politics. He married, September 6, 1894, Sarah Kemmerer; issue: Ivy Myrtle, born June 17, 1895; Bessie Florence, born May 30, 1898, died August 10, 1904.
